TUE AM News: Wisconsin dentists provide over $730,000 in charitable care: Assembly committee approves GOP Foxconn bill changes, shoots down Dem amendments


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— The Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation provided over $730,000 in charitable dental care to state residents in the previous 12 months.

The foundation’s Donated Dental Services Program administered this care to 177 disabled, senior, uninsured and low-income adults in the past year. Dental labs also pitched in $44,833 in materials and services.

“Despite the fact that many people have private dental insurance and the state does provide programs for certain audiences in the state of Wisconsin, there’s still many people who fall through the cracks,” says Dennis Peterson, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Wisconsin.

He says the program goes “a long way” toward helping those who have been overlooked.

Patients in the DDS program don’t qualify for assistance from the government and can’t afford oral care because disability, illness or age limits their ability to make money. Referral coordinators interview prospective patients and evaluate their financial need.

Those accepted will visit with a volunteer dentist to be examined. That dentist then gets the choice to accept the patient, or not. The WDA says the patients admitted often need “extensive” work, with an average cost of over $4,000 per person.

See more: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=388072

— The Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy shot down all proposed Dem changes to the Foxconn bill and adopted a substitute amendment backed by Assembly GOP leaders.

Almost two dozen Dem amendments were rejected on party-line votes in just under two hours, including proposals that would have required Foxconn to set a goal to have at least 1 percent of its workers be veterans. Another sought to revoke Foxconn’s tax credit eligibility if it doesn’t “promote and fully protect” its employees’ ability to collectively bargain.

Meanwhile, one amendment that would outline procurement preferences for public contracts was returned to its authors.

Republicans on the committee expressed frustration that Dems were proposing so many changes.

Committee Chair Adam Neylon, R-Pewaukee, said while Dem Rep. Todd Ohnstad had worked closely with him on the substitute amendment, he didn’t believe any of the other side’s changes “should be considered friendly.”

Rep. John Macco, R-Ledgeview, said committee members had worked hard to put together assurances the bill moves forward.

“I just find this whole thing disingenuous and frustrating,” he said.

But Ohnstad, D-Kenosha, said collaborating on the sub amendment didn’t mean “that we don’t have other concerns that we want to get fixed tonight or get fixed before final vote on Thursday,” when the full Assembly is expected to take up the bill.

— Meanwhile, Dems defended their amendments, including a couple that would have required Foxconn pay a certain hourly wage in order to be eligible for tax incentives.

And they voiced their support for further oversight, expanded environmental language and other provisions they said would protect workers, as they tried to appeal to their GOP colleagues for support.

“If we don’t guarantee a living wage, a high wage, a wage people can actually live on … we’re just creating another whole population of working poor,” said Rep. Christine Sinicki, D-Milwaukee.

But Republicans countered the U.S. Constitution could prohibit the state from requiring Foxconn to have a fixed percentage of Wisconsin employees on its payroll. They also pointed to the substitute amendment, released Friday, that includes language requiring the final contract with Foxconn encourage the Taiwanese company to hire Wisconsin workers “when practically possible.”

Another amendment, which would have created a regional transit authority in southeastern Wisconsin, received positive feedback from GOP Rep. Joan Ballweg, who said while it “might be something to take a look at,” local governments should determine the process going forward.

“I don’t think it’s the proper time, as part of this bill, that has to do with the contractual agreement with Foxconn and state,” said Ballweg, R-Markesan.

— Under the original version of the Foxconn bill, jobs paying just more than $22,620 would count toward a payroll tax credit the company would be in line to receive, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

But that would only apply if the proposed plant was located in an economically distressed area, according to LFB. Kenosha and Racine counties, two of the most frequently mentioned possible locations for the plant, are currently not on the list, which changes annually.

LFB prepared an analysis of the substitute amendment ahead of yesterday’s committee vote.

The substitute amendment before the Jobs and the Economy Committee yesterday would instead define a full-time employee as someone making at least $30,000 who is offered retirement, health and other benefits similar to those of someone required to work at least 2,080 hours a year, the equivalent of 40 hours a week.

Read the LFB analysis:

http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lfb/bill_summaries/2017_19/0001_asa_1_to_ss_ab_1_foxconn_fiserv_8_14_17.pdf

— Generac Power Systems is undergoing a statewide expansion with assistance from WEDC.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is granting up to $10 million in Enterprise Zone Tax Credits through 2021 to help the Waukesha-based manufacturing company expand its global headquarters and other facilities around the state.

The expansion is expected to create 400 jobs over the next five years, and WEDC cites an economic modeling study to predict 356 additional indirect jobs being generated.

Generac plans to put $73 million into renovations and new equipment for facilities in Waukesha, Oshkosh, Jefferson, Eagle, Whitewater and Berlin. Production capabilities and research and development efforts are all expected to increase.

“As we’ve grown and added facilities throughout Wisconsin, it became clear that we needed to invest in a cutting-edge space at our corporate headquarters allowing us to dramatically advance our key product development and engineering activities,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, president and CEO of Generac.

He says this project will help drive innovation through improved efficiency, as research is boosted by faster prototyping and in-facility testing.

“These investments will allow us to quicken the pace of our product development cycles, which is critical to remaining at the forefront of the industries we serve,” Jagdfeld said.

With five years to come up with 400 new jobs, WEDC demands that Generac create a certain amount each year to get the full $10 million. And if the company fails to keep up with a minimum yearly jobs quota, they don’t get any of the tax credits for that period, according to WEDC spokesperson Mark Maley.

See more: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=388054

— State agencies are investigating a string of salmonella infections which seem to have come from shelled peas purchased at three Wisconsin farmers markets.

The ongoing investigation shows at least seven individuals were infected with the same strain of salmonella after reportedly eating fresh shelled peas from markets on Saturday.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and four local health departments are looking into it. DHS is warning consumers who purchased shelled peas between July 19 and Aug. 5 from one of three farmers markets to throw them away.

The markets are: Dane County Farmers Market in Madison, Downtown Green Bay Farmers Market and Fond du Lac Farmers Market.

Those infected by the salmonella bacteria can experience digestion issues, stomach pain, fever and other symptoms. According to DHS, most people recover on their own with lots of extra fluids.

See more: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/081117.htm

— The Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin has been awarded a $10,000 Monsanto Fund grant for a mobile pantry program.

The fund is part of the Monsanto Company, a global agricultural wholesaler of genetically engineered seeds and other products.

Money from this grant will be used for the Columbia County Mobile Pantry Program, which distributes at two locations: one in Portage, in concert with St. Vincent de Paul; and one in Pardeeville, administered alongside St. Mary’s of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

“Because residents of rural communities rely on the food they receive from the Mobile Pantry Program, gifts from supporters like Monsanto really have a positive impact in the community,” said Dan Stein, president and CEO for Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.

The Monsanto Fund has awarded over $1.4 million to nonprofits this year to support rural communities. In the past five years, the fund has dished out $7.5 million through its site grant initiative.

See more: http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=388057

— The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors will host its 2017 Midwest Regional Conference in Milwaukee this year.

It was hosted in Michigan in 2016. This year’s event will draw experts in industrial and commercial real estate to The Pfister Hotel on Aug. 22.

Topics will include economic development, regional trends and “megaprojects,” Milwaukee’s improving office market and more.

See a conference schedule here: http://my.sior.com/events/event-description?CalendarEventKey=7a270c68-44b2-475e-8c72-45aa23dc3273&CommunityKey=c0f9f859-79bc-4e20-bdd1-ffa4b4956acf&Home=%2fevents%2fcalendar

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TOP HEADLINES

Walker administration officials: Foxconn analysis doesn’t tell the whole story of benefits and risks

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/walker-administration-officials-foxconn-analysis-doesn-t-tell-the-whole/article_a5ebd69b-b049-56ab-b06e-3dcb7795c243.html

Classes underway at Medical College’s new pharmacy school

http://biztimes.com/2017/ideas/educationworkforce-development/classes-underway-at-medical-colleges-new-pharmacy-school/

‘You make mistakes, people die’: DeForest’s Evco Plastics expands medical manufacturing unit

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/you-make-mistakes-people-die-deforest-s-evco-plastics-expands/article_e49e2ace-4281-592f-a346-002b6140a65c.html

Social Good Summit connects enterprise and community as part of Madison’s Forward Fest

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/education/social-good-summit-connects-enterprise-and-community-as-part-of/article_f46e107e-6062-5b47-ac26-0d3bac6c9183.html


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STORY TOPICS

AGRIBUSINESS ^top^

– Brancel applauds FDA action on ultra filtered milk

http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=939&yr=2017


BANKING ^top^

– Town Bank hires two experienced execs

http://biztimes.com/2017/industries/banking-finance/town-bank-hires-two-experienced-execs/

– Old National Bank to close two Milwaukee-area branches, may open office downtown

http://bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/08/14/old-national-bank-to-close-two-milwaukee-area.html


ECONOMY ^top^

– Generac to invest $73 million in Wisconsin facilities, add 400 jobs

http://biztimes.com/2017/ideas/government-politics/generac-to-invest-73-million-in-wisconsin-facilities-add-400-jobs/

– Bank survey: WI farmland values rose during 2nd quarter

http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=940&yr=2017

– Foxconn: ‘Willingness to invest should not be questioned’

http://biztimes.com/2017/ideas/economic-development/foxconn-willingness-to-invest-should-not-be-questioned/


FOOD AND BEVERAGE ^top^

– New event and concert space at Good City Brewing is now open

http://bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/08/14/new-event-and-concert-space-at-good-city-brewing.html


HEALTH CARE ^top^

– Social Good Summit connects enterprise and community as part of Madison’s Forward Fest

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/education/social-good-summit-connects-enterprise-and-community-as-part-of/article_f46e107e-6062-5b47-ac26-0d3bac6c9183.html


MANAGEMENT ^top^

– Regulatory landscape, quick-changing hair trends on mind of Cost Cutters executive

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/executive-qa/regulatory-landscape-quick-changing-hair-trends-on-mind-of-cost/article_4c1631a0-afc3-5dee-a1b0-2977bd764bd4.html


MANUFACTURING ^top^

– Jason Industries names new CFO

http://biztimes.com/2017/industries/manufacturing-logistics/jason-industries-names-new-cfo-3/

– Generac announces $73M expansion with $10M state tax credits, could create 400 jobs

http://bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/08/14/generac-announces-73m-expansion-with-10m-state-tax.html


POLITICS ^top^

– Lyon appointed to serve as interim DATCP secretary

http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=938&yr=2017

– ‘I’m just different’: Cross Plains business owner joins crowded race for Wisconsin governor

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/i-m-just-different-cross-plains-business-owner-joins-crowded/article_9ba3ccf8-0e82-5bde-a240-7b0c3a3c41e3.html

– Menomonee Falls-based TIKI Brand denounces use of its products in Charlottesville

http://bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/08/14/menomonee-falls-based-tiki-brand-denounces-use-of.html


REAL ESTATE ^top^

– 1880s firehouse to become Wantable president’s home

http://biztimes.com/2017/industries/real-estate/1880s-firehouse-could-become-wantable-presidents-home/


SPORTS ^top^

– Wisconsin Ag Open set for September

http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=943&yr=2017


TECHNOLOGY ^top^

– Telkonet narrows loss in Q2

http://biztimes.com/2017/industries/technology/telkonet-narrows-loss-in-q2/

– Forward Fest features fraternization, innovation, inspiration

http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/technology/biotech/forward-fest-features-fraternization-innovation-inspiration/article_4e220308-8521-537b-8f12-6056fa85d7e5.html


TOURISM ^top^

– PDPW planning ‘Dairy Dialogue’ farm tours

http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=942&yr=2017


UTILITIES ^top^

– ​Canadian energy company buying Superior oil refinery for $435M

http://bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/08/14/canadian-energy-company-buying-superior-oil.html


COLUMNS ^top^

– Plain Talk: Earth Day legacy is at risk with Foxconn

http://host.madison.com/ct/opinion/column/dave_zweifel/plain-talk-earth-day-legacy-is-at-risk-with-foxconn/article_1cefcb68-430c-56ff-811c-c17104aec162.html

– Mike North: Dairy farmers play by the rules — DNR should too

http://host.madison.com/ct/opinion/column/mike-north-dairy-farmers-play-by-the-rules-dnr-should/article_c920e515-801f-5596-ad87-5171ffb04043.html

– Dr. Dipesh Navsaria: U.S. needs to catch up on paid family leave

http://host.madison.com/ct/opinion/column/dr-dipesh-navsaria-u-s-needs-to-catch-up-on/article_1ed3293e-6934-5159-885b-2dada1a5c4df.html

– Elizabeth Feil: Let’s replace Foxconn with ‘Wisconn’

http://host.madison.com/ct/opinion/column/elizabeth-feil-let-s-replace-foxconn-with-wisconn/article_c8d802ba-ed77-58ee-b57d-1fa3a6b1d986.html

PRESS RELEASES ^top^

See these and other press releases:

http://wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Content=82

City of Milwaukee: LISC Milwaukee’s partnership with MORTAR to promote small businesses

Department of Workforce Development: Deputy Secretary Maxwell Joins DHS Secretary Seemeyer in Congratulating 12 Project SEARCH Graduates at Madison VA Hospital

Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce: Business Breakfast Bytes, from the Fox Cities Chamber, Focuses on Education to Address Challenges for Employees Caring for Aging Parents

Gemphire: Announces second quarter 2017 financial results and provides corporate update

Keller, Inc.: To build for Northcentral Utility

M3 Insurance: Releases 2017 Health Benefits Trend Report

Mediasite: Meet the Mediasite RL Mini, Proving Great Lecture Capture Comes in Small Packages

Milwaukee Public Schools: Families — Read about rights and responsibilities before school begins

NEWaukee: Night Market returns Wednesday

Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin: Receives $10,000 Monsanto Fund grant for Columbia County Mobile Pantry Program

Self Reset Power: Self Reset Power 2017 returns to Milwaukee after sold-out 2016 workshops

Social Development Commission: Remembers Donald “Don” Sykes, longtime executive director of SDC

UW-Stout: Astronomy professor prepared for Aug. 21 solar eclipse

Wisconsin Dental Association: Foundation’s Donated Dental Services provides another 177 elderly, disabled with $730,000 in needed care

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Salmonella Infections Linked to Shelled Peas Sold at Three Wisconsin Farmers Markets

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: Generac Power Systems to Expand Operations in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Historical Society: Hop into Fall at Old World Wisconsin