Jordan Lamb
WCA Legislative Council
The Welch Group
WCA and Legislative Action
The Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association (WCA) is the voice of the Wisconsin Cattle Producer.
Through our legislative efforts in Madison, we continue to represent and protect the beef producer's best interests. We work closely with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association to stay informed of national issues that will affect Wisconsin beef producers. Our membership and Board of Directors work daily to keep beef demand strong in Wisconsin and the country.
US Capitol
Investing in the WCA
We are excited to share our legislative key wins that reinforce the impact the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association has on the industry. Please use these materials during membership conversations, producer meetings, events, and more. For printed copies of these materials, reach out to the Wisconsin Cattlemen's office at [email protected]
Wisconsin Legislative Update
Ag Groups Release 2023-25 Biennial Budget Priorities
At the end of January, The Wisconsin Ag Coalition, a group of commodity and agri-business trade associations who work together on state legislative issues, released its 2023-25 Biennial Budget White Paper identifying the programs and proposals that Wisconsin’s agriculture and agri-business industry collectively supports in the next state budget bill. The Coalition supports initiatives related to producer-led conservation programs, rural economic development initiatives, funding for continued nonpoint source pollution reduction grants and staffing, support for biofuels promotion, and support for the creation of a voluntary carbon credit scoring program in Wisconsin. WCA is a part of the Ag Coalition and worked cooperatively with the Coalition on these joint biennial budget priorities.
Governor Evers Delivers Budget to Legislature – Proposes $103 Billion Budget
On February 15, 2023, Governor Tony Evers delivered his budget address to a joint session of the legislature and released his proposed 2023-25 biennial budget bill. The Governor proposed an operating budget of $103.8 billion over the next two fiscal years (2023-25), adding 816.55 additional full-time positions. His budget did include some key provisions for Wisconsin farmers including grants for water conservation programs, funding for producer-led watershed grants, continued funding for the nitrogen optimization grant program, additional funding for the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium, and continued funding for the local commodity food purchasing program to purchases of Wisconsin commodities for Wisconsin’s food banks.
WCA Files Comments on Proposed Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan
The Wisconsin DNR released a draft of the updated Wolf Management Plan for public review and comment. The WCA filed written comments on the proposed draft plan expressing several concerns including support for a numerical wolf population goal of 350, encouraging wolve only in areas of prime wolf habitat, requesting additional management tools for Wisconsin farmers and asking for DNR support for federal delisting of gray wolves in Wisconsin. Comments on the draft plan are now closed and the DNR has stated they are reviewing the comments and considering revisions to the final plan. Once final, the plan will be presented to the Natural Resources Board. The DNR has not disclosed a timeline for the review of the comments.
Two Key Races on the Ballot
There are two crucial races on the spring election ballot in Wisconsin – one seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court and a special election for the vacated 8th Senate District (formerly held by Sen. Albert Darling R-River Hills). In the 8th Senate District, Republican State Representative Dan Knodl (Germantown) won the Republican primary. He will face Democrat attorney Jodi Habush Sinykin (Whitefish Bay) in the April election. The Supreme Court non-partisan primary winners were former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly, a conservative, and Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz, a liberal. The race drawing significant attention and importance because the next court is likely to issue key rulings on issues ranging from Wisconsin’s 1849 abortion ban, legislative district maps, union rights, and election law issues.
Positions on the Issues
Learn more about the issues and where WCA stands in order to protect the best interests of the beef industry on state and national levels.
2021-23 Biennial Budget Summary
On July 8, 2021, Governor Evers signed the 2021-23 biennial budget bill. The bill provides for approximately $88 billion in spending for the State of Wisconsin over the next two fiscal years.
Have questions or comments about any of our Legislative Efforts?
Email Eric Johnson or call 608-516-4125. We would love to hear from you!