(State Capitol, Madison) . . . Improved budget figures were released this week, indicating that the reforms passed last year to address the $3 billion budget deficit are continuing to improve our state’s finances.  Updated tax numbers compiled by the Department of Revenue (DOR) show Wisconsin is anticipated to end the current two-year budget with a $154 million budget surplus due to growth in the economy.

“This is good news for Wisconsin taxpayers and another positive step in returning fiscal responsibility to state government,” said State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls).  “The tough decisions made last year have now resulted in over $1 billion in savings for taxpayers and a projected surplus going into the next budget.”

According to DOR, tax collections through April were higher than projected by a previous forecast.  Additionally, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis has revised its data to show an increase in personal income for Wisconsin residents.  When the budget was passed last summer, a $74 million balance was anticipated at the end of the budget cycle in 2013.

“The recent news of budget reform savings and this week’s surplus announcement demonstrate the success of the efforts by the State Legislature and Governor to bring government in line with what taxpayers can afford,” Harsdorf continued.  “Coupled with a reduction in borrowing and the payment of unpaid debts left by the prior administration, the state is well-positioned heading into the next two-year budget.”

As a result of the larger anticipated surplus in this fiscal year, up to $45 million would be deposited into the state’s “rainy day” fund.  Under state law, 50% of general fund revenues collected in excess of estimated amounts are to be transferred to the budget stabilization fund.  This will mark the first time in state history that money will be added to the budget stabilization fund in consecutive years, following the nearly $15 million that was deposited last year.

“While these new projections are a step in the right direction, it is important to recognize the need to continue our efforts to encourage job creation and economic growth to improve our state’s budget picture,” said Harsdorf.

As I travel around the 10th Senate District, visiting with residents, I often hear of frustration with the difficulty in accessing information about Wisconsin and state programs.  While technology advancements make it easier to access information online, these resources are often difficult to utilize for those without computers or reliable Internet service.   This column seeks to provide some helpful information on a number of state programs that are available to residents.

The Department of Health Services (DHS) has recently announced a move to streamline the Board of Aging and Long Term Care helpline with the Medicare Part D helpline.  Prior to this move, when seniors called in with questions relating to Medicare Part D, they would generally be referred to a different number often times causing confusion.  By combining these resources, the Department intends to provide seniors with improved access to counselors and overall better customer service.  Seniors can access this helpline at 800-242-1060.

In addition to this newly announced helpline, state agencies provide a number of resources and programs for seniors.  Another program offered by DHS is SeniorCare, which provides eligible seniors with affordable prescription drug coverage. Since its creation in 2001, SeniorCare has been a popular program due to a number of factors.  When compared to Medicare Part D, SeniorCare is easier and more affordable for Seniors as well as being more cost-effective for taxpayers.  For more information on SeniorCare, please access the toll-free customer service line at 800-657-2038.

To provide state residents with assistance in regards to tax issues, the Department of Revenue provides a helpline to those with questions on state taxes at 608-266-2772.  Inquiries on tax refunds can be made by calling toll-free 866-947-7363.  In a related subject, state law also provides for an innovative program for seniors to help with their property tax bills while fostering community partnerships with schools.  The Senior Tax Exchange Program (STEP) is an optional program for local school districts that provides property tax credits for seniors that volunteer at public schools.  Please contact your local school to see if they are participating in this program or the Department of Public Instruction at 800-441-4563 for more information.

Another issue that citizens frequently contact me on is consumer protection.  Unfortunately, those perpetrating scams often target seniors and other vulnerable populations. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is responsible for identifying these scams and assisting those that have been the target of fraud, as well as providing information on avoiding fraudulent activity.  DATCP’s consumer protection hotline is 800-422-7128.  DATCP also administers the state’s No Call List and those interested in adding their landline and/or cell phone number to the state No Call List can call 866-966-2255.  It is also important to remember that if you are on the No Call list, you will need to renew your number every two years.

I recently hosted Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Secretary John Scocos to our area for listening sessions with veterans.  DVA administers a number of programs to support our veterans, including transportation to VA medical appointments, assistance to needy veterans, and the Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit.  Those interested in more information on veterans programs can call toll-free 800-947-8387 or contact your county veterans service officer.

I encourage you to make use of these resources when needed.  As always, feel free to contact me for assistance on these or any other issues by calling toll-free 800-862-1092 or visiting my website at www.harsdorfsenate.com.

(State Capitol, Madison) . . . State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-RiverFalls) lauded this week’s announcement that $1 billion in savings have been realized since the enactment of budget reforms last year.

“Local governments and the state budget are seeing the positive results from our efforts to reform government and begin bringing spending in line with what taxpayers can afford,” said Harsdorf.  “The efforts to restore fiscal sanity toWisconsinare showing to be successful, including the balancing of the state budget, a reduction in borrowing, and the payment of unpaid bills leftover from the prior administration and Legislature.”

Entering this legislative session, the State Legislature faced a number of challenges including an over $3 billion budget deficit, reductions in federal funding for medical assistance and other programs, and outstanding debts owed by the state, including the illegal raid of $200 million from the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.  Harsdorf cited the work by the State Legislature and Governor in balancing the budget, paying our state’s bills, and reducing borrowing that has resulted in an improved credit outlook forWisconsin.

“The latest numbers on savings to state and local governments demonstrates the State Legislature’s commitment to limiting government spending and putting taxpayers first,” said Harsdorf.  “Tough decisions were made to honestly balance the budget without accounting gimmicks or pushing debt off onto future generations.”

As part of the $1 billion in savings, school districts from across the state that reported competitively bidding out health insurance plans saved $220 per student per year on average.  Tools provided to local governments are also allowing for greater flexibility and innovation in compensating employees and providing services.

I am thrilled with the news that Polaris has chosen to invest in its Osceola plant, resulting in the potential of 89 new family-supporting jobs.  The hard work and support of the Osceola community in attracting jobs and businesses in recent years should be commended.  Polaris’ decision recognizes the value of the workforce in our area and the efforts to improve our state’s business climate.

Hosting a Learn to Hunt event is a great way to introduce someone new to Wisconsin’s long standing hunting heritage.  This Department of Natural Resources program provides both classroom and field instruction for novices who will be hunting with an experienced hunter.  For those interested in mentoring, mentors must have at least 5 years of hunting experience and must complete a background check form and submit it to the DNR.  More information is available online at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/lth/.

Due to a change in an administrative rule,Wisconsin’s specialty meat plants inspected by the state will soon be able to sell their products across state lines for the first time.  Currently, only meat from plants inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture can be sold across state lines while food processing plants that choose to be inspected by state inspectors cannot.  There is no difference in the food safety standards on state and federal levels. 

Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protect will amend a current administrative rule, ATCP 55, which will allow this change and help to expand food processor’s markets.  This is a change will benefit specialty meat and food processors by expanding their markets.

(State Capitol, Madison) . . . State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R – RiverFalls) has rescheduled listening sessions originally set for Thursday December 1^st in Menomonie, Baldwin and Hudson.  These sessions were rescheduled due to a family emergency.  Below are the dates, locations and times of the listening sessions:

Thursday, January 12^th

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Menomonie Public Library (600 Wolske Bay Road)

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Baldwin Village Hall (400 Cedar St)

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.,St. Croix County Government Center, use lower level entrance to Community Room (1101 Carmichael Road)

For more information concerning these visits, residents can contact Senator Harsdorf’s office at 1-800-862-1092 or visit her website at www.harsdorfsenate.com.

The Department of Health Services (DHS) has requested an extension of the federal waiver for Wisconsin’s SeniorCare program.  The waiver is set to expire on December 31^st, 2012.

The waiver extension would allowWisconsinto continue the SeniorCare program, which is a prescription drug assistance program that is more comprehensive and cost effective coverage than Medicare Part D.  SeniorCare has a $30 annual enrollment fee with copayments ranging from $5 to $15 with no gaps in coverage. 

SeniorCare saves taxpayer money and is less than half the cost of the Medicaid Part D program.  According to DHS, in 2010 the average annual federal cost per SeniorCare member was $509 while individuals enrolled in Medicaid Part D have an average cost of $1,484.

Senator Harsdorf has joined several of her legislative colleagues in signing onto a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging their extension of the federal waiver.

Senator Harsdorf will be rescheduling her listening sessions set for Thursday, December 1st due to a family emergency.  We apologize for the inconvenience.  Please contact her office at 1-800-862-1092 with any questions.

(State Capitol, Madison) . . . State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R –RiverFalls) will be visiting a community near you to listen to your concerns and thoughts on issues before the State Legislature.

“The work I do in the State Senate could not be done without input from those I represent,” said Harsdorf.  “Listening sessions are great opportunities to hear from citizens on the issues most important to them.”

Listening sessions have been scheduled in each county within the 10^th Senate District, which is comprised of all ofSt. CroixCounty, and parts of Burnett, Dunn, Pierce, andPolkCounties.  Below are the dates, locations and times of the listening sessions:

Wednesday, November 30

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.,RiverFallsPublic Library (140 Union St)

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Osceola Village Hall (310 Chieftain St)

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Grantsburg Village Hall (316 S. Brad St)

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.,BalsamLake,PolkCountyJusticeCenter(1005 W. Main St)

Thursday, December 1

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Menomonie Public Library (600 Wolske Bay Road)

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Baldwin Village Hall (400 Cedar St)

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., HudsonPublic Library (700 1^st St)

For more information concerning these visits, residents can contact Harsdorf’s office at 1-800-862-1092 or visit her website at harsdorfsenate.com.