What has WBA Done for you Lately?
Government Affairs
• Governor Doyle recently vetoed the bill that would change the current practice of the DNR Secretary being appointed by the governor and give that power to the unelected 7 member Natural Resources Board. This was a huge victory for WBA and the hard work of members contacting your members of the legislature and building a veto-proof vote twice in the State Assembly is something that members should be very proud of.
• In a major victory for NAHB/WBA and local HBAs that will boost the fledgling housing recovery and help struggling business owners nationwide, Congress recently approved legislation that will extend the first-time home buyer tax credit beyond its Nov. 30 deadline and expand it to a wider group of home buyers. The bill also provides relief to cash-strapped home builders by providing broader tax benefits for businesses with net operating losses (NOLs).
Weekly updates are provided in The Friday Update which you can request to receive by e-mail, or check out the current and archived issues on the member side of www.wisbuild.org > Member Information > Government Affairs > Friday Update.
Codes
• BLAR dollars supported an effort to establish new rules by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The rules suggested by WBA and other business groups were approved in their entirety by the Wisconsin Supreme Court recently. These new rules will assure that a personal or political action donation or endorsement or an independent ad campaign during election time are not reasons by themselves for justices to recuse themselves from court cases.
• Submitted comments to DHS in regards to Emergency Rule on Lead Safe renovations. Specifically disagreed with how the rule package goes beyond federal rule requirements both from a legal and policy standpoint.
• WBA successfully opposed a new fee proposal from the Department of Commerce. According to DOC Safety and Buildings Administrator Greg Jones, DOC is not moving forward with a continuing education course approval fee of $40, plus $5 per half hour of approval requested. One local association indicated this fee would have cost it $3200, while Commerce estimated the fee would have generated $54,000 annually.
• WBA testified at a DOC hearing on a rule relating to the use of REScheck software to demonstrate compliance with the UDC energy requirements. Among other items, we raised concerns regarding the costs associated with meeting some of the new energy requirements as they are reflected in REScheck. We will be submitting additional written comments before the November 4th deadline.
Local Officers Council
• WBA Home Construction Contract released for no charge as a benefit of membership
WBA Insurance Services
• We provide discounted group health insurance for single employee companies all the way up to large companies. Health insurance, life insurance, executive benefits, business continuation planning, retirement plans, education planning and investment planning and analysis. WBA Insurance Services has made major changes to the builder exclusive plan to make the plan more competitive and a better value for the members.
• We are now licensed to sell health insurance plans through the following insurance carriers: Dean Health Plan, Group Health Cooperative of Southern Wisconsin(GHC), Unity Health Insurance, Humana Group, HumanaOne Individual and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. WBA Insurance Services continues to offer the member only health plans through Arise Health Plan and WPS Health Insurance.
• We offer a benefit discount card to all members of the association and their employees free of charge. This discount card gives discounts on prescription drugs, vision care and dental care. Information on how to obtain this discount card will be placed on the WBA website and distributed to all the local EO’s. For more information you may contact the WBA Insurance Services offices.
The WBA Remodelers Council
• The WBA Remodelers Council provides industry information, education and certification.
• Home Improvement Codes and Remodeling Contracts Lunch n' Learn
• Learn how to protect your business against DATCP 110 and the fallout from the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in Stuart v. Weisflog.
• Keep informed about new lead regulations
Communications
• Badger Builder bi-monthly magazine, print and electronic version
• Wisconsin Building News monthly e-newsletter
• Web site with news, resources, dates and information to help your business
• WBA sites on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to keep you updated and facilitate member networking
• WBA Logo wear is available-show your professional pride!
Building a Better Wisconsin
• In 2009 we’ve had thirteen auctions and some miscellaneous fundraisers throughout Wisconsin that have netted $107,648.07 so far for the Building a Better Wisconsin PAC and Builders Direct Fund Conduit! To date, $20,449 from the PAC and $24,323 from the BDF conduit have been paid out towards state legislators and candidates who actively support our industry. Thank you for your contributions!
