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Volume 7, Issue 28, Nov 25, 2024
 Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Eau Claire, Wis. 
Published the first business day of each week
Business Advocate Past Issues
Public Meetings Calendar
Chamber Events Calendar
The Chamber's Advocacy Principles
The Chamber's 2024 Business Issues Agenda
"Talking Po!nt" Podcast
How to become a Chamber investor
Contact: Scott Rogers, VP Governmental Affairs
rogers@eauclairechamber.org
Chamber Business Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30a-5:00p, Friday 7:30a-1:30p

In this issue:
 • Eau Claire City Council to consider ordinance with severe restrictions
    on short term rentals
 • Eau Claire to hold "How to Run for City Council" session
 • Community Hospital plans Dec 9 release of feasibility report
 • Assembly Democrats reelect Neubauer as Minority Leader, Emerson joins
    party leadership
 • Report: Wisconsin tax burden hits all-time low
 • Trump picks Sean Duffy for Transportation Secretary
 • Federal judge blocks overtime rule
 • What businesses needs to know about the Corporate Transparency Act
 • Food for thought
 • Mark your calendar
Note on article links: A subscription is required for those marked with "$"
Publications known to have article limits or other access restrictions for non-subscribers are marked with "+"

Eggs & Issues: Holiday Legislative Breakfast
   Get a preview of the key state legislative issues in 2025 from members of the State Senate and Assembly who will represent the Chippewa Valley region beginning in January. This is an excellent opportunity to hear about the key priorities that our local lawmakers will be taking to Madison for the 2025-27 budget session. Co-sponsored with the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber and the Menomonie Area Chamber and Visitor Center.
• Friday, Dec 20, 7:00-9:00 a.m., CVTC Business Education Center
    Click here for details and to register

Also for your calendar...
• Business After Hours - Monday, Dec 9
• Eau What A Night - 110th Chamber Annual Meeting - Thursday, Jan 30
• 31st Annual Chippewa Valley Rally - Wednesday, March 5

Eau Claire City Council to consider ordinance with draconian restrictions on short term rentals
   The Eau Claire City Council's agenda on Tuesday includes the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would introduce city licensing of short term rentals (STRs), while also severely restricting offerings by newly-licensed STRs to stays of 7 days or more and limiting their availability to one 180-day period each year. STRs typically are booked through Airbnb and VRBO.
   First reading is a formality for action anticipated at the next City Council meeting, which is December 9-10. The ordinance is expected to be considered for recommendation by the Plan Commission on December 2. There is also an accompanying ordinance amending the zoning code by "updating the definition of Bed and Breakfast, adding a definition for Tourist Rooming Houses, and removing the requirement of a Conditional Use Permit for a Bed and Breakfast." (See pages 162-168 of the Tuesday Agenda Packet linked below.)
   The City licensing proposal requires a $700 fee for a new permit application and $300 for an annual renewal. This would be in addition to the required state license and health department inspection.
   As the drafting of the ordinance with its restrictions became known, Visit Eau Claire sent a letter to the City Council on November 6, raising concerns about the 7-night minimum stay.
   "This change could negatively impact Eau Claire's tourism economy and visitor experience, and we would encourage the Council to consider the broader visitor and economic implications for our community as you craft the new policy," said the letter, which noted the impact the restriction could have on visitor flexibility, economic impact, event and market competitiveness, and capacity constraints in visitor accommodations. "We recognize the need for appropriate licensing and regulatory oversight," the letter said, and noted that "Visit Eau Claire would welcome the opportunity to provide insights from a tourism and economic perspective as you, or relevant commissions or work groups, consider the implications of this  proposed policy." It said Visit Eau Claire is "committed to working with the City Council to design a balanced policy that addresses community concerns and supports a thriving tourism economy."
   Currently, it's estimated that there are 66 active STRs in the City. Bookings through sites such as Airbnb and VRBO do collect the required city room tax that supports tourism promotion for the community.
   The City staff summary of the proposed ordinances included on page 162 of the Tuesday City Council Packet noted: "City Staff recommends adopting a short-term rental ordinance to address the current Conditional Use Permit difficulties, but does not take a position as to the durational limitations."
Council Agenda this week: Police collective bargaining agreement
   Action on this week's City Council Business Agenda includes a collective bargaining agreement with city police and approving revenue bonds for the City Waterworks System. There are also public discussions and action on reducing the required setback for a Scooter's Coffee location at Damon and Highway 93, and to make permanent the four-way stops on Barstow at Galloway and Wisconsin streets.
More information:
Eau Claire City Council
 • Monday, Nov 25, 6 p.m. Public Hearing Agenda Packet (39 pages)
 • Tuesday, Nov 26, 4 p.m. Legislative Session Agenda Packet (174 pages)
    Link to videos of city meetings (City of Eau Claire)
    City Council Online Comment Form (City of Eau Claire)
    Contact information: City Council members (City of Eau Claire)
City of Eau Claire News Updates (including weekly City Manager's Update)
Visit Eau Claire Letter to City Council (Visit Eau Claire, Nov 6)

Eau Claire to hold "How to Run for City Council" session
Five at-large seats open in April election, Jan 7 ballot deadline
   The City of Eau Claire is hosting an informational session for individuals who may be interested in seeking a seat on City Council at the April 1, 2025, Spring Election. Among the non-partisan offices on the ballot next Spring are the five at-large seats on the Eau Claire City Council. Candidates must file nominating petitions by January 7 and can begin collecting signatures on December 1. The meeting will cover the process for running for office and an overview of the responsibilities of a City Council member.
   Elected at-large council members serve a three-year term. There are also five district representatives and the City Council President who make up the 11-member body. Election of each category is staggered, with district representatives elected in 2024, and the City Council President seat up next in 2026.
More information:
City Council Candidate Information Session
• Wednesday, Dec 4, 6:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, 203 S. Farwell St.  
   Click here for information
Eau Claire to host “How to run for City Council” information session (Leader-Telegram $)
‘How to Run for City Council’ Informational Session (WEAU 13 News)

Spring Election features statewide Supreme Court, DPI races, local municipal and school board seats
  The April 1 Spring Non-Partisan Election will include a race for an open seat for a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, a statewide election for Superintendent of Public Instruction, other judgeships at the district and county level, and various seats on local city councils, town boards, and school boards.
More information:
Spring 2025 Election Information - all races (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
Wisconsin's next elections are in February and April. Here's what's on the 2025 ballot. (Journal-Sentinel +)
After an intense election season, the political focus shifts to state races in Wisconsin (Journal-Sentinel +)

New Chamber Talking Po!nt Podcast
City Budgets and their impact on business
Chamber President & CEO Dave Minor and Vice President of Governmental Affairs Scott Rogers talk with Eau Claire City Manager Stephanie Hirsch about how fiscal decisions at the city level impact infrastructure, workforce development, and economic growth.
Click here to listen (46:34)

Health Cooperative to release community hospital
feasibility report at December 9 meeting
   The Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative, which is pursuing the creating of a local community hospital, last week announced that it will hold a Community Information Meeting on Monday evening, December 9, to release the results of a feasibility study and share plans for the new independent community hospital.
   "The expert third-party feasibility study we commissioned to help determine configuration, location, and sustainability factors for a new independent hospital is complete," said a news release from the Cooperative last week. "This report examined many different variables and focused on the unique healthcare situation in the Chippewa Valley. The report identifies clear gaps and clearly supports the need for a new, full-service hospital here."
  The December 9 meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. at the Heyde Center, 3 South High Street in Chippewa Falls. Doors will open at 5:30 PM. 
   The news release also noted that the organization has successfully received its 501c3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service.
   “The physicians and clinics of the OakLeaf Medical Network, the largest network of independent physicians in Western Wisconsin, which serves over 50,000 primary care patients throughout the greater Chippewa Valley, have committed to caring for their patients at the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative’s new hospital," said Dr. Kyle Dettbarn, the Chair of the Board of OakLeaf Medical Network. "We believe local control is key to the stability and sustainability of any new hospital in our region, and the Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative’s plan provides the best solution to this healthcare crisis.”
More information:
Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative announcement (Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative)
Chippewa Valley Health Cooperative moving forward with plans for new hospital (WQOW News 18)

More local stories...

ECASD's family involvement survey helps indicate, assess their special education work (Leader-Telegram $)
DPI releases state report card data, including districts in the Chippewa Valley (Leader-Telegram $)

Silver Mine Hill ski jump event canceled (Leader-Telegram $)

Evers tours housing project in Strum (Leader-Telegram $)
Tony Evers visiting businesses and industries across the state (WEAU 13 News)

You Ask, We Answer: When will the downtown bridge lights be repaired? (WQOW News 18)

Assembly Democrats reelect Neubauer as Minority Leader
Completes 2025 legislative leadership selections for both parties
Emerson joins leadership as Sergeant-At-Arms
   Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly last Tuesday reelected Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) as Assembly Minority Leader, completing leadership elections for both parties in both houses of the legislature as the 2025 session approaches in January. Neubauer has been Minority Leader since 2021, and was first elected to the Assembly in 2018.
   With the election, Assembly Democrats increased their numbers by 10, with Republicans continuing to control the body 54-45. In the State Senate, Republicans now hold a 18-15 majority.
   Local Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) joined her party's leadership for the first time as Sergeant-At-Arms. Other chosen were: Rep. Kalan Haywood (D-Milwaukee), Assistant Leader; Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) Minority Caucus Chair; Rep. Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit) Minority Vice-Caucus Chair; and Rep. Mike Bare (D-Verona), Minority Caucus Secretary.
     Emerson joins these other area legislators in leadership positions:
   Assembly Republicans: Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer), Majority Caucus Chair, Rep. Nancy VanderMeer (R-Tomah), Caucus Secretary; and Rep. Treig Pronschinske (R-Mondovi), Sergeant-At-Arms.
   Senate Republicans: Sen. Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point), President Pro Tempore.
   Senate Democrats: Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire), Assistant Minority Leader.
   In the Assembly, Robin Vos (R-Rochester) was reelected Speaker and Tyler August (R-Walworth), Majority Leader. In the State Senate, Republicans reelected Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) as Majority Leader, and selected Rep. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) as the new Senate President.  Senate Democrats reelected Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) as Minority Leader.
December 20 Eggs & Issues: Holiday Legislative Breakfast
   Area legislators are being invited to join us at our December Eggs & Issues to preview priorities for the new legislative session beginning in January.
 • Friday, Dec 20, 7:00-9:00 a.m.  Click here for details and registration
More information:
Wisconsin Legislature new members & departures (WisPolitics.com)
Wisconsin Democrats reelect Neubauer as Assembly minority leader (AP)
Assembly Democrats reelect Greta Neubauer as minority leader (WPR)
Minority Leader Greta Neubauer will continue leading a larger Assembly Democratic Caucus (Wisconsin Examiner)
Jodi Emerson unanimously elected as Assembly Minority Caucus Sergeant at Arms (WEAU 13 News)
Assembly Speaker Vos, Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein to continue in leadership positions (Wisconsin Examiner)
Summerfield re-elected to caucus chair post, discusses next session (Leader-Telegram $)
Full election results: State Senate (WPR)
Full election results: State Assembly (WPR)

Report: State tax burden hits all time low
   Driven by strong growth in incomes, tight property tax limits, and a $1 billion state income tax cut, a report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum says Wisconsin’s state and local taxes as a share of personal income and its national ranking for its tax burden fell to their lowest levels on record in 2022. Once a top ten state for its tax levels, Wisconsin has fallen to well below average and has also seen its spending levels drop in key areas like K-12 education – a major shift in state and local policy.
More information:
Report: State Tax Ranking Hits All-time Low (Wisconsin Policy Forum)
Wisconsin's tax burden compared with other states hits a new low (Journal-Sentinel +)
City, county officials offer thoughts on state tax ranking reaching all-time low (Leader-Telegram $)

More state government stories...

Will Republicans Support Transparent Hospital Prices? (Urban Milwaukee)
Wisconsin’s new Senate president still wants state to require transparency in hospital prices (WPR)

Fed’s recent rate cuts could improve borrowing options for state and local government projects (Wisconsin Examiner)

Trump picks former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy for Transportation Secretary
   Former Wisconsin 7th District Congressman Sean Duffy has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump as his nominee for Transportation Secretary.
  Duffy represented the 7th District as a Republican in Congress from 2011-2019, after previously serving as Ashland County District Attorney from 2002-2008. Since resigning from Congress, he has been a lobbyist and Fox News contributor.
More information:
Trump picks former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy as next Transportation secretary (CNN Politics)
Trump taps ex-lobbyist to lead DOT (Politico)
What to know about Sean Duffy, Trump's Transportation secretary pick (Axios)
Van Orden Statement on Former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy Selected for Trump Administration Secretary of Transportation (WEAU 13 News)
One-on-one: Sen. Baldwin says Sean Duffy is an ‘interesting pick’ for Sec. of Transportation (WMTV)
What Sean Duffy Will Need To Address As Transportation Secretary (Newsweek)
What the 2024 Election Could Mean for Transportation Policy (Governing)

More cabinet news...
Trump administration takes shape: President-elect completes top 15 Cabinet picks (Fox News)
Meet Donald Trump's Near Complete Cabinet (Newsweek)
Matt Gaetz says he doesn't plan to rejoin Congress after withdrawing as Trump's pick for attorney general (NBC News)
GOP Rep. Van Orden says he would vote to release Gaetz report (The Hill)

More election stories...
Updated US House election results (AP)
Election Results 2024: Key Wisconsin Races (WPR)
Full local election results (Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce)
'It's not rocket science': Senate Democrats detail lessons from their victories (AP)
Democrat Tammy Baldwin details recipe for running in a swing state after victory in Trump-won Wisconsin (Fox News)
Dems improved against Van Orden in ’24, have better chance in ’26, experts say (The Badger Project)
County clerk speaks on the process of ensuring reliability of election equipment (Leader-Telegram $)