Degnan on Politics

Friday, May 22, 2009

Don't raise lot prices by changing Prevailing Wage laws

To the Joint Finance Committee,

I've just learned of plans to again change prevailing wage standards related to DWD interpretations. As I've been told this would require that prevailing wages be paid on items such as sidewalks, trees, parks and streets constructed entirely by a private residential developer, even though these items are paid for entirely with private dollars. This will have a direct impact on the cost of housing and could increase home prices by an estimated 20-40%. This is contrary to how residential developments have been done in this state and would specifically overturn well-established case law.

I object to this major issue being inserted into the Budget at literally the last minute. Moreover, this will change how developments have historically been done in this state, and will increase housing costs, at a time when the housing industry is at historic lows.

I cannot afford higher lot prices! My clients cannot afford higher lot prices! This is the wrong time and the wrong way for this change. If you wish to consider this please do so in a separate bill with public hearings, not in the state budget!

Sent 5/22/09 to:

Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Sen.Hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Sen.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Sen.Robson@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Sen.Lassa@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Sen.Olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Pocan@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Colon@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Shilling@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Sherman@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Vos@legis.wisconsin.gov,

Rep.Montgomery@legis.wisconsin.gov

Monday, May 18, 2009

Changes to Prevailing Wage do not belong in the State Budget

Senators and Representatives of the Joint Finance Committee,

I am writing to oppose the changes to the Prevailing Wage system. As a small business owner, and as a taxpayer and former local elected official, I oppose these changes!

This will hurt economic development by adding costs to municipal government and TIF districts. It will raise costs to local taxpayers at a time when we can least afford it – especially so as the State considers reducing its aid payments to local governments! This is not acceptable.

This also affects housing – it makes projects more expensive when it is applied to municipal projects or street/sewer/water projects.

We can least afford a change like this right now. Especially when it is hidden inside of a BUDGET bill. This is the WRONG PLACE for this, and also the wrong time for our state.

Sent 4/18/09 to:

Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Robson@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Lassa@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Pocan@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Colon@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Shilling@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Sherman@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Vos@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Montgomery@legis.wisconsin.gov

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Stop Abortion at Meriter

Sen. Miller,

I cannot tell you how disappointed, troubled, disgusted, and sickened I am about Meriter's decision to allow abortions at their clinic. As you know I am one of your constituents and I am also a business owner in your district. I have several employees in the district as well. For 10 years I have had Physicians Plus as my insurance company, but I am getting ready to drop them and change to another provider. I am evaluating other plans as we speak, but I continue to pray that something will change and allow me to continue with an organization that otherwise, we have been happy with.

As a business owner, I will not have my business dollars going to support the overhead of an organization who provides abortions.

As a hospital user, I will not have my personal dollars going to support the overhead of abortionists!

If I cannot vote on this issue, I will let my money speak!

I will let my vote for your re-election speak!

Now, as I understand that you will be voting on the UW Hospital & Clinics Authority Board, I urge you to reject Roger Axtell and Mike Weiden. These men who support abortion at Meriter should not be on the board!

This is URGENT! I understand that the vote will take place on Thursday. Please stand up for my rights as a citizen, my rights as a business man, my right as your constituent! I do not want to be in the position, but I will not have my dollars support an organization which provides abortions. I pray that something can change. I pray that your conscience and your duty as an elected official will guide you to vote against Axtell and Weiden.

Sincerely,

Abe J Degnan, President -- Degnan Design Builders, Inc.

(Sent to Sen. Miller's email 4/21/09)

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Prevent Lawsuit Abuse - no changes to Joint & Several Liability

Dear Reps & Senators of the Joint Finance Committee,

Please remove the state budget provisions that would increase the risk of lawsuit abuse. The changes to joint and several liability would make Wisconsin an EVEN WORSE state in which to do business.

At this time of economic downturn, with job losses in paper companies, GM and related companies in Janesville, and countless other industries, we cannot afford this risk! We need growth in jobs for the economy and the tax base. Job growth will create the change we need.

As a small business owner, one legitimate mistake (let alone one frivolous lawsuit) can put me out of business. I cannot afford the risk of frivolous lawsuits that you invite by these changes. These things do NOT belong in a state BUDGET! If you want to debate these changes on their own merits, please do so. But do not force these changes upon us under the guise of a budget bill.

Sent to: