By Rep. Brent Jacobson
With global tensions mounting around the world, national security and protecting Americans from foreign adversaries is a priority. While much of this work must be done at the federal level, there are many steps we can take in state government to protect Wisconsinites from dangerous foreign rivals. On Jan. 22, I voted for a package of bills to protect Wisconsinites from malicious foreign actors.
First, I voted to pass AB 30/SB 7, a bill to prohibit foreign adversaries as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, such as China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea, from purchasing real estate in Wisconsin. While still small, foreign ownership of American farmland has increased in recent years. This includes purchases by entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party. By passing this bill, we are taking a necessary step to protect our farming heritage and ensure the security of our Wisconsin economy.
Additionally, this package included AB 662 and AB 663. The first bill prohibits the state of Wisconsin or our state agencies from contracting with a business headquartered in a country listed as a foreign adversary. This will keep your personal data out of the hands of malicious actors who would use it to harm our businesses and local communities. The second prohibits the University of Wisconsin from collaborating with a college or university in a foreign adversary. This will keep the valuable research being done by our university system from being stolen and potentially weaponized against us.
Taking action against grooming & discrimination
On Jan. 13th, I joined my colleagues in voting to pass AB 677, a bill to define and criminalize sexual grooming. This is when an adult in a position of trust and authority uses their influence to manipulate a child in order to abuse them. Grooming does lasting harm to kids, families, and communities, but under current law, groomers can often get away with it with just a slap on the wrist. This bill would make sure that sick individuals who prey on children are prosecuted to the fullest extent, and prevented from continuing to harm other children.
Additionally, I voted to pass AJR 102. This legislation creates a constitutional amendment which, if approved by the voters, would end racist programs which hire or grant preferential treatment in the name of diversity or equal outcomes. Denying opportunities for education, a career, or critical services because of someone’s skin color is wrong and goes against the fundamental promise of the American Dream.
These bills are common sense and should have received unanimous support.
Ending tax on tips & overtime
As working-class families struggle to make ends meet, the best thing my colleagues and I can do is help them to keep more of what they earn in their own pocket. That’s why I voted on Jan. 15 to give critical tax relief to hard-working Wisconsinites!
First, my colleagues and I voted to pass AB 38, which would exempt cash tips from state income taxes. Additionally, we passed AB 461, which would allow workers to deduct up to $12,500 of overtime income from state taxes, or $25,000 for married joint filers.
These bills are a major win for the hard-working people who move our state forward. They now head to the State Senate, and from there will go to Governor Evers for his signature or veto.
