PRESS RELEASE

State Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) joined her Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) colleagues on Feb. 9 in approving funding for her agriculture and agribusiness export initiative.

JFC also approved her bill which raises the standard for exempting sales tax for entertainment admission sales by nonprofit organizations.

“Representative Kurtz and I have worked hard this session to advocate for the importance of supporting export opportunities,” said Ballweg. “Wisconsin has tremendous opportunity for growth and a lot of diverse products we are able to offer. I look forward to increasing our international footprint.”

The comprehensive agriculture and agribusiness export initiative directs the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, to achieve certain export initiatives by June 30, 2026. The program includes an evaluation on its effectiveness to be reported back to the legislature within five years to ensure real outcomes for Wisconsin’s farm economy.

The second bill increases the standard to determine when a nonprofit organization’s sales qualify for the occasional sales tax exemption. Currently, if a nonprofit sells admission to an event involving entertainment, the sale of those admissions isn’t subject to sales tax if the payment for entertainment is $10,000 or less. This bill raises that threshold to $50,000.

“This legislation was brought forward by the Iola Car Show. The car show brings in more than 100,000 guests, which is a huge economic driver for Central Wisconsin,” said Ballweg. “With rising costs and events like this growing more and more popular, raising this limit will help these groups continue their good work in their local communities.”