note from Dave Bender, IGIA Executive Director:

On this report you will find nearly 100 bills that could potentially have an impact on any/some/all of of businesses and members. In a typical year, we may have between 25-40 bills to monitor.

The bills that are tracked and listed are:

•     Agency Appropriation Bills

•     Agriculture and Forestry Bills

•     DNR Plant Bills

•     Retail Impact Bills

•     Most Prevailing Wage Bills

•     New Mandates for Businesses

•     Industry Related Bills

•     Ag Transportation Bills

•     Contractor Bills

•     Immigration Bills

•     Labor Related Bills

•     Environment Bills

Please allow me to explain a few things about the General Assembly and how legislation works.

First, each legislative session lasts two (2) years. This is the 95th legislative session, which began last year - 2007. This year is the second/final year of the 95th legislative session. During the first year of each legislative session, any bills can be introduced and heard on the floor. During the second year, bills that did not pass or bills that were held in committee remain "active" for the second year. In addition, new bills can be drafted and heard, but are limited to: a) spending/revenue bills; and b) emergency bills.

On this 28-page report, you will see the IGIA's position listed. SUPPORT means we support the legislation, OPPOSE means we are against it and MONITOR means we do not have a position but will continue to follow that bill in case an amendment is added.

Finally, on this report please note the positions in RED are new bills with new positions.