[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6418138,"mediaKeyId","2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2","parentId",2703406,"title","DeForest seeks TID amendments and 10-year extension to support Buc-ee————————'s and industrial projects","audioSeconds",619,"startMs",831000,"endMs",1450000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2&start=831&end=1450","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2/thumbnail_831000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6418138/DeForest-seeks-TID-amendments-and-10-year-extension-to-support-Buc-ees-and-industrial-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6418138-173f84541aa7d06da7ef6f8f08f60e9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770809732&Signature=oWELqYhE5EnbHfSQkvCtrcZGERlspGi0enrojERC3ia-rSNGJgMCWG2bqmlBLaws3yvkJxpcW9tXLShJjzue3NNFOUFqUOiaCflbxh92bwEEo5c5iu94BjBP3m3EuX53bbxioO3Z4DhS6qtSx48z-hO7I1ZRn-4Zbwyn4SpTwVochv-GzrDML-oV21nYdVx6FOmP5MlevxIibZv5vZ9fQESri08JDKnvwXLGADP7NmQGLN4m-x-zCiwTNUmkiY4gyMivB-ieY~Dmlhz~edawO6ACvwZBqg-JGzLMAK743v0~RJBlF9J-nJjfQR1K5uO-Ts5LjmcAK5QIvrta1Lq6hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","WI State Legislature ","date","2025-03-19T00:00:00Z","article","The Assembly Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Assembly Bill 137, a bill that would allow the village of DeForest to amend Tax Incremental District (TID) Number 9 and extend its life from 20 to 30 years while granting a one-time exemption to the state\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u000012% equalized-value TID limit.

Village and regional economic-development officials said the changes would enable public infrastructure improvements at the Interstate 39/90/94 interchange near Highway V, work that backers said is necessary for a major retail project and surrounding industrial and residential development to proceed. \"Buc-ee's has committed to front-loading developer investment into the public infrastructure of over $15 million,\" village administrator Bill Chang told the committee, using the commonly reported retailer name; village officials requested the one-time statutory exception so interchange improvements could be reimbursed by future increment across a longer payout period.

Why it matters: Backers told the committee the interchange project and associated infrastructure would support a national retailer and hundreds of thousands of square feet of industrial development, roughly 296 residential units recently approved southeast of the junction, and projected increases in equalized value within DeForest's TIDs. The village forecasted most existing TIDs will close before their statutory deadlines and estimated returning roughly $700 million in equalized value to the tax base when they do.

What supporters said: DeForest officials said the bill is narrowly tailored, akin to prior legislative exceptions granted to other communities, and would protect taxpayers by requiring development agreements with guaranteed values and pay-as-you-go financing provisions. Jane Cahill Wolfgram, speaking for the village board, said the interchange improvements \"become critical for all of this development so that safety standards are met, and so that these businesses are able to access their customers and market.\"

Regional perspective: Edward Buetzine, president and CEO of the Madison Region Economic Partnership, described the site as strategically located for national site selection and said the legislation would help the region attract investment, support job creation and generate sales tax revenue.

Outcome and next steps: The committee heard testimony; no final vote was recorded at the hearing. Committee members signaled an intent to move the TIF bills quickly and indicated an executive session may be scheduled in the near term.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 19, 2025 Assembly Committee on Local Government","oneSentenceSummary","Assembly bill 137 would amend DeForest Tax Incremental District 9 to allow a one-time exemption to the 12% equalized-value limit and extend TID life from 20 to 30 years to finance interchange and other public infrastructure tied to a large retail development and accompanying industrial growth.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6418163,"Assembly hears bill to exempt Middleton TID limit to retain 1,800 jobs",3079,3567000,488000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2&start=3567&end=488","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2/thumbnail_3567000.jpg","/articles/6418163/Assembly-hears-bill-to-exempt-Middleton-TID-limit-to-retain-1800-jobs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6418163-4fbf4f388723aea1181bddcc7c89082c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770809732&Signature=kjR8I~yDu6ADS2CNUOd3bOdzxtf9Ki~SJXO2EjoxcJfvsbJQHhNYgBkhryGAD5~g0Hpjp11XIW5PwRh-vM~4fLbrvI2udYVyncNs3HAJnhmEKAtWe--JBfPHXzgG0hFy4nSiXx1-OPNHQq3SMN13nU7RnD3buF7u509wnCYUBlhccMN6RdzsCYGHyE8wrg5elAb7qcpErbQY4U5QiN1L2vVSfAPBE2y1cucBxEZsu5g58gZMtsiybYLlb7F240Trl-1nofAsJtUlQUc~Q9JbfXbyLPFA8FrKsnyfoss2fkC5FHsJEHt34KA9lwQwPnTox~UFcBzu3FklzL5I93L9Ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assembly Committee on Local Government members heard testimony on Assembly Bill 22 on behalf of the city of Middleton and state lawmakers seeking a narrow exception to the state\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u000012% tax incremental financing (TIF) equalized-value limit so Middleton can create a new TID to retain a large employer.

Supporters told the committee the exemption is time-limited and narrowly tailored to allow Middleton to negotiate a retention package that supporters say could keep 1,800 jobs in the city. \"The city of Middleton is seeking to launch a new TID that will require an exception to the current law limitations on the percentage of municipal value that can be within the value increment of all the TIDs,\" Representative Kurtz said during her testimony.

Why it matters: Middleton officials and legislative sponsors said the company under confidential negotiation is being actively recruited out of state, and losing the employer would create a substantial economic ripple effect for Middleton and Dane County. \"It is essential to ensuring that those 1,800 jobs ... remain in our state,\" Mayor Emily Keune told the committee, adding the city estimates about $8 million per year in tax revenue would be lost if the jobs left.

What supporters said: Testimony described the proposal as narrowly tailored. Kurtz and Mayor Keune noted that one existing TID (TID 3) in Middleton will close next year and that the requested exemption would apply to a specific area tied to this employer. Keune described Middleton\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000TID 3\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000as having generated substantial increments and returning hundreds of millions in value to the general tax base; she said the city remains above the 12% threshold because of those active districts.

Questions from committee members focused on scope and duration. Chairman Novak and Representative Crawford asked whether the exemption would be specific to the business and site under negotiation; sponsors confirmed the bill applies only to the defined area and company being negotiated with and is not a general change to TIF law. Keune and Kurtz also said local taxing jurisdictions and school districts were informed and involved in stakeholder conversations.

Outcome and next steps: The committee heard testimony; no formal vote on final passage was recorded during the hearing. Committee staff indicated the bill may move quickly if the committee votes to advance it to floor action.

Speakers quoted in this article are those who testified at the hearing and are listed in the speakers section.","Lawmakers heard testimony on Assembly Bill 22, which would exempt a new Middleton tax incremental financing district from the state\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u000012% equalized-value limit so the city can offer a targeted retention package for an employer that officials say could relocate with 1,800 jobs at stake.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6418374,"Lawmakers weigh AB 42 to allow backyard hens statewide, with municipal limits retained",3421,4214000,7635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2&start=4214&end=7635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2/thumbnail_4214000.jpg","/articles/6418374/Lawmakers-weigh-AB-42-to-allow-backyard-hens-statewide-with-municipal-limits-retained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6418374-c45472d68d83091cc17122b531e7fa4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770809732&Signature=C7J7gIp40L5tcRp8bL2YYBSJhkWc3rwOL~WRtoXwvO8mwLksD8e8jR4q89PPi~6XdIz-Igsn4HHu5RQy2i-qm~tYt8uwVTYkhTrlxVYMSJTKfxfVf6DcdbfZdkicNlUW3R96ZFLTUcPZFvlWFdGScEOZY93BktjQFVYaKby79SJqBYSpkengggxei3bCmY0ehWdobQE8t8yFm1kz1TKZVO9hTe43qzaHJuwbS--CkvNKP23hXW~ebP~L2qx~PB8uSsHiLHMKZClMBZx0emAi3MJw5mukPsis7tMdAfh-~uTrA-ZFm7RcRIptUrwq6wJOrZ~yS3dA6WXgakzvniKALg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Assembly Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Assembly Bill 42, which would prohibit local units of government from banning the keeping of a limited number of domestic fowl on residential property while preserving municipal authority to impose reasonable regulations on location, housing, cleanliness, permits and to prohibit roosters.

Representative Shortwell, the bill\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\"s sponsor, said the proposal follows language used in existing municipal ordinances (including Madison and Green Bay) and would grant Wisconsinites the ability to keep hens while allowing local government to require permits, neighbor notification and reasonable cleanliness standards. \"Unless the cap is raised higher by a municipality, which they would have that local control to do and raise that cap if they would like,\" Shortwell told the committee.

Testimony in favor came from dozens of residents and local officials who described education benefits for children, food security and household cost savings. Speakers from Menasha, Combined Locks, Greenfield, and other municipalities described hands-on learning, composting benefits, pest control, and the ability to donate surplus eggs to neighbors. \"Fresh eggs from well cared for hens aren't just nutritious. They also teach responsibility,\" Rachel Dowing of Menasha said. Several witnesses said municipal ordinances that ban or heavily restrict backyard hens left residents with no local remedy and drove some owners to seek legal challenges.

Opponents and municipal representatives, including the League of Wisconsin Municipalities (registered against), warned that a state mandate could undermine local land-use decisions. Committee members asked how the bill would interact with rental agreements and condominium bylaws; legislative counsel said the bill would not alter private lease terms and that renters' ability to keep fowl depends on the lease. Members also raised infectious-disease concerns such as avian influenza; sponsors and some health officials referenced CDC guidance that backyard flocks do not currently warrant broad removals and that registered commercial outbreaks are handled by state and federal animal-health authorities.

Practical details discussed included whether the bill should limit fowl to owner-occupied properties, the number of birds allowed, lot-size considerations and whether ducks should be included; sponsors said they removed ducks from the current draft to secure municipal support and are open to technical changes such as permitting language and fencing standards.

Outcome and next steps: The committee heard extensive testimony from residents and municipal representatives. No formal committee vote was recorded; the bill sponsor said she would consider narrow amendments to address municipal concerns raised during the hearing.","Assembly Bill 42 would prohibit municipalities from banning a small number of backyard fowl (hens) on residential property while allowing local regulation of roosters, permitting and cleanliness standards; proponents cited food security and waste reduction, opponents raised concerns about local control and disease.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6418414,"Committee hears bill to protect residents' right to grow vegetable gardens on private property",1474,2030000,3504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2&start=2030&end=3504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2703406-2302c0e6c577938c4776fffd8fc70cd2/thumbnail_2030000.jpg","/articles/6418414/Committee-hears-bill-to-protect-residents-right-to-grow-vegetable-gardens-on-private-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6418414-7c23d712e8be0757d02b498c12d098b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770809732&Signature=Bh8OYM4Twt3c5dm21VThri-I6GdIG-1m6M~jbvua5yqDLjJeT2nQ~i1y9EbMymE84E74jHFhVzvhwi7q3vTnSc~iWX9g7G52t7zQsxco-3H-ZhAKHRnyPon8NCNtp3hwIZrh3rH9Zw2Nk4ZbVBL~LH33zwq894OaVNdS4M7vu7aOG5aLlf9VDY3rofVaXUCNfSqttpWmO0JbJDXtWZqH71j~9c1PRD-ZXiz700ecjfXFV~E1OHA-82Vlg~CULoNcx0962wlu1mPUCL33JcsmWjzTNHdczAwCQ~Nd1yGlxW~xqQm3NxSYXg4S4V2kH5~ob1Tx6Y0za4ONLirBkEwlww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Assembly Committee on Local Government held a hearing on Assembly Bill 41, the proposed \"Vegetable Garden Protection Act,\" which would prevent local units of government from prohibiting vegetable gardens on private residential property while allowing municipalities to adopt limited regulations related to water use, fertilizer, noxious weeds and other specified concerns.

Author Representative Sorrell, who introduced the bill, said the measure is modeled on Institute for Justice language and seeks to protect homeowners' ability to grow food for their families. \"This legislation does not affect certain municipal powers as long as it does not specifically regulate, prohibit vegetable gardens,\" Representative Sorrell told the committee.

Senator Jacques, speaking in support, said the measure balances property rights, pollinator protection and community standards and drew on constituent stories from listening sessions. \"This is about growing local. This is about local supply chains. This is about the local cost of food,\" the senator told the committee.

Questions centered on local control and whether the bill would preempt municipal ordinances such as condo association rules, permit requirements, size limits or cleanliness standards. Representative Vanderson and Representative Robling (members asked by name during the hearing) questioned whether the bill unduly restricts municipalities' ability to respond to local concerns; sponsors said they had tried to preserve basic municipal police powers (for example, to address noxious weeds, water use and public-safety zoning) while establishing a statewide right to garden on private property.

Supporters said the bill is intended to prevent situations in other states where gardeners faced enforcement actions, and that it allows municipalities to retain narrowly tailored regulation for health, safety, and reasonable cleanliness. Authors indicated they would consider limited amendments to address condominium rules, seasonal cleanup standards, or other narrow clarifications to help secure broader support.

Outcome and next steps: The committee heard testimony; no final committee vote was recorded during the hearing. Sponsors signaled openness to targeted edits to address municipal concerns.","Assembly Bill 41, described by sponsors as the \"Vegetable Garden Protection Act,\" would prohibit municipalities from banning vegetable gardens on private property while preserving limited municipal authority to regulate water, fertilizer, noxious weeds and public-safety controls.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DeForest seeks TID amendments and 10-year extension to support Buc-ee————————'s and industrial projects

Assembly hears bill to exempt Middleton TID limit to retain 1,800 jobs

Lawmakers weigh AB 42 to allow backyard hens statewide, with municipal limits retained

Committee hears bill to protect residents' right to grow vegetable gardens on private property