MADISON, WI -- Today the Wisconsin State Senate passed four bills authored by Senator Romaine Robert Quinn (R-Cameron) that support residents in Northwest Wisconsin.
Quinn’s bills on today’s Senate calendar protect consumers from predatory financial agreements, help homeowners replace lead lines, support counties with forest management, and improve efficiency in town governments.
Homeowners around the country, including in Wisconsin, have been targeted by deceptive business practices labeled as “homeowner benefit programs,” which promise a quick influx of cash but can leave owners devastated later.
Senate Bill 172 protects consumers from entering into predatory financial agreements that exploit property owners by giving them cash but take out a lien on their property.
“Passing this bill is a necessary step to protect consumers from schemers who exploit property ownership for unjust financial gain,” Quinn said.
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Senate Bill 56 provides a simple fix in state law to allow Superior’s water utility to be eligible for federal funding that will offset a significant portion of service line replacement costs for both utility customers and the utility.
“Safe drinking water is important to all Wisconsinites no matter which part of the state you live in,” Quinn said. “Superior is a long way from the State Capitol in Madison, but its residents should not be forgotten when it comes to accessing the same eligibility and funding that assists the rest of Wisconsin.”
Current law allows counties that have land designated as county forests to receive grants to help fund a county forest administrator position. SB 158 will give counties a greater applicant pool to hire and retain qualified county foresters by allowing work experience to be considered with other levels of schooling.
“Times have changed since rigid requirements were put into place and today there are more options for well-qualified individuals to receive education and work experience,” Quinn said.
Senate Bill 215 provides important updates to state statutes making it more efficient for town governments to operate, including how vacancies are filled.
“Current statutes specific to town governments are cumbersome and unclear,” Quinn said. “This legislation simply enhances efficiency and responsiveness in town governments for the benefit of all town residents.”
The bills will be sent to the State Assembly for consideration in that house.
“All of these common-sense measures have real impact for the people of Northwest Wisconsin, Quinn said. “It is my hope my colleagues in the State Assembly will agree and ultimately that Governor Evers will see fit to sign them into law.”
Last Update: May 15, 2025 2:33 pm CDT
