WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. 14 COVER STORY As we kick off a new year, the Alliance is pleased to share our 2023 policy agenda and priorities, the cumulation of several months of research and discussion with our Policy Board and three policy committees. The coming year presents challenges; some new and some familiar. With a potential recession on the horizon and inflationary pressures, it is more important than ever that our organization works to support a strong business climate in Waukesha County, the region and the state. Workforce challenges continue to torment the business community. The lack of available skilled labor is a very real challenge facing nearly every business in every industry. In an effort to retain (and attract) employees, businesses are facing unprecedented wage increases. However, 2023 offers opportunities as well. This is a budget year for Wisconsin, which operates on a biennial budget. The budget process will offer opportunities to make progress on some of the critical policy priorities identified in this year’s Alliance policy agenda. In addition, there are several new state legislators in the Waukesha County area, with whom we look forward to developing a relationship. As a state, Wisconsin is currently estimated to have a $7.1 billion budget surplus, as estimated by the nonpartisan legislative fiscal bureau, marking it the largest budget surplus in Wisconsin history. The Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic Governor Tony Evers will need to determine how to spend the money. Existing proposals floated by both include moving Wisconsin to a flat-income tax state, middle class tax cuts, additional funding for K-12 schools, and nearly POLICY AGENDA ALLIANCE OUTLINES 2023 AMANDA PAYNE Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Waukesha County Business Alliance COVER STORY
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