Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG)

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
WISPIRG advocates on behalf of the public on issues like environmental protection, consumer protection and democracy.

Lobbying Interests:
WISPIRG may attempt to influence legislation and rules on issues of water protection, toxics, air quality, solid waste, campaign finance reform, voting laws, higher education, financial laws, agriculture policy and consumer advocacy.

Title:
State Director

Contact
JG
Jennifer Giegerich
1050 Regent St, Ste L2
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 251-1918
(608) 287-0865
jennifer@wispirg.org
www.wispirg.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On
Kerry Schumann Exclusive Duties N/A Authorized On 1/14/2003 Withdrawn On 9/12/2003
Jennifer Giegerich Exclusive Duties N/A Authorized On 9/16/2003 Withdrawn On N/A

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 84
Assembly Bill 84
relating to: the use of a person's social security number in his or her student identification number at a private institution of higher education.

Bill Text and History

2003 Wisconsin Act 282

For
Notification Date
4/2/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WISPIRG supports protecting students' privacy by banning the use of social security numbers for student ID numbers.
Assembly Bill 187
Assembly Bill 187
relating to: the newspaper recycling fee and the recycled content of newsprint used in newspapers.

Bill Text and History

2003 Wisconsin Act 106

Against
Notification Date
4/2/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WISPIRG opposes this attempt to weaken recycled content standards for newspapers.
Assembly Bill 207
Assembly Bill 207
relating to: banning smoking in and around University of Wisconsin System residence halls and dormitories and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

2003 Wisconsin Act 268

For
Notification Date
4/2/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WISPIRG supports protecting the health of students by banning smoking in all UW-System dormitories.
Assembly Bill 228
Assembly Bill 228
relating to: environmental compliance audits, environmental management systems, providing incentives for improving environmental performance, providing immunity from civil penalties for certain violations of environmental requirements, access to certain in...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
4/22/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
AB228 weakens compliance and enforcement of Wisconsin's environmental laws.
Assembly Bill 278
Assembly Bill 278
relating to: prohibiting the use of information in credit reports for issuing or setting premiums for motor vehicle or property insurance.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/14/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
The use of credit scores in determining insurance premiums is without merit and unfairly penalizes consumers.
Assembly Bill 555
Assembly Bill 555
relating to: requirements for approval of construction of nuclear power plants.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
12/12/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
Current law requires appropriate coniderations of long-term waste disposal and life-cycle costs of operating nuclear plants and should be kept.
Assembly Bill 655
Assembly Bill 655
relating to: administrative rules, guidelines, policies, and hearings; air pollution control; structures, deposits, and other activities in or near navigable waters; notice, hearing, and review procedures related to permits to place structures and material...

Bill Text and History

2003 Wisconsin Act 118

Against
Notification Date
11/24/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This legislation undermines many key public health, environmental, and consumer protection laws.
Senate Bill 61
Senate Bill 61
relating to: environmental compliance audits, environmental management systems, providing incentives for improving environmental performance, providing immunity from civil penalties for certain violations of environmental requirements, access to certain in...

Bill Text and History

2003 Wisconsin Act 276

Against
Notification Date
4/22/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
SB61 weakens compliance and enforcement of Wisconsin's environmental laws.
Senate Bill 68
Senate Bill 68
relating to: requiring electors to present identification in order to vote at a polling place.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
4/2/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WISPIRG opposes weakening WI voting laws. By requiring a photo ID to vote, this bill adds an obstacle to voting.
Senate Bill 100
Senate Bill 100
relating to: administrative rule making regarding small businesses, data used by administrative agencies in preparing proposed rules, increasing attorney fees, creating an Internet site for proposed rules, and creating a Small Business Regulatory Review Bo...

Bill Text and History

2003 Wisconsin Act 145

Against
Notification Date
9/22/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WISPIRG opposes SB 100 because Small Business Regulatory Review Board can suspend any regulation based solely on cost, rather than also factoring behefits to public health and environmental protection.
Senate Bill 246
Senate Bill 246
relating to: periods in which state agencies will act on certain applications, approval of certain applications, refunds of fees, and granting rule-making authority.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
9/22/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
WISPIRG opposes SB 246 because an agency may be foreced to automatically issue a permit if they cannot meet a issuance deadline despite impacts to public health and the environment.
Senate Bill 313
Senate Bill 313
relating to: administrative rules, guidelines, policies, and hearings; air pollution control; structures, deposits, and other activities in or near navigable waters; notice, hearing, and review procedures related to permits to place structures and material...

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/24/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Comments
This bill undermines many key public health, environmental, and consumer protection laws.

Budget Bill Subjects

Administration: Agency Services
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Administration: Agency Services

Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG supports the state implementing energy conservation measures in order to save money.

Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Departmentwide and Resource Management
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Departmentwide and Resource Management

Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG supports consolidating all DATCP environmental progams into DNR.

Commerce: Building and Environmental Regulation
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Commerce: Building and Environmental Regulation

Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG supports consolidating all DOC environmental programs into DNR.

Natural Resources: Air, Waste and Contaminated Land
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Natural Resources: Air, Waste and Contaminated Land

Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG opposes the property tax exemption for industrial waste treatment. WISPIRG supports raising clean air permit fees and recycling fees.

Natural Resources: Forestry and Parks
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Natural Resources: Forestry and Parks

Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG opposes the sales tax exemption for logging equipment and the property tax break for lands used for logging.

Natural Resources: Water Quality
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Natural Resources: Water Quality

Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG supports modernizing the motorboat gas tax from 50 gallons per year per boat to 75-100 gallons.

Transportation: Other Divisions
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Transportation: Other Divisions

Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG supports replacing major raod-building projects with safety improvements until an audit is done of DOT's road-building plans.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

Control of mercury air emissions.
Agency Name
Natural Resources
Subject
Control of mercury air emissions.
Scope Statement
Register Number: 542 (2/15/2001)
Clearinghouse Rule: CR 01-081
Against
Notification Date
2/6/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WISPIRG opposes the emissions credit trading portion of these rules, and calls for 90% mercury reductions by 2010, rather than 2015.
NR 115 – Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program.
Agency Name
Natural Resources
Subject
NR 115 – Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program.
Scope Statement
Register Number: 548 (9/1/2001)
Clearinghouse Rule: CR 05-058
For
Notification Date
8/2/2004
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Reducing environmental regulations for industry.
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Reducing environmental regulations for industry.

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
5/22/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Banning the use of credit scores to determine insurance premiums or eligibility for insurance.
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Banning the use of credit scores to determine insurance premiums or eligibility for insurance.

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
2/5/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

The creation of a subsidy reporting system in order to evaluate the success of state subsidies to private entities.
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
The creation of a subsidy reporting system in order to evaluate the success of state subsidies to private entities.

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
2/5/2003
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

NR445-Regulation of toxic air emissions. WISPIRG supports expanding the list of regulated toxic air emissions. However, WISPIRG is concerned that new provisions in the rule will weaken compliance and enforcement against polluters.
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
NR445-Regulation of toxic air emissions. WISPIRG supports expanding the list of regulated toxic air emissions. However, WISPIRG is concerned that new provisions in the rule will weaken compliance and enforcement against polluters.

Action Intended To Affect
Rule (by a state agency)

Notification Date
8/23/2002
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG)

Total Lobbying Effort

  2004
January - June
2004
July - December
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2004
January - June
$11,452.77
2004
July - December
$50.70
Total $11,503.47
Total Hours Communicating 2004
January - June
19.00
2004
July - December
1.50
Total 20.50
Total Hours Other 2004
January - June
57.00
2004
July - December
2.00
Total 59.00

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

relating to: environmental compliance audits, environmental management systems, providing incentives for improving environmental performance, providing immunity from civil penalties for certain violations of environmental requirements, access to certain information, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
2004
July - December
Total
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
10%
2004
July - December
Total 10%
relating to: requirements for approval of construction of nuclear power plants.
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
2004
July - December
Total
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
10%
2004
July - December
Total 10%
relating to: administrative rules, guidelines, policies, and hearings; air pollution control; structures, deposits, and other activities in or near navigable waters; notice, hearing, and review procedures related to permits to place structures and materials and to conduct activities in or near navigable waters; nonmetallic mining reclamation financial assurances; strategic energy assessments; partial deregulation of telecommunications services; contributions by electric and gas utilities to the utility public benefits fund; grants for energy conservation and other programs; reciprocal agreements for real estate licenses; comprehensive planning by local governmental units; fees imposed by political subdivisions; the confidentiality of patient health care records; apprentice-to-journeyman job-site ratios; the acquisition of in-state banks and in-state bank holding companies; credit agreements; extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures; and granting rule-making authority.
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
2004
July - December
Total
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
75%
2004
July - December
Total 72%

Budget Bill Subjects

No budget bill subjects found.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
2004
July - December
Total
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
5%
2004
July - December
Total 5%

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

No topics found.

Minor Efforts

(Time spent on matters each of which accounted for less than 10% of the organization's lobbying.)

Minor Efforts
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
2004
July - December
Total
2003
January - June
2003
July - December
2004
January - June
2004
July - December
100%
Total 4%

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures