Wisconsin Farmers Union

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
Family farmers in Wisconsin comprise membership in our general farm organization. Education is the business of WFU.

Lobbying Interests:
All matters affecting agriculture, including farming, land use planning, property taxes, the environment, water quality and health insurance. Also, we expect to focus on transportation, the UW system and campaign finance reform.

CEO Name:
Susan Beitlich
Assistant Secretary

Contact
JS
Janet Sopiarz
117 W Spring St
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-5561
(715) 723-7011
wisconsinfarmersunion.com

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On
Susan Beitlich Exclusive Duties N/A Authorized On 1/24/2005 Withdrawn On N/A
Kathleen Vinehout Exclusive Duties N/A Authorized On 1/24/2005 Withdrawn On 1/17/2006

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 15
Assembly Bill 15
relating to: ethanol requirements in automotive gasoline, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/24/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 16
Assembly Bill 16
relating to: exempting amounts claimed for depreciation of farm equipment for purposes of calculating farm income under the Badger Care health care program.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
6/20/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 21
Assembly Bill 21
relating to: computing expense deductions and amortization and depreciation on property used in farming for income and franchise tax purposes.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 362

For
Notification Date
8/11/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 67
Assembly Bill 67
relating to: school transportation bio-diesel fuel cost assistance and making appropriations.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
6/20/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 119
Assembly Bill 119
relating to: exempting amounts claimed for depreciation for purposes of calculating farm and self-employment income under the Medical Assistance and Badger Care health care programs.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
6/20/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 125
Assembly Bill 125
relating to: the dairy investment tax credit.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
6/20/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 145
Assembly Bill 145
relating to: creating an income and franchise tax credit for livestock farm modernization or expansion.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/24/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 327
Assembly Bill 327
relating to: unincorporated cooperative associations, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
5/8/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 346
Assembly Bill 346
relating to: a sales tax and use tax exemption on tangible personal property used in the business of farming.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
8/11/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 437
Assembly Bill 437
relating to: requiring the conveyance of property to a public utility for the construction of electric transmission lines.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 24

Against
Notification Date
6/24/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 453
Assembly Bill 453
relating to: the sale of unpasteurized milk.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/6/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 454
Assembly Bill 454
relating to: excepting potluck events from the public health regulation of restaurants.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 348

For
Notification Date
9/6/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 600
Assembly Bill 600
relating to: creating a sales and use tax exemption for motor vehicles that use gasoline and ethanol mixtures as fuel.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/29/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 809
Assembly Bill 809
relating to: creating an income and franchise tax credit for motor vehicles that use gasoline and ethanol mixtures as fuel.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
12/15/2005
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.
Assembly Bill 834
Assembly Bill 834
relating to: health care coverage.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/3/2006
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.
Assembly Bill 1186
Assembly Bill 1186
relating to: unincorporated cooperative associations, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 441

Against
Notification Date
5/2/2006
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.
Senate Bill 15
Senate Bill 15
relating to: ethanol requirements in automotive gasoline, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/8/2005
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.
Senate Bill 28
Senate Bill 28
relating to: school district revenue limits and levy limits for cities, villages, towns, counties, and technical college districts.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
7/12/2005
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.
Senate Bill 39
Senate Bill 39
relating to: school transportation bio-diesel fuel cost assistance and making appropriations.

Bill Text and History

2005 Wisconsin Act 43

For
Notification Date
6/20/2005
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.
Senate Bill 215
Senate Bill 215
relating to: regulating the minimum price of motor vehicle fuel.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
6/20/2005
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.
Senate Bill 416
Senate Bill 416
relating to: health care coverage.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/3/2006
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.

Budget Bill Subjects

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

Notification Date
3/24/2005
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
conservation funding; cost sharing for nutrient management; funding for county conservation & special positions

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
3/24/2005
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.

Miscellaneous Appropriations
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Miscellaneous Appropriations

Notification Date
5/30/2005
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
preserve Focus on Energy funnding

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

livestock premises registration
Agency Name
Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Subject
livestock premises registration
Scope Statement
Register Number: 580 (5/1/2004)
Clearinghouse Rule: CR 04-103
For
Notification Date
3/24/2005
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.

nutrient management on farms
Agency Name
Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Subject
nutrient management on farms
Scope Statement
Register Number: 581 (5/15/2004)
Clearinghouse Rule: CR 05-013
Other
Notification Date
3/24/2005
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.

standards for siting and expanding livestock facilities
Agency Name
Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Subject
standards for siting and expanding livestock facilities
Scope Statement
Register Number: 581 (5/15/2004)
Clearinghouse Rule: CR 05-014
Against
Notification Date
3/24/2005
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

Bioindustry Consortium Recommendation
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Bioindustry Consortium Recommendation

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
1/29/2007
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.

Interstate Shipment of Meat Recommendation
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Interstate Shipment of Meat Recommendation

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
1/29/2007
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.

Working Lands Initiative Recommendation
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Working Lands Initiative Recommendation

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
1/29/2007
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.

Implementation of the Governor's Task Force Recommendations on Renewable Energy
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Implementation of the Governor's Task Force Recommendations on Renewable Energy

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
7/12/2005
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.

Regulation of the secondary containment of fertilizers and pesticides on farms
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Regulation of the secondary containment of fertilizers and pesticides on farms

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
7/12/2005
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.

State Preemption of local government on fertilizer & genetically modified seed
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
State Preemption of local government on fertilizer & genetically modified seed

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
7/12/2005
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.

Wisconsin Health Project - comprehensive health care reform
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Wisconsin Health Project - comprehensive health care reform

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
6/20/2005
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.

change in cooperative law; proposed second cooperative law
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
change in cooperative law; proposed second cooperative law

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative Matter

Notification Date
3/24/2005
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.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2005
January - June
$18,343.08
2005
July - December
$19,142.67
2006
January - June
$3,653.35
2006
July - December
$1,231.04
Total $42,370.13
Total Hours Communicating 2005
January - June
121.50
2005
July - December
86.00
2006
January - June
34.00
2006
July - December
9.00
Total 250.50
Total Hours Other 2005
January - June
435.00
2005
July - December
345.50
2006
January - June
60.00
2006
July - December
0.00
Total 840.50

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

relating to: school district revenue limits and levy limits for cities, villages, towns, counties, and technical college districts.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
5%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 3%
relating to: creating an income and franchise tax credit for livestock farm modernization or expansion.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
5%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 3%
relating to: ethanol requirements in automotive gasoline, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
12%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
10%
2006
July - December
Total 7%
relating to: ethanol requirements in automotive gasoline, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
13%
2005
July - December
12%
2006
January - June
10%
2006
July - December
Total 12%
relating to: unincorporated cooperative associations, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
15%
2005
July - December
76%
2006
January - June
60%
2006
July - December
Total 43%
relating to: health care coverage.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
3%
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 1%
relating to: creating an income and franchise tax credit for motor vehicles that use gasoline and ethanol mixtures as fuel.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
4%
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 2%
relating to: the sale of unpasteurized milk.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
5%
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 2%
relating to: unincorporated cooperative associations, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
20%
2006
July - December
Total 2%

Budget Bill Subjects

2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 1%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 1%

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
5%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 3%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
5%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 3%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
5%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 3%

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 1%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
2%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 1%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
10%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 5%
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
10%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total 5%

Minor Efforts

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

Minor Efforts
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
4%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
99%
Total 3%

Other Matters

Includes time spent on:

  • Gubernatorial nominations
  • Matters on which the organization made no lobbying communication

Other Matters
2005
January - June
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
Total
2005
January - June
3%
2005
July - December
2006
January - June
2006
July - December
1%
Total 2%

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures