By Andrew Averill
The Badger Herald – Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Wisconsin Assembly took up a host of items on the chamber floor Thursday, including a constitutional amendment to create a rainy-day fund.

During freshman Rep. Travis Tranel’s, R-Cuba City, maiden address to the Assembly, he introduced a resolution to amend Wisconsin’s constitution in order to create a fiscal responsibility fund in the treasury. The Legislature would be required to deposit into the fund any amount of money from state tax collections in excess of 6.5 percent.

Money could be taken out of the fund with a two-thirds vote in the Legislature. If the governor says the national gross domestic product is estimated to decrease in the current or succeeding year, the Legislature can tap into the fund with a majority vote.

Tranel said the amendment was common sense.

“It basically recognizes that leaders in both parties have made mistakes, both Republicans and Democrats,” Tranel said to his colleagues on the chamber floor. “It’s very hard for us to be disciplined. When times are good, we want to spend all the money that comes into the state.’”

He added legislators had to be honest with themselves and understand times are not always going to be good. As a farmer in southwest Wisconsin, Tranel said bean and corn prices are going through the roof, but he recognized those prices would drop and he would have to save some of that money, and in the same vein the state should save its extra revenue as well.

Had the program been enacted 25 years ago, Tranel said a Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis of his amendment showed taxes would have been reduced by $8.6 billion and spending reduced by $9.7 billion.

Although in favor of the idea, Democrats introduced a number of amendments to the resolution they said would ensure the passage of the constitutional amendment in the next session.

Rep. Tony Staskunas, D-West Allis, offered all six of the amendments to the Assembly. He said he was concerned there was already a rainy-day fund created by Wisconsin statute and that the constitutional amendment was being sent through the Legislature in “grease lightning speed.” Staskunas said he wanted to get the proposal right, mentioning first how he did not understand why a supermajority would be required to take money out of the proposed fund.

“I’m not sure why a constitutional amendment would allow the minority to thwart the majority in regard to the state’s fiscal uncertainty,” Staskunas said.

Other concerns addressed in amendments offered by Staskunas included putting money into the fund even during years when aid is cut to counties and municipalities and K-12 education. The tax return contained within the constitutional proposal would only go to property owners, Staskunas said, and ignore people renting their home.

The proposal has been floated in the Legislature before, Assembly Majority Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, said, and it received statewide approval through newspaper editorial board endorsements.

“It’s human nature to spend when it’s good,” Fitzgerald said, adding later the constitutional amendment would control spending and stop the two year cycle of budget fighting.

The Badger Herald

Wisconsin lawmaker proposes legislation requiring that money is set aside during good economic times.

TELEGRAPH HERALD

Wisconsin state Rep. Travis Tranel, R-Cuba City, testified Thursday before the Wisconsin Ways and Means Committee in support of his bill called the Wisconsin First — Fiscal Responsibility and Stability Fund Amendment. It would create a constitutionally protected “rainy-day” fund in Wisconsin.

“Most families, farmers and small-business owners in the state of Wisconsin understand that there are good and bad economic cycles,” said Tranel. “When times are good, they plan for the future and put a small amount of money aside for emergencies. Maybe there is an illness in the family, a piece of machinery breaks, someone loses a job, or sales drop off suddenly. Having a “rainy-day” fund set aside for these tough times can help to weather the unexpected storm. It is common sense in my book.”

The state’s current rainy-day fund has not been properly funded over the years, according to Tranel. He said politicians from both parties have not had the fiscal discipline or foresight to consistently set aside tax dollars in good economic times.

“I think that by working to pass a constitutionally protected rainy-day fund today, we can prevent our state from finding itself in another very difficult financial situation in the future,” he said. “As our state’s economy begins to grow, it is only prudent that we look at enacting serious long-term budget reforms. I don’t want my kids and grandkids to have to go through the polarizing debates that we have seen taking place over the last few months up here at the Capitol.”

Here’s how Tranel’s bill would work:

• State tax collections in excess of 6.5 percent of statewide personal incomes are deposited into the Fiscal Responsibility Fund. If taxes are below that level, a small minimum deposit is made instead.
• During a recession, money can be withdrawn from the fund to help balance the budget.
• Any accumulated balance over a set maximum must be returned as a property tax credit.
• The fund can only be tapped in a recession, or during fiscal emergency when approved by two-thirds of the Legislature.

“Responsible budgeting and planning for the future is something that the citizens of my district told me that they wanted to see state government do,” Tranel said.

Telegraph Herald

WGLR NEWS – December 7, 2010

If Travis Tranel was hoping he could make an impact in the Wisconsin legislature as a freshman, he’ll get his chance right away. The newly elected Republican Representative from rural Hazel Green has appointed as the Vice-Chair of the State Assembly’s Agriculture Committee. Tranel says he’s humbled by the appointment, and excited to get to work on issues that benefit farmers and bring jobs to rural Wisconsin.

By the way, leadership on the Assembly’s Ag Committee are both from western Wisconsin. The chairman of the committee is Representative Lee Nerison of Westby, who represents the neighboring 96th Assembly District that includes Crawford, Vernon, Richland and Monroe Counties. Nerison is a former dairy producer.

Also, Tranel didn’t know for sure if he is the first freshman lawmaker to be appointed vice-chair of the Ag Committee.

—-dash—-

Tranel has also been appointed to the Assembly’s Financial Institutions Committee and the Insurance Committee.

BY CRAIG D. REBER TH STAFF WRITER

Wisconsin’s Republican Party tidal wave swept through the southwest part of the state, with the GOP regaining two Assembly seats and retaining an Assembly and a Senate seat.

Republican Travis Tranel, a rural Cuba City agribusinessman, unseated incumbent Phil Garthwaite, of Dickeyville, a two-term Democrat, in the 49th Assembly District. It was a rematch of 2008. Garthwaite conceded late Tuesday night.

“I feel very humbled,” said Tranel, 25. “My name was on the ballot, but it was a total team effort and I am just blessed to be part of a good team.”

Tranel ran on a campaign of fiscal responsibility.

“It’s nice to win, but now we have to govern and get the economy turned around,” he said. “We have to tackle the deficit and start planning for the future. We have to create jobs for not only southwest Wisconsin but for the entire state. Wisconsin has to be known for being open for business.”

In 2006, Garthwaite became the first Democrat since 1912 to win the seat for Assembly District 49, defeating incumbent Republican Gabe Loeffelholz.

“I ran a positive campaign, and positive campaigns don’t work,” he said. “People say they want them, but they bought into his lies; he got the flashy, fancy stuff out there and it stuck.”

Going into Tuesday, Democrats held a 52-46 majority in the Assembly and an 18-15 majority in the Senate.

In the 17th Senate District, incumbent Republican Dale Schultz, of Richland Center, defeated Democrat Carol Beals, a Grant County supervisor from Platteville.

“I’m glad it’s over, and now we have the opportunity to move the state forward and deal with the issues that are most important to people economy and jobs,” Schultz said, citing a plan on his website to address the situation.

Schultz, 57, was elected to the state Senate in a September 1991 special election and has been re-elected since 1994.

In the 51st Assembly District, Howard Marklein, of rural Spring Green, outlasted his Democratic challenger John Simonson, of Mineral Point.

The 51st Assembly seat was vacated when two-term incumbent Democrat Steve Hilgenberg announced his retirement because of health concerns.

Simonson, of Mineral Point, a retired University of Wisconsin-Platteville economics professor, was making his second bid at elective office.

Marklein, who lives in rural Spring Green, is making his first bid at elective office. He is a CPA and a certified fraud examiner.

“I am excited about the challenges ahead and to begin a life of public service,” he said. “We’ve got challenges in the state in the budget and job climate. We need to start getting those issues addressed very quickly.”

Incumbent Republican Lee Nerison turned back an upset bid by Democrat Brian Murphy, of Westby, in the 96th Assembly District.

Telegraph Herald

Telegraph Herald – Friday, October 29, 2010

FROM JAMES T. SCHNELLER, JR. 620 RIDGE AVE., PLATTEVILLE, WIS.

In his Oct. 27 letter, Mr. Wisnewski focuses on spending by outside groups for Travis Tranel.

In comparison, look at Greater Wisconsin Committee, a liberal special-interest group. Since August, they’ve spent over $200,000, with $30,000 on direct mail, $6,900 on radio, and $15,000 on cable. Now they’re spending $152,000 in negative network TV ads bashing Travis and Jack Cummings. Yes, $152,000!

What they’re spewing is ludicrous. They claim Travis will take away Social Security. He’s running for State Assembly; Social Security is a federal issue. State Assembly has nothing to do it. And Travis doesn’t oppose Social Security.

Does Greater Wisconsin Committee think they can buy this election for Garthwaite?

Where does Greater Wisconsin Committee’s funding come from? Jim Doyle donated $1.5 million, of which approximately $200,000 has been used to attack Travis.

Garthwaite voted for Doyle’s budget that increased spending by 10 percent, taxes by almost $5 billion, and cut rural education aids in order to spare cuts to Democrat Milwaukee. Is Doyle now bailing out Garthwaite, funneling campaign cash through Greater Wisconsin Committee?

Ignore all third-party nonsense. Look at the candidate’s words and actions. Tranel says he’ll cut wasteful spending, lower taxes and prioritize job creation. Garthwaite’s voting record shows he’s for increased government spending and taxes.

Telegraph Herald >>

The Truth-O-Meter Says:

Greater Wisconsin Committee Says Republican candidates in key Wisconsin Assembly races “side with those who want to privatize Social Security — and risk our retirements on Wall Street.”

Greater Wisconsin Committee on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 in radio ads and direct mail pieces

Group says Wisconsin Republican Assembly candidates want to privatize Social Security

Pants on Fire!

Worried about the future of Social Security? A liberal Wisconsin group is betting you are — or that it can make you worried before election day.

The Greater Wisconsin Committee and its Greater Wisconsin Political Fund are using mailers and radio ads to target Republican candidates in key 2010 races for the Wisconsin Assembly. Democrats outnumber Republicans there, 56-42.

The central theme of the attacks: The GOP Assembly candidates, like their Washington counterparts, want to privatize Social Security.

Yes, Social Security, that venerable federal program — one the state Assembly has no control over.

The wording of the attacks varies, but the claims are all similar to this one against Republican Travis Tranel, who is challenging Rep. Phil Garthwaite, D-Dickeyville.

“Travis Tranel,” a mail piece says, “sides with those who want to privatize Social Security — and risk our retirements on Wall Street.”

Lest anyone miss the point, the flier includes a man — presumably a fat-cat Wall Street banker or investor — lighting his cigar with a Social Security card that’s been set aflame.

There’s also an image of a magnifying glass inviting readers to “check the facts.”

Why, thank you. We will.

Asked to elaborate on her organization’s claims, Greater Wisconsin Committee executive director Michelle McGrorty offered two main points:

* In the group’s view, “A Roadmap for America’s Future” — U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to tackle the federal debt and deficits, and make significant changes to taxes, Medicare and Social Security — would privatize Social Security.

* Ryan, a Janesville Republican, has ties to the state GOP Assembly candidates targeted by the group.

At PolitiFact Wisconsin, this is familiar ground.

We gave Pants on Fire ratings to claims that GOP congressional candidates backed privatizing Social Security, when Democrats provided no proof beyond a sliced-and-diced statement and a two-word answer taken out of context.

Now state Assembly candidates? This could get good.

Let’s start with Ryan’s “Roadmap,” a plan that has helped put Ryan on the political map, but one that does not have universal support among the GOP leadership in Washington.

PolitiFact National examined the roadmap in August 2010, after President Barack Obama alluded to it in saying GOP leaders are backing privatization plans that would tie Social Security benefits “to the whims of Wall Street traders and the ups and downs of the stock market.”

If adopted, Ryan’s plan would enable workers under 55 to, voluntarily, invest a portion of their Social Security taxes in funds managed by the government. As Politifact National noted: “That’s a far cry from privatizing the entirety of Social Security.”

So, the Greater Wisconsin Committee is starting off on the wrong road with its claim about the roadmap.

As for the ties to Ryan, this is old-fashioned guilt by association … and there ain’t much association, at least when it comes to the Social Security issue.

* Tranel, a Cuba City dairy farmer, is making his second attempt to unseat Garthwaite, a second-term Assembly Democrat. The mail piece that claims he “sides with those who want to privatize Social Security” says its proof is a newspaper article. In the article, Tranel expresses admiration for Ryan — but there’s no mention of Social Security.

* Dennis Clinard, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant from Cataract, is seeking to unseat first-term Rep. Mark Radcliffe, D-Black River Falls. A flier says “Washington politicians who wants (sic) to privatize Social Security are the fund-raising muscle behind” Clinard’s campaign. The proof listed in the flier is Ryan’s appearance at a fundraiser for Clinard. It took in $7,250, according to a state GOP official, or about 15 percent of the $46,357 Clinard’s campaign has raised in 2010.

* Howard Marklein, a Wilson Creek accountant, is running for an open seat against Mineral Point Democrat John Simonson, a retired University of Wisconsin-Platteville economics professor. A mail piece says Marklein is “backed by Washington, D.C., politicians who want to privatize Social Security.” McGrorty said the proof is a picture of Ryan and Marklein on Marklein’s campaign website.

We could go on.

A GWC radio ad says some tea party candidates want to eliminate Social Security and “we have one right here, this guy Jack Cummings.” Cummings, an Endeavor farmer, is challenging first-term Rep. Fred Clark, D-Baraboo. McGrorty’s defense: The ad talks about a number of issues and doesn’t say that Cummings wants to eliminate Social Security.

Hmmm …. “We have one right here.”

(Senate Democrat Ted Zigmunt of Francis Creek also uses a flier to accuse his Republican opponent, Andre Jacque, of supporting privatization of Social Security. A campaign aide cited Jacque’s endorsement by the Republican Liberty Caucus, but no statement Jacque has made about Social Security.)

How do the targeted candidates respond to all of this?

Brian Pleva, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, said none of them supports — or has made statements in support of — privatizing or eliminating Social Security.

Why would they? They’re not running for Congress.

In any case, we could not find any such statements. And the Greater Wisconsin Committee could not provide any.

Indeed, on two of the fliers, one of the check-our-facts citations is a report by the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington. The report predicts cuts in Social Security benefits would result from Ryan’s plan, but that doesn’t address the question of privatization, and the report doesn’t mention the targeted candidates.

If you’re sensing a theme here, so are we.

In targeting Republicans in races that could shift the balance of power in the state Assembly, the Greater Wisconsin Committee is taking a page from the national Democratic playbook — and misusing it. To play to fears of seniors and others, the group labels a proposal from U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, as privatizing Social Security.

Even if the plan did privatize Social Security (in our view it does not), the group has offered no evidence that the GOP Assembly candidates back it. The “proof” cited borders on absurd: One candidate praised Ryan, one got his picture taken with him and a third had Ryan appear at his campaign fundraiser. Is that cigar still burning?

If not, we need a light, because the ruling is Pants on Fire.

Read Full Story >>

Telegraph Herald – Monday, October 25, 2010

BY THE TH EDITORIAL BOARD

The contest for Wisconsin’s Assembly District 49 seat is a rematch of the race two years ago pitting Republican Travis Tranel against incumbent Democrat Phil Garthwaite. Just like two years ago, we find Tranel to be the stronger candidate.

A rural Cuba City dairy farmer, Tranel has observed the Madison political system with a critical eye. At 25, he may lack the life experience his opponent has, but he makes up for it with keen observation and boundless energy. Tranel takes issue with what he considers reckless spending in Wisconsin state government. He backs up his concerns with documentation. In school spending, for instance, Tranel notes that rural schools — like virtually all of the schools in southwest Wisconsin — were hit hard by school aid formula cuts while Milwaukee area schools endured cuts far less severe. While some candidates complain about government with no specific suggestions on how to fix it, Tranel has ideas. He would take tax increases off the table until the economy recovers. He would expedite permits and hold off on new regulations that could be an impediment to new business endeavors or economic development projects. He suggests a dose of preventive medicine for the state: An amendment requiring state government to build up reserves in good times that could be dipped into during recessionary times. He’d rather see the state spend transportation dollars on roads than on passenger train projects. He sees opportunities for cost savings in shared services and embraces a more regional approach to economic development.

Garthwaite has proven to be a lawmaker who is not afraid to speak his mind. But much of the time, his opinion is in lockstep with Madison leadership. Garthwaite offers no argument to Tranel’s claim that the incumbent votes with Democratic Party leaders 96 percent of the time. On the partisanship question, Tranel has no track record to compare that to, and it should be noted his priorities largely dovetail with those of his party.

Garthwaite has some ideas worth further review: encouraging governmental entities (such as colleges and corrections facilities) to buy locally and offering tax breaks to those who invest in southwest Wisconsin start-up companies. In his four years in the Assembly, Garthwaite has learned how to work within the system and has done his share of negotiating. But Garthwaite fails to make the case that he is consistently voting with the priorities of southwest in mind.

In Tranel we see a young man with a vibrant political future. Is he a bit idealistic about what he can accomplish? Yes. But it’s refreshing to see someone who still believes that individuals can make a difference in politics. Given Tranel’s energy, enthusiasm and the diligence with which he has scrutinized the issues, he has made believers of us, too.

Editorials reflect the consensus of the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board.

Telegraph Herald >>

Telegraph Herald – Monday, October 25, 2010

FROM MARCELLA DANTI 105 N. GROVE ST., LIVINGSTON, WIS.

I have known Travis Tranel, 49th District Wisconsin Assembly candidate, for about five years. I know him to be an articulate, intelligent young man with lots of genuine enthusiasm, who knows and cares about the lawmaking process.

Travis has more than a farm background. He and his family are involved in the day-to-day business of farming. Therefore, legislation impacting agriculture will be of the utmost importance to him and his fellow farmers.

The Wisconsin teachers’ group known as WEAC is a labor union, pure and simple. My observation as a teacher for 30-plus years is that the candidate with a “D” behind his/her name is the candidate that received WEAC endorsement.

I believe that the union sets the ideas regarding education, not the candidate. As a result, this symbiotic relationship exists to the exclusive benefit of the Democratic candidate(s) and the teachers’ union.

A WEAC ad gave not Travis’ responses to specific questions, but what they reflected as to what his answers would be, based on the planks of the state Republican platform. While operating under the umbrella of precepts of the Republican Party, Mr. Tranel is quite capable of thinking and answering for himself, and is able to think independently.

Age and experience are factors, but they are not the most important factors. Respect of and for fellow legislators, the ability to formulate and articulate ideas and issues, and an ongoing quest to learn more about an issue are the important factors.

Telegraph Herald >>

DBA Board of Directors Posts Assembly Race Endorsements

Wisconsin Ag Connection – 10/20/2010

The board of directors for the Dairy Business Association has announce its endorsements of Assembly candidates for the upcoming general election. The organization says these candidates have shown their support for Wisconsin’s agriculture industry, which is responsible for employing one out of ten Wisconsin citizens and creates over $59 billion in economic activity each year.

Read more >>

Telegraph Herald – Friday, October 15, 2010

FROM ROWETTA FREESE 675 FLAMINGO LANE, HAZEL GREEN, WIS.