Craig Wood Stove Freedom and Credit Union Modernization Bills Signed into Law

Gov. Walker signing a bill.

Madison, Wis. – Yesterday, Governor Scott Walker signed into law two bills authored by Representative David Craig (R-Town of Vernon). The first bill, Assembly Bill 25, is in response to New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) enacted by the Obama Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that placed higher emission standards on wood stoves and other similar devices which in turn will make them more expensive for Wisconsinites.  Rep. Craig reacted to the signing:

“Governor Walker’s signing is a positive step in the fight to protect Wisconsinites from EPA overreach. Wisconsin is among the top ten states nationwide for households that rely on wood stoves for heat. In its deliberations, the EPA itself recognized that the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) will result in significant cost increases to wood stove manufacturers which will be passed on to consumers.” Craig continued, “My legislation helps mitigate the EPA’s action by making sure Wisconsin state tax dollars will not be used to implement the EPA’s bad policy and that no future state standard can be created without the legislature’s approval.”

Governor Walker also signed Assembly Bill 807, which modernizes the state statutes regulating credit unions. The bill helps state-chartered credit unions compete with their federally-chartered counterparts by giving state-chartered credit unions the same ability to manage fixed assets and charitable giving that federally-chartered credit unions have. Additionally, this legislation removes the burdensome requirement that any financial institution receive permission from the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) before placing an ATM. This legislation gives DFI the discretion to choose whether or not to accept federal regulator exams by the National Credit Union Administration for statutorily required exams if conducted within a reasonable time period. Finally, this legislation makes a number of changes to the statutes that govern the inner workings of credit unions and their boards that will help streamline the operations of state-chartered credit unions.

“This legislation is an important step in making our state-chartered credit unions competitive with their federal counterparts. Financial institutions are an important part of the Wisconsin economy and we need to continue modernizing the statutes at the state level to ensure our laws are not impeding economic growth.”

Rep. Craig represents the 83^rd Assembly District which is comprised of portions of Waukesha, Walworth, Racine and Milwaukee Counties.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by State Sen. David Craig

Statement on Extension of “Shelter-in-place” to May 26th

Apr 16th, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

Sen. Craig: “Evers and Palm have gone too far! The Senate must reject Palm now!”

Senator Craig Statement on Governor Evers’ Shelter-in-place Order

Mar 23rd, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

Madison, WI — Today, State Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) released the following statement relating to Governor Tony Evers’ Shelter-in-Place Order: “A decision of such magnitude like a ‘shelter-in-place’ order, regardless of what the government calls it, should only be established through the surety and specificity of an act of the legislature because of its extreme effects on Wisconsin families and businesses. Such action could stem the tide of confusion and anxiety being experienced by employers and employees all across the state. “Further, Governor Evers needs to articulate the specific information he received which caused contradiction between his Friday statement ‘I believe that we’ll be able to avoid [a shelter-in-place order]’ and today’s statement that he will make such an order effective tomorrow. “Additionally, last week I requested the Governor and Attorney General provide details as to how the government’s actions abide by the constitutional strict scrutiny that is required. Their continued silence on these issues is unacceptable given the precipitously negative impacts on civil rights and the economy. “Because of the Governor’s extreme step, I believe the legislature should consider the following protections for Wisconsin citizens: Require legislative approval of any statewide “shelter-in-place” order for reasons of pandemic or infectious disease Require legislative passive review of any “Emergency Declaration” after 30 days, with affirmative approval needed for a state of emergency lasting longer than 60 days Require a written report detailing the satisfaction of strict scrutiny concerns be given to the legislature prior to a ban of gatherings of 50 or fewer is to be in effect Require an immediate report to the legislature of arrests for mass gathering violations “The constitution was not designed to be disregarded in a time of crisis, in fact, it was specifically designed to be most valuable and applicable during times of crisis when liberties are most at risk.”

Sen. Craig Responds to Gov. Evers’ State of the State Address

Jan 22nd, 2020 by State Sen. David Craig

“Republican legislative majorities will continue to take a commonsense approach and govern responsibly by limiting government overreach while supporting a free-market economy, which is the very recipe that has led to one of the most prosperous decades in state history.”