I wonder if every American citizen who has jumped on the Al Gore bandwagon of global warming got just half as excited about our business climate, would Wisconsin be facing such high unemployment rates? Would Wisconsin be faced with so many businesses closing up shop and moving out of state?
First I must put forth this disclaimer. I do not believe in man-made global warming. I do, however, believe in climate change (there is a difference). If we are in a cycle of warming, then that’s just the condition of the earth and the sun that we must assimilate. This opinion has not come lightly. I have studied at least 100+ hours, listening to both the liberal and conservative sides.
But let’s talk about our nation’s business climate or more specifically Wisconsin’s business climate. Wisconsin still has all the tools it needs to be a powerhouse in the Midwest, whether it be manufacturing, dairy, biosciences or mining equipment – Wisconsin has it all. But it seems we have forgotten the old 20-80 rule that 20 percent of our good businesses will provide 80 percent of our jobs and revenue. We must continue the great Wisconsin tradition to make it, mine it and milk it.
Cap-and-trade, also known as emissions trading, is a program to control pollution by providing economic incentives to businesses for reducing their pollutants. If the Wisconsin Legislature decides to embrace cap-and-trade and burden our businesses and our consumers, I am fearful that this will be the most lucrative governmental taxing scheme that we have ever seen. And to make it worse, government would soon become reliant on the revenue, and the original mission of helping our environment would become secondary.
Wisconsinites must begin to see that there is a difference between cap-and-trade, or "being green," and becoming energy efficient. Yes, we can become more energy efficient without sacrificing our economy. Think about it, and quickly!
State Rep. Mark Honadel (R-South Milwaukee) represents the 21st Assembly District, which includes the cities of Oak Creek and South Milwaukee and two wards of the City of Milwaukee. He serves as the Republican ranking member on the State Assembly Labor Committee.
