Wisconsin Sustainable Jobs Act Approved by Committee

Bill Will Create Jobs, Reduce Energy Costs, Build Weatherization Industry

Rep. Corey Mason

Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Sustainable Jobs Act (WSJA), Assembly Bill 755, authored by Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine), was approved yesterday by the Assembly Committee on Jobs, the Economy, and Small Business. The bill was approved on a bipartisan 8-5 vote.

The WSJA will create family-supporting jobs throughout the state in the growing weatherization industry, and allow Wisconsin to make important investments in energy conservation. The bill also expands municipalities’ ability to make PACE (property assessed clean energy) loans to homeowners, landlords, businesses, hospitals, schools, etc. to fund energy efficiency projects.

“Everyone wants to make their home or business more energy efficient,” said Representative Mason. “But in this economy, no one has thousands of dollars lying around to make those investments. This bill leverages federal stimulus dollars and private capital to make energy retrofits a reality, and to create highquality jobs to do this important work.”

The bill is supported by, among others: Johnson Controls, Inc., Wisconsin AFL-CIO, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Wisconsin Laborers District Council, IBEW Local 2150, IBEW Construction Electrician Local Unions, Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter, and the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association.

The bill is now available to be scheduled for a vote before the full Assembly. “I am encouraged by yesterday’s bipartisan committee action, and by the broad coalition that has emerged in support of this legislation. I’m looking forward to the bill’s passage during this legislative session.” concluded Rep. Mason.

Posted @ 9:03 p.m.