Working the Federal Spending for Wisconsin's Benefit

Marc Eisen made an invaluable contribution to the current discussion about Wisconsin's economic climate with his Isthmus article,  State of Chumps:

...I think the late Sen. Bill Proxmire — not genetics — is mostly to blame. But however you apportion responsibility, the legacy is the same: Wisconsin does wretchedly as a recipient of federal spending...

Insiders offer a matter-of-fact explanation for Wisconsin's dearth of federal spending. The state doesn't have any big military bases, so we don't get all those military salaries and big defense contracts. And those big federal regional offices wind up in Chicago and not in Milwaukee. So, of course, we don't get a lot of bucks from Uncle Sam. End of story...

Eisen is right. This story was written forty years ago; it was written thirty years ago. The insiders however, do not have to be right.

The lack of military bases does hurt our opportunities - but Bill Proxmire is dead and there are alternative sources of revenues.

For one thing we need to play to our strengths and do so aggressively. In areas of research with the entire University of Wisconsin system especially related to agriculture and genetics there are opportunities. Coordination and political as well as academic and business resources must be utilized.

In addition, the urban communities need to refocus. Despite his strong advocacy for cities, former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist rejected federal aid and even mocked cities that pursued it. That lead to his leaving the U.S. Conference of Mayors.  Fortunately, present Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett brought his city back into that organization.

Other key Wisconsin cities like Madison and Green Bay are no longer members. That is unfortunate. During both of of my tenures as mayor (1973-79, 1989-1997), Madison played an active and vigorous role.

It benefited the city greatly, and some will recall the praise we often received for the significant federal dollars that came to Madison.

First, the US Conference of Mayors gets involved in the drafting of legislation - legislation with critical formulas that determine funding. Cities like Madison were critical to getting legislative support and adoption of the block grant, transit and other programs. The larger cities knew they needed Congressional support from areas like Madison, Wisconsin. Since we were equitably treated in the funding formulas, we worked vigorously for adoption.

Secondly, our contacts with the Conference were invaluable when we were looking for discretionary funding. The experience of the staff along with our own resources led to numerous successes.

I know Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewiz has reservations about some of the corporate funding sources for the organization, but I would suggest he reconsider and consult with Mayor Barrett.

Meantime, Eisen is correct about past failures, but futility in procuring federal dollars is not inevitable.

 

Comments

[Belleville]

Lets not all point the fingers at the past. Bill Proxmire liked the limelight. Its the current elected representatives that reflect Wisconsin we must be concerned about. Federal revenues returing to states, 18% of that is military, so thats not entirely the issue. Wisconsin has no clout in DC even though we have re-elected several to senior status. We as people need to get elected officials that can get things done for the greater good of the state or get rid of them. Its as simple as that. Only than can will the DC country club actually invite Wisconsin to play instead of the current status, bring the brats and beer.

[R.J.]

This won't be good for us suckers either (unless you're part of the lobbying world):
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/10/13/13climatewire-epa-document-creates-crossfire-between-midwe-43213.html

And guess who voted FOR it.

[Soapbox Jill]

One word sums up the grab for federal money (ie: taxpayer dollars) and that is groveling. Yeah, yeah more would benefit the state, yadda yadda. But a better way to "get" money into Wisconsin is improve the business climate and CUT GOVERNMENT at all levels. Like that's ever going to happen.