Wisconsin Senator Pat Testin, is sounding off on huge fee hikes being proposed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for licenses granted to operate the states livestock marketing yards and support industries like livestock hauling.  "Bonehead" is the phrase Testin uses to describe the fee increases - some increasing by as much as 1666%.

In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, Testin explains the frustration he feels over DATCP Proposed Changes to ATCP10 and ATCP 12. These proposed fee increases range from 205% to nearly 1,700%!  He says he feels powerless after a Supreme Court ruling that basically allows regulatory agencies like WDATCP to move forward on rule changes like this, with no interaction from elected officials.  Testin says he has heard from many different facets of the states livestock industry, but can do nothing to persuade WDATCP to reconsider this "bonehead" move.  Testin says he's encouraging all livestock operations and anyone connected to the industry to voice their concerns before October 14th.

Testin is also waiting for direction on another matter that's dividing communities.  The development of large tracts of valuable farmland into solar arrays.  Testin says he and Representative Scott Krug, 72nd Assembly District (R-Rome), are investigating new ways to help lower Wisconsinites utility bills without gobbling up high-value, productive farmland.  Testin says the community solar legislation they're advancing would empower local communities by giving farmers the option to lease small, unused portions of their land for solar projects—creating new income streams while expanding access to clean energy.

He also stresses that these bills give local towns and municipalities control over siting and approval for community solar projects, cut energy prices, and ensure more competition and more choices for Wisconsin families—getting shovels in the ground for a stronger, fairer energy future.

Wisconsin is a net importer of energy and currently has some of the most expensive energy costs in the Midwest. Testin says his bill will allow for more energy options to be used to address the situation.