OPINION The Hypocrisy of the WMC

The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce has a long history as one of the big dogs among state lobbying groups, and with the decline of the state teachers union, is arguably now number one. So it’s extraordinary to see just how partisan and ideological it has become in the last five years or so.

Years ago the WMC was more careful to cultivate both sides of the aisle in the state legislature. After all, there is nothing partisan about the state economy; we all want a growing economy and more jobs. And while Republicans are typically more pro-business, there have always been Democrats who take a pro-business line. One of the biggest tax breaks in state history, the Machinery & Equipment Exemption, was passed by Democratic Gov. Pat Lucey. And while Gov. Jim Doyle and his Secretary of Commerce Cory Nettles championed a big business giveaway through the CAPCO bill, Republican Glenn Grothman, then a state senator, successfully maneuvered to kill it.

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Ken Notes: I do wish WMC had a way to communicate the diverse opinions of it`s membership rather than take such strong political stands on issues that may or may not reflect the opinions of the membership. I believe they have lost much of their credibility over the years because of this and I know several businesses are upset by the practice. I much prefer the WASB`s (school board association) use of a policy and resolutions committee to draft resolutions and then have the membership vote on them. In fact I would go a step further and include the percent it pass by.