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*UPDATE: In February 2009, Governor Jim Doyle proposed a massive expansion of joint and several liability in Wisconsin as part of the state budget. WMC launched a grassroots and media lobbying campaign to oppose the proposal that would have allowed 100 percent liability for 1 percent fault. WMC worked as part of a vast coalition of business and other interests to oppose the proposal. Faced with daunting odds as both houses of the Legislature are controlled by the governor’s party, WMC delivered a winning message to Wisconsin that lawsuit abuse would jeopardize jobs. The people of Wisconsin spoke out, and the joint and several liability expansion was dropped from the state budget.
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WMC has launched a statewide media campaign aimed at keeping joint and several liability out of the state budget and hailing lawmakers who fought the proposal. WMC Radio Ad: WMC Hails Sheridan, Erpenbach (mp3 file)
WMC Radio Ad: WMC Hails Molepske, Lassa (mp3 file)
WMC Radio Ad: WMC Hails Hubler (mp3 file)
WMC Radio Ad: Call Sullivan, Carpenter on Joint and Several (mp3 file)
WMC Radio Ad: Call Vinehout on Joint and Several (mp3 file)
WMC Radio Ad: Call Kreitlow on Joint and Several (mp3 file)
WMC Newspaper Ad (pdf file)
WMC Radio Ads Oppose Liability Expansion in State Budget:
Radio Ad #1 (One Percent)
Radio Ad #2 (Tyrol Basin)
WMC Petition Drive
WMC launched a petition drive that garnered more than 4,000 signatures opposing joint and several liability, $3 billion in higher taxes, and other provisions of the state budget. The petition drive drew the attention of The Wall Street Journal, which said the business community was urging “an urgent rethink.”
Over 4,000 Sign Petition Against Tax Hikes, Liability Expansion (6/18/09)
WMC Delivers More than 2,100 Petitions to Assembly, Gov (6/09/09)
Listen to the WMC radio ads:
New Ad: " Sa ve Jobs for Our Families #2 " (mp3 file)
"Save Jobs for Our Families" (mp3 file)
Major business liability expansions are buried deep in the 1743-page Wisconsin State budget bill Assembly Bill 75 (AB 75). These policy changes will dramatically change Wisconsin’s regulatory climate, tilting the scales of justice away from judicial fairness toward more litigation, more damages awards and ultimately to a less competitive Wisconsin business climate.
Click here to send a message to your Legislator ask them to support removing these damaging provisions from the State Budget Bill.
WANTED: Businesses to Sue
Timebomb For Your Business
WFEA Compensatory and Punitive Damages
Wisconsin newspapers are opposed to Liability Expansion. Click here to read more.
Background Material:
Wisconsin Dodges Liability Bullet -- For Now (6/29/09)
Over 4,000 Sign Petition Against Tax Hikes, Liability Expansion (06/18/2009)
WMC Insight: Liability Expansion Debate Continues in the State Budget
Wisconsin Business Community United Against State Budget (6/09/09)
Wisconsin Civil Justice Council
Budget Bill Issue Paper – Comparative Negligence Joint and Several Liability
Budget Bill Issue Paper – Jury Instructions
WMC Analysis of State Budget Impact on Your Business
Civil Justice Issues in State Budget
Moving Wisconsin Forward: What Will It Take?
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