YOUR WBA ADVOCACY TEAM
BANKERS INVOLVED IN GRASSROOTS AND GOVERNMENT BIGG AWARD CHECKLIST
What is the BIGG Award?
The Wisconsin Bankers Association is grateful to the banks that go above and beyond to help achieve our advocacy goals. For these efforts, we are pleased to present these members with our Bankers Involved in Grassroots and Government (BIGG) award. The BIGG award is our highest level of recognition for overall advocacy by our member banks.
Examples of the awards given out in the past include flags flown over the United States or Wisconsin Capitol building, a piece of stone from the Wisconsin Capitol from the 1990s renovation, a pennant signed by the Governor, or a framed print.
BIGG award winners are published in the Wisconsin Banker (WBA’s bi-monthly newsletter), on wisbank.com, and in WBA’s electronic publications such as the Wisconsin Banker Daily — reaching thousands of bankers and opinion leaders throughout Wisconsin. In addition, BIGG award winners are recognized at the annual Bank Executives Conference.
Action Item
Complete at least five of the seven goals to earn BIGG status and return your checklist to Tyler Foti (tfoti@wisbank.com) by December 1, 2024.
BIGG AWARD CHECKLIST
Achieve at least five goals from the list
GOAL 1
Name an Advocacy Officer
GOAL 2
Obtain Gold Triangle Award
GOAL 3
Contribute to WBA’s issue advocacy fund
GOAL 4
Send at least one employee to WBA Capitol Day
GOAL 5
Participate in a Federal delegation meeting or go on a Washington, D.C. regulatory trip
GOAL 6
Hold a Take Your Legislator to Work Day
GOAL 7
Other (e.g., testify on a bill, host a fundraiser, analyze legislation, etc.)
Date Completed Notes
BIGG AWARD
Congratulations to the 2023 WBA BIGG Award Winners!
• American National Bank –Fox Cities
• Associated Bank, Green Bay
• Bank of Brodhead
• Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc
• Bank of Sun Prairie
• Bank of Wisconsin Dells
• Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield
• Capitol Bank, Madison
• CBI Bank and Trust, Beloit
• Citizens First Bank, Viroqua
• East Wisconsin Savings Bank, Kaukauna
• First Business Bank, Madison
• First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater
• First National Community Bank, New Richmond
• Fortifi Bank, Berlin
• Horicon Bank
• Johnson Financial Group, Racine
• JPMorgan Chase Bank
• Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan Association
• Lake Ridge Bank, Middleton
• Mound City Bank, Platteville
• National Exchange Bank and Trust, Fond du Lac
• North Shore Bank, Brookfield
• Oostburg State Bank
• Premier Community Bank, Marion
• Royal Bank, Elroy
• Security Financial Bank, Durand
• The Equitable Bank S.S.B., Wauwatosa
• The Park Bank, Madison
• The Peoples Community Bank, Mazomanie
• The Stephenson National Bank and Trust, Marinette
• Town Bank, N.A., Hartland
• U.S. Bank
• Waldo State Bank
• Wells Fargo
• Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville
To get involved, contact a member of the WBA Government Relations Team:
Lorenzo Cruz, Vice President – Government Relations (lcruz@wisbank.com | 608-441-1206)
Tyler Foti, Director – Government Relations (tfoti@wisbank.com | 608-441-1215)
Thank you, 2023 Gold Triangle Members!
American National Bank – Fox Cities
Associated Bank, Green Bay
Bank of Brodhead
Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc
Bank of Sun Prairie
Bank of Wisconsin Dells
Banker’s Bank, Madison
Gold Triangle is the highest level of fundraising recognition for banks, achieved through:
Bluff View Bank, Galesville
Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield
Capitol Bank, Madison
Citizens First Bank, Viroqua
Citizens State Bank, Hudson
Cumberland Federal Bank
East Wisconsin Savings Bank, Kaukauna
First Business Bank, Madison
First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater Fortifi Bank, Berlin
Gold Triangle Club
• bank employee or director personal contributions to Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit,
Forward Bank, Marshfield
Horicon Bank
Johnson Financial Group, Racine
Lake Ridge Bank, Middleton
Marathon Bank, Wausau
Mound City Bank, Platteville
National Exchange Bank and Trust, Fond du Lac
• bank employee or director personal contributions to Wisbankpac, or
• corporate contributions to WBA’s issue advocacy fund.
BANK ASSETS
$0–100 Million
Million
Million
Million
Million–$1 Billion
Billion+
North Shore Bank, Brookfield
Northwestern Bank, Chippewa Falls
Oak Bank, Fitchburg
Oostburg State Bank
Premier Community Bank, Marion Security Financial Bank, Durand
Security State Bank, Iron River
PERSONAL BANKER CONTRIBUTIONS
Superior Savings Bank,
The Equitable Bank S.S.B., Wauwatosa
The Park Bank, Madison
The Peoples Community Bank, Mazomanie
The Peshtigo National Bank
The Port Washington State Bank
The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette
Town Bank, N.A., Hartland
Waldo State Bank
Wisconsin Bankers Association, Madison
Wolf River Community Bank, Hortonville
ABW and Wisbankpac funds are utilized as part of our overall effort to support pro-banking candidates, regardless of whether they have an R or D next to their name. Issue advocacy dollars are used in various capacities to shape public opinion on pro-banking, pro-business issues.
To donate, visit wisbank.com/advocacy or contact a member of the WBA Government Relations Team.
Lorenzo Cruz, Vice President – Government Relations lcruz@wisbank.com | 608.441.1206
6
WISBANKPAC, ABW CONDUIT, ISSUE ADVOCACY FUND
THREE OPTIONS, ONE GOAL
Authorized by Wisbankpac. Angie Swanson, TreasurerWBA has two political action funds through which individual bankers and the industry as a whole support pro-business, pro-banking candidates at the state and federal level. Our giving strategy isn’t Democrat or Republican, but rather “B” for banker. Political giving drives home our message with legislators and shows we are actively engaged in influencing policy affecting the banking industry.
Wisbankpac is the registered political action committee of WBA. Wisbankpac is the “set it and forget it” option for bankers who want to help the industry support pro-banking candidates and committees of both parties. When pro-banking candidates receive a check from Wisbankpac, it is from the PAC, and the individuals who contributed to Wisbankpac are NOT listed. Wisbankpac provides a higher level of anonymity. THANK YOU to the bankers from 84 WBA-member institutions who contributed to Wisbankpac in 2023! Contribute securely online via credit card at wisbank.com/advocacy, or mail a check payable to “ Wisbankpac” to WBA.
The Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) conduit is for bankers who want to direct their personal dollars to the pro-banking candidates of their choosing. With permission from the banker, WBA forwards dollars from banker’s money in their conduit account to pro-banking candidates.
The ABW Conduit TRIPLES the impact of your individual dollar by sharing the credit with you, your bank, and the state’s banking industry as a whole. Think of the ABW Conduit as your personal bank account for political giving. THANK YOU to the bankers from 55 banks who made 768 individual contributions to their conduit accounts in 2023! Contribute securely online via credit card at wisbank.com/advocacy, or mail a check payable to “Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin” to WBA.
WBA Issue Advocacy Fund
Dollars from the WBA issue advocacy fund are used to help define bank/ business issues with the public. Contributions to this fund count toward Silver Triangle, Gold Triangle, and satisfy a criterion for the BIGG Award. Corporate contributions are permitted. For more information on the issue advocacy fund, please refer to the next page.
WBA Political Giving Recognition
Leadership Circle – earned by individual bankers who contribute at least $3,000 to any combination of Wisbankpac and ABW. In 2023, 11 bankers earned Leadership Circle recognition.
Hall of Fame Recognition – earned by individual bankers who contribute at least $25,000 aggregate lifetime investment through any combination of Wisbankpac or ABW.
Silver Triangle – earned by individual bankers who contribute at least $1,000 to any combination of Wisbankpac, ABW, or the issue advocacy fund. In 2023, 74 bankers earned Silver Triangle, and recipients are honored at WBA’s annual Bank Executives Conference.
Gold Triangle – earned by banks whose officers, directors, and employees aggregately contribute a minimum amount to Wisbankpac, ABW, or the issue advocacy fund. The threshold is based on the bank’s asset size. In 2023, 41 banks earned Gold Triangle, and recipients are honored at WBA’s annual Bank Executives Conference.
WBA ISSUE ADVOCACY FUND
The WBA issue advocacy fund is an opportunity for your bank to contribute corporate dollars that are pooled with those from other Wisconsin business coalition partners to craft pro-business public policy messages to the general public, opinion leaders, and elected officials.
This year marked a high level of activity on issues impacting the banking community which created a lot of uncertainty. We’ve seen many changes in recent months — some we expected and some we did not. At WBA, our goal is to not only help the banking industry be ready for 2024, but for the years ahead.
The question for us is, “will we be ready?” Help us help you by contributing to WBA’s Issue Advocacy Fund.
What does the fund do?
The fund is established to help educate the public, local leaders, and elected officials and to define banking and business issues primarily through advertising. WBA works with coalition partners to determine the best course of action. The message is sent at appropriate times during the legislative session and throughout the year.
Why should my bank give?
To help get out a clear and direct message about banking and business issues in a way that the public will understand. Issue advocacy communications always aim to explain (albeit briefly) why banking issues pertain to people and why they should buy-in. This includes a connection to a particular fact or statistic to the policy you’re advocating, explaining why it is important, and connecting it to the public’s everyday life. WBA is the only issue advocacy voice for the banking industry in Wisconsin.
Are contributions tax deductible?
Contributions are not deductible as a charitable contribution. 100% is attributable to lobbying as defined by the Internal Revenue Code and is therefore not deductible as an ordinary business expense. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance.
What’s at stake?
The banking industry in general continues to face challenging issues detrimental to all Wisconsin banks. Some candidates for office in Wisconsin are running on an issue platform harmful to banks. We need to continue to highlight banking’s positive impact and dispel anti-banking rhetoric with the public.
What can be done?
Wisconsin banks need to unite and deliver a strong message to the public using TV, radio, and direct mail to educate the public about policy differences and the importance of strong pro-banking leadership in the Legislature.
How can my bank help?
Make a generous contribution to the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). Corporate contributions are allowed by law. Join your peers in making a donation of $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 or whatever you deem appropriate to the WBA issue advocacy fund. Your bank’s corporate donation will be kept confidential. For contributions of $5,000 or more you will be invited to the WBA Advocacy: Kohler Outing, June 17–18, 2024.
Contact: Lorenzo Cruz, Vice President – Government Relations, lcruz@wisbank.com | 608.441.1206
Tyler Foti, Director – Government Relations, tfoti@wisbank.com | 608.441.1215
KEY ISSUES
Tax Parity
While there is still a long way to go to bring banks closer to tax parity with credit unions, the industry got one step closer in the state budget. Included was an exemption from loan income earned from commercial and agricultural loans of up to $5 million.
Nonetheless, over the last 10 years, Wisconsin credit unions have experienced 158% total asset growth compared to Wisconsin banks at 49%, including 14 credit unions now over $1 billion in assets. Six of the top 10 headquartered financial institutions in Wisconsin are credit unions. The banking industry continues to advocate against any powers expansion for credit unions, and for continued attention on the complete tax advantage of credit unions.
Credit Card Interchange Fees
WBA continues to monitor for credit card interchange fees, a/k/a “swipe fee” legislation. The legislation, which was introduced last session, would have created operational and compliance problems for card issuers and merchant acquirers, and jeopardized valuable interchange income that banks use for card issuance, fraud prevention, data-privacy, cybersecurity infrastructure, and more.
Elder Fraud Prevention
WBA will continue to advocate on behalf of members for greater elder fraud prevention. Bills last session would have provided helpful tools to financial institutions and securities industry personnel to prevent elder financial exploitation — a multibillion dollar concern across the United States. The 2023–2024 legislation allows for a trusted list. This remains a priority for the 2025–2026 session.
Banking Regulatory Modernization
Financial Institutions Modernization was one of the banking industry’s top priorities this session. The bill passed both houses via a voice vote and is awaiting signature by the Governor.
The goals of this legislation are to remove or update regulatory relics, and to reduce certain impediments bankers face on a daily basis. Briefly, the bill helps smaller institutions more easily accept municipal deposits, and allow municipalities to deposit funds more confidently, impose a Class H felony on a party found guilty of an ATM smash and grab, eliminates certain lender disclosure requirements applicable to residential mortgage loans and variable rate loans, and creates municipal lending parity between banks and the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.
Trust Code
Recently, both houses passed updates to Wisconsin’s Trust Code. Wisconsin’s Trust Code needed to be updated to clarify administration issues that have arisen since the law became effective in 2014 and to remain competitive with changes enacted in other States. Significant changes being proposed will impact rules on non-judicial settlement agreements, representation of beneficial interests, handling of debts and claims of creditors after a settlor dies, and the trustee’s duty to inform and report.
KEY ISSUES (CONTINUED)
Privacy
The banking industry is heavily regulated when it comes to privacy of non-public customer data unlike other business sectors that lack comparable requirements. Banks are subject to the Gramm Leach Bliley Act (GLBA), which has provided federal privacy protections for more than 20 years. Banks and their affiliates would prefer to be exempted from state regulation since they already need to comply with GLBA.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)/Fair Access
Financial institutions should be free to lend to, invest in, and generally do business with any entity or activity that is legal, without government interference. Likewise, financial institutions should not be compelled to do business with an entity, except in the case of fair lending or antidiscrimination requirements. Allowing financial institutions to make their own risk-based business decisions has helped foster the deepest and most resilient banking system in the world, and the government should not undermine it. The state procurement process should not be politicized, but rather should focus on the best outcome for taxpayers. State legislation that prevents financial institutions from exercising their own risk-based evaluation of customer relationships impedes competition and could create significant safety and soundness concerns.
ADD VALUE TO YOUR BANK AND THE INDUSTRY BECOME AN ADVOCACY OFFICER
What is an Advocacy Officer?
The Advocacy Officer is a volunteer position coordinating regulatory, legislative, and community advocacy efforts for the bank by working with the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). Simply put, Advocacy Officers are government relations point people at our member banks.
What’s in it for you?
Leadership, development, opportunity, visibility, and impact. Advocacy Officers receive timely and regular government relations information, so they can then be seen as a resource at their bank.
What’s the ROI?
An Advocacy Officer helps your bank and the industry by providing action and input on legislative and regulatory policy items as well as strategic direction and assistance to the WBA Government Relations Committee.
Who would make a good Advocacy Officer?
The typical background for this position usually includes someone who has an interest in public policy, a strong understanding of the banking industry (compliance, credit, external relations, etc.), the ability to speak for the bank on matters of regulatory or public policy, and has a fairly flexible schedule that is at their own discretion.
WBA pro tip: if you have someone signed up for the BOLT program, name them as your Advocacy Officer. A CEO can definitely be the Advocacy Officer, but many choose to give someone else this leadership opportunity.
Duties
• Keep informed of legislative and governmental issues that impact both the bank and the banking industry.
• Participate in the annual Capitol Day hosted by the Wisconsin Bankers Association.
• Contact both state and federal legislators on emerging issues and encourage other bankers to do the same.
• Be the liaison within the bank for WBA advocacy actions and initiatives to bank officers and board.
• Support building advocacy infrastructure and attend local political fundraisers.
“Becoming the Advocacy Officer for my bank has allowed me to become a thought leader in establishing a positive future for the banking industry. It allows me to connect with like-minded banking professionals and gives me access to exclusive information that can’t be found online or in the news. I’m proud to join a network of people making advances in our industry.”
– Mark Oldenburg Chair, WBA Government Relations Committee President, Security Financial BankADD VALUE TO YOUR BANK AND THE INDUSTRY BECOME AN ADVOCACY OFFICER (CONTINUED)
Join the Growing List of Banks That Have Named an Advocacy Officer Don’t see your bank on the list? Email Tyler Foti at tfoti@wisbank.com to designate someone or express interest. Bank presidents/CEOs can also designate an Advocacy Officer using the form at wisbank.com/advocacy/advocacy-officers.
American Bank of Beaver Dam
American National Bank – Fox Cities
Associated Bank, Green Bay
Badger Bank, Fort Atkinson
Bank First, Manitowoc
Bank Five Nine, Oconomowoc
Bank of Alma
Bank of America
Bank of Cashton
Bank of Lake Mills
Bank of Luxemburg
Bank of Milton
Bank of Prairie du Sac
Bank of Sun Prairie
Bank of Wisconsin Dells
Baraboo State Bank
Bluff View Bank, Galesville
BMO Harris Bank
Bristol Morgan Bank, Oakfield
Byline Bank
Capitol Bank, Madison
CBI Bank & Trust, Beloit
Citizens Bank, Mukwonago
CCFBank, Altoona
Citizens First Bank, Viroqua
Citizens State Bank, Cadott
Citizens State Bank of Loyal
Columbia Savings and Loan Association, Milwaukee
Community Bank of Cameron
Community First Bank, Boscobel
Community State Bank, Union Grove
Crossbridge Community Bank, Tomahawk
Cumberland Federal Bank, FSB
Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake
East Wisconsin Savings Bank, Kaukauna
Ergo Bank, Markesan
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
First Business Bank, Madison
First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater
First Community Bank Milton
First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, Waukesha
First National Bank at Darlington
First National Community Bank, New Richmond
First State Bank, New London
Flagstar Bank, Fsb
Fortifi Bank, Berlin
Forward Bank, Marshfield
Fox Valley Savings Bank
Frandsen Bank & Trust, Eau Claire
Greenleaf Bank
Highland State Bank
Horicon Bank
Hustisford State Bank
IncredibleBank, Wausau
Independence State Bank
Intercity State Bank, Schofield
Ixonia Bank
Johnson Financial Group, Racine
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
KeySavings Bank, Wisconsin Rapids
Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan Association
Lake Ridge Bank, Middleton
Laona State Bank
Marathon Bank, Wausau
Mayville Savings Bank
MidWestOne Bank, Osceola
Mound City Bank, Platteville
National Exchange Bank and Trust, Fond du Lac
Nekoosa Port Edwards State Bank
Nicolet National Bank, Green Bay
North Shore Bank, Brookfield
Northwestern Bank, Chippewa Falls
Oak Bank, Fitchburg
Oakwood Bank, Pigeon Falls
Old National Bank
One Community Bank, Oregon
Oostburg State Bank
Paper City Savings Association, Wisconsin Rapids
Park Bank, Holmen
Partners Bank of Wisconsin, Marshfield
Peoples State Bank, Wausau
Peoples State Bank of Plainview
Pillar Bank, Baldwin
PNC Bank, National Association
Premier Community Bank, Marion
PremierBank, Fort Atkinson
Prevail Bank, Medford
PyraMax Bank, FSB
Quad City Bank & Trust
Range Bank, National Association
River Bank, Stoddard
River Falls State Bank
Royal Bank, Elroy
Sauk Valley Bank & Trust Company
Security Financial Bank, Durand
Security State Bank, Iron River
Shell Lake State Bank
Spring Bank, Brookfield
Starion Bank
State Bank Financial, La Crosse
State Bank of Chilton
State Bank of Newburg
State Bank of Reeseville
Superior Savings Bank
The Bank of Brodhead
The Bank of Kaukauna
The Bank of New Glarus
The Benton State Bank
The Equitable Bank S.S.B., Wauwatosa
The Farmers & Merchants Bank, Berlin
The Farmers State Bank of Waupaca
The First National Bank and Trust Company, Beloit
The First National Bank of Bangor
The First National Bank of River Falls
The Huntington National Bank
The International Bank of Amherst
The Park Bank, Madison
The Peoples Community Bank, Mazomanie
The Peshtigo National Bank
The Pineries Bank, Stevens Point
The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette
Town Bank, N.A., Hartland
U.S. Bank National Association
Union State Bank of West Salem
Unity Bank, Augusta
Waldo State Bank
WaterStone Bank, SSB, Wauwatosa
Waukesha State Bank
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
West Pointe Bank, Oshkosh
Westbury Bank, West Bend
Wolf River Community Bank
2024 ELECTION SUMMARY
2024 is an election year and a very important one at that. What’s at stake? President of the United States, a U.S. Senate seat, and all eight U.S. House of Representative seats. In Wisconsin, all 99 seats in the State Assembly and half of the 33-member State Senate are on the ballot, running in districts with new boundaries.
Presidential Preference Primary
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Fall Primary Election
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
General Election
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
U.S. Senate
First elected to the Senate in 2012, Democrat Tammy Baldwin is running for a third term in the United States Senate. The only top-tier Republican candidate to announce to date is businessman Eric Hovde, who also ran in 2012 and lost in the GOP Primary to former Governor Tommy Thompson. Others considering a run are businessman Scott Mayer, and former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke.
Individual Contribution Limit: $2,900 for primary, additional $2,900 for general U.S. House of Representatives
Seven of the eight Representatives have announced their re-election bid. The exception is in the 8th Congressional District, where Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher announced he would not seek reelection. The 8th District is a red-leaning seat with former Wisconsin State Senator Roger Roth running.
Individual Contribution Limit: $2,900 for primary, additional $2,900 for general
State Senate
Sixteen of the 33 Senate seats — even numbered district — are on the ballot this fall. With new maps in place, the Republican majority will shrink. Republicans currently hold a 22–11 majority.
Individual Contribution Limit: $2,000
State Assembly
All 99 members of the State Assembly are on the ballot. Again, with new maps in place the Republican majority will shrink or could possibly flip to Democrat control. Republicans currently hold a 64–35 majority.
Individual Contribution Limit: $1,000
Local Offices
There are several locally elected offices also on the slate throughout the state in April. School boards and municipal governments can be powerful bodies whose decisions have wide ranging impacts on communities. Be sure to make it to the bottom of your ballot and vote in these local races, where applicable.
Find Your Polling Place
www.myvotewi.gov/find-my-polling-place
Check Your Registration Status
www.myvotewi.gov/register-to-vote
Register at Your Polling Place
Wisconsin has same-day voter registration at the polls.
Need to vote absentee?
Anyone who wants to vote absentee in Wisconsin may do so — we are a “no-excuse” absentee voting state. You may cast your absentee ballot by mail, or cast an in-person absentee ballot, also known as early voting.
www.myvote.wi.gov
EASY STEPS TO CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR
Step 1:
Go to https://legis.wisconsin.gov
Step 2:
Enter your home address in the search field
Step 3:
Send an email or call the office
WISCONSIN DELEGATION — DISTRICT OFFICES
How to Address a U.S. Senator
The Honorable [First Name Last Name]
United States Senate
____ Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator [Last Name]:
How to Address a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable [First Name Last Name]
U.S. House of Representatives
____ [Building Name] House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman(woman) [Last Name]:
Rep. Bryan Steil
1)
20 South Main Street, Ste 10 Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: 608-752-4050
5)
175 E Wisconsin Ave, Ste H Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Phone: 262-784-1111
2)
10 East Doty Street, Ste 405 Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-258-9800
24 West Pioneer Road
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Phone: 920-907-0624
Ron
328 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-5323
219 Washington Avenue, Ste 100 Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: 920-230-7250
3)
210 7th Street S., Ste 204 La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 202-225-5506
7)
2620 Stewart Avenue, Ste 312 Wausau, WI 54401
Phone: 715-298-9344
141 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-5653
30 West Mifflin Street, Ste 700 Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-264-5338
250 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Ste 950 Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-297-1140
1702 Scheuring Road, Ste B
De Pere, WI 54115
Phone: 920-301-4500
Senator Johnson (R-WI) Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) (R-District Rep. Mark Pocan (D-District Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-District Rep. Gwen Moore (D-District 4) Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-District Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-District 6) Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-District Rep. Mike Gallagher (retiring) (R-District 8)WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES
Democrats: 35 | Republicans: 64 | Ratio: 66 men/33 women
* Denotes freshman legislator
^ Denotes legislator who is not running or is running for a different office New district information will be distributed when available. (Current as of 03/05/2024)
ALLEN, Scott (R-Waukesha) 97th
*ANDERSON, Clinton (D-Beloit) 45th
^ANDERSON, Jimmy (D-Fitchburg) 47th
ANDRACA, Deb (D-Whitefish Bay) 23rd
ARMSTRONG, David (R-Rice Lake) 75th
AUGUST, Tyler (R-Lake Geneva) 32nd
BALDEH, Samba (D-Madison) 48th
*BARE, Mike (D-Verona) 80th
BEHNKE, Elijah (R-Oconto) 89th
BILLINGS, Jill (D-LaCrosse) 95th
*BINSFELD, Amy (R-Sheboygan) 27th
*BODDEN, Ty (R-Hilbert) 59th
BORN, Mark (R-Beaver Dam) 39th
BRANDTJEN, Janel (R-Menomonee Falls) 22nd
BROOKS, Robert (R-Saukville) 60th
^CABRERA, Marisabel (D-Milwaukee) 9th
CALLAHAN, Calvin (R-Tomahawk) 35th
*CLANCY, Ryan (D-Milwaukee) 19th
^CONLEY, Sue (D-Janesville) 44th
^CONSIDINE, Dave (D-Baraboo) 81st
DALLMAN, Alex (R-Green Lake) 41st
DITTRICH, Barbara (R-Oconomowoc) 38th
*DONOVAN, Bob (R-Greenfield) 84th
DOYLE, Steve (D-Onalaska) 94th
^DRAKE, Dora (D-Milwaukee) 11th
DUCHOW, Cindi (R-Town of Delafield) 99th
EDMING, James (R-Glen Flora) 87th
EMERSON, Jodi (D-Eau Claire) 91st
*GOEBEN, Joy (R-Hobart) 5th
^GOYKE, Evan (D-Milwaukee) 18th
*GREEN, Chanz (R-Grandview) 74th
GUNDRUM, Rick (R-Slinger) 58th
*GUSTAFSON, Nate (R-Neenah) 55th
HAYWOOD, Kalan (D-Milwaukee) 16th
HONG, Francesca (D-Madison) 76th
*HURD, Karen (R-Fall Creek) 68th
*JACOBSON, Jenna (D-Oregon) 43rd
*JOERS, Alex (D-Middleton) 79th
*JOHNSON, Scott (R-Jefferson) 33rd
KATSMA, Terry (R-Oostburg) 26th
KITCHENS, Joel (R-Sturgeon Bay) 1st
KRUG, Scott (R-Nekoosa) 72nd
KURTZ, Tony (R-Wonewoc) 50th
MACCO, John (R-Ledgeview) 88th
*MADISON, Darrin (D-Milwaukee) 10th
MAGNAFICI, Gae (R-Dresser) 28th
*MAXEY, Dave (R-New Berlin) 15th
MCGUIRE, Tip (D-Kenosha) 64th
MELOTIK, Paul (R-Grafton) 24th
*MICHALSKI, Tom (R-Elm Grove) 13th
MOORE OMOKUNDE, Supreme (D-Milwaukee) 17th
MOSES, Clint (R-Menomonie) 29th
MURPHY, Dave (R-Greenville) 56th
MURSAU, Jeffrey (R-Crivitz) 36th
^MYERS, LaKeshia (D-Milwaukee) 12th
*NEDWESKI, Amanda (R-Pleasant Prairie) 61st
NEUBAUER, Greta (D-Racine) 66th
NEYLON, Adam (R-Pewaukee) 98th
NOVAK, Todd (R-Dodgeville) 51st
*O’CONNOR, Jerry (R-Fond du Lac) 52nd
^OHNSTAD, Tod (D-Kenosha) 65th
OLDENBURG, Loren (R-Viroqua) 96th
ORTIZ-VELEZ, Sylvia (D-Milwaukee) 8th
*PALMERI, Lori (D-Oshkosh) 54th
PENTERMAN, William (R-Columbus) 37th
PETERSEN, Kevin (R-Waupaca) 40th
PETRYK, Warren (R-Town of Washington) 93rd
PLUMER, Jon (R-Lodi) 42nd
PRONSCHINSKE, Treig (R-Mondovi) 92nd
*^RATCLIFF, Melissa (D-Cottage Grove) 46th
*RETTINGER, Nik (R-Mukwonago) 83rd
RIEMER, Daniel (D-Milwaukee) 7th
RODRIGUEZ, Jessie (R-Oak Creek) 21st
ROZAR, Donna (R-Marshfield) 69th
*SAPIK, Angie (R-Lake Nebagamon) 73rd
*SCHMIDT, Peter (R-Bonduel) 6th
SCHRAA, Michael (R-Oshkosh) 53rd
*SCHUTT, Ellen (R-Clinton) 31st
^SHANKLAND, Katrina (D-Stevens Point) 71st
^SHELTON, Kristina (D-Green Bay) 90th
SINICKI, Christine (D-Milwaukee) 20th
SNODGRASS, Lee (D-Appleton) 57th
SNYDER, Patrick (R-Schofield) 85th
SORTWELL, Shae (R-Two Rivers) 2nd
SPIROS, John (R-Marshfield) 86th
STEFFEN, David (R-Green Bay) 4th
STUBBS, Shelia (D-Madison) 77th
SUBECK, Lisa (D-Madison) 78th
SUMMERFIELD, Rob (R-Bloomer) 67th
SWEARINGEN, Rob (R-Rhinelander) 34th
TITTL, Paul (R-Manitowoc) 25th
TRANEL, Travis (R-Cuba City) 49th
TUSLER, Ron (R-Harrison) 3rd
VANDER MEER, Nancy (R-Tomah) 70th
VINING, Robyn (D-Wauwatosa) 14th
VOS, Robin (R-Burlington) 63rd
WICHGERS, Chuck (R-Muskego) 82nd
WITTKE, Robert (R-Racine) 62nd
ZIMMERMAN, Shannon (R-River Falls) 30th
WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS
WISCONSIN STATE SENATORS
Democrats: 10 | Republicans: 22 | Ratio: 25 men/7 women
* Denotes freshman legislator
^ Denotes legislator who is not running or is running for a different office New district information will be distributed when available. (Current as of 03/05/2024)
^(D-16) AGARD, Melissa
(R-14) BALLWEG, Joan
(R-28) BRADLEY, Julian
*(R-19) CABRAL-GUEVARA, Rachael
(D-3) CARPENTER, Tim
(R-2) COWLES, Robert
(R-12) FELZKOWSKI, Mary
(R-18) FEYEN, Daniel
*(D-27) HESSELBEIN, Dianne
*(R-5) HUTTON, Rob
^(R-1) JACQUE, André
(R-13) JAGLER, John
*(R-23) JAMES, Jesse
(D-6) JOHNSON, LaTonya
(R-33) KAPENGA, Chris
(R-8) KNODL, Dan
(D-7) LARSON, Chris
(R-9) LEMAHIEU, Devin
(R-17) MARKLEIN, Howard
(R-11) NASS, Stephen L.
(D-32) PFAFF, Brad
*(R-25) QUINN, Romaine
(D-26) ROYS, Kelda
(D-31) SMITH, Jeff
*(D-15) SPREITZER, Mark
(R-10) STAFSHOLT, Rob
(R-20) STROEBEL, Duey
(R-24) TESTIN, Patrick
*(R-29) TOMCZYK, Cory (R-21) WANGGAARD, Van H.
(R-30) WIMBERGER, Eric (D-22) WIRCH, Robert (D-4) VACANT
WISCONSIN STATE SENATE DISTRICTS
SAMPLE CEO MEMO TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND STAFF ALLIANCE OF BANKERS FOR WISCONSIN (ABW) OR WISBANKPAC
[Date]
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Personalized Name]:
Wisconsin banks and bankers are the lifeblood of our communities. Today I am asking you to make an investment in both the success of our bank and Wisconsin’s banking industry by contributing to the Wisconsin Bankers Association’s political action funds.
In 2023 and 2024, several public policy threats and WBA priorities were on the table. WBA government relations successfully advocated with your support on tax parity, banking modernization, credit card swipe fees, and trust code. The industry’s arguments are compelling and well articulated, but government relations wins don’t happen by accident. More work will continue into next session on elder fraud, ESG, merchant category code, and privacy.
Political contributions significantly lift the collective voice of the banking industry. They send a clear message to lawmakers that we are active, involved, promote sound legislation, and educate the public about the good work we do.
WBA uses the generous contributions of its member bankers to help elect pro-banking candidates and defeat anti-banking candidates. I think we’ve seen what it means when antibanking legislators are in charge: uncertainty, more regulation, and constraints on the work you can do to help our customers. Proposals on the federal and state levels would change the way we offer products, process electronic payments, raise capital, make new loans, and even how we talk with our customers.
There are two options available to you: the Alliance of Bankers for Wisconsin (ABW) political conduit or Wisbankpac, WBA’s registered political action committee. ABW is a personal political giving checking account. You deposit funds into it, and then decide which candidates you would like to authorize a portion of those funds for. Wisbankpac is your set-it-and-forget-it option; you contribute to it, and the WBA Government Relations team decides which candidates to direct contributions to.
There is no contribution too little or too large — the key is to participate in some way.
If you have any questions about political giving or how your contribution would be used, please do not hesitate to contact WBA’s Tyler Foti at tfoti@wisbank.com or 608-441-1215 or Lorenzo Cruz at lcruz@wisbank.com or 608-441-1206. Thank you for your consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
[Bank CEO]GOVERNMENT RELATIONS BEST PRACTICES
WBA Government Relations staff frequently rely on bank executives and Advocacy Officers for help in four key advocacy areas — fundraising, grassroots, communications, and Take Your Legislator to Work days. Here are the topline things you need to know about each.
Political Fundraising
• Decide what fund.
• Wisbankpac: funds are pooled. Incoming funds are public, and distributions to candidates do NOT identify contributors.
• ABW Conduit: a personal political account is set up that is controlled by the individual donor. You deposit money into your conduit account and then determine where it goes. Distributions do identify contributors.
• WBA Issue Advocacy: funds used to help define banking/business issues with the public
• How should you choose what fund?
• Wisbankpac: When you want to count the funds toward the WBA Gold Triangle, but don’t want anyone contacting you after you’ve made the contribution. Set it. Forget it.
• ABW Conduit: When you want to count the funds toward the WBA Gold Triangle, and individuals (and the bank) want to be acknowledged for the donation to a specific candidate or candidates.
• WBA Issue Advocacy: When you want to help, but don’t want anyone’s name showing up anywhere or being placed on any list, ever. OR When you want to contribute corporate funds.
• Follow the rules. (Call Tyler Foti at 608-441-1215 with questions.) The rules are pretty simple. WBA does not support any particular political party. We’re not “D” nor “R”, we’re “B” for “Banker!” For Wisbankpac & ABW conduit, only personal funds are allowed. The Issue Advocacy Fund may accept corporate contributions.
Grassroots
It’s important to contact your elected officials via phone or email. Really. Before you ask anyone (bank employee or director) to call or send an email (or letter), make sure that bank management is ok contacting elected officials – it’s not a big deal to contact a civic leader.
• Send an email. WBA GR staff periodically asks bankers to contact members of the Legislature or Congress.
• Write a letter and send it snail mail. This works well! Hand write something to really get attention. Addresses are listed earlier in the toolkit.
• Call. They won’t bite. They won’t argue. The person on the phone will ask your name and home address (to make sure you’re a constituent). State your position on a bill (get the bill number in advance), be polite and brief.
Communicating with CEO, Board, and Bank Staff
• Periodically provide brief updates on government and regulatory activities impacting the industry.
• Encourage financial and grassroots participation and remind them that our peers and competitors are highly engaged in the legislative, regulatory, and political processes.
• Utilize WBA’s dashboards, talking points, or other materials.
• Direct questions or concerns to WBA’s Government Relations Team.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS BEST PRACTICES (CONT.)
Take Your Legislator to Work
The secret to a “TYLTW” day is that it’s just a meeting to talk with an elected official about three things:
• To get to know your legislator
• Share what’s going on in your marketplace from your perspective
• Explain the state/federal issues that we’d like the elected official to support or oppose
WBA Government Relations staff will do all the work in setting up TYLTW days. Someone from the WBA GR team can also be present. They are a great way to get legislators out in their districts and help us showcase all the great work our industry does.
Contact Tyler Foti (tfoti@wisbank.com) or Lorenzo Cruz (lcruz@wisbank.com) to get one set up.
On Monday, February 5, 2024, colleagues at FNC Bank in New Richmond hosted State Senator Rob Stafsholt (R – New Richmond) for a “Take Your Legislator to Work” meeting. Senator Stafsholt chairs the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage.
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the Board of Directors and senior management team at Mound City Bank in Platteville hosted Senator Howard Marklein (R – Spring Green) and Representative Travis Tranel (R – Cuba City) for a “Take Your Legislator to Work” meeting.
Pictured above (left to right) are: Scott Soderberg, FNC Bank CEO; Sen. Stafsholt; Jeri Cook, FNC Bank assistant vice president – deposit compliance manager; Tom Mews, FNC Bank president; Patty Burke, FNC Bank senior vice president – compliance; and Lorenzo Cruz, WBA vice president – government relations. Pictured below, standing are: members of the Mound City Bank Board of Directors and senior management bank staff. Seated (left to right) are: Daryll Lund, WBA EVP – chief of staff; Sen. Howard Marklein; Rep. Travis Tranel; Donna Hoppenjan, Mound City Bank president and CEO; and Lorenzo Cruz, WBA vice president – government relations.