A legacy of legislative leadership

Local & State Priorities

Since 1861, MMAC has been actively involved in legislative efforts and has played a significant role in shaping the economic landscape of the region. These legislative efforts have aimed to promote business-friendly environments, attract investment and create job opportunities for all.

Accelerating

Growth

MMAC advocates for preserving key tax benefits, reducing regulatory burdens and maintaining Wisconsin’s manufacturing edge while working to reform policies around tariffs and air quality regulations that impact regional businesses.

For years, the Manufacturing and Agriculture Activities Tax Credit has helped Wisconsin keep a competitive edge and sustain its place as a leading manufacturing state per capita. We will fight to hold on to that legacy by advocating for sustaining this important tax credit.

The state of Wisconsin is on a positive trajectory when it comes to taxing its residents – now the 35th highest tax burden nationally, the state’s lowest ranking ever. That’s a good thing. MMAC supports cuts or reforms to taxes that benefit small business and promote economic growth.

As written, the Clean Air Act is hurting Wisconsin business. A recent classification change in ozone non-attainment impacting much of the region will be costly to area businesses. MMAC is working with a bipartisan group of legislators to delay and amend this burdensome regulation.

Tariffs impact the bottom line of businesses. At MMAC, we will provide feedback to our policy makers about the real-world effects of tariffs and advocate for measures that mitigate negative consequences.

MMAC will continue to advocate for reducing the burden on businesses caused by overreaching regulation at the state and federal level. We will focus efforts to foster a more business-friendly environment, promoting economic development and job creation.

Empowering

Talent

Focusing on workforce development, MMAC supports expanding visa programs, creating new educational pathways in AI, adjusting professional licensing requirements and fostering youth leadership to meet critical labor needs across multiple sectors.

Pay It Forward Wisconsin is a statewide initiative that seeks to expand educational opportunities by allowing individuals to redirect federal tax dollars into scholarships that support K-12 students in public, charter and private schools across Wisconsin.

To learn more about how the program, visit PayItForwardWI.org

H-1B visas address critical skill shortages in areas like technology, engineering and health care, ensuring businesses can access the talent they need to innovate and grow. Attracting top global talent leads to further job creation and economic growth.

Occupational licensure for noncitizen Dreamers allows businesses to tap into a highly motivated workforce in areas with critical labor shortages, fueling innovation and furthering economic growth.

With a current shortage of accounting professionals choosing a path to become CPA’s, lowering the required hours for licensure could help address the issue. Lowering the requirement will expedite the entry of qualified professionals, helping businesses meet their needs more efficiently.

For generations, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have instilled leadership skills and the importance of civic engagement in our youth. We support efforts to help them expand the opportunities they’ve provided over the years.

Enhancing

Livability

MMAC champions infrastructure improvements, public safety initiatives and community facilities including major interstate projects, courthouse renovations and the Opportunity Center to enhance quality of life and accessibility throughout Milwaukee.

Milwaukee is one of the top cities in the country when it comes to average commute time. We can sustain that reputation with the timely design, planning and execution of the I-94 East-West construction project.

There are several approaches in dealing with I-794 – repairing, improving or bringing it down to grade. MMAC is being deliberate regarding this project. We will evaluate each approach and develop a position by Spring of 2026.

This 300,000 square-foot urban sports complex proposed for the city’s north side will make sports and wellness accessible to all. MMAC advocates for state funding to make this project a reality.

MMAC supports a state budget request from Milwaukee County for a new public safety building to replace the current facility which is nearly 100 years old and doesn’t meet standards necessary for safety or efficiency.

The city of Milwaukee is aiming to upgrade technology to aid in public safety efforts – including traffic cameras. MMAC supports this effort which will make our streets safer.

Backlogs in our court system have been a reality for too long. We support the Milwaukee District Attorney’s request to adequately fund our justice system to address these backlogs which will improve public safety and ensure a more efficient system.