Another Mark Against Doing Business in Wisconsin
Here’s another proposal making its way through Wisconsin’s legislature that will drive up costs for consumers and make it less attractive for companies to do business in Wisconsin.
Under the Wisconsin proposal, beginning May 1, 2010, electronics manufacturers would not be allowed to sell their products — TVs, computers (including laptops) and printers, computer peripherals, digital video players and recorders — in the state unless they:
• Register with the state DNR.
• Arrange for the collection and recycling of eligible electronic devices.
• Submit annual reports on the weight of devices sold to individuals in the state and the weight of devices collected by or on behalf of the manufacturer for recycling.
• Pay certain fees, including an annual registration fee of $5,000 (less for manufacturers selling fewer than 100 devices a year in Wisconsin).
A manufacturer would be required to recycle 80 percent of the total weight of electronics it sold in the state during the year. If a manufacturer failed to reach that goal, it would be required to pay a shortfall fee.
Not only will the manufacturers be saddled with additional costs that will be passed onto the consumers, but the requirement to recycle 80% of the total weight that they sold is ridiculous. It relies on the consumers actually bringing their old electronics back to be recycled. The companies have no power to enforce that people recycle their electronics. All they can do is offer incentives, which will further drive up prices for consumers.
Do the Democrats in Madison actually understand the impact that their ideas are having on businesses, jobs, and citizens of Wisconsin? I honestly think the answer to that question is split. Some of them do understand and don’t care. Some of them couldn’t run a lemonade stand and have no idea how people respond to government policies.
This means is that I have to buy my electronic devices in other states. This will be a windfall for retailers on the border. (or in Cleveland in my case, as I’m there often enough)
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1251 hrs
While the claim is that it’s model after the Minnesota e-waste law, it is far more stringent. Manufacturer’s would have to pay $5,000 each year to the DNR for the “privilege” of registering and reporting. That’s on top of the costs they will incur to create a government-mandated e-waste recycling program.
Anyone care to guess who will pay those costs? Anyone? Anyone?? Bueller??
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1341 hrs
Owen, I want to reply to your question as seriously as possible. I don’t believe the answer is split.
I truly believe they don’t know, and don’t care that they don’t know. In their mind ignorance is bliss and stupidity is a virtue.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1343 hrs
I’d like to think that you are wrong, John. I hate the thought of so much stupidity crammed under one dome, but I fear that you are right.
Posted by Owen on June 01, 2009 at 1407 hrs
Add this to the list of “feel good” legislation. Results don’t matter. The only thing that is important is how you feel or how others perceive you when proposing the legislation. Once it passes, the public official will move on to the next “great” idea.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1445 hrs
Madison is very thorough - they wish to make sure every business, no matter how small, is railroaded out of the state -preferebly on a light rail.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1558 hrs
The democrats plan is socialism, which is not about helping the poor but is about power over everything of our lives. They are doing it through spending us into oblivion and making stupid laws to keep us divided.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1603 hrs
I wonder if I’ll still be able to buy stuff on Amazon?
I agree - I don’t think they know. They just run with whatever they think will get them the most campaign donations.
I’d like to see all candidates take a Wonderlic test and their score should be posted next to their name on the ballot.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1610 hrs
Given that there are 50 or more “computers” in the average car, will this apply to car companies, too?
How about your stove, driver, and washer? Nearly all of them have small embedded computers in them.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1702 hrs
Who pays these disposal costs now? Do you believe that magic fairies make outdated electronics disappear?
In all of your incessant whining I see very few solutions. Do you have a solution for this problem or do you believe in the “Just throw it in the ditch for someone else to pick up,” method?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1732 hrs
I’m all for the “throw it in the landfill” method Grumps. After they turn it in to “recycle” 99.9% of any returned electronic device will simply end up there anyway. If there was money to be made recycling old electronics, we’d be doing it. This is just a feel good tax. Won’t actually do anything but cost money.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 1802 hrs
Hmmm - a $5000 annual fee for all electronics manufacturers - sounds like the oil company tax, more slop for the Madison pig trough!
BTW - isn’t Best Buy recycling TVs and giving a $10 store credit? Looks like the private sector’s got it worked out just fine!
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 2036 hrs
I have a solution, grumps. Make it a voluntary, pilot program to test it out, work out the kinks, and see what the businesses and their customers think of the program before ram-rodding it down their collective throats.
Sound good, you incompetent boob?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 2133 hrs
Here is another flaw in the plan. Many companies recycle computers, including social service programs for the disabled. So a business will be penalized if a consumer donates their computer to a non-profit instead of back to the store. Yep, that’s smart.
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 2152 hrs
How can you penalize the company if the customers don’t return the stuff to the store?
Whoever dreamt this up was a complete moron looking for another state revenue stream.
btw - a good portion of the electronics for “recycling” end up in asia because of all the toxins released during the process. OHSA and all that….
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 01, 2009 at 2224 hrs
So the state of Wisconsin is going to charge, say Sony, $5000 to sell their stuff here. Now - where do you send that invoice and how to you even get them to pay it?
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 02, 2009 at 0023 hrs
NOW can we start shooting the bastards?
Posted by Mike Gallo on June 02, 2009 at 0042 hrs
Damn, Grumps. You must like bending over for those jerks in Madison. You seem to like all their bull.
Posted by Billiam on June 02, 2009 at 0058 hrs
To answer grumps answer, there are places that recycle computers:
The WI. DOC recycles computers: http://www.wi-doc.com/Computer_Recycling_Program.htm
Wastecap
http://www.wastecapwi.org/computerrecyclers.htm
hope that answer your question, grumps. Just feel free to Google any time you get a chance.Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on June 02, 2009 at 0120 hrs
Well, at the end, it boils down to the Democratic platform….
1)We have everything it takes to take everything you have; and,
2)Is what we’re doing good for Wisconsin and its residents…we don’t care!!Posted by The Asian Badger on June 02, 2009 at 1058 hrs
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