TRSA and WATS Members Push Legislation Forward

Members of TRSA and the Wisconsin Association of Textile Services (WATS) moved Assembly Bill 945 further down the track by recently participating in a hearing held by the Wisconsin State Assembly Committee on Ways and Means.

The delegation comprised of Sara Gunderson, Gunderson Uniform and Linen; Dave Jerrett, Bay Towel; and David Leef, ITU AbsorbTech, testified on behalf of the legislation. If it becomes law, AB 945 would add the linen, uniform and facility services industry SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes to the Manufacturing and Agricultural Tax Credit (MATC) in Wisconsin.

The legislation’s Assembly Sponsor, Rep. Scott Krug (R-District 72), led the hearing in support of the legislation and was followed by testimony from the TRSA trio.

“As stakeholders deeply rooted in Wisconsin, we recognize the profound importance of investing in our people, and our state,” Gunderson said to the Committee. “The proposed tax credits in Assembly Bill 945 will provide us with the financial means to reinvest in our workforce and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Wisconsin.”

Jerrett, the CEO of Bay Towel, added that, “Most of everything we do is recyclable and reusable, the only option is disposable, which goes directly to a landfill; our process takes unusable items, takes them through an environmentally friendly mechanical process and produces a usable item, the definition of manufacturing. We are asking for your help in leveling the economic playing field in terms of tax treatment.”

TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb said that, “This is great momentum. The Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue passed the legislation last week with an expected Assembly Committee vote on Tuesday. This is proof that TRSA member involvement pays off.”