It’s here! Are you ready?

by Steve Panten

The most important day of the year for motorcyclists in the State of Wisconsin is on February 13th, and we are ready. Will you be there? Our legislative agenda is set, meetings are scheduled, speakers for the meetings have been prepped, and now all we need is for motorcyclists and friends to show up.

ABATE Lobby Day in Madison could not be successful without members showing up to show that we are united, with one strong voice. The host hotel is the same, Park Hotel, the bus schedules are set and listed in this newsletter, the CC Riders are ready for us to park there and shuttle to the Capitol if we need, but either way, we need you there to help.

Our topics are right to repair, protecting E10 or less gas, and protecting the sale of all vehicle and equipment types regardless of their fuel source. The legislative committee has been working on the best language to use to be successful, and we have talking points to help everyone deliver the same message.

Right to Repair – Our ask is for the legislators to support Representative Penterman’s bill draft, LRB-0007/P2. We worked with his staff to get the language to a point where we will ensure that a consumer can take their motorcycle, vehicle, or equipment, to a service shop that they are comfortable with for repairs rather than requiring them to go back to the dealership or manufacturer. We have been working on trying to find a Senator to take the lead on the Senate version, but although there is interest, nobody has stepped up yet so that is a big ask on February 13th.

Protecting E10 or less gas is a little tricky because we don’t want to come off as being anti-higher ethanol, we just want to make sure that E10 or less gas will always be available. The language that we are looking for would make sure that if they are giving grant money for a business to distribute higher ethanol fuels, ensure that they are also selling E10 or less. If they are using our taxpayer money to drive people to using a product that is illegal for many consumers to use, make sure that same location is selling the only product that we can legally use. Sounds simple, correct? On February 13th we are going to have to find offices that are willing to be the lead in both the Assembly and the Senate. This is a very important issue for all consumers in the state and not just motorcyclists. Anyone with a lawnmower, ATV/UTV, chain saw, generator, pressure washer or antique car should be all over supporting this issue.

Protecting consumers’ choice when purchasing a vehicle or equipment is about preventing the government, or any of its agencies, from banning products based on their fuel source. I am hearing rumblings that we may be able to find a Senator to take the lead on this so I am hoping to get a draft before Lobby Day, but otherwise we will be looking for someone in the Senate and Assembly to step up to help us.

So, there it is. That is what our agenda looks like for ABATE OF Wisconsin’s Lobby Day 2025. We have 3 major agenda items that are important to all the motorcyclists in the state, but they are going to be tough. We already know that our protecting combustion engines bill is going to be met with resistance from the Democrats since we did not get support from them last session. This session we need to make it clear that we are not trying to prevent the sale of electric vehicles or equipment, we just want the consumer to have the ability to choose what is appropriate for their needs and budget.

ABATE Lobby Day is the most expensive thing that we do but it is also the most important. We have had some generous people and groups step up with donations to help offset the cost of the day in the past, and again this year. I would like to thank Hupy and Abraham for donating the cost of the buses from Milwaukee again, and I would like to thank the AMA District 16 for their very generous donation to help with expenses again. If you get a chance to interact with someone from the Hupy office, or from the AMA District 16, please thank them for recognizing how important this day is for us.

Last month I wrote about ABATE of Wisconsin retaining Husch Blackwell in Madison to help us with a Government Affairs Advisory service. We came to an agreement with them, and we signed a contract with them for this 2-year legislative session. I believe this is a great move for motorcyclists and it is putting us in a much better position to be successful. I will be working closely with Matt and Nathan in the Capitol, and with Rachel in the office on determining when we need to get involved on bills that may affect us. ABATE of Wisconsin is a very powerful Grassroots Lobbying Organization, and it is because of the commitment of the membership, that will never change. I am excited about this relationship, and I am looking forward to learning how they can help us be even more effective.

I will see you in Madison on February 13th and be sure to bring your friends.

That’s it.

Steve