AB 548

This bill requires the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to create

an advisory body, to be known as the Wisconsin-Ireland Trade Commission, to

advance and promote mutual economic interests between Wisconsin and the

Republic of Ireland.

Under the bill, the commission has seven members: two senators appointed by

the president of the senate, two representatives to the assembly appointed by the

speaker of the assembly, and three members nominated by the governor, and with

the advice and consent of the senate appointed, to serve for two-year terms. Of the

members appointed by the governor, at least one must be a representative from a

public institution of higher education, at least one must be a representative from an

organization that represents Wisconsin's business interests, and at least one must

represent Irish-American communities or interests.

The purpose of the commission is to do the following: 1) promote the

advancement of bilateral trade and investment between Wisconsin and the Republic

of Ireland, 2) recommend joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to Wisconsin

and the Republic of Ireland, 3) promote business and academic exchanges between

Wisconsin and the Republic of Ireland, 4) encourage mutual economic support

between Wisconsin and the Republic of Ireland, 5) encourage mutual investment in

the infrastructure of Wisconsin and the Republic of Ireland, and 6) address such

other issues as are determined by the commission.

The commission must report its findings, results, and recommendations to the

governor and the legislature within one year of its initial organizational meeting and

by February 1 of each succeeding year.

The commission may raise funds or accept gifts, grants, or bequests to defray

the commission's administrative expenses and carry out its purposes.