Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that the state will provide Palermo Villa with $342,000 in tax credits from the Department of Commerce to complete a $22 million expansion and create 56 jobs.

“My number one priority this year is helping our businesses create jobs and giving our workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “I am pleased that we could provide this assistance to Palermo Villa to help them grow and provide good family-supporting jobs in Milwaukee County.”

“We’re extremely pleased to be expanding our facility in the newly developed Menomonee Valley, an area that has supported our company’s steady growth,” said Giacomo Fallucca, president and CEO of Palermo Villa Inc. “This expansion will enable us to capitalize on opportunities to extend our national distribution and respond quickly to increased product demand.”

Palermo Villa Inc. is receiving $342,000 in tax credits to help construct and equip an expansion of its Milwaukee facility. Palermo’s was founded in 1964 and began as an Italian bakery on Milwaukee’s East Side. Over 40 years later, Palermo’s is the nation’s leading premium private label pizza manufacturer.

The $22 million project is expected to create 56 jobs, and the company expects to grow to approximately 450 employees by 2011.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle’s budget last year created some of the strongest economic development tools in the nation to help businesses create jobs and get people back to work. Wisconsin now has powerful new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain jobs, new tools to help investors create start-ups, and new incentives to spur research and development. Governor Doyle’s efforts have helped Wisconsin companies expand and create thousands of new jobs in communities throughout the state.

Earlier this year, Governor Doyle signed the CORE Jobs Act to build on his Accelerate Wisconsin plan by creating and expanding a number of tax credit programs for angel and venture capital investments. The bill also strengthens successful programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training. The Governor also signed two bills to expand the Enterprise Zone program to help create and retain jobs.

Governor Doyle has also worked to improve Wisconsin’s tax ranking and business climate. Today, Wisconsin ranks 30th in business taxes – well below the national average.

Posted @ 6:30 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today issued the following statement regarding federal assistance following last week’s storms that caused flooding in areas across the state.

“State and local officials have been moving quickly since Thursday evening to respond to the damage caused by a string of severe storms. In that time Wisconsin Emergency Management has been working closely with FEMA and local officials to ensure a speedy response.

“On Friday evening, Milwaukee County submitted a preliminary damage assessment to the state, and continued working through the weekend to complete the damage assessment as quickly as possible. As of tonight the state has received updated damage assessments for Milwaukee and Grant counties, and Wisconsin Emergency Management is completing an application for federal assistance from FEMA. The application will be submitted first thing in the morning and FEMA has already indicated that they will be in Wisconsin early next week.

“I want to thank Milwaukee and Grant counties for their prompt response to this disaster. This is a top priority for everyone involved, and with a lot of people’s hard work the counties’ damage assessments were completed quicker than normal. Emergency Management will update the state’s application as damage assessments from other counties are finalized.”

Posted @ 3:36 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that he is seeking applicants for appointment as circuit court judge in Winnebago County. The new appointment will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Bruce Schmidt.

An applicant must be a member in good standing of the Bar of the State of Wisconsin and must reside in Winnebago County at the time the appointment becomes effective.

Those interested may obtain an application form electronically from:
Office of the Governor

Attention: Libby Gerds, Appointments Director
Libby.Gerds@wisconsin.gov 608-267-7888 (fax)

Completed applications should be returned to Libby Gerds no later than Wednesday, August 4, 2010. Potential applicants with questions about the appointment process may call Libby Gerds at 608-266-1212.

Posted @ 9:11 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced a $34 million Transitional Jobs project to help thousands of people across the state gain skills and re-enter the workforce. The pilot program is funded by Recovery Act funding provided to the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

“The Transitional Jobs Project will help us work toward my number one priority this year – helping our businesses create jobs and giving our workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Governor Doyle said.

“This innovative program will work closely with communities throughout the state to help workers gain important job skills to re-enter the workforce and find good, family-supporting jobs.”

In his latest state budget, Governor Doyle directed the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create the Transitional Jobs program. The Transitional Jobs Demonstration Project provides new opportunities to equip workers with the skills they need to enter the workforce.

Transitional Jobs targets Wisconsin residents who are not eligible for working family assistance through the state’s W-2 program, including fathers without custody of their children or young adults exiting the foster care system. The program focuses on building partnerships with local organizations to help individuals acquire new skills and work experience.

The Department of Children and Families will work closely with 17 local organizations to carry out the pilot project in 38 counties, with the possibility of future expansion throughout the state. The Transitional Jobs program builds on the success of similar programs throughout the nation.

The transitional jobs program continues Governor Doyle’s record of supporting hardworking Wisconsin families and investing in worker training. To support strong Wisconsin children and families, Governor Doyle created the Department of Children and Families in 2008 Wisconsin’s first cabinet agency devoted exclusively to helping and protecting kids and families of the state. The agency unified more than 30 services, including W-2, to provide seamless services and ensure all Wisconsin children grow up safe, healthy and with the support of strong families.

Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin has ensured every child has access to health care, doubled the number of parents with access to four-year-old kindergarten, expanded school breakfast programs, strengthened the foster care system, and invested nearly $40 million to better ensure the safety of children receiving care from the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare.

Since taking office, Governor Doyle has worked hard to build Wisconsin’s economy and create new jobs, including signing the Wisconsin CORE Jobs Act earlier this year, which builds on successful manufacturing and worker training programs. The budget the Governor signed last year enacted the most powerful economic development tools in the country to help manufacturers create and retain jobs. The Governor’s Administration has also helped workers struggling because of the national recession by providing unemployment assistance and training, health care and food assistance.

Recipients of Transitional Jobs Demonstration Project Grants:

Posted @ 5:26 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Milwaukee, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $4.55 million in federal Workforce Investment Act funding for programs that will prepare Wisconsin workers and employers to compete in the future economy. The Department of Workforce Development will work with workforce development boards, employers, unions, and technical colleges across the state to train workers to meet the changing needs of the state’s industries and workforce.

“The $4.55 million in federal funding will build on our strengths and help us take Wisconsin’s incredible workforce to the next level,” Governor Doyle said.  “This funding builds on our hard work over the last seven and a half years to provide targeted, strategic support to our industries and workers through Grow Wisconsin and other efforts.”

The $4.55 million in Workforce Investment Act funding will help thousands of workers gain skills to succeed in forward-looking jobs. The funding will build on the $5.89 million in Workforce Investment grants Governor Doyle announced last year – representing a $10 million total investment.

Approximately 33,000 workers received training last year through the funding, which was boosted by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Workforce Investment Act funding will also be used for:

-$3 million for Industry Partnership Grants. The new approach to worker training, which Governor Doyle announced last year, works closely with employers to train workers in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, bioscience, construction and health care.

-$350,000 for Manufacturing Skill Standards Certification. The funding will support training grants and encourage production workers to gain advanced certification.

-$500,000 for Opportunity Grants. These grants will help low-wage workers with no education or training beyond high school. The grants will let them improve their skills at technical colleges with short-term training that is not covered by financial aid. With the grants, low-wage workers can take steps to earn certificates or degrees and pursue career pathways to better jobs in advanced manufacturing, health care, biotechnology and other high-demand sectors.

- $100,000 for Skills Jump Start Grants. The grants will help individuals who lack a high school diploma. They can complete their basic education and, at the same time, receive job training at technical colleges for employment in high-demand sectors, such as manufacturing and health care.

-$300,000 for Apprenticeship Health Care Expansions. This funding will support pilot projects to build career pathways and prepare skilled long-term care workers.

-$300,000 for Entrepreneurial Training. The funding will help customize a training and technical assistance program for dislocated workers to explore developing a business plan and starting their own business.

As part of the $10 million workforce investment, today Governor Doyle also awarded a $444,961 Industry Partnership Training and Partnership Support Award to the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB). The Milwaukee workforce board will collaborate with Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP and union partners to train and place, retain or advance 345 workers across five trades: sheet metal, bricklayers, laborers, carpenters and painters. These workers will gain
critical skills to meet the growing need for energy efficiency construction.

Additionally, the Governor today awarded $97,819 in Wisconsin Industry Partnership grants to five regional workforce development boards. The workforce investment boards will use the funding to seek new opportunities for Wisconsin workers to take advantage of clean energy training through the $6 million Wisconsin Sector Alliance for the Green Economy (SAGE) grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The regional workforce boards will collaborate with energy industry leaders, technical colleges and others to find innovative ways to get more workers trained through this program.

The following organizations received planning grants:

- Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board in Ashland – $25,000;

-West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board in Menomonie – $25,000;

- Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (in collaboration with the Waukesha-Ozaukee- Washington Counties and the Southeast Tri-County Workforce Boards) – $25,000;

- North Central Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board in Wisconsin Rapids – $13,000; and

- Western Wisconsin Workforce Development Board in La Crosse – $9,819.

Posted @ 9:30 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that four Wisconsin cities are receiving a total of $2,014,698.33 through the state’s Lift Bridge Aids program. The funding will help cover costs incurred in 2009 for maintaining and operating nine lift bridges on Wisconsin’s connecting highways.

“As Governor, I have worked hard to build our transportation infrastructure,” Governor Doyle said. “This funding is yet another way to promote economic development, create good-paying jobs and support public safety.”

The Lift Bridge Aids program reimburses cities for costs associated with maintaining and operating lift bridges on highways that provide connections to the state trunk highway system. The program is administered through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and funded through the Transportation

Fund from state-collected highway user fees, motor fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees.

Lift Bridge Aids were distributed for these bridges as follows:

Posted @ 7:00 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI  – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that 19 school districts will receive grants totaling $417,652 for Wisconsin’s Active Schools Project to increase physical activity among students in 26 elementary, middle and high schools. The competitive award to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is part of $119.5 million going to just 13 states as part of the “Communities Putting Prevention to Work” initiative funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This funding will help us put our young people on the right track to being healthy adults,” Governor Doyle said. “Unless we do more to prevent chronic diseases, we will never be able to bring health care spending under control. This is great news for Wisconsin’s kids, and I want to thank the Obama Administration for making the well-being of our young people a top priority.”

The Active Schools Project is part of the state’s plan to support public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, and improve nutrition among children – three important actions for preventing chronic disease and promoting health. The Active Schools Project will increase options for physical activity in schools and school-linked settings to help young people achieve 60 minutes of daily activity.

“We are pleased to be a partner in this effort to improve the overall health of our students,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “Healthy students are better learners. These grants will help us learn more about school programs and environments that instill habits of physical activity in young people. Our goal is to help students lead healthier lives, have more success in schools, and be better prepared for the workforce.”

Selected schools will increase active time in physical education class, assess student fitness levels, increase active play during recess, increase intramural sports options, open facilities before and after school for physical activity, and increase activity in after-school programs. The Department of Public Instruction, in partnership with the Department of Health Services, the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, and multiple other community partners, will provide training and technical assistance to the 26 schools.

Governor Doyle has worked hard to ensure the good health of Wisconsin’s children, including through his support of nutritious food options in schools. In the past year, the Governor has helped secure more than $1.6 million in federal funds for Wisconsin schools and residential child care institutions to purchase equipment to improve food service operations. As part of his Healthy Kids initiatives, the Governor has also expanded the school breakfast program.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has taken major steps to improve education in Wisconsin. In his first term, the Governor protected schools from a Republican-led State Legislature’s attempt to slash education funding by $400 million – a cut that would have devastated our schools and our students. The Governor increased funding for small class sizes, increased funding for special education, expanded school breakfast programs, expanded 4-year old kindergarten programs, and invested in early childhood education. Governor Doyle also created the Wisconsin Covenant, a pathway to higher education for every hardworking Wisconsin student.

To learn more about Wisconsin’s prevention and wellness projects, please visit: http://dhs.wi.gov/health/physicalactivity

To learn more about the Active Schools project, please visit: http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/cshp.html

Posted @ 5:30 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI  – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Madison’s high speed rail station will be located downtown at the Monona Terrace. Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and state Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Frank Busalacchi joined Governor Doyle for the announcement.

“The Monona Terrace station will maximize ridership to and from Madison, and will provide easy access to other forms of transportation, the State Capitol, the convention center, businesses and hotels,” Governor Doyle said.

“There were several other very good potential locations in Madison, but when considering all the factors, the Monona Terrace is clearly the best option. In 2013, Wisconsin will have modern high speed rail running from
downtown Chicago to downtown Milwaukee to downtown Madison – a model for the future of rail in this country.”

“Bringing high speed rail to the heart of downtown Madison creates tremendous potential for economic development, regional transportation and a successful rail line for years to come,” Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. “I want to thank Governor Doyle for his incredible leadership in bringing high speed rail to Madison and bringing the station to the Monona Terrace.”

In order to select a final station location in Madison, the state considered all of the analyses and environmental studies done in the past decade. At Governor Doyle’s direction, the state DOT conducted a feasibility assessment of four specific site options in Madison – Monona Terrace, Dane County Airport, First Street, and the Kohl Center. The assessment included a review of rail operations, ridership, access to other forms of transportation, parking, traffic impacts, environmental issues, cost, site geometrics and opportunities for economic development.

The state will now proceed with a complete environmental assessment of the Monona Terrace station location, which will include opportunities for the public to provide further comments. Construction of the segment between Madison and Milwaukee will begin this year. By 2013, people will be able to ride in modern, Wisconsin made train cars from Madison to Chicago and beyond.

In January, Governor Doyle announced Wisconsin will receive $823 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to build high-speed rail service to connect its centers of commerce and create thousands of jobs. Wisconsin is receiving $810 million to build high-speed passenger rail service between Milwaukee and Madison, $12 million to improve service between Chicago and Milwaukee, and $1 million to make final determinations on a route between Wisconsin and the Twin Cities – the next step toward connecting Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison with the Twin Cities. The project is estimated to create thousands of jobs in Wisconsin in fields like construction, engineering, design and supply.

Posted @ 5:30 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Chicago, ILL. – At the BIO 2010 International Convention in Chicago, Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Wisconsin has been awarded the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) National Conference. Scheduled for April 11-13, 2011 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, the conference is expected to draw a national audience of nearly 850 attendees to Madison and the University of Wisconsin.

“I have made economic development a top priority as we help businesses move forward from the recession,” Governor Doyle said. “This national conference is an opportunity to showcase Wisconsin’s leadership in innovative and scientific business endeavors, and reinforce our commitment to furthering economic opportunities for small businesses across Wisconsin.”

The three-day conference will offer small business entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet with prominent national, regional and state government officials to learn about government sources of funding. Designed to encourage and facilitate one-on-one dialogues, the conference will help attendees learn how they can access this important source of funding for innovative small businesses.

Conference plans include a tour and reception showcasing the new Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on the UWMadison campus. At BIO, Governor Doyle also announced today that the Institutes will open in December 2010. The Governor first proposed the Institutes in 2004 as part of an overall statewide strategy to cement Wisconsin’s status as a national leader in biotechnology and stem cell research and stimulate the economy.

The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery will houses three entities under one roof – UW-Madison’s public Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, the private nonprofit Morgridge Institute for Research, and a main floor Town Center designed to foster interactions among scientists, students, entrepreneurs and businesses that will engage the public in science. All three entities share a vision of accelerating knowledge to improve human health and wellbeing. The facility has been designed to prompt interpersonal interactions among researchers of various disciplines to facilitate collaborations that result in breakthrough discoveries.

“It is very exciting to have this national conference come to Wisconsin just a few months after we open the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery,” said Dr. Sangtae “Sang” Kim, Director of the Morgridge Institute for Research and the co-chair of the SBIR 2011 conference. “This conference will bring national attention to our efforts to spur startups in Wisconsin, especially in the biomedical field.”

The conference is co hosted by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network, and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. Additional sponsors are welcome and encouraged to contact conference planners at www.wisconsinsbir.org or by calling 608-263-0398.

The financing for the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery included a $50 million gift from UW alumni John and Tashia Morgridge – the largest ever to benefit the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Morgridge gift will be matched by $50 million from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) and $50 million from the State of Wisconsin. Governor Doyle made both announcements at the BIO 2010 International Convention – the world’s largest biotech conference – being held May 3-6 in Chicago.

Posted @ 5:45 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today officially proclaimed May as Foster Care Month in Wisconsin as a way to highlight the need for more foster parents in the state. Throughout the month, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) will recognize the incredible stories of current foster families and encourage more responsible, loving parents to become foster parents.

“As an adoptive parent, I know firsthand that parenting can be a rewarding – and challenging – experience,” Governor Doyle said. “Helping foster children heal from their physical and emotional scars is not a simple or painless process. But there are few experiences greater than seeing a child’s self-confidence and selfesteem grow because of your guidance and love.”

Governor Doyle is committed to ensuring foster parents have the necessary resources to provide for the needs of children in their care. The budget the Governor signed last year provides important assistance for foster parents, including higher foster care rates and initial clothing allowances, a mandate for foster parent training and a graduated licensing system to match the needs of foster children with the skills and abilities of foster parents.

With a struggling national economy, this significant investment helps the state’s most vulnerable children at a time when they need it the most. Today there are more than 6,500 children living in out-of-home care, and there are approximately 4,000 foster homes.

“I understand the incredible challenges that these families face as I am a former foster parent. I know firsthand the results of deeply impacting the life of a child in need,” said DCF Secretary Reggie Bicha. “I ask people to consider providing a foster child a stable, loving home in which they can grow and learn.”

During the month of May, Governor Doyle and the Department of Children and Families will celebrate Wisconsin’s foster parents. First Lady Jessica Doyle and DCF Secretary Reggie Bicha will recognize outstanding foster parents with the 2010 Governor’s Foster Care awards during an awards ceremony on May 18 at the State Capitol in Madison.

In addition to the awards, the Department of Children and Families will also be launching a website campaign called “Fostering our Future” to profile foster children and families. These stories will be highlighted throughout the month on the DCF website at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/.

For more information on becoming a foster parent, please visit the Department of Children and Families website at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/children/foster/progserv/fosterparent.HTM.

To view the proclamation, visit http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/children/foster/pdfs/fcmo10/proclamation.pdf.

Posted @ 7:53 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Green Bay, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today called on eighth graders to sign the Wisconsin Covenant and ensure a spot for themselves in a Wisconsin college or university, provided they work hard during high school and meet certain requirements. Governor Doyle was joined at Wisconsin Covenant Days at UW-Green Bay by students signing the pledge from Bay View, Thomas J. Walker and Bessie Allen Middle Schools.

“The Wisconsin Covenant encourages students to start thinking about the grades they need, the classes they need to take, and the role they need to play in their community starting on day one of high school,” Governor Doyle said. “The Wisconsin Covenant is a two-sided agreement that gives every student a clear path to reaching their dreams of higher education. If students sign and fulfill the Wisconsin Covenant pledge by staying in school, taking the courses they need to be prepared for college, maintaining a B average and being a good citizen, the Wisconsin Covenant Partners will do our part. We will make sure Wisconsin

Covenant Scholars have a place in higher education and a financial package, based on their family’s need, to help make it affordable.”

Wisconsin Covenant Days are an opportunity for eighth grade students to get an idea of what life is like on a college campus. At the event, students met with college role models and participated in a campus tour.

Eighth grade students who choose to participate in the Wisconsin Covenant will sign a pledge affirming that they will earn a high school diploma, participate in their community and be a good citizen, take a high school curriculum that prepares them for higher education, maintain at least a B average in high school, and apply in a timely manner for state and federal financial aid. Students have until September 30 of their freshman year to join the program.

In return for keeping the Covenant pledge, each of the Wisconsin Covenant Scholars will earn a spot in either the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, or at one of the state’s 20 private, nonprofit and independent colleges. As students enter college, they may receive a mix of loans, grants, and work study opportunities based on their family’s financial needs.

Currently, over 50,000 students have signed the pledge, representing all 72 Wisconsin counties. The first class of Wisconsin Covenant Scholars will graduate in 2011.

Governor Doyle was joined at today’s event by Matt Bollant, UW-Green Bay Women’s Basketball Coach, a Friend of the Wisconsin Covenant. The UW-Green Bay team finished their season with an NCAA tournament appearance and the third-best record in program history.

As Wisconsin Covenant Partners, the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU), and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction have already taken major steps to join the state in moving forward the Wisconsin Covenant. Four years ago, the Wisconsin Covenant Partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding that commits to ensuring a place in higher education for Wisconsin Covenant Scholars. In 2007, the Legislature passed Act 20 to create the Office of the Covenant, and last June, in the 2009-2011 State Budget, the Legislature created a $25 million annual permanent appropriation for the Wisconsin
Covenant.

In March, Governor Doyle announced that every student who has signed and fulfilled the Wisconsin Covenant pledge and goes on to college in Wisconsin will receive a Wisconsin Covenant Scholar Grant for eight semesters. The grants will be distributed under a two-part award system that will allow the state to maximize the number of Covenant Scholars who can receive Scholar grants.

Under the proposed administrative rule, for each Wisconsin Covenant Scholar’s first four semesters, they will receive grants based on their family income and their financial need:

- Students with the greatest financial need will receive $2,500 to help cover the cost of tuition – $1,000 from the Wisconsin Covenant Scholars Grant program and $1,500 from the Wisconsin Covenant Foundation.

- Students whose families have higher incomes, but still qualify for assistance will receive $1,500 or $1,000, depending on their family’s income.

- Students whose families do not qualify for financial assistance according to the federal government will receive $250 for education costs.

In the third and fourth years of college, these specific dollar figures will be adjusted to ensure that each class of Covenant Scholars receives its entire $25 million allocation without overspending. Governor Doyle has worked hard to make college more affordable and accessible for all students and their families. Since taking office, Governor Doyle has tripled the amount of financial aid available to students to $243 million in financial aid. The Governor has also signed legislation to increase the maximum Wisconsin Higher Education Grant for UW System schools from $2,500 to $3,000 and has expanded the college tuition tax deduction.

Last year, Governor Doyle and Richard D. George, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Covenant Foundation, announced that each student who has signed the Wisconsin Covenant pledge and fulfills the pledge, enrolls at least half-time in a Wisconsin college or university in fall 2011, and demonstrates significant financial need will receive a $1,500 grant from the Foundation to be used for postsecondary education expenses.

For detailed information on the terms of the Wisconsin Covenant and the Wisconsin Covenant Grant Program, visit: www.wisconsincovenant.wi.gov.

Posted @ 7:05 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle announced today the schedule for his Wisconsin Covenant events being held at campuses throughout the state starting next week.

Governor Doyle, First Lady Jessica Doyle, Department of Administration Secretary Michael Morgan, and Department of Workforce Development Roberta Gassman will meet with local middle school students to discuss the importance of higher education and encourage them to sign the Wisconsin Covenant. They will also meet with high school students who have already signed the Covenant to talk with them about the importance of fulfilling the pledge and preparing for college.

Governor Doyle will speak to students at UW-Green Bay in Green Bay on Wednesday, April 28 at 9:30 a.m. He will also meet students at Marquette University in Milwaukee at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Wisconsin Covenant Days are an opportunity for eighth grade and high school students to get an idea of what life is like on a college campus. At the events, students will participate in activities such as campus tours, discussions with current students, faculty presentations, program explorations, and lunch on campus.

Eighth grade students who choose to participate in the Wisconsin Covenant will have an opportunity to sign a pledge affirming that they will meet certain requirements in high school. In return for fulfilling the Wisconsin Covenant Pledge, students will be recognized as a Wisconsin Covenant Scholar and earn a spot at a Wisconsin university, college, or technical college. Students can also expect a financial aid package based on their family’s financial need. Students have until September 30 of their freshman year to join the program.

For more information on the Wisconsin Covenant and the pledge, and to sign up for events, please visit: http://www.wisconsincovenant.wi.gov/.

A complete schedule of Wisconsin Covenant events for the Governor, First Lady, and Secretaries Morgan and Gassman follows.

Governor Jim Doyle’s Events

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010

9:30 a.m. UW-Green Bay Phoenix AB room in the Student Union
Nicolet Drive, Green Bay

Governor Doyle will be joined by Friend of the Wisconsin Covenant UW-Green Bay women’s basketball coach Matt Bollant.

12:45 p.m. Marquette University Milwaukee

Governor Doyle will be joined by Wisconsin Covenant partner, Dr. Rolf Wegenke, President of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges & Universities.

First Lady Jessica Doyle’s Events

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010

9:00 a.m. UW-Rock County Hyatt Smith Commons Kellogg Avenue
Janesville

Mrs. Doyle will be joined by Friend of the Wisconsin Covenant State Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.

11:00 a.m. UW-Whitewater University Center – Hamilton Room
Whitewater

Mrs. Doyle will be joined by Friend of the Wisconsin Covenant State Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

9:15 a.m. Southwest Technical College Lenz Center Fennimore

Mrs. Doyle will be joined by Wisconsin Covenant partner Wisconsin Technical College System President Dan Clancy and Friend of the Wisconsin Covenant former Philadelphia Eagles fullback Cecil Martin.

Posted @  9:00 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Columbus, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law Assembly Bill 770, the Critical Access Hospitals Bill. This bill ensures that the 59 communities that are served by Critical Access Hospitals can leverage additional resources and federal funding. The Governor was joined by supporters of the bill at a signing event at the Columbus Community Hospital.

“The Critical Access Hospitals Bill is a win for rural hospitals and taxpayers,” Governor Doyle said. “Additional federal funds will help these hospitals avoid payment reductions and damaging cuts to jobs and services. And it will actually increase payments to rural hospitals that serve a lot of Medicaid patients. This is a good bill and it represents what we can do – even in these really tough national economic times – when we work together to support Wisconsin’s rural communities and hospitals.”

The Critical Access Hospitals Bill builds on the success of hospital assessment legislation supporting Wisconsin’s large urban and suburban hospitals to help leverage resources and federal funding for small rural hospitals that have been designated as “Critical Access Hospitals.” At a time when health care costs and uncompensated care costs are on the rise throughout the nation, the assessment has allowed the state to leverage federal funding and invest nearly hundreds of millions of dollars into Medicaid support to hospitals while also reducing the cost of uncompensated care.

In addition, funds leveraged through this bill will be used to help train additional doctors to serve in rural areas. Assembly Bill 770 doubles the maximum amount of loan repayment for doctors who decide to practice in a rural area – increasing it from $50,000 to $100,000. In addition, the bill directs the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to create family medicine residency programs and rotations at rural hospitals, to help doctors gain experience in critical access hospital settings.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Hraychuck and Ballweg and Senators Miller, Kreitlow and Olsen for their work on the bill. Governor Doyle also thanked Columbus Community Hospital CEO Ed Harding for chairing the Committee on Rural Health Care that brought together the Wisconsin Hospital Association and the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative to help develop the bill.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked hard to make Wisconsin America’s health care leader. Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin now ranks second in the country in the percentage of people with access to health care and first in health care quality. Every Wisconsin child now has access to health care through Governor Doyle’s BadgerCare Plus plan. In addition, the Governor’s BadgerCare Plus Core Plan has provided standard health benefits for low income adults without dependent children – a program that now has a waiting list of nearly 40,000 people due to budget limits. In January, Governor Doyle proposed a new, entirely self-funded health care plan called BadgerCare Plus Basic for those adults on that waiting list. Governor Doyle again called on the Legislature to quickly pass BadgerCare Plus Basic to help thousands of people on the Core waiting list purchase coverage that will provide basic care at no cost to taxpayers.

Governor Doyle is also positioning Wisconsin to use national health care reform to build on the state’s successful reform efforts and ensure the state’s residents and businesses realize the benefits of reform as soon as possible. Earlier this month, Governor Doyle created the Office of Health Care Reform co-led by the Secretary of Health Services and the Commissioner of Insurance, that will develop an implementation plan that uses national health care reform to build on Wisconsin’s successful efforts and existing programs.

The Governor also recently announced the creation of a new state website –
www.healthcarereform.wisconsin.gov – that will provide Wisconsin residents with information about reform, the phases of implementation, and how changes may benefit them.

Posted @ 2:30  p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that the State of Wisconsin is increasing the average payment that will be made available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) to low-income households for the payment of heating and electric bills. The average heating payment per household will increase by about 35%, from $389 to $525 – based on a lower than expected caseload of 220,000 recipients.

“As Wisconsin’s moratorium on utility disconnections comes to an end, I am pleased to be able to provide low income families with a little extra help to pay their utility bills,” Governor Doyle said.

Families who have already applied for and received benefits will receive additional help in the form of a credit on their next utility bill. The actual amount of the additional benefit is dependent on family income.

Governor Doyle also announced that the state will make available at least $5 million from Public Benefits funding to assist low-income households with the payment of their electric bills, as authorized in 2009 Wisconsin Act 28. The Department of Administration will convene a working group of stakeholders to determine how to best use the funds to help people, including direct benefits and crisis assistance.

The Governor’s announcement comes as the moratorium for utility disconnections ends this week. Utility service may be disconnected on or after April 16, 2010, if energy bills have not been paid or a payment plan has not been arranged with the utility.

To provide health and safety protections during Wisconsin’s cold winters, Public Service Commission rules prohibit utilities from disconnecting consumers between November 1 and April 15. However, after April 15, utilities are not required to provide service to customers behind on bills. To avoid disconnection, customers who have fallen behind in payments are encouraged to contact their local utility to set up a payment plan.

Consumers who have contacted their utility and cannot reach a payment agreement should contact:

Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs
Toll free: 1-800-225-7729
In the Madison area: 608-266-2001

WHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible low-income residents who may struggle to pay utility bills this winter. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service and assistance weatherizing low-income homes.

Due to recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Effective with the beginning of the 2009-2010 heating season, the income eligibility limit for WHEAP and Weatherization has increased from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 60 percent of the state’s median income. Payments under these programs depend upon household size, income level, and home energy costs. A family of four, with an annual income of $45,067 or less, may be
eligible for energy assistance.

To receive more information about how to apply for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, please call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947 or visit www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov.

Posted @ 8:38 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Kenosha, WI – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that 82 Wisconsin communities will receive $9.5 million in grant awards through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for retrofits and lighting projects. The Governor made the announcement in Kenosha County, which is receiving the maximum award — $225,000 — for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) retrofit project at their public safety building. These new projects are expected to create about 125 jobs in Wisconsin.

“These grants will help Wisconsin’s communities seize the opportunity to grow a strong new part of our economy in clean energy,” Governor Doyle said. “Through the Recovery Act, our communities will take the lead as the world moves rapidly in the direction of clean energy and energy efficiency. By working toward these ambitious renewable energy goals, we will create good jobs and continue our state’s clean energy leadership.”

The grants are funded through the Recovery Act’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. These grants were made available to Wisconsin towns, villages and counties that did not receive direct federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and will be used to retrofit village halls, community centers, libraries and public works buildings. The non-entitlement awardees will also be using new energy efficient lighting technologies, such as LEDs from Wisconsin-based companies, to decrease their overall energy consumption.

Since the program was created, Wisconsin has overseen nearly $1.1 billion in Recovery Act expenditures. Major projects in Wisconsin have included road construction projects, major water infrastructure, and a new high speed rail line that will create thousands of jobs and benefit the state’s economy for generations. Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin is also the only state to direct 100 percent of the Recovery Act’s state energy funds to help the state’s largest manufacturers find savings through energy efficiency and create jobs.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle’s budget last year created some of the strongest economic development tools in the nation to help businesses create jobs and get people back to work. Wisconsin now has powerful new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain jobs, new tools to help investors create start-ups, and new incentives to spur research and development.

Governor Doyle has laid out plans to continue building the state economy and creating jobs, including passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act to create 16,000 jobs in the emerging clean energy economy; creating the Wisconsin Green to Gold Fund to help manufacturers reduce energy costs and create and retain jobs; and passing the CORE Jobs Act to strengthen successful programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training.

For a complete list of awards and for more information, please visit:
http://commerce.wi.gov/NEWS/releases/2010/055.html

Posted @ 4:37 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today congratulated the recipients of the 2010 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards at a ceremony at the Executive Residence. Six individuals and nine organizations received 2010 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards in recognition of their outstanding efforts to promote money management and financial skills.

“Financial literacy is an incredibly important part of not only educating our citizens, but also creating strong communities here in Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “We all know that the state alone cannot improve financial literacy; we need strong partners to help spread the lessons of financial literacy to all our residents. Today’s awards recognize the community organizations and individuals who are committed to promoting financial literacy in our great state.”

Governor Doyle formed the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy in early 2005 to advise and implement efforts to improve financial literacy in Wisconsin. Four years ago, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the council launched the first-ever statewide campaign in the country to promote financial literacy – Money Smart Week Wisconsin. To date, Money Smart Week has helped nearly 43,000 students, homeowners and others learn critical money management skills. This year’s Money Smart Week is set for October 2 through October 9, 2010.

First Lady Jessica Doyle and Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Lorrie Keating Heinemann were among the recipients of individual awards, in recognition of their ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy through the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and other efforts.

The award selections were based on four criteria: innovative implementation, measurable results, collaboration with partners, and scope of efforts. A full list of award recipients follows.

2010 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards Individual Award Winners:

- Dr. Gabrielle Banick, Career and Technical Education Coordinator at the Madison Metropolitan School District;

- First Lady Jessica Doyle;

- Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Lorrie Keating Heinemann;

- Cathleen J. Hunt, Instructor at the Project Stay Senior Institute of Milwaukee;

-LaDonna Leazer, Business and Economics Coordinator at the Business and Economics Academy of Milwaukee; and

- Meridee Maynard, Senior Vice President of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in Milwaukee.

2010 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards Organizational Award Winners:
- Edgewood College of Madison;
- Educational Communications Board of Madison;
- Financial Education Center of Madison;
- Holmen School District ;
- M&I Bank Community Education of Milwaukee;
- Sokaogon Chippewa Community of Crandon;
- Summit Credit Union of Madison;
- UW Credit Union of Madison; and

Wisconsin Credit Unions and the RP3 Project Team, (team includes -Wisconsin Credit Union League; the Puelicher Center for Banking Education at the Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Investor Protection Trust; Precision Information; and Governor Doyle’s Council on Financial Literacy) of Pewaukee.

Governor Doyle thanked all the award recipients for their dedication to improving education and helping make sure that every resident learns financial literacy skills that will help them manage their money, make smart investments, and enjoy all the good things that life in Wisconsin has to offer.

The event today also marked the launch of “Savings and Investing Awareness Month” in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle designated April as “Savings and Investing Awareness Month” as part of a nationwide effort to promote financial literacy and raise consciousness about the value of saving and investing.

Posted @ 6:00 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison,. WI – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that the states’ American Recovery and Reinvestment web site has been significantly upgraded to be more user-friendly and flexible, increasing accountability and transparency. The site’s improvements provide nation-leading Web technologies to help citizens track Recovery Act funding and its impact.

“We are working very hard to make sure every community in Wisconsin can take advantage of the jobs and opportunities the Recovery Act is bringing to our state,” Governor Doyle said. “This new and improved website is one way the people of Wisconsin can see for themselves that these dollars are
going to good projects in their areas.”

One of the new features of the website is the improvement of the interactive map that is designed to show Recovery Act allocations. Each county on the interactive map has been updated to plot awards.

When a user clicks on a specific plot point, detailed information tracking every expense to contract recipients and vendors related to the award appears, tracking every dollar spent down to a very localized level.

The website also provides improved county-by-county information. When a user clicks on a county, detailed information regarding wages, unemployment rates, Recovery funds awarded by population, and Recovery funds awarded by county appear. This information allows people to see the distribution of spending across economic indicators.

In addition, the new website:
- Is more flexible and has an improved search capability;

- Gives the user new features to sort and download data to their desktop; and

- Has a more visually appealing interface to navigate through award detail more intuitively.

The improvements complete changes suggested by Good Jobs First, a national policy resource center that promotes government accountability that had ranked Wisconsin’s Recovery web site 4th in the nation. With the improvements to the site, Wisconsin’s website now leads the nation in transparency and accountability.

The Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment website is www.recovery.wisconsin.gov.

Posted @ 3:11 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison,  WI – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that SSI Technologies of Janesville will receive $220,000 in Development Opportunity Zone tax credits from the Department of Commerce. The company is using the funding for an expansion project that will create 40 jobs.

“My number one priority this year is helping our businesses create good-paying jobs and giving our workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “I’m pleased that we could assist SSI Technologies in bringing new jobs to Rock County.”

SSI Technologies designs and manufactures powder-metal, stainless-steel and iron-based components for the automotive and industrial markets. In anticipation of increased demand for its products, the company is expanding its Janesville facility by approximately 11,000 square feet and upgrading its equipment. The total cost of the project is $2,264,000.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin. Because of Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin now has some of the most powerful economic development tools in the country – from new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain
jobs, to new tools to help investors create start-ups, to new incentives to spur research and development. As a result of these tax credits, numerous companies have expanded or moved operations from other states to Wisconsin – including Republic Airways in Milwaukee, Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, and Oshkosh Corporation – creating thousands of new jobs in communities throughout the state.

Governor Doyle has laid out plans to continue building the state’s economy and create jobs, including passing the CORE Jobs Act to build on the Governor’s successful economic development tax credits and strengthen programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training. The Governor has also called for passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act to create 16,000 jobs in the emerging clean energy economy and is establishing the Wisconsin Green to Gold Fund to help manufacturers reduce energy costs and create and retain jobs.

Governor Doyle has also worked to improve Wisconsin’s tax ranking and business climate. Today, Wisconsin ranks 30th in business taxes – well below the national average.

Posted @ 6:18 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle is traveling to Italy and Tunisia for a series of high-level business and government meetings from March 17-26, 2010.

In Italy, Governor Doyle will meet with top executives at Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani S.p.A., including Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe Bono. Fincantieri is a large international ship building firm that owns Marinette Marine and Bay Shipbuilding in SturgeonBay. Governor Doyle is working closely with Fincantieri and Marinette Marine to secure a major contract with the U.S. Navy to construct Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in northeast Wisconsin. The contract for 10 ships is expected to be announced this summer.

Fincantieri has begun a $100 million investment plan to support the LCS program in preparation for the Naval contract. The company has already made significant investments in Marinette Marine, including breaking ground on a major expansion of its main indoor ship construction building in Marinette. Fincantieri has said they plan to transform Marinette Marine into the premier mid-tier shipyard in the United States.

Governor Doyle will also meet with Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A and Chrysler Group LLC. Additionally, the Governor will be visiting several other Italian companies and their CEOs to discuss potential investments in Wisconsin.

“The State of Wisconsin has been a close partner with Fincantieri and Marinette Marine in working to secure a U.S. Navy contact to construct Littoral Combat Ship ships in northeast Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle said. “T here is also real potential with several other Italian companies interested in investing in Wisconsin. This is a great opportunity to continue our successful efforts to bring new companies and their investments to Wisconsin.”

While he is in the region, Governor Doyle will also hold meetings in his official capacity with top Tunisian government officials and leaders of Tunisia’s business community. Governor Doyle has maintained a strong relationship with the Tunisian government, and the Governor has had a standing invitation to visit the country’s business and government leaders for years.

Since taking office, Governor Doyle has successfully brought foreign companies to Wisconsin, resulting in major private investments and job creation. In the past month alone, two Spanish companies have announced they will build major new facilities and create jobs in Wisconsin. Ingeteam, a Spanish wind company, will build a $15 million clean energy manufacturing facility in Milwaukee and create 275 jobs. Talgo, a Spanish train manufacturer, will locate its national high-speed passenger rail manufacturing and assembly facility in Milwaukee, creating 125 direct jobs in Wisconsin and about 450 indirect jobs through vendors throughout the Midwest.

Wisconsin firms exported more than $293 million worth of products directly to Italy in 2009, making it the 13th largest export destination for Wisconsin, up from 15th in 2008. In 2009, Wisconsin exports to Tunisia totaled $8.8 million, up from $4.98 million the year before Governor Doyle took office.

Posted @ 7:45 a.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today awarded $1.7 million in competitive grants to improve energy efficiency at six of the state’s leading manufacturers. The state’s Focus on Energy industrial grant program will provide grants to complete energy efficiency projects at BPM Incorporated, Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Georgia- Pacific Consumer Products, Mercury Marine, Procter & Gamble and Thilmany Papers.

“Wisconsin is working hard to help our manufacturers invest in energy efficiency technologies that reduce energy costs, improve their bottom line, and create and retain jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “Through these investments, we’ll help some of our biggest manufacturers invest in energy efficiency that will help them compete.”

These grants will help companies that are lacking access to capital in the current economic climate. Each grant will fund up to $500,000 or 50 percent of project costs for large energy efficiency projects that have been stalled due to lack of available internal capital. Projects must be completed by December 15, 2010 and were awarded to companies that scored the highest on several criteria, with an emphasis on energy cost-effectiveness.

Together, the grant recipients will save an estimated 12.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 1.1 million therms of natural gas annually – enough energy to power nearly 2,500 homes for a year and eliminate more
than 35 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere.

Last week, Governor Doyle announced the release of an independent evaluation that shows Wisconsin’s clean energy programs through Focus on Energy have added more than 5,000 jobs and more than $1.4 billion to
Wisconsin’s economy since the program began in 2001.

Governor Doyle has led major efforts to help Wisconsin manufacturers improve energy efficiency and invest in clean energy technologies. Wisconsin is the only state directing 100 percent of its state energy funds from the Recovery Act – more than $55 million – to help state manufacturers bring down their costs through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Through the state energy program, companies like Helios USA, Nature Tech, ZBB Energy Corporation, Renewegy and Cardinal Glass are already creating hundreds of jobs through these investments.

Governor Doyle has also laid out plans to continue building the state’s economy and create jobs, including establishing the Wisconsin Green to Gold Fund to help manufacturers reduce energy costs and create and retain jobs. The Governor has also called for passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act to create 16,000 jobs in the emerging clean energy economy and called for passing the CORE Jobs Act to build on successful economic development tax credit programs and strengthen programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training. Governor Doyle has worked hard to improve Wisconsin’s tax ranking and business climate. Today, Wisconsin ranks 30th in business taxes – well below the national average.

- BPM Inc of Peshtigo: will receive $227,700 to increase energy efficiency at its operation by replacing a fan pump on a paper machine; installing a double doctor system designed to remove water from the couch roll and decrease drying requirements; adding an innovative technology for freeness control across its main refiner; and installing an energy-efficient rotor on the main mill pulper for the facility. Overall, the project will save more than 1.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 39,000 therms of natural gas annually – enough energy to power 191 homes for a year and save the manufacturer more than $189,000 on its annual energy costs.

- Briggs & Stratton Corporation of Wauwatosa: will receive $203,800 to install an innovative power regenerating system that would recapture some of the lost power generated during engine and generator endurance testing. By recovering this “waste” energy, the project will save more than 1.2
million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually – enough energy to power 128 homes for a year and save the small engine and outdoor power equipment manufacturer more than $104,000 on its annual energy costs.

- Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products L.P. of Green Bay: will receive $125,000 to fund an aeration optimization project that will save more than 3.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually – enough energy to power 352 homes for a year and save the company more than $210,000 in annual energy costs.

- Mercury Marine of Fond du Lac: will receive $270,000 to install three centralized air collection systems
for its machining centers. These systems will allow clean, filtered air to be recycled inside the facility rather than treating the contaminated air and exhausting the treated air outside. The project will save more than 600,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 236,000 therms of natural gas each year – enough energy to power more than 300 homes for a year and save Mercury Marine more than $200,000 in annual energy costs.

- Procter & Gamble of Green Bay: will receive $441,204 to install medium voltage variable-frequency drives in two of its fans and modify a fan impeller in a third fan which together will increase fan efficiencies and reduce annual site power consumption by over 5.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity
annually. This saves enough energy to power 571 homes for a year and save the manufacturer more than $327,000 on its annual energy costs. These measures will also slow down the fans and reduce noise in the fan room areas – contributing to a quieter workplace.

- Thilmany Papers of Kaukauna: will receive $500,000 to improve the thermal efficiency and water usage on its paper machines by upgrading several pieces of equipment, including replacing rotary siphons with stationary siphons on dryers; installing a high-efficiency separator; and adding a thermocompressor to capture blow-through steam and flash steam from dryer cans. Overall, the project will save 740,000 therms of natural gas annually – enough to power 760 homes for a year. The project will also help the mill reduce water usage by up to 1,300 gallons per minute.

Focus on Energy builds on the Governor’s energy efficiency and clean energy efforts through energy-saving programs for homes and businesses. In January, Governor Doyle announced that Focus on Energy has helped
Wisconsin residents and businesses save more than $268 million in annual energy costs. For more information on Focus on Energy, please visit focusonenergy.com.

Posted @ 4:25 p.m.

Governor Jim Doyle

Wauwatosa, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law Assembly Bill 614, the Health Care Transparency Bill. The Governor signed the bill at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and was joined by supporters of the bill and the bill’s Senate author Senator Jim Sullivan.

“Nowhere else are people asked to buy a product before they know what the price is,” Governor Doyle said.

“This bill is a practical step forward that will help people better understand what their health care costs are before making important health care decisions.”

The new law requires health care providers to disclose the cost of the most common procedures they perform. It will help consumers get price estimates prior to a procedure, help them make apples-to-apples comparisons on prices, and help them determine out-of-pocket costs prior to services occurring.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked hard to make Wisconsin America’s health care leader. Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin now ranks second in the country in the percentage of people with access to health care and first in health care quality. Every Wisconsin child now has access to health care through Governor Doyle’s BadgerCare Plus plan. In addition, the Governor’s BadgerCare Plus Core Plan has provided standard health benefits for low income adults without dependent children – a program that now has a waiting list of more than 30,000 people due to budget limits. In January, Governor Doyle proposed a new, entirely self-funded health care plan called BadgerCare Plus Basic for those adults
on that waiting list.

Governor Doyle today called on the Legislature to quickly pass BadgerCare Plus Basic to help thousands of people on the Core waiting list purchase coverage that will provide basic care at no cost to taxpayers. The Basic plan, Senate Bill 484, will be paid for through a $130 monthly premium that enrollees pay, helping them see a doctor and get the medications they need.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Richards and Staskunas and Senators Sullivan and Cowles for their work on the bill.

Governor Doyle also signed Assembly Bill 165, which allows cities to broaden the property tax base subject to neighborhood improvement district special assessments for the purpose of economic development.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Richards and Zepnick and Senators Plale and Carpenter for their work on the bill.

Posted @ 6:15 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $8.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for transit projects in Wisconsin. The state Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transit will receive $8,830,634 to purchase 50 new vehicles and build bus shelter facilities, while the Oshkosh Transit System will receive $29,877 toward its hybrid bus purchase program.

“These projects show what the Recovery Act is all about – putting people to work and making major, longterm investments in Wisconsin’s communities,” Governor Doyle said. “I would again like to thank President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their leadership on this important issue.”

The two Wisconsin projects announced today are among nearly 200 new transit projects funded by the Recovery Act in 42 states and Puerto Rico. Overall, more than $600 million is being awarded in Recovery Act transit funding nationwide.

The Recovery Act has helped every state, including Wisconsin, deal with the most difficult national economic times since the Great Depression, while paving the way for future economic growth. In Wisconsin, the Recovery Act has been credited with creating or retaining more than 44,000 jobs.

Since the program was created, Wisconsin has overseen nearly $982 million in Recovery Act expenditures.

Major projects in Wisconsin have included road construction projects, major water infrastructure, and a new high speed rail line that will create thousands of jobs and benefit the state’s economy for generations.

Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin is also the only state to direct 100 percent of the Recovery Act’s state energy funds to help the state’s largest manufacturers find savings through energy efficiency and create jobs.

Since taking office in 2003, Governor Doyle has worked aggressively to create and retain jobs in Wisconsin. Governor Doyle’s budget last year created some of the strongest economic development tools in the nation to help businesses create jobs and get people back to work. Wisconsin now has powerful new tax credits to help manufacturers create and retain jobs, new tools to help investors create start-ups, and new incentives to spur research and development.

Governor Doyle has laid out plans to continue building the state economy and creating jobs, including passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act to create 16,000 jobs in the emerging clean energy economy; creating the Wisconsin Green to Gold Fund to help manufacturers reduce energy costs and create and retain jobs; and passing the CORE Jobs Act to strengthen successful programs for manufacturing, research and development, and worker training.

Posted @ 4:17 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law Senate Bill 271, the BPA-Free Kids Act, at the State Capitol in Madison. The law will help protect children from exposure to the potentially-harmful effects of bisphenol-A (BPA).

“Wisconsin must continue our proud, progressive tradition of passing strong consumer protection laws to keep our residents safe,” Governor Doyle said. “I am proud we are taking this step today to keep our youngest, most vulnerable citizens safe from this hazardous chemical.”

BPA is a toxic chemical commonly found in clear plastic products, including baby bottles and sippy cups, that can leach into beverages. Hundreds of scientific studies have shown that BPA can lead to harmful health effects, especially in infants and young children who are at the critical stage of development.

Senate Bill 271 bans the manufacture or sale of new baby bottles or cups for children aged 3 years or younger that contain BPA. The bill also requires that manufacturers and stores selling these bottles or cups clearly state that they are BPA-free, and creates a fine for manufacturers or wholesalers found guilty of violating the rules.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lassa and Carpenter and Representatives Roys and Molepske for their work on the bill.

Today Governor Doyle also signed into law the following 10 bills at the State Capitol in Madison:

Senate Bill 292 extends an exemption for the State Historical Society from public printing requirements to paperback books.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lassa and Risser and Representatives Berceau and Kestell for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 293 designates every March 25th as “Medal of Honor Day” to recognize members of the Armed Forces who have earned the highest military distinction.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lassa and Hansen and Representatives Molepske and Turner for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 308 requires that nonprofits employing fire fighters, medical technicians and other first responders to excuse employees who arrive late because they are responding to a medical emergency that begins before they are scheduled to work.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Vinehout and Darling and Representatives Gunderson and Clark for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 455 creates an exception to current law that will allow the donation of unused prescription medications to charitable organizations such as community health centers.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Sullivan and Kreitlow and Representatives Dexter and Colon for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 2 requires agencies seeking to purchase contract services to ensure the services are performed within the United States, with certain exceptions.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Pocan and Zigmunt and Senators Wirch and Coggs for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 166 eliminates a requirement that veterinary clinics repackaging or using pesticides receive a license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Radcliffe and Tauchen and Senators Vinehout and Lassa for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 186 prohibits the sale, delivery or manufacture of Salvinorin A, a psychotropic ingredient, with the intent that it be consumed by a person.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Cullen and Staskunas and Senators Plale and Taylor for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 411 gives judges the authority to require people convicted of video voyeurism to be placed on the sex offender registry.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Zigmunt and Parisi and Senators Plale and Taylor for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 419 makes personal information of a rape victim applying for compensation on court records in civil proceedings confidential.
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Radcliffe and Parisi and Senators Taylor and Kedzie for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 592 allows former military vehicles to be registered in a manner similar to antique vehicles, with similar operating restrictions.
Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Zigmunt and Steinbrink and Senators Hansen and Pale for their work on the bill.

Posted @ 9:33 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that mental health disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, will now be covered by health insurance providers at the same level as all other health conditions. Implementation of the federal mental health parity law in Wisconsin will help people access mental health treatment they need, and families pursue all available treatments for children with autism. The new federal requirement builds on the state’s requirement that all health insurance companies cover mental health and new requirement for coverage of autism treatment, which Governor Doyle signed into law in the 2009-2011 state budget.

“This is great news for the thousands of families in Wisconsin who have children with autism,” Governor Doyle said. “I am proud that Wisconsin is finally helping provide the care and support that children across our state living with autism need and deserve. These new federal guidelines will help ensure that many of our families who are facing the squeeze of paying for autism treatment will be fully covered by their insurance.”

Governor Doyle has fought hard to help families and children affected by autism by requiring health insurance companies to cover early and appropriate treatment that has seen children improve dramatically. In the last state budget, the Governor signed into law requirements that health insurance companies cover at least $50,000 a year for intensive services, or at least $25,000 a year for nonintensive services for children with autism and related disorders.

The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) requirements will require equal treatment coverage of mental health conditions including autism. Wisconsin families enrolled in large group health plans will be affected by these changes. Individual, small employer, and self-funded insurance plans will still have to comply with state autism coverage requirements.

Overall, the state and federal laws will help take the weight off the thousands of Wisconsin families living with autism. Not only will these requirements provide real relief for families feeling squeezed by the high costs of autism treatment, they will also help ensure more children living with this disease receive the care they need to lead healthy lives. Until recently, autism was considered a life-long disability with poor prognosis. Now with early and appropriate treatment, children can see dramatic improvements.

Posted @ 6:13 p.m.

Gov.Jim Doyle

Madison, WI -  – Governor Jim Doyle today announced the release to Wisconsin of over $11.5 million in federal funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). These funds are in addition to $130 million the state has received in basic funding to help low-income families pay a portion of their utility bills.

“No family should have to choose between buying groceries and paying their heating bill,” Governor Doyle said.

“During these times of economic hardship, I am pleased to provide this additional relief to working families across the state.”

The $11.5 million will be used for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) to provide a supplemental benefit to households who have already received a heating assistance benefit in the 2009-2010 heating season. Heating assistance benefits will be calculated at a higher benefit for households applying for the first time this heating season. Additionally, $2 million will be provided to local energy assistance agencies to help eligible households with emergency energy needs.

WHEAP provides financial assistance to eligible low-income residents who may struggle to pay utility bills this winter. WHEAP is part of the state’s comprehensive Home Energy Plus program, which provides assistance with emergency energy needs, emergency furnace repairs, conservation service and assistance weatherizing lowincome homes.

Due to recent changes in program eligibility, many more households across the state may be eligible for heating assistance this winter. Effective with the beginning of the 2009-2010 heating season, the income eligibility limit for WHEAP and Weatherization has increased from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 60 percent of the state’s median income. Payments under these programs depend upon household size, income level, and home energy costs. A family of four, with an annual income of $45,067 or less, may be eligible for energy assistance.

To receive more information about how to apply for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, please call the Home Energy Plus hotline at 866-432-8947 or visit www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov

Posted @ 8:05 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Green Bay,WI – Governor Jim Doyle and U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary Dennis Hightower today announced Wisconsin will invest $28.7 million to expand broadband Internet access, including $22.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. The grant will provide high-speed Internet access to 467 sites in over 380 communities in all the state’s 72 counties.

“High-speed Internet access is critical to the success of our state’s entrepreneurs, businesses, students and families,” Governor Doyle said. “This project will create jobs to lay and install fiber cable, for telecommunications contractors and technicians, and in fields like construction, manufacturing, masonry and electrical wiring. Through the Recovery Act, the Obama Administration is making major investments in Wisconsin’s broadband infrastructure to help our schools and libraries access high-speed Internet.”

Wisconsin is receiving one of several national Recovery Act grants for broadband development. The state’s project will expand broadband Internet access to 74 schools, eight post-secondary schools including two tribal colleges, and 385 libraries. 84 percent of the school districts and colleges receiving the grant are in rural areas. Over 200 miles of fiber optic cable will be installed and more than $10 million will be spent on American-made telecommunications equipment and materials.

Extending fiber to the 467 sites will allow for future expansion of broadband throughout the state.

- 90 percent of sites are within five miles of a police station and 88 percent of sites are within five miles of a fire station, which has the potential to improve communication and coordination during disaster situations;

- Over 90 percent of the sites are within 20 miles of the nearest hospital, which may be useful in improving the integration and sharing of electronic medical records; and

- Over 125,000 households are within the market area of these sites, helping families gain access to broadband.

The Wisconsin Department of Administration will administer the grant, which will provide fiber connections to all schools and libraries on the BadgerNet Converged Network served by the BadgerNet Alliance. Over 90 percent of the libraries in the state and over 80 percent of the state’s school districts will be served by the BadgerNet Converged Network, which partners with independent telecommunication companies across the state. To view a list of schools and libraries that will benefit from this grant, please visit http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=19044&locid=19

The state will invest $5.7 million in matching funds from the Technology for Education Achievement (TEACH) program for $28.7 million in total investment.

Governor Doyle and Deputy Secretary Hightower were joined by Congressman Steve Kagen for the announcement at the Brown County Library in Green Bay. Governor Doyle thanked the Obama Administration, Congressman Dave Obey, and Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation for making the major investment in Wisconsin’s infrastructure.

Governor Doyle has led efforts to expand broadband infrastructure to all people in Wisconsin. In 2004, the Governor launched a major effort to increase broadband access in his Grow Wisconsin plan. To help businesses and families in the Northwoods and throughout the state, in 2007 Governor Doyle provided $7.5 million in sales tax exemptions and tax credits for the purchase of Internet equipment used in the broadband market. As a result of those efforts, in its first year, nine companies invested more than $13 million to expand broadband to 186 communities. In November 2009,Wisconsin received $1.7 million in

Recovery Act funding to map broadband access and identify areas of need.

Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of President Obama signing legislation to create the Recovery Act, which has helped states deal with the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression by creating and retaining jobs and investing in long-term economic growth. In Wisconsin, the Recovery Act has been credited with creating or retaining more than 44,000 jobs. Wisconsin has overseen nearly $982 million in Recovery Act expenditures, including major road construction and water infrastructure projects and a new high speed rail line that will create thousands of jobs and benefit the state’s economy for generations.

Posted @ 8:16 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today issued the following statement regarding the Joint Finance Committee’s approval of Wisconsin’s $822 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to build high-speed passenger rail service:

“Wisconsin is the big winner nationally in Recovery Act funding for high speed rail. We will receive more than 10 percent of all the federal funds for high speed rail, and our entire request was funded because we are ready to go. I thank the Joint Finance Committee for moving quickly to approve high
speed rail in Wisconsin, recognizing the long-term economic gains from this project and helping create thousands of jobs.”

“High speed rail is a major economic win for Wisconsin. This project will create thousands of jobs in Wisconsin and invest in our long-term economic growth, connecting the major centers of commerce in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Through high-speed rail, President Obama is making a major investment in the future of Wisconsin’s economy. And with the Obama Administration’s support, Wisconsin will be a national leader in manufacturing passenger rail trains and creating hundreds of good-paying, long-term jobs.”

Wisconsin is receiving $810 million to build high-speed passenger rail service between Milwaukee and Madison and $12 million to install crossovers between Chicago and Milwaukee to improve service on this
highly-popular route. The project is estimated to create thousands of jobs in Wisconsin in fields like construction, engineering, design and supply firms.

In addition to Wisconsin’s funding, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has received $1 million to begin a planning study on building high-speed passenger rail linking Wisconsin and the Twin Cities. The study is
the next step toward connecting Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison with the Twin Cities.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI  – Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Wisconsin is second in the nation in the number of organic farms, according to numbers released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural (USDA) Statistics Service.

“Farming is the heritage and the future of Wisconsin, and we’ve worked hard to strengthen and diversify agriculture across the state,” Governor Doyle said. “Organic farming is one of the areas that Wisconsin is leading the way, and I am proud to support these efforts.”

According to the USDA’s survey, Wisconsin has 1,222 organic farms, the second highest in the nation, behind California. Wisconsin organic farms use 195,603 acres of land. Organic sales in the state total $132.8 million, including $30.1 million in crops sales and $102.6 million in sales of livestock, poultry and their products. Sixtyfour percent of total organic sales in Wisconsin were from milk from cows.

Organic farms in Wisconsin had average sales and production expenses similar to all farms statewide. Organic operations had average sales of $115,247 in 2008, compared with average sales of $114,288 for all types of farms, as reported in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Production expenditures averaged $77,760 per organic farm, compared with the average of $86,011 for all farms.

Most Wisconsin organic producers sold their products locally, with 56 percent of sales occurring less than 100 miles from the farm. In Wisconsin, 7 percent of sales were direct to consumers via farm stands, farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture, and other arrangements, while over 75 percent of Wisconsin organic sales were to wholesale channels. These percentages are consistent with those seen at the national level.

Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, Wisconsin has invested and promoted its diverse farm economy. Incentives to help modernize the dairy industry have helped increase milk production to record levels and have strengthened the state’s status as the number one producer of cheese in the country. At the same time, efforts to strengthen diversity in agriculture have made Wisconsin a leading producer of cranberries, specialty cheeses, organic vegetables and many other products. To enable successful farming for future generations, the state’s best farmland is protected under the Working Lands Initiative that Governor Doyle signed into law in 2009.

In his State of the State Address, Governor Doyle called on the Legislature to extend the Dairy Modernization Tax Credit to help hard-pressed dairy farmers invest in their operations. The Governor also called for the development of a Food Processing Modernization Tax Credit to help companies invest in modern agriculture, expand operations, and create jobs.

Complete results of the 2008 Organic Production Survey are available at:
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Online_Highlights/Organics/

Posted @ 7:30 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has created or retained 44,000 jobs in the state, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors. The Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment today filed a comprehensive report with the federal government detailing Recovery money spent through the state of Wisconsin, and what effect these dollars are having in Wisconsin communities.

“Communities throughout Wisconsin are benefiting from the Recovery Act that continues to create good jobs and make investments in our quality of life,” Governor Doyle said. “Today’s report shows the ongoing, positive effect of the Recovery Act and demonstrates Wisconsin’s commitment to ensuring the funds are spent wisely through accountability and transparency.”

The State of Wisconsin oversaw nearly $982 million in ARRA expenditures since the program’s inception. Over the last three months, ARRA funding is responsible for saving or creating 8,964 full-time jobs, including 6,500 essential public service jobs such as teachers, police officers and firefighters.

According to the Council of Economic Advisors, over the last nine months, 44,000 total jobs have been created or retained in the state. Additionally, the reports filed today highlight that more than 150,000 meals were served to 14,000 seniors, over 1,900 families received homelessness assistance, and over 240 families are having lead paint removed from their homes.

The Recovery Act has extensive accountability and transparency requirements to ensure that this unprecedented amount of federal money is being spent wisely to create jobs while investing in worthwhile initiatives. Under the act, quarterly reports are required that will list the use of the
funds in Wisconsin, measure the number of jobs created or retained, and ensure that the funds were used correctly.

Preliminary Section 1512 Quarterly Report Details:

The report reflects state spending through December 31, 2009 and is presented in a user-friendly format on the Wisconsin Office of Recovery and Reinvestment website at
www.recovery.wisconsin.gov.

Posted @ 3:18 p.m.

Governor Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Jim Doyle today detailed the ways that Wisconsin citizens can assist the victims of this Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Haiti.

“The Haiti earthquake has claimed thousands of lives and has left many more without homes, food or water,” Governor Doyle said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy, and Wisconsin is ready to step up and help any way we can.”

The most effective and efficient way for Wisconsin citizens to help the relief effort is through cash donations. They allow humanitarian organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed by those affected by the crisis. You can immediately donate to the Red Cross online at http://american.redcross.org/supporthaiti

You can also donate $10 to the American Red Cross’s Haitian relief efforts to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting “HAITI” to “90999.”

The U.S. State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747. This line is experiencing a high volume of calls at this time, so the State Department asks for your continued patience. The International Committee of the Red Cross also has a website for citizens seeking information about their loved ones in Haiti:
http://www.icrc.org/familylinks

Citizens are advised that the airport in Haiti is being used to facilitate search and rescue efforts, so private citizens are encouraged to focus their efforts on supporting established aid organizations that are deploying resources to Haiti, and to hold off on traveling there themselves.

For more ways to help, Wisconsin citizens can visit the following resources:
- Center for International Disaster Information: 703-276-1914, http://www.cidi.org/incident/haiti-10a/

- USAID’s interactive website: http://www.usaid.gov

- State, local and Tribal governments looking to provide resources or capabilities should send an email to helphaiti@state.gov, and indicate in the subject line what resources are being offered, e.g., “Donation of XXXX.”

- Citizens can link to the U.S. State Department Haiti Earthquake Relief Website through the Governor’s website at: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us.

- For the most up to date information throughout the coming days, please continue to monitor http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake

Posted  @ 4:28 p.m.