Madison, Wi -  – Tuesday, August 31 is the final day to sign up for Wisconsin’s next No Call List which takes effect in October. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection encourages consumers to sign up early to avoid the last-minute rush.

“You can register 24 hours a day – either online or by phone – and the sooner, the better,” said Janet Jenkins, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “We always see a huge increase in activity in the final days leading up to the quarterly deadline. That can result in a system overload.”

Currently, more than 2.14 million landline and cell phone numbers are on the state’s No Call List. That is the most since the program began in 2003. Cell phones account for 43 percent of the present total.

“We continue to educate consumers about the cell phone provision which became part of the No Call program in 2008,” added Jenkins. “This is especially timely information for college students heading back to campus, as many young people today are only using cell phones.”

Jenkins also reminds students that they can put their cell phone numbers on the list as long as they are in Wisconsin. It doesn’t matter if the number was originally assigned in a different state.

The No Call List will reduce but not completely eliminate unwanted phone calls. Unsolicited calls from charities, poll and survey takers, or on behalf of political campaigns are examples of exemptions. In addition, an increasing number of telemarketing calls are made from outside the country. While these calls violate the law, the state cannot take enforcement action in foreign countries.

Consumers must register every two years to stay on the list. It is updated four times a year (January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1). The registration deadlines are always one month prior to the quarterly updates.

“We want consumers to understand that they can sign up at anytime during the year,” Jenkins concluded. “If they miss a registration deadline, their numbers will become part of the next list update.”

The Wisconsin No Call List is a free service offered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Registration can be done online at NoCall.Wisconsin.gov or by calling 1-866-9No-Call (1-866-966-2255). Both services are available to consumers 24 hours a day.

Posted @ 3:34 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Stanley, WI  – Governor Jim Doyle today announced $595,000 in support for Ace Ethanol to expand its operations in Stanley and retain 40 jobs. Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver made the announcement on behalf of the Governor today as part of Governor Doyle’s eighth annual Up North tour.

“My Administration’s top priority continues to be helping Wisconsin businesses create jobs and giving workers the opportunities to get those jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “I’m proud to support Ace Ethanol in its efforts to produce clean energy that creates good jobs for our residents.”

Ace Ethanol, LLC will receive $595,000 Americ an Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through the State Energy Program. The funds will support the company’s $850,000 project to expand and equip its operations. The company has committed to retaining 40 positions in Stanley.

“We greatly appreciate the confidence shown us by Governor Doyle and the State of Wisconsin,” said Ace Ethanol President Neal Kemmet. “We look forward to continuing to grow our business with state of-the-art equipment and doing our part to explore alternative energy sources.”

Ace Ethanol, LLC, was formed in June 2002, and was the first large-scale ethanol plant in Wisconsin. Ace Ethanol is a dry mill facility and produces over 40 million gallons of ethanol fuel annually. The company plans to install heat exchange equipment on the regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) to recover waste heat for process heating.

The project builds on Governor Doyle’s efforts to position Wisconsin for future growth by investing in clean energy and Wisconsin people and businesses. 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.

Posted @ 3:30 p.m.

Kathleen Sebelius

Washington, D.C – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released an examination of the federal government’s system to produce medications, vaccines, equipment and supplies needed for a health emergency, known as medical countermeasures. The Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise Review: Transforming the Enterprise to Meet Long Range National Needs reviews the process and makes recommendations for a better approach.

“Our nation must have a system that is nimble and flexible enough to produce medical countermeasures quickly in the face of any attack or threat, whether it’s a threat we know about today or a new one,” Secretary Sebelius said. “By moving towards a 21^st century countermeasures enterprise with a strong base of discovery, a clear regulatory pathway, and agile manufacturing, we will be able to respond faster and more effectively to public health threats.”

Secretary Sebelius requested the comprehensive review when the department encountered challenges with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine, highlighting the need for a modernized countermeasure production process. The review covered the steps involved in the research, development, and FDA approval of medications, vaccines, and medical equipment and supplies for a health emergency.

The review identified a need to upgrade science and regulatory capacity at the FDA. As a result, HHS will make a significant investment to provide FDA scientists with the resources to develop faster ways to analyze promising new discoveries and give innovators a clear regulatory pathway to bring their products to market.

The review also found that U.S. must more quickly develop manufacturing processes that can be used for multiple medications or vaccines rather than processes that can be used to produce only one type of countermeasure. As a result of this finding, in the coming weeks HHS expects to release a draft solicitation for one or more Centers of Innovation for Advanced Development and Manufacturing. The center(s) will focus on new manufacturing platforms that can produce a variety of countermeasures. The equipment and methods could provide a way to meet a surge in demand using facilities in the U.S. rather than relying on foreign manufacturing.

The review found that some of the most promising research and development on countermeasures is done by small, emerging biotech companies with little experience in large-scale manufacturing. Therefore, the Centers of Innovation for Advanced Development and Manufacturing will also serve as resources for young companies, helping them bring products to market and helping the U.S. government increase the number of new countermeasures available in an emergency.

The review made clear that the federal government must do a better job nurturing discoveries in their earliest stages to push them to greater maturity. Therefore, HHS will be creating new teams at the National Institutes of Health to identify promising research and facilitate its translation  into vaccines, drugs, and treatments that keep Americans safe.

The review placed a special focus on the federal government’s flu response, identifying a need to upgrade flu vaccine manufacturing – from modernizing ways to test a vaccine’s strength, known as potency, to new methods to show that the vaccine is safe, as well as ways to produce the early “seed virus” for vaccines faster. Taken together, this will shave weeks of time off vaccine manufacturing. HHS will make investments in these areas as a result of the review.

The review also found that private companies have difficulty attracting investors in countermeasures where there is little or no market for these products outside of that currently needed for government stockpiles. As a result of this finding, HHS will explore ways to help small companies attract investors to develop promising countermeasures that have multi-use potential.

The HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response led the review. All federal agencies working with medical countermeasures participated, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and HHS divisions of ASPR and ASPR’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration. The review also incorporated input from state and local health departments, two federal advisory committees of outside experts, industry groups, venture capital experts, and the Institute of Medicine.

Read the review and its recommendations at www.hhs.gov/secretary/.

Posted @ 6:00 a.m.

Eggs affected by this recall were distributed to grocery distribution centers, retail grocery stores and foodservice companies which service or are located in fourteen states, including the following: Arkansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

There have been laboratory-confirmed Salmonella enteritidis illnesses associated with the shell eggs; the investigation is ongoing.

Eggs are distributed under the following brand names: Hillandale Farms, Sunny Farms, and Sunny Meadow in 6-egg cartons, dozen-egg cartons, 18-egg cartons, 30-egg package, and 5-dozen cases. Loose eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Wholesome Farms and West Creek in 15 and 30-dozen tray packs. The loose eggs may also be repackaged by customers.

The only eggs effected by this recall have plant numbers P1860 or P1663 and Julian dates as follows:

• P1860 – Julian dates ranging from 099 to 230
• P1663 – Julian dates ranging from 137 to 230

Only eggs with these plant numbers are effected – even though the brand name may be the same

Julian dates and plant codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton or printed on the case label. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P1860 230.

Consumers who believe they may have purchased these shell eggs should not eat them but should return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact Hillandale Farms at (866) 262-4208.

Hillandale Farms strives to provide our customers with safe, high-quality eggs – that is our responsibility and our commitment and why we are fully cooperating with FDA’s investigation and are undertaking this voluntary recall. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, we are also diverting our existing inventory of shell eggs.

Posted @ 11:28 p.m.

Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Revenue released its quarterly Wisconsin Economic Outlook today, which indicates that an economic recovery is underway in 2010.

It was anticipated that Wisconsin would add 20,150 jobs in 2010, but the state has already added more than 24,500 jobs since January. Manufacturing is leading the recovery with adding 10,900 jobs. Although more jobs will be added slowly in the coming months, it is anticipated that job growth will not return to pre-recession levels until 2013.

According to the Wisconsin Economic Outlook, the state’s personal income growth is expected to increase 2.5% in 2010 and 4.4% in 2011, somewhat below the forecasted growth of national personal income at 4.8%. Wisconsin wages and salaries will increase 1.2% in 2010, after falling 4.5% in 2009 and 1.2% the first quarter of 2010. In addition, Wisconsin disposable personal income will increase 2.7% in 2010. The 2009 decline in personal income was held to just 0.2% due to the personal tax provisions under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“A steady recovery is taking place. We have added more jobs sooner than expected, and manufacturing is leading the way. Considering that Wisconsin is the most manufacturing intensive state in the U.S., this is a clear indication of our growth,” said Revenue Secretary Roger Ervin. “Governor Doyle’s investments in education, health care, and economic development make Wisconsin more competitive and positioned well to continue economic recovery.”

The Wisconsin Economic Outlook also includes a Special Report on Wisconsin Exports. The special report shows that 2009 was a difficult year for exports on both a state and national level, but 2010 has already shown improvement over last year.

The Executive Summary and full report are available at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/ra/econ/index.html

Posted @ 10:30 p.m.

Attorney General J.B.Van Hollen

Madison, WI – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced development of a new online resource for government officials and employees, media representatives, and members of the public seeking information about the Wisconsin Public Records Law. A dedicated area of the Wisconsin Department of Justice website now offers easy access to Attorney General Van Hollen’s formal and informal opinions about various aspects of the Public Record Law; sample documents such as required pre-release notices and letters seeking clarification of public records requests; and other resources including Attorney General Van Hollen’s recent memo about the Schill decision, a PowerPoint presentation, and a video recording of the Department’s 2009 public records seminar. Additional and updated resource materials will be posted as they become available.

All of these online resource materials may be accessed, downloaded, and printed free of charge. The online resource materials may be accessed through the Open Meetings & Public Records link on the Wisconsin Department of Justice home page, http://www.doj.state.wi.us/, or directly at http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dls/pr_resources.asp.

Posted @ 10:25 p.m.

The Education Jobs Fund was passed by Congress on August 10, 2010 and aims to quickly disburse a total of $10 billion in funds to local school districts across the country, many of which have been deeply impacted by the recession. The funds are to be used to retain, rehire and add new instructional employees. These funds will allow Wisconsin school districts that have laid off employees to hire them back and districts should use
the funds without delay.

To see Wisconsin’s certification, click here: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=8223&locid=12

To view the list of district allocations, click here:
http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=8225&locid=12

The memorandum from Administration Secretary Daniel Schooff to school districts is available here:
http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=8224&locid=12

U.S. Department of Education Guidance is available here:
http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=8222&locid=12

Posted @ 8:36 p.m.

Madison, WI – To combat the deadly dangers of drunken driving, law enforcement officers throughout Wisconsin will be out in force to arrest impaired motorists as part of the “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” crackdown from August 20 through September 6.

This is the first statewide crackdown on drunken driving since a new law took effect on July 1 that significantly strengthens deterrents and increases penalties for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin. The new state law increases jail time for many OWI convictions. In addition, it requires first-offense OWI drivers who were convicted with a blood/breath alcohol level of .15 or higher and all repeat drunken drivers to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on every vehicle that they own or have registered in their name. An IID, which measures breath alcohol levels, makes convicted drunken drivers prove they are sober before they can start a vehicle.

Drunken driving is prevalent and deadly in Wisconsin. Last year, alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin killed 238 people and injured 3,793, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. There were approximately 45,000 convictions for drunken driving offenses in Wisconsin in 2009. This year, deaths from motorcycle crashes are increasing compared with last year, and approximately 45 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Wisconsin are alcohol-related.

“Every law enforcement officer hopes that people will choose to drive sober,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent David Collins. ”But if they make the irresponsible choice to drive while under the influence of alcohol, we’ll be ready to arrest them. We also ask that citizens report any drunken drivers they see by calling a law enforcement agency or dialing 911. Too many individuals, too many families, and too many communities are devastated nearly every day by drunken drivers. And this careless disregard for human life must stop. If we can deter people from getting behind the wheel when they’re impaired, we will make progress toward the goal of reducing the number of preventable traffic deaths to Zero in Wisconsin.”

The State Patrol suggests the following ways to avoid the risk of an arrest for drunken driving.

• Choose a sober designated driver before you start to drink.
• If you’re feeling buzzed, you likely are over the 0.08 (alcohol concentration) limit and should not drive.
• Rather than drive while impaired, take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. (Visit www.tlw.org and click on Safe Ride for more information.)

Posted @ 8:29 p.m.

Wisconsin law requires door-to-door salespeople to disclose certain information to consumers. Before making a sales pitch, they must state their name, the organization they are representing, the products or services they are offering, and the purpose of their visit.

“We strongly encourage consumers to ask to see a permit before they even listen to a door-to-door sales pitch,” said Janet Jenkins, Administrator of DATCP’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “If the seller does not have one or fails to provide the information required by law, ask the salesperson to leave. Also, contact your local law enforcement agency about the incident. Doing so might help friends and neighbors from being victimized.”

The Bureau of Consumer Protection also reminds consumers to be wary of sales pitches that require an on-the-spot decision. Before buying anything, it is always a good idea to ask for written information about the product or service and do some comparison shopping. Legitimate companies seldom use high-pressure sale tactics.

Wisconsin law gives consumers three days to cancel a door-to-door sales transaction of $25 or more. A salesperson must tell you about your cancellation rights at the time of the sale, and provide you with two copies of a cancellation form. One copy is for your records, the other is to send to the seller should you choose to cancel the purchase.

“The three day right to cancel law gives consumers time to reconsider their actions, but refusing to deal with salespeople who aren’t following the law is still the best way to avoid becoming a victim,” concluded Jenkins.

To file a consumer complaint regarding questionable door-to-door sales, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection on the web at www.datcp.state.wi.us; via e-mail at DATCPHotline@wi.gov; or call the toll-free hotline at 1-800- 422-7128.

For additional information relating to the alleged illegal solicitation in the Green Bay area contact the Green Bay Police Department at 1-920-448-3200 or the Brown County Sheriff’s Department at 1-920-391-7450.

Posted @ 8:21 p.m.

Pfc. Randy Fendryk of Mukwonago, a member of Battery C, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, was among the finalists in the National Guard’s Best Warrior competition. Senior Master Sgt. Jessica Maples of Mosinee, Wis., a member of the 128th Air Control Squadron, is the 2010 Senior Noncommissioned Officer for the Air National Guard.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon began the ceremony with a special Missouri welcome to the approximately 1,500 enlisted men and women of the National Guard, family members and retirees who came to St. Louis to attend the conference.

“I salute you for your service to our country,” Nixon said. “Your readiness, your willingness and your ability to step into the breach on behalf of your fellow Americans have been demonstrated countless times over the decades – and especially since 9/11 as a key part of a highly trained and highly dedicated military force that is second to none.”

Other keynote speakers included Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau and Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, the adjutant general of Missouri.

“We can’t thank you enough for leading this organization,” said McKinley during his speech.

McKinley also added that the National Guard Bureau has a great team of senior leaders in Washington, D.C., but outstanding organizations such as EANGUS do more for the men and women in the National Guard.

“Our voices are not only heard in the Pentagon but also in the White House,” he said.

Danner concluded the opening remarks with his insight by reminding the Soldiers and Airmen of the importance of supporting families.

“Every day we’re looking to make sure that we’re supporting the thousands of spouses, children and parents who our Soldiers and Airmen leave behind,” Danner said. “If we fail our troops’ families, then we fail. Period. And the Guard does not fail.”

The conference identified legislative issues important to service members and come directly from the association’s membership through the resolution process. These issues will be brought before Congress in the 2010 Congressional year.

Besides supporting service members and their families, the EANGUS conference recognized Medal of Honor recipient Maj. (retired) Drew Dennis Dix.

Posted @ 8:16 p.m.

Vice President Joe Biden

Washington, D.C. – Vice President Biden today announced 94 Recovery Act investments in broadband projects that will create jobs and expand economic opportunities within 37 states.

To see a list of projects impacting Wisconsin click HERE.

These investments in high-speed Internet infrastructure will help bridge the technological divide in communities that are being left in the 20th century economy and support improvements in education, healthcare, and public safety. Today’s announcement, an investment totaling $1.8 billion, is part of a nearly $7 billion Recovery Act initiative.

“Today’s investment in broadband technology will create jobs across the country and expand opportunities for millions of Americans and American companies. In addition to bringing 21st century infrastructure to underserved communities and rural areas, these investments will begin to harness the power of broadband to improve education, health care, and public safety,” said Vice President Biden. “The awards are another great example of how the Recovery Act is creating jobs upfront, while also building a foundation for sustainable job creation and global competitiveness.”

The projects receiving funds today are part of a program – administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) – to expand broadband access and adoption across the country.

“The broadband investments announced today are going to put people to work in the near term, but they also will lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth down the road,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “These projects will connect Americans who have for too long been without the full economic, educational and social benefits of high-speed Internet access – access central to success in the 21st Century.”

“The broadband projects announced today will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities,” Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack said. “The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America provides a gateway for businesses and key anchor institutions – such as libraries, schools, public safety and community centers – to provide services to thousands of Americans. These projects will create jobs building these networks, and the completed systems will provide a platform for rural economic growth for years to come.”

Today’s announcement includes 66 grants awarded by the Commerce Department for projects to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect community anchor institutions to broadband, create and upgrade public computer centers, and encourage the sustainable adoption of broadband service. It also includes 28 awards from USDA for broadband infrastructure and satellite projects that will provide rural residents in 16 states and Native American tribal areas access to improved service.

The Department of Commerce awards also contain grants for public safety broadband networks that will improve response times and communication at the scene of emergencies.

These projects constitute a critical set of demonstration projects and a head start on President Obama’s commitment to support the development of a nationwide, interoperable public safety wireless broadband network. A description of these public safety awards can be viewed HERE.

According to an analysis released by the National Economic Council last year, overall Recovery Act investments in broadband are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the near term and expand economic development and job opportunities in communities that are being left behind in the new knowledge-based economy. Recovery Act broadband projects help bring down the cost of private investment, attract Internet service providers to new areas, improve digital literacy among students and workers, and help create new opportunities in employment, education, and entrepreneurship by wiring homes and businesses.

With new or increased broadband access, communities can compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses, schools can create distance learning opportunities, medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care, and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy.

Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. A complete list of projects receiving Recovery Act broadband grant awards today can be viewed in full HERE.

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation’s economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so that the country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA’s and Commerce’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.broadbandusa.gov. More information about the Federal government’s efforts on the Recovery Act is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery.

Posted @ 5:40 p.m.

The single-day trainings will teach prosecutors how to handle domestic violence cases with a victim-centered and defendant-focused approach.

SPET Domestic Violence Training Locations
September 15 Minocqua

September 16 Sturgeon Bay

November 4 Waukesha

November 12 Wisconsin Dells

The trainings are designed to help prosecutors better educate law enforcement, juries, and judges about the actions of defendants and the responses of victims in these volatile cases and will cover issues such as charging decisions, firearm forfeitures, and trial techniques when victims recant, minimize, or fail to show for court.

Posted @ 5:30 p.m.

Milwaukee, WI  — Wisconsin will receive over $38 million in grants and loans as part of the US Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, Senator Kohl announced today.

The University of Wisconsin System will be the main beneficiary, receiving nearly $30 million to help the University of Wisconsin-Extension Service (UWEX) offer broadband to up to 182 community institutions, as well as $2.4 million to create seven public computer centers and develop targeted programs to increase broadband usage in five needy communities.

The College of Menominee Nations will also receive over $3.3 million to upgrade and expand public computer services, and the City of Milwaukee will receive nearly $2.5 million to enhance broadband services in economically vulnerable communities.

“The influx of new broadband funding we’ve seen over the past few months will play a vital role in growing Wisconsin’s economy and helping our state compete for new, higher-tech jobs,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wired Wisconsin. “Particularly for students across the state, today’s announcement is great news. By ensuring high-speed Internet access is available at colleges statewide, we can help give these students the skills necessary to compete for jobs on a global level.”

The UWEX funding alone – combined with $12.8 million in matching contributions – is expected to benefit more than 330,000 people and 9,000 businesses statewide, and create nearly 150 jobs.

The Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative and Reedsburg Utility Commission received more than $25 million combined last month to expand high-speed Internet service to over 17,000 residents in their coverage areas, and in late June, the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee approved nearly $23 million in federal recovery act funds to expand broadband to 467 state schools and libraries in nearly 380 communities.

“I’d like to thank Senator Kohl for his continuing commitment to broadband expansion in Wisconsin, and his recognition that high-speed Internet access is a crucial economic development tool for the 21st Century,” Nation said.

Posted @ 5:30 p.m.

Sen. Russ Feingold

Washington, D.C. – Saturday, August 14th marks the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Roosevelt signing the Social Security Act into law.  Senator Russ Feingold released the following statement to commemorate the anniversary.

“After 75 years, Social Security continues to be one of the most successful programs in our nation’s history. On this anniversary, Wisconsin is especially proud since three of the men who helped to create the program – Arthur Altmeyer, Edwin Witte and Wilbur Cohen – hailed from Wisconsin and were trained at the University of Wisconsin. Created when our nation faced devastating job losses and uncertainty, Social Security has given a measure of economic security to generations of American seniors.  Today, 50 million Americans benefit from this landmark program, and retired workers know they can rely on a basic benefit for which they have worked.

“Our country now finds itself in another time of great economic uncertainty. While we should take steps to further strengthen the program, the recently released annual Social Security Trustees report shows that Social Security will remain solvent for decades to come. Despite that report, there are still many who want to slash Social Security benefits, privatize the program and put at risk the security our seniors deserve. I will do everything I can to stop that from happening. Social Security is in many ways a Wisconsin Idea, and I will continue my work to ensure it serves Americans well for generations to come.”

Posted @ 7:20 p.m.

- QUESTIONABLE DEDUCTIONS

State law allows landlords to deduct money from a security deposit for unpaid rent or utility bills and property damage caused by tenants. Common examples include stained carpets, damaged walls, cracked windows, scratched countertops and broken fixtures. However, the law clearly reads that a landlord cannot use a security deposit to cover “normal wear and tear.” In other words, it is illegal for landlords to deduct for routine cleaning, carpet shampooing and painting. If deductions are taken from a security deposit, landlords are required to put together a written itemized statement.

- RETURN DELAYS

Landlords have 21 days after the end of a tenant’s lease to either refund the security deposit in full or send an itemized list of deductions. If the 21 day period passes, and neither has been received, former tenants can sue the landlord for double the amount of the security deposit, plus court costs. If a tenant moves out before a lease is up, it is their responsibility to notify the landlord in writing to enact the 21 day rule. However, if no written notification is given, a landlord can withhold the security deposit up to 21 days following the end date on the lease.

- DOCUMENTATION DISPUTES

State law gives tenants seven days to inspect an apartment and complete a check-in form at the start of a new lease. Landlords cannot charge tenants for existing damages included on a check-in form. In addition to taking detailed notes, tenants should take pictures of any property damage before moving in – providing copies to the landlord and keeping the originals on file. Tenants also have the right to request a list of damages for which the landlord withheld money from the previous tenant’s security deposit. When moving out, tenants should follow the same procedures involved with the check-in process – documenting the apartment’s condition and taking pictures to go along with written forms.

“We want tenants to know and understand these rights,” said Janet Jenkins, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “If they believe their rights are being violated, we encourage them to file a complaint with Consumer Protection.”

To file a consumer complaint, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection on the web at www.datcp.state.wi.us; via e-mail at DATCPHotline@wi.gov; or call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-422-7128.

For more information, DATCP offers a booklet outlining the rights of responsibilities of landlords and tenants called The Wisconsin Way. It is online at http://datcp.state.wi.us/cp/consumerinfo/cp/factsheets/pdf/WisconsinWayWEB.pdf . Bound copies are also available for $10. The fee covers the publication cost and postage.

Posted @ 7:12  p.m.

Roberta Gassman

Holmen, WI  – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman said today the On-the-Job Training Initiative announced one year ago with $2 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding is providing hundreds of Wisconsinites with new employment opportunities.

“This successful Recovery Act-funded initiative is opening doors for people with disabilities who are job ready,” Secretary Gassman said. “At the same time, it is helping employers across the state cover the cost of hiring and training new workers, providing a win-win for everyone involved.”

The state’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) Initiative, administered by the DWD Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), pays 50 percent of the wages and benefits for up to 90 days when employers hire people with disabilities. Since ARRA funding became available last year, 534 individuals have been placed in private sector jobs. Another 69 have been hired by the state as interns.

Secretary Gassman said the initiative provides DVR customers with valuable employment experience, and lets employers train the DVR customers for half the usual training cost per worker. The employer also becomes eligible for federal tax benefits in hiring an individual with a disability.
The OJT Initiative is one more way in which DVR is connecting people with disabilities to jobs across Wisconsin. Since October 2009, DVR has placed over 2,100 individuals in jobs. Their combined annual earnings are estimated to be more than $37 million.

During a visit to MBA-Architects in Holmen, near La Crosse, Secretary Gassman met with two of 59 OJT participants in the Coulee Region: Wiltrud Auman, a drafter and project coordinator at MBA-Architects, and Brad Meyer, an IT specialist at Workforce Connections Inc. in La Crosse.
The OJT Initiative is designed to be simple for employers to use. When they hire a DVR participant, they complete a one-page agreement with DVR to secure half the cost of wages plus benefits. For more information on the initiative, visit: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/publications/dvr/pdf/dvr_16655_p.pdf

Posted @ 5:59 p.m.

Rep. Gwen Moore

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) supported emergency legislation that will keep more than 160,000 teachers in classrooms throughout the country and help ease state budget shortfalls and keep essential services, including Medicaid.

Congresswoman Moore said, “We’re in a dire situation and states and cities continue laying off teachers. This bill not only prevents massive layoffs in our already struggling economy – it also recognizes that larger classes deny our kids a quality education.”

Wisconsin stands to keep an estimated 3,000 teachers from losing their jobs under this legislation. And according to the National Education Association, more than 1,000 of these jobs will be in Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District, which Moore represents.

Additionally, more than 40 governors, including 16 Republicans, support extending Medicaid assistance to states, as is done in this bill. Last month, Congresswoman Moore led 116 of her colleagues in asking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader John Boehner to bring this funding up for a vote. The full letter can be read here. Wisconsin will receive $229 million to help provide health care services through Medicaid.

The legislation is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes that encourage companies to ship jobs overseas as well as rescinding already appropriated funding that is no longer needed. It also reduces the deficit by $1.4 billion over the next 10 years.

The bill also ends increased food stamp benefits in 2014, a few years earlier than would have happened otherwise. Congresswoman Moore offered an amendment, which would have kept these increased levels in place until 2015 and would have offset additional funding by cutting nearly $3 billion from the Education Department’s Race to the Top competition, which was the offset used by the House earlier this year to pass funding for teachers’ jobs. The House Rules Committee prevented her amendment from being considered.

The legislation now goes to President Obama for his signature.

Posted @ 8:28 p.m.

Attorney General J.B.Van Hollen

Madison, WI -  In the opinion, Van Hollen stated that “the reasoning and conclusion of Citizens United are clearly applicable and that any ban on corporate independent expenditures under Wisconsin law violates the guarantees of freedom of speech and association under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.”  Van Hollen also stated that Citizens United did not have a “direct and immediate impact on the validity of those portions of Wis. Stat. § 11.38 which do not involve corporate independent expenditures.”   For example, the decision did not address prohibitions on corporate contributions to candidates, which is also prohibited by Wis. Stat. § 11.38.

Van Hollen’s opinion also reasons that statutory provisions that prohibit certain independent expenditures (such as engaging in express advocacy) unless the person speaking registers and discloses certain information to the Government Accountability Board does not prohibit constitutionally protected corporate speech because corporations may register and report under the existing statutory scheme.

Last, Van Hollen discussed Citizens United’s impact on campaign financing laws relating to registration, disclosures, and disclaimers.  Van Hollen noted that Citizens United made clear that First Amendment does not categorically exclude so-called “issue advocacy” from the scope of permissible reporting, disclosure, and disclaimer regulations.  He cautioned, however, that Citizens United does not independently authorize regulatory action.  Only state law may do so, and those laws must pass “exacting scrutiny” to be constitutional.

In discussing the limits of the scope of the opinion, Van Hollen stated that “Citizens United provides direction on, but ultimately leaves unanswered, significant questions regarding the appropriate scope of acceptable governmental regulation, through campaign financing regulations, of the exercise of fundamental First Amendment freedoms.  It is beyond the scope of this opinion to answer each of these unanswered questions as applied to Wisconsin law.  That Citizens United may not directly apply to portions of Wisconsin’s campaign financing law is not to say that they are free of constitutional doubt.  Regulations in this area, by their nature, affect First Amendment interests. . . .  In a free society, these interests should not be disregarded in the lawmaking and regulatory process.”

A copy of the formal opinion can be accessed at:

http://www.doj.state.wi.us/ag/opinions/OAG-05-10.pdf.

A copy of the request for an opinion from the Government Accountability Board can be found at:

http://www.doj.state.wi.us/ag/opinions/OAG-05-10_Request.pdf.

Posted @ 8:03 p.m.

“I am honored to be elected by my colleagues from across the country to serve on the Equality Federation Board of Directors,” Belanger stated. “As we continue taking important steps toward equality here in Wisconsin, I am excited to play an active role in building the LGBT equality movement on the national level.”

The Board of Directors also elected Belanger Board Secretary. “With the passage of domestic partnerships in 2009, Wisconsin is once again poised to become a leader in the quest for fairness,” Belanger added.

Fair Wisconsin Inc. Board President Dick Wagner, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States when elected to the Dane Country Board in 1980, noted that, “Wisconsin’s progressive reputation was hurt after the 2006 marriage ban, but we are on the right path to resuming our rightful place as a state that is moving this debate forward. The election of Katie to
serve on the Equality Federation national board is just one example of how Wisconsin continues to move in the right direction.”

The Equality Federation works to achieve equality for LGBT people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations in a state-based movement. Fair Wisconsin is the only organization representing the Badger state in the national alliance.

For more information about the Equality Federation, please visit www.equalityfederation.org. For more information about Fair Wisconsin Inc., please visit www.fairwisconsin.com.

Posted @ 7:54 p.m.

Gov. Jim Doyle

Madison, WI – Governor Doyle today issued the following statement on the House passage of legislation to extend the enhanced federal assistance for Medicaid and education jobs:

“I’ve said it many times, we cannot ask a second grader to come back and complete their studies five years from now when the economy has turned around. The education we provide now will be the strength of our state and nation for decades to come.

“The education jobs funds that the House passed today are essential to reinstating laid-off teachers and hiring more teachers to fill critical openings in our schools before the new school year. Superintendent Evers and I are working with the school districts to ensure that this funding will be used carefully and without delay to ensure that our students have additional good, quality teachers in front of their classrooms this fall.

“The House also passed Medicaid funding that will help alleviate severe stress on our balanced state budget as a result of increased demand in Medicaid. Without this funding Wisconsin would
have faced significant job losses in the private health care industry.
“I would like to thank President Obama and Congress for their work to protect health care and ensure that students and schools are taken care of during this critical time.”

Under the bill, Wisconsin would receive $185 million in Medicaid (FMAP) assistance and $180 million to save and create education jobs.

Governor Doyle has been a national leader in developing strategies to ensure that education does not deteriorate during the Great Recession. Governor Doyle has worked with the White House, House and Senate leadership, key Administration officials and fellow Governors to minimize the effect that the national recession has on Wisconsin schools and other local services, like public safety and health care.

In addition to the $180 million to save and create education jobs, in the first year of the Recovery Act, Wisconsin received over $1 billion for education because of the Governor’s leadership. Without those additional education funds, Wisconsin schools would have had to make 15 to 20 percent cuts to their budgets – devastating schools across the state.

Without the $185 million in Medicaid assistance, Wisconsin would have faced significant job losses in the private health care industry and $647 million in cuts to Medicaid that would affect thousands of families.

Governor Doyle thanked President Obama, Congressman Obey and the other members of Congress who voted for this legislation.

Posted @ 7:50 p.m.

The study, published in the August issue of the Journal of Family Psychology by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Waisman Center, paints a new picture of the prospects of long-term marital success for parents raising a child with autism.

The study is the first to track marital history of parents of adult children with autism. It reveals that, in contrast to previous assumptions, parents do not have a greater risk of divorce when their son or daughter with autism is young. However, as the child with autism grows into adolescence and adulthood, parents are more likely to divorce than are parents of typically developing children. Although findings reveal diminished prospects for a lasting marriage for parents raising a child with autism, the majority of marriages in this study survived.

The study compared the marital fates of 391 couples – the parents of adolescent and adult children with autism – to a sample drawn from another large longitudinal study, the National Survey of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS). The goal of the study was to document the rate and timing of divorce of parents of children with autism, explains Sigan Hartley, a UW-Madison assistant professor of human development and family studies and lead author of the report.

The study revealed that the divorce rate for parents of children with autism mirrors the divorce rate of the parents of children without disabilities until the child reaches 8 years of age. After that, the divorce rate goes down for parents of children without disabilities but remains high for parents of children with autism.

“There seems to be a prolonged vulnerability for divorce in parents of children with autism,” says Hartley. “Typically, if couples can survive the early child-rearing years, parenting demands decrease and there is often less strain on the marriage. However, parents of children with autism often continue to live with and experience high parenting demands into their child’s adulthood, and thus marital strain may remain high in these later years.”

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD, has symptoms that vary considerably in severity between individuals, but core characteristics of the disorder include difficulty establishing and maintaining social relationships, delayed communication skills, and repetitive motions such as rocking back and forth and hand flapping. Children with autism frequently require high levels of care and continue to live with parents as adults.

“There is a lifelong profile of challenging behaviors and symptoms associated with autism,” Hartley notes. “Few developmental disabilities appear to be more taxing on parents and there is a great need for support services for families when the child is an adolescent and adult. Providing support for couples to help them work on their marriages is an obvious step. If we can get information and support to these families, we hope to be able to support lasting marriages.”

The new study compares data from two large longitudinal studies, the Adolescents and Adults with Autism Study, directed by Marsha Mailick Seltzer, a UW-Madison professor of social work and director of the Waisman Center, and MIDUS, directed by UW-Madison psychology professor Carol Ryff. Both studies are funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Posted @ 6:00 p.m.

A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by ATF and the Wisconsin Arson Insurance Council for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the July 28^th arson fire that destroyed the Lakeshore Pallet Company.

We are asking for the public’s help to apprehend the person or persons who are responsible. Any citizens that may have been traveling on County Highway V between I-43 and County Highway A during the hours of 9 p.m. to 11p.m. on Wednesday, July 28^th who may have observed any unusual activity, persons or vehicles, and who feel they may have relevant information are asked to contact the Wisconsin Arson Tip Line at

1-800-362-3005. Information maybe left anonymously. Information can also be e-mailed to arsontipline@doj.state.wi.us. We appreciate the assistance of the media in getting this information out to the community.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard J. Zapor stated, “Arson is a crime of violence. This incident has also caused an economic hardship for the community.”

“The diverse resources, skills and expertise that were brought to bear in this investigation cannot be over emphasized in such a situation and criminal act. An arson of this size and magnitude requires this type of cooperation and vast array of investigative skills in order to be successful,” said Captain David L. Adams of the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department.

“We continue to assist the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department through the State Fire Marshall’s Office. Our efforts will continue through the course of this investigation,” said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.

Due to the fact that the investigation is ongoing, no further investigative details are being released at this time.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office at (920) 459-3112.

Posted @5:22 p.m.

Madison, WI – The improvement of Wisconsin’s unemployment rate has brought the state’s three-month average rate down to 8.2 percent (seasonally adjusted), triggering changes in Wisconsin’s eligibility for federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.

The drop below 8.5 percent means Wisconsin will no longer be eligible for Tier 4 of UI benefits, according to federal guidelines. As of August 15, 2010, the maximum number of weeks one can receive UI benefits in Wisconsin will be 93 weeks instead of 99 weeks.

DWD notifies affected claimants who are nearing the end of their eligibility for UI benefits. Should Wisconsin become eligible for Tier 4 benefits in the future, claimants will automatically be notified.

DWD encourages claimants to visit the UI website at: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov or call 1-800-UC CLAIM if they have questions.

Posted @ 3:20 p.m.

Businesses serving the healthcare field are invited to provide information about healthcare careers and job openings to job seekers. This is a free event, so there is no charge to exhibitors or job seekers. Employers are also invited to give presentations about their organizations in the school auditorium.

Employers that would like to exhibit should contact Jane Kurylo of the Racine County Workforce Development Center at (262) 638-6603 or jane.kurylo@goracine.org .

The event, which is open to the general public, will feature opportunities for job seekers to meet with employers to apply for current openings. “This Fair is being planned due to continuing requests from healthcare organizations across all three counties to fill job openings.” said Kurylo. “There are a wide range of jobs available from entry level Personal Care Workers through highly skilled technicians and Registered Nurses.” A complimentary bus will be available to take job seekers from the Racine County Workforce Development Center at 1717 Taylor Avenue, Racine to and from the Career Fair in Burlington.

For more information, please visit www.wdc.racineco.com or call 262-638-6312.

Posted @ 4:15 p.m.

Madison, WI – Safety belt use in Wisconsin has reached an all-time high in2010 with 79 percent of drivers and passengers buckling up, according to a recently completed observational survey by the State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety. Last year, the annual statewide survey showed safety belt use was approximately 73 percent in Wisconsin.

“A 6 percent increase in safety belt use from last year certainly is encouraging. But Wisconsin still lags behind the 84 percent national average for safety belt use.” says State Patrol Major Dan Lonsdorf, director of the Bureau of Transportation Safety. “Wisconsin also is far behind neighboring states. Michigan reports a 98 percent safety belt use rate, the highest in the nation. Iowa is at 93 percent, Illinois is at 91 percent, and Minnesota is at 90 percent.”

Lonsdorf credits the enactment of a primary safety belt enforcement law in July 2009 as a major contributor to Wisconsin’s increase. Primary enforcement allows an officer to stop and ticket unbuckled drivers and passengers even if the officer did not observe another violation. He also says that local and statewide law enforcement mobilizations, like Click It or Ticket, that focus on safety belt enforcement and education are motivating more motorists to buckle up.

However, Lonsdorf points out that several areas need to be improved. “The survey results show that safety belt use is at about 69 percent for young drivers, ages 16 to 25. They are the age group least likely to buckle up,” he says. “We are concerned about the dangerous lack of safety belt use among young drivers because they are only about 15 percent of all licensed drivers in the state, yet they accounted for more than 26 percent of drivers involved in crashes in 2009.”

Wisconsin also has a significant gender gap in safety belt use. Nearly 80 percent of females buckle up while only 72 percent of males fasten their safety belts.

Different areas of the state are showing significant variations in safety belt use. Only 71 percent of motorists in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties wear safety belts. All other areas of the state show safety belt use rates ranging between approximately 76 percent and 86 percent.

“Although nearly four out five motorists in Wisconsin currently buckle up, we still must convince the other 20 percent of drivers and passengers of the dangerous consequences of their decision not to use their safety belts,” Lonsdorf says. “By simply buckling up, they can avoid the risk of getting stopped by the police and ticketed. And even more importantly, they can protect themselves for being ejected from their vehicle or bounced around violently inside it in case of a crash.”

Posted @ 8:00 p.m.

“Pat has done a tremendous job as my deputy and has been an invaluable leader within the agency and in Governor Doyle’s administration. I thank him for his tremendous service to the people of Wisconsin,” said Frank.

Henderson had a central role in achieving Governor Doyle’s major environmental and conservation priorities, including the 10 year reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson stewardship fund, passage of the Great Lakes Compact, enacting the mercury/multi-pollutant rule which will reduce mercury emissions by 90%, and making major progress in cleaning up the Fox River. He helped advance the Governor’s regulatory reform and economic growth and green job initiatives. His last day with the agency is July 30.

Shea, a 30-year veteran of natural resources government service, has served as Administrator of the agency’s Air and Waste Division since 2003. Under his leadership, Air and Waste programs launched Smart regulation, a regulatory improvement effort focused on maintaining environmental standards, protecting public health and improving customer service; eliminated an air permit backlog and streamlined the permitting process; designed and advanced the mercury/multi-pollutant rule which represents one of the most innovative and significant improvements in Wisconsin air quality in several decades; and advanced energy efficiency and climate change initiatives. Al is an avid bow hunter and walleye angler, noting he is proud of his two Pope and Young bucks and his 47-inch northern. He is also an accomplished amateur ornithologist, past president of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology and past member of the Madison Audubon Board of Directors. He holds a Masters of Science in Water Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Al currently lives in Sun Prairie.

Frank also announced Thursday that 30-year DNR veteran Sue Bangert will succeed Shea as the agency’s Air and Waste Administrator.

Bangert has served as the deputy administrator for the Air and Waste Division since July, 2007, and is the former Director of Waste and Materials Management, leading that program to increased beneficial reuse of waste material, improved residential recycling, and timely review of waste plans while maintaining high standards of environmental and human health protection for solid and hazardous waste management in Wisconsin. Sue has also served as the assistant director for the Watershed Bureau and as a supervisor of the industrial wastewater program and the Superfund program. She is a recipient of the John C. Brogan Award for Outstanding Environmental Achievement. She holds a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Iowa, with an emphasis on environmental pollution issues. She and her husband, Mike, have two sons in college.

Frank said, “Al Shea and Sue Bangert are great professionals whose talent and dedication will serve the DNR well. I look forward to working with them in their new roles on our management team” Shea and Bangert assume their new positions starting Monday, August 2. Salaries have not yet been finalized.

Posted @ 6:14 p.m.

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.

Rep. Gwen Moore

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed bipartisan legislation that reduces the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) said, “In the 1980s, Congress passed a drug enforcement law that focused on the particular type of substance, not the action itself. That was misguided and created a 100 to one sentencing disparity that disproportionately impacted African American communities across the country. This disparity is unjust and unjustified. I’m glad that Congress acted in a bipartisan way to fix it.”

The 1986 law triggered five year minimum sentences for possession of five grams of crack cocaine and 500 grams for powder cocaine. The House-passed bill reduces that disparity, requiring a five year minimum sentence for 28 grams of crack cocaine.

Last year about 1,500 people were convicted for crack cocaine possession of somewhere between five and 25 grams, and near 80 percent of those convicted are black.

The legislation, which now goes to President Obama for his signature, also strengthens penalties for major offenses such as drug trafficking and targeting children.

The legislation is supported by many law enforcement and civil rights organizations, including: National District Attorneys Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the American Bar Association, NAACP and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.

Posted @ 7:00 p.m.

Sen. Russ Feingold

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is continuing his effort to make it easier for residents living in northern and western Wisconsin to receive Wisconsin-related television programming, including in-state news, weather, sports and entertainment.

In a letter to the FCC, Feingold is urging the Commission to use its technical expertise and influence in the industry to find a solution.

Wisconsin has 13 counties that are part of Minnesota or Michigan television markets, leaving many of the 157,210 Wisconsin households in those counties with programming that is not tailored to Wisconsin.

“When I hold listening sessions in northern and western Wisconsin counties, people want to know why they are unable to receive Wisconsin news, weather and sports on their televisions,” Feingold said.

“Satellite providers, broadcasters, networks and sport leagues all seem to agree that a solution is possible, but Wisconsinites are still waiting. I am calling on the FCC to use its expertise and influence to do what it can to help. And as another season of Green Bay Packers football gets set to kick off, it is long past time to ensure Wisconsinites are able to watch the programming that matters to them.”

Feingold has fought for several years to help northern and western Wisconsin to receive Wisconsin-related television programming. During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on February 25, 2009, Feingold raised these concerns and questioned TV executives about a solution. Later in the year, Feingold teamed up with Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl in offering an amendment to the Satellite Television Modernization Act of 2009. Although the amendment did not get a vote, Feingold remains committed to pursuing all options to help those affected Wisconsinites receive Wisconsin-based coverage.

Posted @ 6:32 p.m.