Special Sessions:  Budget Repair.  Campaign Finance.

Friday, May 9, 2008

BUDGET REPAIR BILL AGREEMENT REPORTED NEAR
Negotiators on the budget repair bill were reported close enough to agreement late Friday that all members of the Legislature were told to be prepared for session next week.

Senate Majority Leader Decker's office and Assembly Majority Leader Fitzgerald's office notified members of a possible session next Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

If final agreements can be reached over the weekend, the proposal is expected to be sent to a conference committee on Monday, with details released at that time. The conference report would be considered by the Senate first.

It is also expected lawmakers will have the opportunity to take up the bill ratifying the Great Lakes Compact and implementing language.

Budget Repair Bill.
Transportation Builders, Labor Groups. Letter to Speaker on transportation.
Transportation Development Association.  Four days to "Black Tuesday."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Doyle ducks questions on budget. 

Legislators/Legislative Issues.
Rep. Albers.  Will not seek re-election (AD-50).
Sen. Lazich.  Column:  Beware of tax rebate scams.
Rep. Kaufert.  Renews call to strengthen drunk driving laws.
Rep. Wasserman.  Commends Rep. Jeskewitz on her outstanding service.
Tri-County Commerce Association.  Bob Wolfgram:  Rural Wisconsin economy loses champion (Rep. Albers). 
PRNewswire.  MADD calls on Wisconsin lawmakers to pursue tougher drunk driving laws.
Wisconsin State Journal.  Editorial:  Law stops cash-and-carry justice.

State Agencies & Officials.
DOJ. Company agrees to pay $75,000 to settle environmental lawsuit.
DOC. Secretary recognizes winners of 2008 SALUTE award program.
DOT.  Weight restrictions lifted on north central region highways. 
DOT.  US 2 construction update.
DOT.  Adopt-a-Highway crews are sprouting again this spring. 
DWD.  Meeting notices for May 12-16. 
DATCP.  61st Alice in Dairyland to be selected in Sheboygan County May 14-16.
DHFS.  Lyme disease cases rise in Wisconsin. 

WMC.  Business groups take stand to defend Job Creation Act regulatory reform. 
Sierra Club.  Responses to WMC's spin on the mercury rule on WMC's lawsuit.  

Racine Journal Times. Coal plant to get OK to pull in lake water.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Corrections official reviews sick leave use.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Examiner rules politics influenced state lawyer's hiring.
Tomah Journal.  Editorial:  Eight-lane highway drains infrastructure dollars, encourages sprawl. 
RiverTowns.net.  Drug task force funding is drying up.

Organizations.
Wisconsin Policy Research Institute.  High health insurance cost in Wisconsin due to lack of competition.
Wisconsin Council on Children and Families.   Onalaska women receives National Mother of Distinction award.

Energy.
Chippewa Herald.  Gas price up 9 cent a gallon overnight. 

Education.
UW System.  Telfer recommended as UW Whitewater chancellor.
UW Madison.  WARF licenses influenza vaccine technology to FluGen.
La Crosse Tribune. Western, UW-La Crosse work on transfer option.
La Crosse Tribune. Nontraditional students turns her life around at Western Technical.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Facebook, states set safeguards against bullying and predators.

DPI.  Two educators receive presidential teaching awards.
Jackson County Chronicle.  Budget challenges at Mel-Min created by soaring energy prices. 

Healthcare.
UW Madison.  Sweeping analysis of research reinforces media influence on women's body image. 
UW Health.  Research challenges current beliefs about vitamin D and bone health. 
It's Time to Breathe Free Coalition.  Michigan Senate approves strong smoke free law.
Eau Claire Leader Telegram.  Middle ground sought on smoke-free.
Wisconsin State Journal. Doctors encourage insurers to cover diabetes-curing bariatric surgery.

Business.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Manitowoc Co. bid trumped.
PRNewswire.  Air Wisconsin reports April traffic.

Congress.
Rep. Kind. Statement on Farm Bill agreement.
WI Farmers Union. Calls on Congress to pass Farm Bill.
Rep. Kind. Votes to support comprehensive housing legislation.
Sen. Feingold.  Statement on Israel's 60th anniversary. 
Sen. Feingold.  Senate passes Feingold-Snowe measure recognizing Women's Health Week. 
Rep. Ryan.  Pork at what price?  The Gas Tax Relief and Earmark Moratorium Act of 2008. 
Rep. Baldwin.  Presses Rice on "unsatisfactory response" regarding State Department LGBT policies.
Rep. Sensenbrenner.  Ethanol mandate is out of date.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Competing House bills use databases to check workers' legal status.
Wall Street Journal.  M.D. congressman (Kagen) goes without health insurance.

Courts.
State Supreme Court.  Today's opinion (State v. Sou W. Her).

Tribal Issues.
Appleton Post Crescent. Oneida considers payouts.

Local Issues & Officials.
Milwaukee Alderman Zielinski.  Fair Trade Coalition to celebrate (World Fair Trade Day).
Greater Milwaukee Committee.  Milwaukee business leaders convene to discuss globalization in the Midwest. 
Milwaukee County Treasurer Diliberti.  Foreclosure workshop set for May 21.
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett.  Celebrates Bike to Work Week with ride to City Hall. 
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett.  The Barrett Report:  I-94 - striking a better transit balance. 
Madison Mayor Cieslewicz.  Weekly schedule, May 12-16.
Sheboygan Press. Astronauts help generate enthusiasm for Spaceport.
La Crosse Tribune.  Plan keeps churches open.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
Kevin Barrett. To run for Congress from 3rd District.  River Falls Journal story. 
La Crosse Tribune. Libertarian planning to challenge Rep. Kind.
Jackson County Chronicle.  Danou announces candidacy for 91st Assembly District. 
Merrill Foto News.   Merrill Democrat enters Assembly race (AD-35). 

Noted.
Racine Journal Times. Class pen pal gets a hero's welcome.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

State Agencies/Officials.
Governor Doyle.  Announces appointments to Government Accountability Board. 

Governor Doyle.  Seeks applicants for Jackson County judicial vacancy.
Attorney General Van Hollen.  State attorneys general reach agreement with Facebook to enhance Internet safety.
WisDOT.  Traffic deaths last month were second lowest for month of April.
WisDOT.  Schedules WIS 64 public information meeting for May 22.
WisDOT.  Schedules WIS 29 corridor preservation public meeting for May 21. 
WisDOT.  WIS 54 bridge in Sauk County now open to traffic. 
WisDOT.  Statewide task force to inspect compliance with dump truck safety laws.
DNR.  Pipeline expansion may result in incidental taking of rare turtle. 
DNR.  Outdoor Report for Thursday, May 8. 
DHFS.  Talking with your teen is key to preventing teen pregnancy. 
DWD.  Secretary Gassman announces Grow Grant to train workers in northwest region for jobs in emerging renewable energy sector. 
DOJ.  Dodge County company agrees to pay $150,000 to settle state environmental enforcement lawsuit.

Clean Wisconsin.  DNR issues new permit for "giant fish-killing machine."

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  Tax dollars;  The sick leave shuffle.

Organizations.
Smoke Free Wisconsin.  Maureen Busalacchi - Celebrate Mother's Day by protecting moms. 
Wisconsin Environmental Law Advocates.  Agreement reached with Portient, Inc.
Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation/National Kidney Foundation.  Yvette Freeman, "ER's" Nurse Haleh Adams, to keynote Women of the World Conference May 10.

Economy/Energy.
Lt. Governor Lawton.  Eau Claire accepts Lt. Governor's Energy Star school challenge. 
Lt. Governor Lawton.  La Crosse accepts Lt. Governor's Energy Star school challenge.
Sierra Club.  Shareholders beware:  Investments in new coal could go up in smoke. 
Wisconsin State Journal.  Gas price up 14 cents a gallon overnight.
Eau Claire Leader Telegram.  For a cheap ride, try a moped. 
The Capital Times.  American Superconductor nears profit with booming wind business.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Schneider to slow trucks to 60 mph. 

Business.
PRNewswire.  SC Johnson alerts consumers to protect them from a fake check scam.
Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee.  WARF inks 24th stem cell license. 

Education.
DPI.  Exemplary principals complete participation in urban leadership project.
US EPA.  Awards $37,271 grant to Manitowoc Public School District for clean school bus project.
Milwaukee Public Schools.  School nurses ease barriers to learning (National School Nurses Week.)
La Crosse Tribune. Holmen considers first charter school.
Wisconsin State Journal. Three of four chancellor candidates have ties to UW-Madison.
UW Eau Claire Spectator. Chancellor's Roundtable debates column.
UW Eau Claire Spectator. College of Business initiative creates globalized curriculum.
UW Madison Daily Cardinal. Lobbyists for student issues face financial constraints on campus.

Courts.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.  New report documents special interest pressure on Midwest courts.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Former Supreme Court Justice O'Connor urges education about the judiciary.
Detroit Free Press.  No benefits for gay partners (Michigan Supreme ) Court says.

Local Officials & Issues.
Citizen Action of WI. Rally set for Woodman's employees in Janesville.
Highway J Citizens Groups, UA.  Grassroots citizens rally in support of reducing speed limit on Highway 164. 
Milwaukee County Board Judiciary, Safety & General Service Committee.  Provides valuable services to numerous public and private organizations. 
Milwaukee Alderman Zielinski.  Milwaukee takes World Coffee Break (World Fair Trade Day event). 

Congress.
Sen. Kohl.  Initiates GAO investigation into high food prices at hearing on consolidation in the meatpacking industry.
Sen. Kohl.  "NOPEC" initiative to reduce gas prices included in Senate leadership's energy package.
Sen. Kohl.  Announces $850 million food aid boost for FY08 in supplemental. 
Rep. Moore.  Calls for better mental health treatment for American soldiers.
Rep. Kagen.  Applauds Commerce Department's preliminary determination on light weight thermal paper. 
Rep. Kagen.  Adds more local experience to his congressional staff. 
Rep. Petri.  Honored with an A in English award.
Rep. Sensenbrenner.  Postage increase to affect cost of US Capitol flags. 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. State veterans push for new GI bill.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kind, Ryan lose farm bill votes.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
UW Survey Center.  Badger Poll:  Wisconsinites' satisfaction with state and national politics.
Wasserman for 8th Senate District.  Discount generic drug program expands, leaving Wisconsin consumers behind.

Racine Journal Times. Local Democrats received more out-of-state money than Republicans in 2007.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  Democratic nomination;  Calling the game.
Wisconsin State Journal.  Fight for uncommitted Democratic Party superdelegates  - including five in Wisconsin - is heating up.
The Capital Times.  John Nichols;  (Kevin) Barrett will shake up 3rd District race. 

Noted.
RiverTowns.net.  Search is on for fabled Lake Pepin monster.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Wausau Daily Herald. Beer tax hike urged.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Democrats may derail budget fix.
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Kreuser wants end to budget repair debate. 
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Warnings on transportation fund raid.
Eau Claire Leader Telegram.  Wisconsin state workers travel despite warning. 

State Agencies and Officials.
Governor Doyle.  Proclaims State Employee Recognition Day. 
Governor Doyle.  Announces funding for DNASTAR expansion. 
Dept. of Commerce.  Governor Doyle announces funding for LoanSifters, Inc.
Dept. of Commerce.  Governor Doyle announces funding for BWAY Corporation. 
Dept. of Commerce.  Annual visit from overseas directors begins May 12 (international trade team). 
DOJ.  Jones to serve jail time for battering elderly woman to whom she was a caregiver. 
DOJ.  Morris pleads guilty to felony neglect of resident for causing burns to patient in his care.
DATCP.  Local governments receive grants to fund unwanted prescription drug disposal. 
Dept. of Regulation and Licensing.  Orders for February. 
Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial.  18th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony Friday. 
Wisconsin Emergency Management.  Get ahead of the storm - invest in a NOAA weather radio. 

Statewide Issues.
UW Survey Center.  Badger Poll:  Opinions on the Iraq conflict after five years. 

Green Bay Press Gazette. Guest column by Margaret Harrington: Rape victims, families celebrate law.
Racine Journal Times. Racine City Council votes to allow electric vehicles.
Oshkosh Northwestern. Sheriff supports E911 cell phone surcharge.
Wisconsin State Journal. State to propose inspecting all new permanent thrill rides.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Its never to late to quit (smoking).
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Corrections officers complain of lax security measures.

Education.
UW System.  UW Madison chancellor finalists named.

WEAC.  WEAC leaders, delegates make pledge to move to action.
DPI.  Wisconsin has three presidential scholars.
UW Madison Daily Cardinal. Four campus staff apply to be Madison chancellor.
Wisconsin State Journal. UW-s Ogg Hall left half razed after state kills contract with demolition company.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Carroll weighs 'university.'

Health.
UW Center for Tobacco Research & Intervention.  Wisconsin expert led effort on new national tobacco treatment guidelines released today.
Wisconsin Radio Network.  Sickness outbreak in eastern Wisconsin. 

Energy/Food.
Sen. Feingold.  Feingold-backed effort to prevent energy market manipulation included in farm bill. 

Public Service Commission.  Agenda for Thursday, May 8 meeting. 

Business.
Wisconsin Technology Network.  Tom Still:  Should V-C owned small businesses receive government grants? 
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  Editorial:  UW Madison:  Gravitational pull. 
PRNewswire.  Midwest Air Group reports April performance.
PRNewswire.  Appleton applauds Commerce Dept. decision to sanction unfair imports of lightweight thermal paper from China and Germany. 
Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee.  Ranks the "smartest" cities in the US  (Madison is #1, Milwaukee #37). 

Courts.
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter.  Special interest money concerns chief justice.
The Capital Times.  Q&A with Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. 

Local Officials & Issues.
Milwaukee Council Pres. Hines. Calls for action in evaluating Milwaukee's racial disparities.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Ashwaubenon committee votes to ban sex offenders from parks, schools.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Allouez rejects sex offender ban.
Wausau Daily Herald. County panel calls for higher fees.
La Crosse Tribune. Holmen moves closer to selling Star Hill to Lions Club for $600.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Data on inmates available online.

Campaigns, Elections & Politics.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.  School voucher supporters top out-of-state givers. 
Racine Journal Times. Vos announces he'll run for re-election against Flashinski.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Krueger center of GOP probe.
La Crosse Tribune. City employee considers run for top city office.
Wisconsin State Journal.  Editorial:  Voter ID, wrong for Wisconsin. 

Congress.
Sen. Feingold.  Continues call for national affordable housing trust fund.
Sen. Feingold.  Statement on the USS Cole investigation. 
Racine Journal Times. Local Democratic Party calls for Ryan to examine interrogation techniques.
Appleton Post Crescent. Thompson, Shalala offer views on health care reform.

Tribal Issues.
Green Bay Press Gazette. Tribes work to create drug task force.

Wisconsin 2008 Elections

Campaign Release Policy
 

This Day in Wisconsin History
From The
Wisconsin Historical Society