May 16, 2012

Budget progress-week in review

It's Friday. Jay Heck with the non-partisan government watchdog group Common Cause Wisconsin takes a look at this week's budget process

Heck says even members of the legislative budget conference committee are getting frustrated. Senate republican Scott Fitzgerald called the sessions a waste of time.

No action was taken on any budget items at this week's only meeting that lasted two and a half hours. Apparently more was being accomplished in private. Heck says open government is always best but that doesn't preclude the Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader from getting together to iron out differences. Especially when there's an impasse like this one.

Democrats said they're ready to meet Monday thru Saturday if need be and then adjourned until next Wednesday. Heck says that's the point. Lawmakers need to show the public they're serious about getting the budget job done rather than just posturing in public.

Heck says it's time for lawmakers to stop positioning and start compromising on a budget that's two months overdue.

AUDIO: Jim Dick reports ( 1:04 MP3 )

Deadline extended for No Call List

Demand to get on the fall edition of Wisconsin's No Call List is apparently building up, with just a day to go before what was the deadline. Consumer Protection says their website and the phone number for registering have been overloaded with traffic, resulting in many people being unable to sign up at this time.

With so much interest, the agency's Glen Loyd says they're extending the deadline to sign up. Now, residents will have until next weekend to get their name added to the list on October 1st.

Wisconsin's No Call List requires a sign up every two years. The state updates it four times a year. So, if you don't get your name on by next week, you'll have another chance to add your name by December 1st.

Loyd says those looking to sign up should keep trying to call 1-866-9-NO-CALL or try online

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :37)

Steinhauer has lead after first round of State Farm Classic

Madison native Sherri Steinhauer shot a 5-under par 67 to take a 1-shot lead after the first round of the LPGA State Farm Classic on Thursday.

Japanese star Ai Miyazato and Marcy Hart are one shot back.

Defending champion Annika Sorenstam is 4-shots back.

Brewers cough up another lead, fall to Cubs

Matt Murton and Alfonso Soriano clubbed back to back home runs off of Chris Capuano in the 6th inning last night and the Chicago Cubs held on for a 5-4 won over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

The loss for Capuano (5-12) is a franchise-record 12th straight.  Capuano came on in relief of Manny Parra in the 4th.  Parra had to leave the game after crushing his thumb while trying to bunt the ball. 

Chicago took 2 out of 3 in the series and holds a 2 1/2 game lead on the Brewers in the National League Central.

 

Listen / Download – Ned Yost on Chris Capuano. :17

Brewers prospect suspended for 50 games

Milwaukee Brewers prospect Jeremy Jeffress was suspended 50 games yesterday for violating baseball's minor league drug rules.

Jeffress pitches for Class-A West Virginia and was suspended after testing positive for a drug of abuse.

Jeffress was 9-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 18 starts this season.