The UW tries a new strategy, to get the attention of state budget writers. The UW System's Dave Giroux says they've sent a letter to every state legislator, explaining how UW students from every corner of the state would be impacted by cuts to the UW System budget. UW System funding is one of the contentious issues which the legislature's budget conference committee must still resolve. The eight member Assembly Senate panel meets again Wednesday.
Lawmakers ask Governor to give up "Frankenstein Veto"
August 7, 2007 By
Republican lawmakers are calling on the Governor to promise not to use the so-called "Frankenstein Veto" on the state budget.
Forty-nine GOP lawmakers have signed a letter to the Governor, requesting he not use his partial veto power on the final state budget sent to his desk. State Senator Shelia Harsdorf (R-River Falls), who helped draft the letter, says such a promise could help their caucus negotiate the budget in good faith. She says it would help to know that what's sent to the Governor will be what he signs.
Governor Jim Doyle isn't making any promises though, and says lawmakers should stop wasting time. The Governor says lawmakers should get to work and finish the budget. Doyle says he'll use his veto power to protect the taxpayers of the state.
The letter essentially asks the governor to voluntarily comply with a stalled constitutional amendment, which would limit the veto power of the office. Senate Democrats have held up passage of the amendment so far this session.
Slow but steady flood recovery in SW Wisconsin
August 7, 2007 By
There was another flash flood watch in Grant County Monday night. Just what the residents of Bagley and other communities don't need.
That's because three weeks ago, flash flooding forced more than a hundred families out of their homes in Bagley near the Mississippi River. Most of them have to rebuild. Most didn't have flood insurance.
Julie Loeffelholz with Grant County Emergency Management says some people are suffering. Ninety-eight to ninety-nine per cent of the victims did not have flood insurance. Either they chose not to, Loeffelholz says, or they couldn't afford it.
The Small Business Administration is offering low interest loans and Emergency Management continues to uncover various federal and state grant programs that will eventually help. Loeffelholz realizes some flood victims may feel abandoned and feel frustrated by the process but recovering from a disaster takes time.
Loeffelholz says in addition to seeking out new grants, financial help is always welcome. A special account has been set up at the People's Bank in Patch Grove.
Volunteers are also need to help in the clean-up and to tear down some more homes this weekend that didn't survive the flood.
A Foot and Mouth disease reminder
August 7, 2007 By
A second British farm hit with foot and mouth disease prompts Wisconsin Ag officials to issue a reminder here at home.
There hasn't been a case of foot and mouth in Wisconsin since 1915. But then again it had been years since the deadly livestock disease was seen in Britain until 2001 and now six years later they're fighting it again.
Donna Gilson at the State Agriculture Department says they thought it was worthy of a reminder to farmers to be alert.
Gilson says Foot and Mouth is always a concern because it is on the Agri-terrorism list but there are other common infections that can be devastating to farms and to the economy.
Gilson says there are simple things farmers can do to protect their livelihood. For one keep disinfectant handy to clean areas that house animals. Keep track of who visits barns so if there a disease does break out there will be a record that may help trace the source.
Also, when transporting animals, even to the fair, take the time to clean truck and trailer tires before driving back into an area where livestock stay.
Gilson says the British outbreak is a good reminder to be aware of diseases we thought had been eradicated.
Packers lose another running back
August 7, 2007 By
Green Bay Packers running back P.J. Pope underwent arthroscopic surgery on Monday afternoon after injuring his knee on a running play during the intrasquad scrimmage Saturday night.
Coach Mike McCarthy didn't give any time table, but according to reports, Pope could miss anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks which could make him a consideration for injured reserve.
The Packers are already without veteran Vernand Morency, but coach Mike McCarthy said don't expect the Packers to go out and add any more running backs.
Listen / Download – Mike McCarthy says don't expect the Packers to add running backs. :10
