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Fear of a Healthy Wisconsin

January 27, 2009 By

We can expect state legislators to renew debate over a universal health care plan, despite public opposition, AND opposition from Governor Doyle. That from George Lightbourn, President of the conservative-leaning Wisconsin Policy Research Institute. "Senator Decker, the majority leader in the Senate, has publicly stated that he fully intends to reintroduce Healthy Wisconsin," notes Lightbourn. "The danger is, if Healthy Wisconsin were enacted, that we're likely to see a fairly substantial immigration into Wisconsin, and I think most people would say for all the wrong reasons."

Lightbourn's group is out with a study that claims Wisconsin would be a "magnet" for those with chronic illnesses from other states if the plan were enacted, and also claims it would cost state taxpayers more than a half-billion dollars a year.

"Our institute hopes that it does not pass, but we take Senator Decker very seriously," says Lightbourn. "Governor Doyle has consistently said that he does not support Healthy Wisconsin, or any initiative that would provide universal coverage just for Wisconsin, and we think the governor's right on in his comments there."

Filed Under: Health & Medicine, Politics & Government

Bill requires mandatory sentence for computer-related sex crimes

January 27, 2009 By

A group of lawmakers in the state Assembly want to get tough on criminals who use computers to commit sex crimes against children.

Abbotsford Republican Representative Scott Suder is among those calling for a mandatory prison sentence for computer-related sex crimes involving a minor. "We're going to try to do what we did for Jessica's Law , for child molesters," says Suder. "If you're caught doing this and you're convicted, you go away for at least a minimum of five years."

Suder has joined Republicans Mark Honadel of South Milwaukee and Robin Vos of Caledonia in pushing for the measure. Suder says the measure would get tough on criminals. "It doesn't matter whether you're doing it through cyberspace or in person, if you're harming a child in this fashion, you are going to prison without parole," he says.

Suder, who also backed a law requiring lifetime tracking for the most serious sex offenders, says this measure should have more teeth than it does. "I would prefer 20 years, to be honest," he says. "But we decided we'd do five and be in line with other states." He rejects any claims that the law would be too tough. "I know we are going to have groups like the ACLU and nutball groups out there that are going to oppose it, and saying it's too tough on child molesters, but I don't care. We went through that with Jessica's Law and Project KidSafe, and those laws passed with wide bipartisan support."

AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (:45 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Committee hears state of our financial institutions

January 27, 2009 By

A legislative committee holds an informational hearing on the safety and soundness of Wisconsin's financial institutions.

The Senate Committee on Financial Institutions is gathering information to gain a Wisconsin-specific perspective on the condition of the banking and real estate sectors of the economy, to balance what we've heard and read about on the national level.

"The problem is that this information is based on the national picture. While it is important to keep that in mind, it isn't always indicative of the conditions in our own state."

Andrea Gage with the office of Committee Chair, Senator Jim Sullivan, says residents are faced with an onslaught of stories of economic crisis and a bad housing market, but it's important to look more closely at the best plan for our state's economic future.

"What we've been hearing is that Wisconsin lending practices have been more conservative than in other states. Our regulatory policies and practices — and those who enforce them — are an example to other states on how to create a safe and sound economic environment."

Kurt Bauer, Wisconsin Bankers Association president says the hearing is an opportunity to correct many misperceptions the public has about Wisconsin's FDIC banks.

Also invited to speak include representatives from the Wisconsin Realtors Association, Mortgage Bankers and Credit Unions.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:21 MP3)

Filed Under: Business

Seven states, 88 days, 1200 miles

January 27, 2009 By

Wisconsin whooping cranes Another successful guided migration for a group of endangered cranes from Wisconsin. They're called the class of 2008: fourteen endangered whooping cranes left Wisconsin's Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in October. Now, all fourteen are in Florida, after an 88 day trip in which the young birds were guided by ultralight aircraft.

Liz Condie with Operation Migration says the latest success brings the total eastern migratory population of the endangered birds to 88, towards a total goal of 125. Condie says the birds came through the 1200 mile trip with flying colors.

Many of the whooping cranes that take part in the ultralight migrations from Necedah are hatched at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo. The reintroduction program is now in its eighth year, with an eventual goal of reestablishing a breeding population of the birds. Condie says the financial and moral support of Wisconsin residents has been crucial to their success. 

AUDIO: Bob Hague reports (1:15 MP3)

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation, Top Story

State stimulus bill waiting on feds

January 26, 2009 By

State Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker isn't ruling out anything, including revenue increases, when the legislature puts together a stimulus package. "Everything's on the table," Decker told reporters at the Capitol on Monday.

Governor Jim Doyle has formed an Office of Recovery and Reinvestment to guide the state on how to best allocate federal stimulus money, something Decker seemed noncommittal about. "I'll take a look at it," said Decker. "If it works, good. If it works even better, even better." Wisconsin Congressman Dave Obey chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Does that mean a bigger piece of stimulus pie for Wisconsin? "It may," said Decker. "I think Dave's concern one is that kids get education, that Pell grants are there for those that want to go to college. I think he's more concerned about overall jobs right now, than specifically earmarking things."

The bottom line on stimulus: we still don't know the details, and Decker says until Congress and President Obama sign off on package, the numbers are likely "going to keep churning." And how can the federal stimulus best help Wisconsin? "Give all the discretionary spending to the legislature," Decker joked.

Also Monday, Decker said he would co-sponsor a package of drunk driving legislation  (PDF) from Senators Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa), Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee) and John Lehman (D-Racine), which would, among other things, make the third OWI offense within 5 years a felony, and make all fourth OWI offenses a felony.

AUDIO: Sen. Decker Q&A with reporters (6:15 MP3)

Filed Under: Politics & Government
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