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Ban on phosphorous closer to reality

February 25, 2009 By

Legislation at the state capitol restricting phosphorous in fertilizer passes one hurdle.

The measure aims to protect Wisconsin lakes from algae blooms, so says Dan Kohler, Wisconsin Environment Director. He explains the legislation restricts phosphorous as a nutrient in lawn fertilizer.

"That's critical to do because it's the nutrients from phosphorous, especially in lawn fertilizer, that is ending up in our lakes and causing some of the really nasty algae blooms that are choking our beaches and best fishing spots."

Assembly Bill 3 is supported by numerous environmental and conservation groups. The state Assembly unanimously passes the bill, which Kohler calls "a victory for our treasured lakes."

"The good news is that actually most soil in Wisconsin has more than enough phosphorous in it naturally so that we don't actually need additional phosphorous to grow healthy lawns at residences or golf courses."

A similar measure will be discussed in the state Senate.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:04 MP3)

Filed Under: Agriculture

Becker granted sex addiction treatment

February 24, 2009 By

Former Racine Mayor Gary Becker, who's pleaded not guilty to child porn & Internet sex sting charges, has been cleared to leave Wisconsin, on modified bond, to enroll in a sex addiction treatment center near Philadelphia.

Racine County Circuit Judge Stephen Simanek granted Becker's request to receive treatment at the Keystone Center.

Becker is facing several charges, including possession of child pornography, attempted second degree sexual assault, and misconduct in public office.

 

 

AUDIO: Janet Hoff reports (:30 MP3)

Filed Under: Crime & Courts

Senate approves breastfeeding protections

February 24, 2009 By

A bill to protect breastfeeding mothers from being harassed has passed the state Senate. The legislation would protect the rights of a mother to breastfeed her child in public or private. State Senator Fred Risser of Madison says there's no law against it right now, but some mothers still face problems because there are also no laws in place that clearly protect them. Risser says he's heard from many mothers that have been harassed for breastfeeding their child in a public place.

The legislation does allow for civil penalties if a breastfeeding mother is harassed, although Risser says it's only a minor part of the bill. He says the goal is not to collect penalties, but to make women feel more at ease. There was no debate on the bill, which passed the Senate on voice vote and now heads to the Assembly. Governor Jim Doyle says he'll sign the bill if it passes both chambers.   

Filed Under: Politics & Government

State of the Tribes at the Capitol

February 24, 2009 By

Tribal honor guard at Capitol in Madison Tribal Leaders are calling for the state's help in improving the quality of life in northern Wisconsin.

During the annual State of the Tribes address at the Capitol Tuesday, Sokaogon Chippewa Chairman Arlyn Ackley called on lawmakers to help expand road access in northern Wisconsin. Ackley says four-lane highways are needed to help bring tourism traffic to their parts of the state.

Ackley says educational aid is also needed to make sure children living on reservations don't fall behind. He says those kids need to be educated and trained, so they can contribute to the reservations and state.

Ackley offered praise for the Great Lakes Compact, and the leadership of the state in getting it approved.

He also stressed the importance of the upcoming 2010 US Census providing an accurate count of the population on reservations. Ackley says the count has been off in the past, leading to a loss of valuable aid.

Ackley says cooperation between state, federal, and tribal officials is essential to solving many of the problems facing Wisconsin's 11 tribes.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :55)

Filed Under: Miscellaneous, Top Story

Healing the economy and each other

February 24, 2009 By

The Fiscal Responsibility Summit ijn Washington looked at healing our economy and each other. Congressman Ron Kind says the bi-partisan gathering Monday focused on fiscal challenges including what he calls the biggest financial burden in the future, rising health care costs, both in the public and private sector. The Lacrosse Democrat says if the issue isn't dealt with it will leave a huge legacy of debt for the next generation.

Kind favors health care collaboratives as seen in Wisconsin and other parts of the upper Midwest. These consortiums are made up of physicians groups, hospitals and governmental agencies all volunteering on how to improve health care quality and cost effectiveness. Kind would like to see these models implemented nationwide.

At the end of the summit President Obama said he plans on holding a similar meeting next week to focus on health care and how to provide coverage to 47 million uninsured.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :64)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine, Labor
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