January 27, 2012

Bill helps bicyclists avoid getting doored

A bill to prevent "dooring" of bicyclists passes through both houses of the legislature.

Cyclists would no longer be required to ride three feet away from parked cars while passing, but must exercise caution. Also, motorists must look for oncoming bikes before opening their door.

Wisconsin Rapids Democrat Marlin Schneider opposes this bike legislation, saying that cyclists need to learn how to ride according to the rules of the road, just like motorists.

"To go the proper way around the (capitol) square, not to run street lights, to put lights on their bicycles … little things like that."

Schneider says, in his observation, bicyclists seem to think the traffic laws don't apply to them.

"I see this constantly. And the bicyclists, at least around here around the university, don't seem to have a clue that we have traffic laws in this state."

The bill comes after a Madison woman was injured – and given a citation – after being hit by a car door while riding her bike to work.

Madison Democrat Spencer Black, Assembly author of the bill, reminds fellow lawmakers, if Chicago is picked for the 2016 Olympics, Wisconsin will be the venue for all the biking events.

The bill (SB-29) passed on a voice vote in both chambers and goes to the governor's desk.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:20 MP3)

Assembly approves health care changes

Insurance companies could face new rules on denying health coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Legislation approved in the state Assembly Tuesday puts a one year limit on how far back insurance companies can look at your medical history when you apply for coverage. State Representative Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), a sponsor of the measure, says it's a modest step to protect consumers from being denied coverage because of something that happened earlier in their life.

Insurers can currently look back two years. The measure also includes restrictions on how far back companies can examine the medical histories of current patients.

During debate in the Assembly Tuesday, State Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) raised concerns that the bill will increase insurance costs and could result in some employers having to drop coverage. However, Richards says the restrictions in the measure are similar to ones in place in dozens of other states.

The bill now heads to the state Senate. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :57)

Lawmakers pass van alarm bill

State lawmakers have passed legislation requiring day care vans to be equipped with alarms. Drivers will have to walk the rear of their vans to shut off the alarms, assuring there are no children left inside.

The bill was authored by Milwaukee Democrat, state Senator Spencer Coggs , in response to the recent death of an infant left in a day care van there. Four-month-old Jalen Knox-Perkins died after after van driver Fitz Marney picked up the child from his home April 9th, and allegedly left him inside the vehicle for five hours. “This has happened in Middleton, Janesville, Racine, it could happen anyplace, anytime,” said Coggs. “We can't legislate morality, or common sense. As you can see, human error has reared its head time and time again.”

State Senator Mike Ellis , a Neenah Republican, voted for the bill, but blasted day care managers for failing to screen irresponsible drivers. “Who would send their child there, when that same management team hires some moron, who leaves a two-month old baby setting in a van,” asked Ellis. “Let's not walk out of here today and feel like we're better off because we're putting an electronic device in it. Let's go to the heart of the matter, which is irresponsible management, irresponsible employees.”

Ellis invited Coggs to join him in drafting legislation which would require tougher background checks for day care van drivers. The bill passed the Senate and Assembly and now heads to Governor Jim Doyle for his signature.  

AUDIO: State Senate debate (18:00 MP3)

Walker launches campaign for governor

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker A Republican from southeastern Wisconsin is officially in the race for governor. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker kicked-off a statewide tour in Green Bay this morning by announcing that he's running for the state's highest office in 2010.

Walker wasted no time going after Democratic Governor Jim Doyle, saying his proposed state budget would hurt families and businesses. He says the governor wants to increase spending and taxes, while people are already struggling to keep up.

Walker says he wants to live in a state where students have affordable options for higher education and where families can access affordable health care.

Walker ran for governor in 2006, but dropped out of the race when Mark Green emerged as the favorite to challenge Doyle. This time around, he's expected to face a primary challenge from former Republican Congressman Mark Neumann.

Governor Doyle has been raising money for a potential run for a 2010 re-election bid, but has not announced his intentions so far. 

Audio courtesy of Mike Kemmeter, WHBY.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:18)

Feingold issues report card on Obama

Just prior to the 100 day mark of the Obama presidency, US Senator Russ Feingold has released a "rule of law" report card . The Democratic lawmaker's biggest disappointment of the new administration is the use of the "state secrets" privilege regarding legal inquiry. An example Feingold cites says blockage of information surrounding "illegal wiretapping" is reminiscent of the Bush administration. Feingold gave the Obama administration a D grade although admits there has been improvement regarding the Freedom of Information Act.

He says President Obama should go back to President Clinton's executive order in which documents have a "presumption" of not being classified, an order that was reversed under the Bush presidency.

Feingold gave an A grade for enforcing a ban against torture and proper treatment of detainees.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :55)