A major military contract is coming to the Oshkosh Corporation. The defense department wants the company to make more than 2,200 M.A.T.V off-road vehicles for troops in Afganistan.
A spokeswoman for the Oshkosh Corporation says the contract is for a little more than $1 billion. She says the vehicles will be able to handle the rough terrain in the country.
While the contract will have a positive effect on employment, company officials don't know exactly how many workers they'll need to do the job.
There are reports that the new contract could be worth up to $12 billion over the next two fiscal years.
Oshkosh Corp. gets big contract
July 1, 2009 By
A "blooming" problem
July 1, 2009 By
The warmer summer weather often encourages many people to take a swim in Wisconsin's lakes and ponds. However, it can also promote the growth of toxic blue-green algae blooms in those same waters.
Environmental Health Programs Director Chuck Warzecha rising temperatures, combined with run-off, usually result in blue-green algae popping up around the state this time of year. Warzecha says it will look like someone poured paint on the surface of the water and you should notice a foul smell.
Coming into contact with the tainted water can be harmful to your health. It can lead to skin irritations if touched. If swallowed, it has been known to cause liver damage and even death.
Warzecha says most adults know to steer clear, but kids and pets sometimes miss the algae. He says quick action is needed if you are exposed. Soap and clean water should be used to rinse off. If symptoms grow worse, you should seek medical help.
Revolving door bill is back
July 1, 2009 By
New, yet familiar, legislation passes one hurdle at the state capitol.
The so-called revolving door bill (AB 245) from Madison Democrat Spencer Black makes its way through the Assembly Judiciary and Ethics Committee.
"This bill would close the revolving door currently between the legislation and special interests. It would prohibit legislators from becoming lobbyists for 12 months after they leave office."
Current law already restricts most former state officials from becoming high-paying lobbyists within one year. However, Black says legislators are exempt.
"You can't escape the fact that some legislators may be thinking when they're in the legislature of how they prepare themselves for a lucrative career as a lobbyist. I think it's time to not allow that. You know, special interests have too much influence already."
Black says lawmakers are involved in drafting legislation, casting votes, and making million-dollar decisions effecting special interests.
"A legislator shouldn't be able to vote for a special interest one day and then collect a big salary as a lobbyist the next day."
Black says that type of activity creates the impression of corruption at the Capitol. Many other states have laws in place prohibiting such behavior.
If this bill seems familiar to you, that's because Representative Black or his colleagues have introduced similar measures in the last eight legislative sessions, without ever getting to the governor's desk. Black is optimistic that the environment in the current legislature makes passage of such legislation more likely this time around. Companion Senate legislation is sponsored by Senator Julie Lassa.
More reasons to quit
July 1, 2009 By
Wisconsin is just one year away from implementation of a statewide smoking ban and smokers will start paying even more for cigarettes in September.
Dr. Michael Fiore with the UW Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention says those factors will likely encourage many people to quit for good, so they can save money or don't have to deal with the inconvenience of not being able to smoke in a tavern.
However, smokers looking to kick the habit may have trouble getting help. The state budget increases the per pack cigarette tax by 75 cents, resulting in $700 million in excise taxes for the state each year. But the budget also cut back on funding tobacco prevention and intervention programs.
Fiore says smokers are being asked to help the state remain solvent while addicted to a drug, and we need to provide them with the resources to break free. The state budget allocates about $6.8 million towards tobacco programs. Fiore says at least five million of that needs to go towards programs designed to help people quit.
Meanwhile, Fiore says the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line is ready to help smokers kick the habit well before the tax hike or statewide ban go into effect. It can be reached by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).
