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Lawton reserved in response to gov’s comments

October 23, 2009 By

Wisconsin’s Lt. Governor responds to the governor’s cool support of her campaign for the state’s top job.

Governor Jim Doyle had commented on his longtime Lt. Governor’s race to succeed him. Wednesday, Doyle was asked about Barbara Lawton’s bid for governor, and his response wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement.

“Look … I really have worked hard to try to stay out of this. I think there are going to be other candidates that will get in. I think she’s been quite visible as lieutenant governor. She’s worked hard on the arts and a number of other projects and she’ll put those credentials against whoever’s in the race.”

Should the Governor get behind the Lt. Governor? Lawton is cautious with her response. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Politics & Government

Dozens indicted in Racine drug bust

October 23, 2009 By

Over three dozen alleged members of two notorious street gangs in Southeast Wisconsin are indicted by the State Justice Department on various drug related offenses in the City of Racine in a crackdown on mid-level street dealers. FBI Assistant Special Agent-In-Charge G. B. Jones says involved a lot of collaboration with local law enforcement.

AUDIO: GB Jones (MP3 :11)

Assistant Racine Police Chief Steve Hurley says the bust is due in part to information provided by citizens’ phone calls about illicit activity.

Racine County District Attorney Mike Nieskes says there’s still a lot more to be done in this fight against drugs & gangs.

AUDIO: Mike Nieskes (MP3 :12)

Seven of those 41 named in the indictments are still at large. Each defendant, If convicted, faces 10-years to life in prison.

Contributed by Tom Karkow-WRJN

Filed Under: Crime & Courts, Labor

Assembly outlook good for texting ban

October 23, 2009 By

A statewide ban on texting while driving seems to be on the fast-track at the Capitol.

It passed the Senate by an overwhelming margin earlier this week. Now, the Assembly author Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) expects quick action in his house. The state Representative from Kenosha says he’s optimistic the bill will pass quickly this fall.

Barca says there’s widespread bipartisan support for the texting while driving ban, which is similar to laws passed in 19 other states.

Barca says there’s just no way to punch keys on a cell phone when behind the wheel, without putting yourself and others at risk.

AUDIO: John Colbert reports (MP3 :33)

Filed Under: Legislature Tagged With:

Deal could improve Medicare reimbursements

October 23, 2009 By

An agreement in Congress could mean higher health care reimbursements for Wisconsin medical providers.

The deal struck in Washington Thursday would revise how Medicare payments are made, basing it on the quality of care rather than the quantity provided. Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI), who helped negotiate the proposal, says it would result in a study that will help update the reimbursement formula so the true cost of providing care is what determines how much a provider receives.

Kind says the current system wastes over $700 billion a year by simply paying for care provided, rather than paying for care that actually helps improve the quality of a patient’s life.

The Democrat from western Wisconsin says the change is crucial, in order to prepare Medicare for the millions of baby boomers who will soon be relying on it. He says adding 70 million people to the system without changing the formula will bankrupt it.

The deal will also lead to a study that would improve how payments are made geographically. Kind says that will help Midwestern state that have historically received lower reimbursement rates that other parts of the country.

Kind says the proposal has the support of leadership in the U.S. House.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:09)

Filed Under: Health & Medicine
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