February 12, 2012

You are here: Home / 2009 / December / Archives for 16th

Doyle focuses on green jobs in Copenhagen

December 16, 2009 By

The governor is at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen focusing on green jobs.

Governor Jim Doyle says he’s been engaged with leaders in government, business and environment in Denmark. During a conference call with reporters, Doyle says his focus has been on taking practical steps in producing good jobs while finding alternative energy sources and conservation. Doyle says it’s a tremendous business and job-development opportunity for Wisconsin.

Scott Manley with Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce points to Wisconsin’s traditional manufacturing sector and its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal. He warns Wisconsin stands to be hit disproportionately hard by global warming regulations.

Doyle says climate change legislation will be phased-in over a long period of time. He says the world is rapidly changing and we simply cannot stick our heads in the sand and resist the change.

Doyle says leaders must seize this moment. The Governor will return to Wisconsin on Friday.

Jackie Johnson 1:32

copen1va121609

Filed Under: Economy

A push to label menus with calorie content

December 16, 2009 By

Representative Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit) is proposing new legislation that would require chain restaurants to provide calorie information on their menus. Benedict is a retired physician, and chair of the Assembly Committee on Public Health. He says battling obesity is a priority for him in hopes of preventing weight-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and joint injuries.

Wisconsin Health Department data shows that 65% of Wisconsinites are overweight or obese. Benedict says the obesity problem could be curbed by better exercise and food choices, and he wants to make sure the nutritional information is readily available so people can make informed decisions.

Benedict says he realizes there are bigger issues in the state that take priority, like job creation and the economy, but this is certainly worthy of his attention. He’s currently seeking cosponsors.

According to America’s Health Rankings by 2018 obesity and its related illnesses will cost American taxpayers $344 billion in medical related expenses.

Jackie Johnson 1:33

menu1va121509

Filed Under: Health & Medicine

Lawmakers approve OWI reforms

December 16, 2009 By

Lawmakers have overwhelming approved legislation that includes tougher penalties for drunk drivers.  The bill makes fourth offense OWI a felony, requires ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, and expands treatment programs. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Legislature Tagged With: ,

Impromptu debate on MPS

December 16, 2009 By

It wasn’t on the agenda for Wednesday’s special session of the Wisconsin legislature, but reform of Milwaukee Public Schools was a hot topic at the Capitol. Katie Venskus doesn’t live in Milwaukee or have children in MPS, but she was at the Capitol advocating for a bill which would give the Milwaukee mayor the authority to hire the superintendent and set the district tax levy – things now done by the school board.

“Kids in MPS have been held prisoner to the politics of adults for a really long time now,” Venskus said. “It’s time to let them out. It’s time to let this issue move forward, and if the public wants to debate it, bring it on. Debate is good, rigorous debate is absolutely necessary when you undertake change of this magnitude.” [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, Politics & Government

Decision on Wood’s fate expected next month

December 16, 2009 By

A special legislative committee continues to weigh the future of state Representative Jeff Wood in the Assembly.

Representative Joan Ballweg is serving on the Committee on Ethics and Standards of Conduct, which deciding whether to recommend the expulsion of Wood (I-Chippewa Falls) for repeated alleged drunken and drugged driving incidents over the last year. Wood has been arrested three times for suspected intoxication while behind the wheel.

Ballweg says one of the most damning aspects of the evidence against the lawmaker is that it was other drivers who notified law enforcement officers about Wood’s erratic driving.

The Republican lawmaker from Markesan says early next month they will give Wood a chance to address the charges against him. Wood has been given until January 5th to respond.

Ballweg says that, unlike prosecutors, they weigh the evidence in regards to whether Wood is representing his constituents in a fit manner.

The committee will make a recommendation on whether Wood should be expelled from the Assembly, censured, or reprimanded before the beginning of the Assembly’s January 19th floor session.

Wood was on the Assembly floor on Wednesday, where he voted in favor of legislation to toughen penalties for repeat drunk drivers.

AUDIO: Rep. Joan Ballweg (:15)

jbwood2

Filed Under: Legislature
Next Page »