The state Senate Thursday passed a bare-bones health plan for low income residents. Minority Leader, Republican Senator Scott Fitzgerald, said this BadgerCare Basic plan is basically the public option which Democrats in Washington failed to get included in health care reform. “It’s ObamaCare light,” charged Fitzgerald. “It’s been done in increments, but this is the final piece. This is the final piece that Governor Doyle wants on his way out the door as a lame duck governor.” [Read more...]
Channels call for continued PEG fee
February 25, 2010 By
Starting in January of next year, the operators of several Public, Educational, and Government channels says their main source of funding will expire because local governments will no longer be able to put a one-percent surcharge on cable bills.
Federal law allows the fee to help support those stations, which often carry locally produced TV programs and government meetings. However, state legislation deregulating the cable industry put a sunset on the fees starting next year. [Read more...]
AG says offenders have duty to provide DNA sample
February 25, 2010 By
Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says the obligation of an offender to submit a biological specimen for the state DNA database does not expire.
In a letter to the Department of Corrections, Van Hollen says the agency also has the right to try to collect the sample, even if an offender is no longer in prison or under supervision. The Attorney General says prosecution is possible for those who fail to comply. [Read more...]
Ryan talks decentralization at health summit
February 25, 2010 By
Decentralization was a theme from the only Wisconsinite at the White House health care summit. Janesville House Republican Paul Ryan emphasized the need for lawmakers not to enact policies that will stifle competition among insurance companies.
Rural Dems propose help for schools (AUDIO)
February 25, 2010 By
Democrats from rural Wisconsin are pledging to assist rural schools. They’ve unveiled a package of bills aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by rural districts, including declining enrollments and increased travel costs. One proposal would allow consolidation referendums, currently restricted to the November ballot, to be held in April or September, and provides grants to improve efficiencies. [Read more...]
