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Senate passes lawsuit venue bill (AUDIO)

October 26, 2011 By

The state Senate on Tuesday passed a bill which allows lawsuits against the state to be filed in any of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Dane County Democrat John Erpenbach says the bill will mean nearly every suit against the state will end up being heard either in Madison, or in Waukesha, depending upon the party affiliation of the complainant. “We’re all friends here so I think we can be frank,” said Erpenbach. “There are certain Republicans who do not like Dane County, period. Lawsuits are going to be filed either in Waukesha County or in Dane County depending on whether Democrats are taking the state to court, or Republicans are taking the state to court. We know that.”

AUDIO: Senator Jon Erpenbach (4:45)  [Read more...]

Filed Under: News, Politics & Government

Narveson has hip surgery

October 26, 2011 By

Milwaukee Brewers left-handed starting pitcher Chris Narveson underwent surgery on his left hip Tuesday.  He’s expected to be ready for spring training.

Narveson went 11-8 with a 4.45 ERA in 30 starts during the regular season.

The Brewers also outrighted infielder Josh Wilson and reliever Mike DiFelice to Triple (A) Nashville.  The Brewers also reinstated pitchers Brandon Kintzler, Manny Parra and Mitch Stetter from the disabled list.  The move puts the Brewers 40-man roster at capacity.

Filed Under: Brewers, Sports Tagged With: ,

Supposed mining bill up for hearing

October 26, 2011 By

A big turnout is expected at a public hearing on a bill which conservationists say is a “backdoor” attempt to ease regulations on mining. Although the special session bill does not mention “mining,” outdoors groups say the proposal is meant to fast track a project in Northern Wisconsin.

George Meyer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, says AB/SB 24 curtails stakeholders’ power to prevent polluters. Under current law, if a developer wants to build along a shoreline, neighbors can contest the permit application. Meyer says this legislation cuts the DNR’s review time period from 30 days from 20 days, regardless if all information is provided on the permit application. Rather than the applicant having to prove their project follows environmental regulations, the party who complained would have to prove there is a violation, he says.

Meyer calls the jobs bill, a “jobs killer” because it allows pollution of wilderness areas which would hurt Wisconsin’s vibrant tourism industry.

Lori Grant with the River Alliance of Wisconsin says it will “undercut” protections for air-and-waterways, “but the first to benefit will be the mining industry.”

The governor’s office denies the proposal is a tailor made mining plan saying the plan is part of overall DNR reform in the works since January.

The bill receives its only public hearing today before the Senate/Assembly Natural Resources Committee.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:09)

 

Filed Under: Environment & Conservation, News

New debate over fetal tissue

October 26, 2011 By

A battle could be brewing at the state Capitol over controversial research. State Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) is the author of a bill that would prohibit the sale of fetal tissue in Wisconsin.

The West Bend Republican says it’s “deplorably immoral to use aborted babies for research” and claims that there’s evidence to show it is happening. UW officials deny any fetal tissue used by researchers is purchased.

Grothman is hoping his fellow majority Republicans act on the bill. But, Republican leaders indicate they plan to steer clear of hot-button social issues in the fall session.

If the bill does come up, there will be strong opposition from the UW-Madison. Interim Chancellor David Ward says it would have far-reaching and negative effects on university research involving child development, cancer, and infectious disease.

AUDIO: John Colbert reports (:38)

Filed Under: Legislature, News

Democrats rally recall volunteers (AUDIO)

October 25, 2011 By

Former Congressman Dave Obey (PHOTO: WRN)

As Democrats prepare for an attempt to recall Governor Scott Walker from office, party leaders considered to be possible challengers are helping to rally volunteers. In less than three weeks, opponents of Governor Walker will start fanning out across the state to collect signatures on recall petitions.

During a training session in Madison Tuesday, former Congressman Dave Obey urged volunteers to help push back the Walker agenda and the divisive politics he has brought to the state.

AUDIO: Dave Obey (10:00)

Obey says Walker “has a chip on his should half a mile high, and it’s about time Wisconsin voters knock it off.”

Also speaking to volunteers was state Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), who said Walker has “divided the state beyond belief” and it’s the most irresponsible thing he’s ever seen an elected official do.

AUDIO: Jon Erpenbach (4:46)

The Middleton Democrat says many people doubt volunteers will be able to collect the over 540,000 signatures needed to recall the governor. However, he believes they will be able to go well beyond that and gather at least 700,000.

Speaking to volunteers, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said Walker started a relentless attack in January against the values of Wisconsin. She says Walker has pitted families and neighbors against each other and now is the time to take back the state.

AUDIO: Kathleen Falk (6:38)

Recall organizers plan to start circulating petitions November 15th. They will have 60 days to collect the signatures needed to recall the governor.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:17)

Filed Under: Elections, Featured Story, News, Politics & Government Tagged With: ,
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