From water bottles to packaging on products, state Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) says single-use plastic continues to show up all over the state in landfills or as litter. The Madison Democrat is chairman of a special legislative committee examining the issue this week, with testimony from a wide range of experts on the issue helping them along.

Black says the panel is trying to develop legislation that could help reduce the use of disposable plastics when possible. He says the goal is also to encourage more recycling in areas where the most single-use plastics are thrown away.

Black says many people think of shopping bags as the worst offender. While they can be problematic, he says there are areas where single-use plastic packaging creates a bigger problem, such as packaging for industrial or agricultural supplies. He says those sectors often have a much larger volume of plastic waste and recycling is less likely to occur.

Black believes the panel should be able to consider a wide-variety of solutions. The committee continues meeting today.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:12)

A Central Wisconsin attorney has filed a brief in support of his motion to dismiss a weapons charge on constitutional grounds. 29-year-old Daniel Rueden of Spencer is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was set to plead to the charge earlier this month, but instead, attorney William Poss filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming that state statute is too broad; especially in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the right of citizens to own guns in the interest of self-defense.

In 2006, Rueden was convicted of felony theft. By definition theft is a “non-violent” crime. Poss says he served two-years on probation and his rights to vote and serve on a jury were restored, but his right to possess a gun wasn’t.

“(The law) went into effect in 1982,” Poss notes, “It may have been on the books for a long time, but if you look at the period of time between when the 2nd Amendment was created and 1982, that was 191 years.”

“For 191 years, it wasn’t against the law.”

Poss says there’s great hypocrisy in the current law, noting that those convicted of violent misdemeanors—including endangering safety by negligent operation of a dangerous weapon—aren’t so restricted.

“In Wisconsin, it’s a felony to steal from a fish farm twice. If you steal two sunfish from a fish farm, that’s a felony,” Poss notes. “If you’re drunk and point a firearm at somebody, those are both misdemeanors, so you don’t lose your gun rights.”

The crux of the matter, according to Poss, is the state has no compelling interest to prohibit non-violent individuals from exercising their right to keep and bear arms, as long as they’ve completed their sentence.

Poss says he very prepared to appeal the case should the trial court judge dismiss his motion.

Paul Knoff-WCCN

The Wisconsin Alliance of Cities, which is meeting in Racine, has a message for the next Governor of Wisconsin. The Alliance wants the next governor, no matter who wins, to know that state policies are tying their hands as they try to deal with issues facing their cities.

Mayor John Dickert, current president of the organization, says the mayors want to send a clear and simple message to Madison, “we’re here to help.” Dickert says unlike the federal or state government, municipalities can’t ask Wall Street for money or print up new dollars.

Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna says continued reductions in state aid to cities is the result of a “broken relationship” with Madison. He says comprehensive reform in how cities and counties are funded needs to happen. “The state will not succeed if we don’t succeed, and vice versa,” says Hanna.

The mayors held a meeting earlier with Milwaukee Mayor, and candidate for Governor, Tom Barrett.  The group is meeting today with the two Republican candidates, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark Neumann.  Dickert says the group doesn’t plan to endorse any candidate, just get a feeling for how they will react to the message.

Janet Hoff-WRJN

The Legislature’s Joint Audit Committee on Wednesday authorized a review of the state’s Family Care program.

State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) says the move should help identify possible improvements in the program, which has faced criticism because of cost overruns and problems with provider reimbursements.

Family Care was created in 1998 to help reduce the waiting lists for services used by those on Medicaid waiver programs who need access to long term care. Currently, 55 Wisconsin counties participate.

Lawmakers largely agreed that review of the program is needed, although state Representative Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) cautioned against making too many requests of the Audit Bureau. He says the program is quite large and the staff of the Audit Bureau is not unlimited.

Senator Jauch also expressed concerns that the audit could be used by those opposed to the program to justify arguments that the state can no longer afford to keep it going.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:07)

Every ten years, there’s a battle in the Legislature over how district lines across the state will be drawn and one candidate for governor says it needs to end.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says it’s a process that always ends up in court, and results in districts that never see competitive elections. He says the system sets up partisan battles to protect incumbents.

The Democratic candidate for governor is proposing a new method for drawing Congressional and legislative district lines. Barrett wants to allow redistricting plans to be submitted to the Government Accountability Board, which would make a final recommendation to lawmakers.

The GAB would be charged with keeping those proposals open to the public, determining whether the new district lines would create competitive races in as many new districts as possible, and checking to ensure they follow the federal Voting Rights Act.

If the Legislature can’t reach a consensus on the plan offered by the GAB, Barrett’s plan would leave the final decision up to the retired judges that make up the board.

The state begins the process of redistricting early next year.

Barrett offered his proposal after dropping off his nominating papers Monday at the GAB offices in Madison. Barrett says he collected over 16,000 signatures, although only the 2,000 are needed to appear on the ballot.

AUDIO: Tom Barrett at the GAB offices (12:20)

A recent state audit finds Wisconsin’s use value law for farmland has resulted in other taxpayers covering about $4.7 million in tax liability.

The law is intended to provide a tax break on land used for agricultural purposes, but auditors found over half of the properties claiming the credit across 14 communities are located in areas zoned for something other than farming. Many of those parcels were in residential or commercial developments and are owned by property development companies.

Because of the law, those pieces of land were assessed at about $1.6 million. Without it, the market value on properties not zoned for agriculture would have been about $251 million, which would have been used to lower taxes for other property owners.

State Representative Peter Barca (D-Kenosha), co-chair of the Legislative Audit Committee, says some individuals are taking advantage of an apparent loophole. However, he says use value is important for protecting farmland and lawmakers should consider tweaking the law, rather than doing a complete overhaul.

As of 12:01 this morning smoking is prohibited in Wisconsin work places including offices, indoor worksites, taxis, restaurants, bars, or taverns.  Governor Jim Doyle signed the ban into law back in May of 2009, since then businesses having been preparing including members of the Jackson County Tavern League.

“Obviously, the simple part is making sure no ashtrays and anything that…would entice anyone to smoke.  There are people that are definitely gonna’ forget about it and then as with a lot of businesses, being able to allow for an area to them, for them where they’ll be able to smoke outdoors,” says Jackson County Tavern League President Jerel Gunning.

He believes the ban will affect businesses. “The taverns, and so forth, that are really going to hurt are gonna’ be the small corner taverns that are really part of Wisconsin’s landscape, in my opinion.  That’s part of Wisconsin culture.  You have people who go down to these taverns to relax, have a cocktail, a cigarette, and enjoy themselves.  And that’s the business owners, that’s who it’s gonna’ hurt.”

Those who support the smoking ban have been looking forward to today for quite some time saying now they’ll no longer be exposed to the health risks of smoking and second hand smoke. 

Meanwhile Gunning says smokers are aware of the ban. “You know, it’s an issue that’s been going on for years.  Probably the most discussion I hear from people is that it’s one more step that the government thinks that they need to control more of our personal freedoms and personal lives.”

Tony Hart-WWIS

Wisconsin’s new drunk driving law is now in effect, with tougher penalties and an effort to get problem drinkers into treatment. State Senator Jim Sullivan, one of the principal authors, of Wisconsin Act 100, said the law represents a comprehensive approach to keeping the state’s roads safer. “We want to make sure that we’re focusing not just on getting your repeat drunk driver off the road, but getting your first or second time drunk driver, which is the majority of offenders, into treatment to address some of those alcoholism and addiction issues,” said Sullivan.

Act 100 requires installation of Ignition Interlock Devices all repeat offenders, and for first-time offenders with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher. Still, Sullivan noted there’s only so much the legislature can do. “People are going to spend a substantial amount of time behind bars,” as a result of the new law, he said. “But, for us to really say that we’ve succeeded in this, this is an issue that has to be addressed by each and every one of us, because the problem ends up being us . . . our neighbors, friends and co-workers.” Sullivan said that while there are additional law enforcement and prosecution costs with the new law, the real cost is “the carnage on our streets.” He expects the tougher penalties will decrease the number of deaths caused by drunk drivers.

The new law, which Governor Jim Doyle signed in December, also makes fourth-offense OWI a felony if the driver has a previous OWI-related conviction within the past five years, criminalizes first-offense OWI if a child is in the vehicle, and expands statewide a successful Winnebago County treatment options program.

AUDIO: Bob Hague interview w/Senator Jim Sullivan (5:30)

Republican state Senate candidate Kevin Hermening is dropping out of the primary race. The announcement leaves Wausau doctor Pam Galloway and Glen Flora businessman Jimmy Boy Edming to face off in the September primary, for the chance to take on Senate Majority Russ Decker in November’s general election.

“I have concluded that there is nothing that I alone could do in Madison to change the attitude and culture should I be successful,” Hermening said in a statement. “I can have a much more profound impact on my community by moving forward in the non-elected arena of public service.” Hermening said he will not make an endorsement in the race.

WSAU

Democrats from all over Wisconsin gathered Friday night in Middleton for their annual convention. Among the speakers, long time Congressman Dave Obey who included in his accomplishments of 40 years in office, the economy recovery package. He fired back at Republican critics who cited deficit spending on the massive stimulus bill. The Wausau Democrat claims Republican policies on taxation and the war has wiped out the Clinton surplus while establishing nine trillion dollars in debt in the coming decade, “and yet they oppose spending one-tenth that amount in the short term in order to rebuild job opportunities.”

As House Appropriations Chairman, Obey said he’s “damn proud” of the work he did on the bill. His last statement was not a word but notes from his harmonica which the lawmaker harped away at for several minutes.

A candidate running for Obey’s seat, State Senator Julie Lassa, touted her record as a fighter. She cited her facing off against chemical companies with her BPA free act, a bill signed into law that bans the chemical from children’s drinking cups. In addition Lassa talked of spearheading efforts to boost jobs and the economy through work on Accelerate Wisconsin and the CORE Jobs Act.

Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan listed numerous legislative victories that he says would’ve only happened under Democratic majority. While calling Republicans the party of “no,” the Janesville lawmaker posed questions to the delegates: would Republicans have passed contraceptive equity, banned phosphorus and mercury, or cracked down on drunk driving?

Earlier in the evening, Lt .Governor Barbara Lawton warned Democrats not to get complacent in their achievements. She told Dems they “must insist on serious ideas for economic recovery” from the candidates. She said it’s government’s job to aid in economic development with 21st century infrastructure things such as broadband access and education innovation.

A common theme among the speakers was the severe economic blow Barack Obama faced as incoming President. DPW Chair Mike Tate said Obama is bringing the US out of the economic disaster that Bush created. The federal lawmakers that spoke, including Congressmen Ron Kind and Steve Kagen as well as Congresswomen Tammy Baldwin and Gwen Moore, all praised the health care reform act.

Among speeches the one with the heaviest campaign feel belonged to Senator Russ Feingold, who took shots Republican challenger Ron Johnson. Although the upcoming primary will officially decide the GOP challenger, Republican delegates endorsed Johnson at their convention weeks ago. Feingold took issue with the millionaire businessman’s comments about the oil industry in lieu of the Gulf oil spill.

“He (Johnson) also has said big oil is not evil and get this, ‘this is not the time to be beating on these guys quite honestly.’ Are you kidding me? Can you think of a better time to be beating up on the oil industry?” Feingold said he’s always taken a strong stance against bank bailouts but Johnson has kept quiet about the issue.

The evening was capped off with Governor Jim Doyle and keynote speaker DNC Chairman Tim Kaine.

AUDIO: Cong. Obey and harmonica song (22:47)

AUDIO: Sen. Feingold (27:25)