Governor Scott Walker’s stand on health care reform could set the stage for a confrontation with Washington. The Walker administration is choosing not to pursue the implementation of a health insurance exchange under President Obama’s health care reform law, turning down federal grant money. “We have a health insurance cost crisis in Wisconsin, we’ve had hyperinflation. much worse than the national average, and Governor Walker is turning away $38 million we could use to create a competitive health marketplace,” says Robert Kraig, executive director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin. He says Walker may be betting on a change of administration in Washington. “This may be part of a strategy to make it harder to implement the law, in order to try to get it repealed,” says Kraig, who attended last week’s Health Action 2012 conference in Washington.
Hunters groups disagree on weapons bill
The Assembly Natural Resources Committee is considering a bill that changes guidelines for weapons that may be used to hunt certain animals.
The Wisconsin Bowhunters Association is backing the legislation which allows crossbows to be used during the gun-deer season, bear season and small game seasons. However the proposal would not change existing law that bars use of the weapon during the archery-deer season.
Ron Kulas, with the association, said the bill’s expansion of crossbow hunting is “consistent” with public opinion research conducted since 2005 by the Conservation Congress and the DNR.
AUDIO: Kulas lays out public opinion research (2:08)
During that hearing Wednesday, the Wisconsin Crossbow Federation took issue with the data.
“When you do five surveys and you survey only the user of a compound bow, or a traditional bow, of course you’re going to get an answer ‘we don’t want competition,” said Alan Schimelpfenig, while testifying against the bill.
AUDIO: Schimelpfenig on survey respondents (:31)
Kulas insists the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association is not “anti-crossbow,” and said stakeholders came to a consensus on the best way to approach new guidelines. Schimelpfenig said he didn’t know of anyone in his group that was part of that dialogue.
Currently, archery-deer hunters may only use a crossbow if they are over the age of 65 or have disabilities.
Kenosha still hopeful casino will replace track
City leaders in Kenosha support another 15-month extension of an intergovernmental agreement with the Menominee Indian tribe in holding out hope a casino will someday be built at the site of the now-closed Dairyland dog track.
Alderman Ray Misner spoke of frustration at how long it’s taking to get anything developed there.
AUDIO: Ald. Misner (:18)
Alderman David Bogdala said it’s misleading to claim there are no other options for that site as there was another developer interested in the property.
Alderman Jessie Downing also admitted there had been talks with an unnamed developer for a $200-million project. But he also said, “If we have a chance on getting a casino there god bless, let it be built there.”
The tribe’s land option will run out in 15 months. The Kenosha County Board approved the IGA extension earlier this month. The tribe’s application is now under review in Washington.
Janet Hoff-WRJN
Own a piece of the Packers
For the fifth time in franchise history, Green Bay Packers fans can buy a piece of the team. The Packers this morning launched a stock sale, aimed at helping to raise funds for a $143 million expansion of Lambeau Field.
Shares cost $250 with a $25 per order handling fee. The stock has no monetary value and does not pay dividends.
Packers President Mark Murphy says the timing of the sale is great, with the team coming off a Super Bowl win last season and currently riding an undefeated record this year. Murphy says the sale is a great way for fans to offer their support and to help the Packers have competitive teams in the future.
Fans can buy the stock online, although a phone number has been set up for those without an internet connection.
AUDIO: Mark Murphy (:23)
The team designed a new stock certificate for the sale. Compared to the last one issued in 1997, it has different lettering and an image of Lambeau Field in the background.
In the first 11 minutes of sales this morning, the team sold 1,600 shares. The Packers are offering up to 250,000 shares this time around, which Murphy says they hope will raise about $20 million.
Mike Kemmeter, WHBY
Snow sculpting competition moves cities
The state’s official snow sculpting competition is moving to Racine. The competition had been held in the Wisconsin Dells, and was known as the Flakeout Festival. It will now be held in downtown Racine as part of the new Big Chill.
Downtown Racine Corporation spokesperson Jean Garbo says the city “jumped at the chance” when approached by the organizers of the competition about moving there. She adds a number of organizers are themselves former competitors and champions in the circuit.
The snow sculpting competition will be held January 13th through the 15th at Racine Monument square and will involve 16 two person teams. The winners will compete in the 2013 national championships in Lake Geneva.
AUDIO: Janet Hoff-WRJN
