WISCREPORT.COM (09/08/2010) - Not surprisingly, the unsure attitude about the economy that many people have, is causing the employed to think twice about leaving their jobs, but confidence is increasing. GfK Custom Research North America, a leading global custom research company, says its national survey indicates more than one in five currently employed Americans are willing to change jobs. However, 53 percent would prefer to stay with their current company even if they were offered a good job elsewhere. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/03/2010) - U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has launched a collaboration with Southern Shield, a consortium of state homeland security and law enforcement officials from 14 Southeastern states and territories. It is part of the national Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) initiative, as well as the expansion of the If You See Something, Say Something campaign to fusion centers across the Southeast. Click on the headline above to read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/01/2010) - One of the larger employers in Milwaukee, a world-wide small engine manufacturing giant, is using a legal manuever to try to raise money to retire a 203.5 million dollar debt. Briggs and Stratton Corporation has filed what is called a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The statement allows the company to offer and sell debt securities to pay off the Senior Notes that become due in March of 2011. Click on the headline above for more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/23/2010) - Things are looking up in the state of Wisconsin, according to information by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The quarterly report shows that more jobs have been added than originally anticipated by economists. However, the bad news is that it will likely take two to three years before the Wisconsin employed level will again reach the figures that were prevalent before the slow down. Click on the headline above to read the full story with more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/17/2010) - Two veterans in Lomira, Wisconsin are being recognized with the SCORE Award for having an Outstanding Veteran-owned Business. Kevin McDermott and Steven Smits are owners of Patriot Taxiway Industries. The two will accept the award at the 2nd Annual SCORE Awards and black-tie gala at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., September 16th. WisconsinReport.com has more. Click on the headline above for the full story. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/16/2010) - President Barack Obama traveled to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin today to jumpstart what the president called a homegrown, clean energy industry. ZBB Energy received a loan that is helping to fund an expansion of company operations, enabling ZBB to retain a dozen workers add 80 new employees. The President says he wants to see Made In America stamped on new energy products distributed in this country and around the globe. For more on this story, click on the above headline. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/14/2010) - The independent online source for news about Wisconsin people, places, politics, events and activities, has joined the Facebook crowd. WisconsinReport.com, established in 2002, now also has a page on Facebook.com, a social networking website with more than 500 million active members, many of which have ties to Wisconsin. Readers of WisconsinReport.com are urged to find the page on Facebook and become a fan by clicking on the LIKE button on the page. Click on the headline above for more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/12/2010) - On Monday, August 16, President Barack Obama will travel to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where he will tour ZBB Energy Corporation and deliver remarks to workers. While in the state, President Obama will also visit Milwaukee, where he will headline events for Mayor Tom Barrett and the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Barrett is running for Wisconsin Governor and other Democrats are involved in heavily contested races. Click on the headline above to read more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/09/2010) - The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board has partnered with StumbleUpon.com to target potential customers and increase the virality of advertising campaigns. To gain the upper hand in the longstanding debate over which state has the best cheese, the board chose StumbleUpon's ad platform to promote its fun and interactive consumer site, GrilledCheeseAcademy.com. Click on the headline above to read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/04/2010) - Legendary road-racing cyclist and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has teamed up with Quiznos to hold an international pro-cycling competition in Colorado next year. The Quiznos Pro Challenge is expected to attract bicycle enthusiasts from Wisconsin and the rest of the world August 22nd through the 28th, 2011. To read more at WisconsinReport.com, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/29/2010) - Testifying before Congress today, Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA) pledged to play a critical role in the future of housing finance by continuing to enable first-time and lower income families to purchase homes safely and soundly. Testifying on behalf of MICA was Patrick Sinks, President and COO of Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To read more, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/23/2010) - It must be an election year. The Wisconsin GOP is accusing the camp of Wisconsin 7th Congressional District candidate Julie Lassa (D-Portage County) of carrying out a negative campaign against Republican Sean Duffy (R-Ashland County). They claim Lassa is using a thin link and flawed logic to cover up her track record. That record includes more than a decade of working on business and workforce issues. For more details, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/10/2010) - Anyone dialing a phone number in what has strictly been the 715 Area until now in the northern part of Wisconsin must enter the full ten digit number starting Saturday, July 17, 2010. That's the date telephone companies switch so a second code number (534) can be dropped into the 715 area. To read more, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/06/2010) - A new Forever Stamp image may be available in January as part of a pricing package that would add less than 13 cents a month to the average American household budget. If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, First Class stamps would increase 2 cents to 46 cents. Click on the headline above for more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/02/2010) - Wisconsin will receive $25,246,669 in loan and grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Broadband Initiatives Program. Click on the headline above for more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/28/2010) - Some Kellogg breakfast cereals are being recalled voluntarily by the Kellogg Company. The company says only Kellogg cereal products with the letters KN are included in the recall. The recall does not involve all Kellogg brand cereals, just certain brands. The brands in the Kellogg recall are Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Fruit Loops, and Honey Smacks. The recall is being made because of what the company is calling, an uncharachteristic off-flavor and smell. Click on the headline above to read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/16/2010) - Large majorities of Americans feel they should be allowed to have guns, acccording to the latest Harris Poll findings. At the same time, many Americans favor stricter control of guns, particularly hand guns, although this number has decreased somewhat in the past few years. Most Republicans and Americans who own guns favor less strict laws controlling guns and hand-guns. Conversely, most Democrats and those who do not own guns favor stricter control of guns and hand guns. Click on the headline above for more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/15/2010) - Starting with July 17th it will be necessary to dial the area code along with the rest of the number you are calling in what used to be strictly the 715 Area Code. That's because the Wisconsin Public Service Commission has decided it is necessary to drop in a second Area Code due to projected exhaustion of available new numbers in what has been the 715 Area Code. So, beginning July 17th all new numbers issued will have the 534 Area Code, even though the numbers issued will be in the former lone 715 Area. Confused? Click on the headline above to read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/11/2010) - The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary is urging everyone in Wisconsin to join in with other citizens of the USA to show the United States flag on Flag Day 2010. Flag Day will be observed Monday, June 14th. Flag Day started in 1916 with a presidential proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson to commemorate the date on which the Second Continental Congress voted to adopt the flag of the United States in 1777. Nicknames for the flag include the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and The Star-Spangled Banner. Click on the headline above for more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/07/2010) - Smokers in Wisconsin will be unable to light up in the workplace state-wide by state law beginning next month. The new Wisconsin Smoke-Free Workplace Law will go into effect July 5th. The law is designed to help workers quit smoking and to protect customers and non-smokers from inhaling second hand smoke in restaurants and other consumer frequented businesses. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says radio, print, and internet advertising is in the works to educate people about the new law. Read more by clicking on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/03/2010) - Now you can hear Pop Rock from the Greatest Five Decades of Hit Music on your computer while surfing the web. A Super Mix of your favorite Top 40 songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s is available on the internet at GreatGold.fm 24 hours everyday. The internet radio station plays Classic Hit Oldies (Pop Rock), which is the best of the Greatest Hits that made it onto Popular Rock Top 40 Charts from the beginning of the rock era in the mid-50s through the end of the 20th Century. All you need are headphones or speakers attached to your computer and you're ready to enjoy the music. Click on the headline above for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/02/2010) - American voters say by 48-35 percent that they want their state to pass an immigration law similar to the recent Arizona law, according to a Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll released June 1, 2010. The same poll shows that most people who took the poll don't look favorably at those who are opposed to the law. The poll results indicate, by an overwhelming 76-12 percent, those surveyed say that plans by those opposed to the law to boycott Arizona are a bad idea. To read more about the latest Quinnipiac Poll, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/24/2010) - Starting June 1st it will be mandatory to carry automobile insurance in Wisconsin. Drivers who fail to qualify can be fined up to 500 dollars. Forty-eight other states already require that drivers carry automobile insurance. After June 1, 2010, only New Hampshire will not require that all drivers take the responsible action of carrying insurance. Meanwhile, the Immediate Past President of the College Republicans of Wisconsin has renounced her party membership and joined the Democratic Party. To read more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/19/2010) - Marshfield, Wisconsin alderman John Spiros is running for the Wisconsin 70th Assembly District seat held by Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore). Spiros is also a Roehl Transport Vice President of Safety and Claims Management. Spiros says he will work to undo, what he calls, the Wisconsin reputation of being a state that is not friendly toward employers, blaming 10.3 unemployment on Democrats raising taxes and fees. To read more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/17/2010) - Many professionals who study the banking industry have been saying that the trend is that banks eventually will not be offering free checking as one of their services. But, according to a Bankrate, Inc. report, banking consumers can turn to Credit Unions for free checking. The Bankrate study of 50 of the largest Credit Unions in the United States shows that 78 percent of them provide free checking accounts. And, most Credit Unions do not require a minimum balance, nor do they charge a monthly fee. To read more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/14/2010) - The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is seeking public comment on the proposed wind siting rules, issued today by the PSC. The proposed rules will ultimately result in uniform wind siting standards for local units of government in Wisconsin and ensure consistent local procedures for regulation of wind energy systems. Any person may submit written comments on these proposed rules. Comments on the proposed rules will be accepted until July 7, 2010, at noon (July 6, 2010, at noon, if filed by fax). More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/12/2010) - A Milwaukee based company that provides a service to military and commercial aerospace customers has been honored with a small business award. S3 International, LLC, Milwaukee, Wis., has been named 2010 Wisconsin Small Business Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). S3 International provides aircraft spare parts and repair management services to military and commercial aerospace customers. For more on this story at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/10/2010) - State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) has entered the race for the Congressional seat that Dave Obey is giving up after more than 40 years. Last week Obey announced he will retire from the Wisconsin 7th Congressional Seat in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of his current term. Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus says Lassa has apparently emerged as the hand-picked successor to Dave Obey. Priebus added the usual opposing party rhetoric, indicating Lassa won't necessarily have an easy campaign. For more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/03/2010) - Now that former Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce Dick Leinenkugel has moved on to become a Republican candidate for Wisconsin U.S. Senator, the Governor has promoted former Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver to the position. When Leinkugel resigned the Secretary job with short notice to jump into the political campaign ring, Governor Jim Doyle turned to Olver, because of his experience within the department. Olver also had a business background before becoming part of the Doyle Administration. Click on the headline above to read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/28/2010) - A Wisconsin Democracy Campaign review released today shows eleven contributors to Wisconsin candidates for statewide office and the legislature exceeded the annual $10,000 limit on individual contributions in 2009. The Democracy Campaign findings are based on state campaign finance reports filed by legislative, judicial and statewide candidates and political parties that show the sources of their campaign contributions and spending. The contributions were to both Democrats and Republicans. Click on the headline above to read more about this story and others at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/26/2010) - Former state Commerce Secretary Richard Leinenkugel has announced his Republican bid for the Wisconsin U.S. Senate seat held by Russ Feingold (D-WI). When Feingold took office 18 years ago, Leinenkugel said he was busy improving the state economy by expanding his family beer-making business in Chippewa Falls. In making a switch from Commerce Secretary to Republican Primary candidate for the seat held by Feingold, Leinenkugel tried to distance himself from Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI), who had appointed him Secretary, saying he was working for the state not the Governor or Democrats. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/22/2010) - A federal court has banned eight companies and their principals from selling credit repair and mortgage relief services, and ordered them to pay more than 7.5 million dollars for deceiving consumers throughout the United States. the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged seven of the companies and three officers with making false promises that they would improve consumers’ credit scores by removing negative information on credit reports. The FTC says the companies misled people, charged illegal advance payments, and did not provide written contracts required by law. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/21/2010) - Menomonee Falls Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced a U.S. House bill that would require all candidates for federal office to publicly disclose campaign donations online before gaining access to the funds. Meanwhile, State health officials have praised Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) for signing Act 209 (Assembly Bill 659). State Health Secretary Timberlake says it is a long-overdue modernization of state law governing HIV testing. For more on both of these stories at WisconsinReport.com, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/20/2010) - This morning at the Capitol in Madison, a group of the largest businesses in Wisconsin, labor unions, farm organizations and other groups called for passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act being considered by the state legislature. The groups are among nearly 300 businesses, labor unions and other organizations that are supporting the legislation. As the legislature considers the Clean Energy Jobs Act, citizens from across Wisconsin have created short videos to show why Wisconsin should pursue a clean energy future. For more click on the headline to go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/19/2010) - The Wisconsin Farmers Union is urging the Wisconsin legislature to pass legislation that will create jobs in the state, boost farms and support a foundation for clean energy. The Wisconsin Clean Energy Jobs Act is scheduled for a vote in the state Assembly Tuesday. A Wisconsin Public Service Commission study shows that there would likely be a 1.4 Billion dollar savings for the state if the legislation is enacted, contrary to what opponents of the bill have been saying, according to a Farmers Union spokesperson. For more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/17/2010) - The University of Wisconsin at Madison has been named among Americas Top 10 Party Schools by Playboy magazine. UW-Madison is ranked number three in the rankings determined by Playboy editors, with input from Playboy magazine campus representatives, models, photographers, online voters, and student readers. Only the West Virginia University (Number 2) and the University of Texas at Austin (Number 1) rank higher than UW-Madison in the latest edition of Americas Top 10 Party Schools seen in the May issue of Playboy. For more on this story at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/12/2010) - The Wisconsin Business Council is lauding a new report by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue that showed the state and local tax burden at its lowest level since 1961 in a ranking of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Wisconsin ranked 15th in state and local taxes per $1,000 of personal income and 21st per capita, the lowest ranking for Wisconsin since its general sales tax was adopted nearly 50 years ago. For more information about this story and more see WisconsinReport.com on the internet. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/10/2010) - The University of Wisconsin - Madison will end its licensing agreement with Nike as a result of the company's failure to adequately address the problems caused by the closing of two Honduran factories. According to UW-Madison, displaced workers at the two plants should have been paid a combined 2 million dollars. Even though Nike did not own the factories, the UW is holding them to the UW Code of Conduct for the actions of subcontractors. Read more about this story and others on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/06/2010) - The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation says average prices on food items that the Bureau tracks as the Market Basket Survey, did not rise too much during the first quarter of 2010. However, there was a continuous upward trend in the overall average cost of the 20 items tracked. Compared to the last quarter of 2009, the total for the food items rose nearly a dollar and a half to almost 53 dollars. The largest single percent price increase was on sugar, attributed to conditions in the world market. Read more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/26/2010) - The Fixes to the Senate Health Reform bill now go to the White House to become part of the new law signed by the President earlier this week. The U.S. House of Representatives voted 220 to 207 to give final okay to the minor changes made by the Senate to the Fixes sent to the Senate by the House. The Fixes are officially called the Health Care and Education Reconcilition Act. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says this completes what the late Senator Edward Kennedy called the great unfinished business. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/25/2010) - The United States Senate has approved a package of Fixes to the historic health care reform bill that President Obama signed into law Tuesday. The Senate vote on the Fixes was 56-43. The Fixes were sent to the Senate by the House following House approval of the Senate Health Reform bill last weekend. The Senate sent the Fixes package back to the House for a final Fixes vote due to some technical glitches in the Fixes that were uncovered in the Senate. Meanwhile, some Wisconsin Republicans want to authorize a lawsuit over the new federal Health Care Law. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/24/2010) - Now that President Obama has signed the Senate Health Reform Bill into law thanks to the approval of the House of Representatives, the House is moving on to boosting the economy. The House has passed two job creation and small business bills: the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Act and the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act. It is hoped this will help businesses cope with the effects of the economy and create more jobs to get the economy moving in a positive direction. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/23/2010) - President Barack Obama has signed the Senate Health Reform bill into law, making good on a campaign promise that helped him get elected. The road to signing day was bumpy, slow and frustrating over more than a year since President Obama was sworn into office in January of 2009. Several provisions in the new law came from Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin. As President Obama was signing the bill, Attorneys General from more than a dozen states were filing lawsuits challenging the new law, and Washington D.C. Republicans have vowed to repeal it. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/22/2010) - The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate Health Care Reform bill 219-212 during a special weekend session in Washington D.C. They did so while also passing a separate House bill that fixes some of the things some people thought should not be included in the law. The original Senate bill now goes to President Obama for his signature, however, the Fixes now go to the Senate for approval. So Health Care Reform issues are not completely settled just yet. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/19/2010) - Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen is applauding the announcement that China has reopened its markets to pork and pork products from the U.S. almost a year after slamming the door shut in the wake of the H1N1 scare. Meanwhile, a resolution is to be introduced on the U.S. House floor to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and recognizing the efforts of former Wisconsin U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson who made Earth Day possible. Earth Day will be held April 22nd this year. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/17/2010) - The Small Business Council of America (SBCA) is urging Members of the House of Representatives to vote against the Senate health care reform bill. The SBCA believes the details of the legislation will not only harm small businesses and their ability to provide health care to employees, but SBCA suggests it could lead to the ultimate demise of the USA private health care system. A spokesperson says SBCA supports health care reform, but not as proposed in the House and Senate bills. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/15/2010) - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is helping to spread the word about an unusually high number of complaints to the Social Security Administration from Wisconsin residents about phishing phone calls. The department is reminding people that the Social Security Department does not ask for Social Security numbers over the phone. Real Social Security workers have access to that information if they need it without asking for it. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/01/2010) - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. has announced that Toyota will be extending on a nationwide basis the additional services being provided to Toyota and Lexus customers in New York affected by the recent Toyota recalls. The services involve sticking accelerator pedals, floor mat pedal entrapment, anti-lock brake system software updates, and Tacoma front drive shaft inspection. Toyota says additional services are being provided to customers concerned about driving their vehicle before the repair is completed. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/22/2010) - New federal regulations for consumer credit cards are now in effect. Lawmakers hope the new rules will be beneficial to consumers who have been having a rough time trying to meet all of the past requirements, fees, and interest rates that have been thrown at them. Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D., is among those praising the implementation of the CARD Act, which protects consumers by banning unfair credit card interest rate hikes and forbids abusive fees and penalties. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/15/2010) - Business and economics education is on the fast-track of growth at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), with recent moves aimed at expanding student opportunities to earn a UW degree. The new School of Business and Economics at UWSP, previously known as the Division of Business and Economics, was officially renamed by the UW System to reflect changes that will enable accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB) and broaden the academic experiences offered to business and economics majors. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/05/2010) - Governor Doyle was in Wisconsin Rapids today to sign a bill that will pool federal recovery zone bonds to fund job-creating projects statewide. The Governor signed Senate Bill 440, authored by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), and Assembly Representatives Marlin Schneider (D- Wisconsin Rapids), and Louis Molepske, Jr. (D-Stevens Point), at a ceremony at Energy Composites. The bill will clear the way to fund projects like the company proposed wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in Wisconsin Rapids, projected to create 600 jobs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/01/2010) - Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) filed an injunction Friday, January 29, 2010, in Dane County Circuit Court to prevent the implementation of a new law requiring contractors to electronically file extensive payroll data when working on public works projects. The law, adopted last May as part of the budget bill, became effective this January. The association says it unfairly treats non-union contractors differently than union contractors. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/28/2010) - A University of Wisconsin nuclear physics doctorate holder, who is now Chairman of the independent U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is set to speak at a Washington D.C. forum. Prior to his pro-nuclear energy mention during the State of the Union speech before the joint meeting of the U.S. Senate and House members January 27th, it was said that the Obama administration sent conflicting signals to the power industry on the integration of nuclear into the energy mix. The NRC chairman will update power industry leaders on the regulatory issues affecting the current applications for new reactors. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/19/2010) - Flambeau River Biofuels (FRB) has executed a letter of intent to engineer, procure, and construct (EPC) the largest second generation green diesel plant in the United States at an existing pulp and paper mill in Park Falls, Wisconsin. The $250 million project, funded in part with a grant from the U.S. Dept of Energy, is expected to be fully operational by 2013. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/14/2010) - People in the United States and in countries around the world are looking to assist in the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti. Many are unable to actively go to the country to help in digging out citizens from under the rubble of the buildings, but money and goods are needed to help survivors cope with being without lodging, food, water, and other basic needs. InterAction has a list of member organizations online that accept donations. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/11/2010) - Wisconsin dairy farmers will be well represented on the newly formed Dairy Industry Advisory Committee, formed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen will join three other dairy leaders from the state on this 17-member group. According to USDA, over the next two years, the committee will review the issues of farm milk price volatility, dairy farmer profitability and consolidation, and offer suggestions on ways USDA can best address the needs of a struggling dairy industry. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/08/2010) - Now that National Guard and Reserve units are beginning to return from active duty in Iraq Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle is urging state employers to put the veterans back to work in the civilian sector as soon as possible. Within the next three weeks Doyle expects about 3200 Iraq veterans to return to the state. Federal law requires employers to take them back with open arms. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/31/2009) - It took four months, more than 5,000 pounds of donated yarn and hundreds of talented volunteers to knit over 25,000 hats for homeless individuals across the country as part of the Lands' End FeelGood initiative. Lands' End kicked off the FeelGood campaign in September in an effort to warm the homeless and displaced this season. For every Lands' End FeelGood sweater purchased, the company donated signature FeelGood yarn to One Heart Foundation's Warming Families, a nationwide knitting charity. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/29/2009) - The National Education Association is disappointed with some provisions of the United States Senate version healthcare reform passed by Senators last week. The 3.2 million members of NEA are unhappy that the Senate has chosen to finance healthcare reform on the backs of teachers and bus drivers, and other middle class americans instead of millionaires, according to NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/24/2009) - The U.S. Senate passed the Senate version of the so-called Health Care Reform early in the morning on Christmas eve, as Democrats hoped. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) says the Senate bill is far from perfect, but, it includes important provisions for Wisconsin. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) explains that the Senate version begins the process of cutting health care costs and hopes the finalized Senate - House compromise bill will reach President Obama for his signature in January. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/21/2009) - The United States Senate cut off debate on the senate version of health care reform during the early morning hours shortly after midnight today. Wisconsin Congressional Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) is wondering why Democrats in the Senate have joined House Democrats in taking action in what Ryan calls The Dark Of The Night, while Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) says he will keep fighting for the so-called Public Option that is not in the current version. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/16/2009) - Citizen Action of Wisconsin (CAW) has issued a new report that shows the U.S. Senate health care bill under consideration would extend coverage to over 330,000 Wisconsinites if enacted. CAW Executive Director Robert Kraig says it would be sad if the Senate doesn't pass the so-called health care reform bill. If the bill doesn't make it to the White House for President Obama to sign, Wisconsin residents would be losing meaningful health care reform. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/12/2009) - U.S. House Representative Ron Kind (D-WI), Vice-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, voted Friday to protect consumers and hold Wall Street and big banks accountable through the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 4173). Kind says he voted that way so that the United States never again comes close to the near economic collapse faced last year. For more information on this story see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/08/2009) - The latest Putting People Back To Work speech by President Barack Obama is causing lawmakers to comment. Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is happy that President Obama is looking at tax credits to stimulate job creation. Feingold says he has been advocating tax credits to companies that hire workers to encourage hiring. President Obama talked today about ideas to ease the strain on the job outlook and the economy. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/07/2009) - The Wisconsin Safety Council and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development are now accepting nominations for the 16th Annual Wisconsin Corporate Safety Awards. Companies compete based on size and type of business. The awards are given in recognition of company safety and health achievements. Read more about the award program at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/04/2009) - Today, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced the Asset Management Improvement Act. This legislation is designed to ease administrative burdens on public housing agencies placed on them by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and allow them to operate more efficiently. Read more online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/03/2009) - As the Obama administration hosts a jobs summit, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is continuing his efforts to support American jobs by urging the president to support Buy American requirements. Feingold led a group of members of Congress in asking the president to include strong and effective Buy American requirements in any legislative proposals developed during the White House jobs summit. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/30/2009) - While the federal Cash For Clunkers program grabbed headlines earlier this year, another U.S. government program still in effect can help put money in the pockets of new-car buyers who act before the end of 2009. The Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association is reminding people that the tax break for buying a new car is due to expire at end of year. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/27/2009) - State Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today released October 2009 local unemployment rate estimates for Wisconsin cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. The unemployment rate decreased in 27 of 72 Wisconsin counties in October and remained the same in 10, compared to September 2009, but remains up for the year, statewide. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/2009) - Wisconsin Assembly Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) is seeking co-sponsorship for a Toxic Toys bill designed to make it easier for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and friends to buy safer toys to give to young girls and boys during Christmas and the rest of the year. There's more on this story on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/23/2009) - U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of a new report highlighting the benefits of health insurance reform for Wisconsin. Also today, Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and Richard Gephardt are showing support for Health Insurance Reform for the United States. Read more about the HHS Report and the Thompson-Gephardt joint statement at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/10/2009) - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Mike Tate is disappointed with the votes of some Congressional Representatives from Wisconsin in the U.S. House last Saturday. Tate says the votes of Congressmen Tom Petri (R-WI) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) against the Affordable Health Care for America Act highlights the growing divide between their stance on the issues and what their constituents want. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/07/2009) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that the New Direction that Democrats have been promising the country will be manifested today by passage of the Health Care Reform that Congress has been spending so much time and effort on. She made the comments at a news conference today following a Democratic Whip meeting with President Obama in the Cannon Caucus Room. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/07/2009) - In a victory for President Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous. The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/05/2009) - Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl are urging the Obama administration to support a Wisconsin proposal for high-speed passenger rail service from Milwaukee to Madison. In a letter sent to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Feingold and Kohl stated their support for the state request for federal funding to develop a high-speed passenger rail line to connect the two largest Wisconsin cities. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/02/2009) - Medical Examining Board (MEB) Chair Gene Musser, M.D. has announced that formal disciplinary action will be pursued against a Green Bay M.D.for, allegedly, failing to adequately assess the capacity of a patient to make her own health care decisions. The Board has also suspended the license of a Beloit doctor pending the outcome of an investigation and disciplinary proceedings. The Beloit physician allegedly reported for work at Beloit hospital under the influence of alcohol. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/28/2009) - Expressing concern that state government is hampering job creation and failing to protect seniors in a down economy, Ed Thompson (R-Tomah) has announced he will run as a Republican against incumbent Kathleen Vinehout for the 31st State Senate district. Vinehout (D-Alma) says she welcomes Thompson into the race to represent Trempeauleau, Buffalo, Jackson and Pepin counties and parts of Monroe, Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, and Clark Counties. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/23/2009) - The new State of Wisconsin Electronics Recycling Bill becomes the law of the state January 1, 2010. On that date, manufacturers of electronic items such as computers, televisions, printers, and fax machines, will be required to be responsible for collection and proper handling of disposing of the products. Also, beginning September 1, 2010 the landfilling or incineration of certain electronic devices will be prohibited. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/19/2009) - The Teamsters Union is launching a national campaign to fight against the destruction of the carhaul industry by bailed-out auto giants General Motors and Chrysler. The automakers received bailouts from taxpayers earlier this year, but are now demanding dramatic cost cuts from Teamster-represented carhaul companies, threatening hundreds of jobs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/16/2009) - The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe is experiencing a change of leadership as a result of its Tribal elections held Saturday, October 10, 2009. The election drew the second highest number of voters in the history of the tribe and resulted in the election of a new Tribal President, Kim Vele. She replaces the incumbent President, Robert Chicks, who has held the office for the past twelve years, or six consecutive terms. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/14/2009) - The State of Wisconsin has created or saved over 22,000 full time jobs through the use of federal recovery funds allocated to the state to help ease the downturn in the economy, according to the State Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan of Janesville. Sheridan is predicting the ultimate creation of 70,000 jobs in Wisconsin. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/07/2009) - U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, joined Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Congressman George Miller (D-CA), in introducing legislation to restore vital civil rights protections for older workers in the face of the Supreme Court decision in Gross v. FBL Financial. The bill is supported by AARP and other senior citizen advocates. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/02/2009/) - Governor Jim Doyle announced today the state submitted an application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for federal funds to develop a $651.8 million high-speed passenger rail line between Milwaukee and Madison. It is estimated that the project could create 13,000 jobs by the year 2013. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/01/2009) - Hundreds of Saturn brand automobile employees will be losing their jobs following the General Motors (GM) announcement that the deal to purchase Saturn by the Penske Automotive Group has fallen through. GM President Fritz Henderson says a wind down process will be made available soon. In the meantime, Saturn vehicles can still be purchased and serviced at current dealerships. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/30/2009) - The Senate Finance Committee yesterday first failed to include a public health insurance option plan offered by Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV), and later another similar plan offered by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) during consideration of the committee health care reform proposal. Some Democrats, including Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, say the issue is not completely at an end. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/23/2009) - U.S. House Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-WI) supported the extension of Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits by voting for the Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009. The Act passed the House 331-83. It provides a continuation of UC checks for another 13 weeks in states hardest hit by joblessness. The Senate is working on a similar plan. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/17/2009) - Medtronic, Inc. (Medtronic) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc., (MSD) have agreed to pay 59,741 dollars to Wisconsin Medicaid, plus interest, to settle claims that it defrauded the program. The component was part of an aggregate settlement of 40 million dollars. Click on the story headline to Read More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/15/2009) - Small business owners have been calling their Representatives and Senators to urge them to support health care reform legislation that cuts costs, stops insurance companies from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions and gives people the option of a public plan. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/12/2009) - The State of Wisconsin has formed a task force to look into possible Wisconsin Shares fraud among childcare providers. The Wisconsin Shares Task Force is a state, local, and federal law enforcement collaborative that is designed to aggressively investigate possible abuses within the Wisconsin Shares Program. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/10/2009) - The September 9th health care reform speech by President Barack Obama before a joint session of the U.S. Senate and House Of Representatives has been received well by many Obama supporters, however, others are not completely satisfied. Read about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/01/2009) - Wisconsin starts collecting a new 75 cents per-pack cigarette tax today. The tax, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, is estimated to prompt 17,000 Wisconsin smokers to quit while preventing 33,000 Wisconsin kids from ever starting. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/27/2009) - The Wisconsin job picture continues to stabilize, but the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS) is saying the recession impact is far from over. The latest Wisconsin Job Watch from COWS shows a continued slowing in the rate of job loss in Wisconsin, according to July 2009 data. However, Wisconsin has 137,000 fewer jobs than when the so-called recession started in December of 2007. Even though the situation may be slowing down, the Wisconsin unemployment rate remains at highs not seen since the 1980s. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/18/2009) - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has announced that he will not seek a third term as Governor. Governor Doyle says he has decided to limit himself to two terms and is ready to go to accomplish as much as possible during his second and final term. Doyle's Republican opponents are suggesting that a self-imposed term limit has nothing to do with Doyle's decision not to seek a third term. The Republican Party of Wisconsin Chair says low approval ratings, a budget mess and embarassing stories may be the real reasons Doyle is quitting after his second term, but supporters disagree. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/14/2009) - State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) says a $100,000 Department of Workforce Development grant to train the first of 400 workers to produce wind turbine blades in Wisconsin Rapids is another major step in making Central Wisconsin a leading Green Center. The North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board will work with Mid-State Technical College to create customized training courses to prepare the workers Energy Composites Corporation will need to begin production of wind turbine blades. Read more about this development at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/11/2009) - While Congress pushes for national health care reform legislation that may ultimately open the door for more citizens to receive primary and preventive medical, dental and behavioral health care in a consistent, welcoming, health care home setting, the model of care provided by the Wisconsin Community Health Centers continues to serve as an example to follow, according to Stephanie Harrison, executive director of the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association. Read more about the effort in the story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/07/2009) - Washington D.C. has extended the Cash For Clunkers program which has been more successful than originally anticipated. Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold says the program has been a boost to local economies, and is pleased to see it continue. Feingold, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, also says he was pleased to vote to approve the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Feingold also approves of the cooperative nature of agencies looking into possible anti-competetive practices hampering some parts of the dairy industry. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/03/2009) - Wisconsin and Minnesota cooperatives are applauding what they call the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack decision to raise dairy price supports through the Dairy Product Price Support Program during a time of near-record low dairy prices. Wisconsin and Minnesota dairy cooperatives handle more than 85 percent of the milk produced in the two states. Cooperative Network President and CEO Bill Oemichen says this extra financial support at a very difficult time is greatly needed, and is greatly appreciated, by the Upper Midwest dairy industry. Read more on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/31/2009) - Congressional Representative Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-WI) says the health care reform legislation currently making its way through Congress is getting better with each new draft. The House Energy and Commerce Committee resumed their mark-up of the Affordable Health Choices Act after members of the committee and House Leadership reached a compromise on key portions of the legislation. Kagen says he will be holding public listening sessions throughout Northeast Wisconsin in August to discuss the health care reform legislation. Read more about this story on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/27/2009) - At least half the adults in every county in Wisconsin are either overweight or obese, according to a recent state report. The new Department of Health Services report, Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Wisconsin, indicates that the obesity rate for adults in the state has more than doubled since 1990, reflecting a nationwide trend. Wisconsin Department of Health Secretary Karen Timberlake says residents of the state, as well as teachers, parents, businesses, and government employees, have a stake in turning the trend around. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/25/2009) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says $3.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds will be used for transit upgrades and improvements in Wisconsin. The grants include the purchase of buses in Eau Claire, and Appleton, plus some other transportation related needs in the Appleton and Eau Claire areas of the state. The ARRA funds distribution to Wisconsin brings the total now to 415 grants and the amount to $3.8 Billion dollars for transit improvements. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/22/2009) - A pilot program by the Consumer CHECKBOOK Center for the Study of Services, has shown the national feasibility of conducting scientifically valid surveys of patients to give public ratings and reports on doctors. It shows how well doctors listen and explain things, make themselves available for appointments and care when needed, arrange to have helpful and courteous office staff, and perform on other important aspects of care that patients can judge. The surveys use questions and a survey procedure developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, endorsed by the National Quality Forum. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/21/2009) - Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-WI) says the proposed health care legislation will take us closer to our goal of guaranteeing access to affordable care for all of us. According to a report released today by Families USA, 233,000 people in Wisconsin will gain health care coverage under the American Affordable Health Choices Act by 2013 and 375,000 by 2019. Kagen will join doctors and nurses today from across the country in support of reforms included in the American Affordable Health Choices Act. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/17/2009) - The United States House Energy and Commerce Committee began the work of marking up America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200). The plan for health care reform promises to lower costs, provide better care, and keep the insurance industry competitive and fair for all consumers. House members have began offering ammendments to the original bill. The ammendment process started Friday and will continue next week. Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammi Baldwin offered two ammendments that were accepted by the committee. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/16/2009) - DISH Network, LLC has agreed to pay restitution to consumers and to enter into an agreement that limits how it can market services in the future to settle consumer protection allegations with Attorneys General in 46 states. The states alleged the satellite TV provider and its third-party retailers engaged in deceptive and unfair sales practices. The company denied any wrongdoing. Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has announced the possibility of consumer restitution for eligible consumers. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/15/2009) - The newly created Chrysler Group LLC will continue production of the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10. Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995, will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets. Chrysler Group LLC is a combination of the old Chrysler company and Fiat. Read all about the Dodge Viper and the new Chrysler company at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/14/2009) - U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced that Wisconsin will receive up to $5,400,000 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for its state-run rebate program for consumer purchases of new ENERGY STAR qualified home appliances. The new program underscores the Obama Administration commitment to make American homes more energy efficient, while helping to support the national economic recovery. The Recovery Act appropriated funds for the program to help spur economic growth, create jobs, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/10/2009) - The new General Motors Company began operations today with a new corporate structure, a stronger balance sheet, and a renewed commitment to make the customer the center of everything the new GM does. Created from the old GM's strongest operations in an asset sale approved by the bankruptcy court on July 5, the new GM is built on four core brands in the U.S. and the largest, strongest dealer network in the country. GM also has moved aggressively to develop a full range of energy-saving technologies, including advanced internal combustion engines, biofuels, fuel cells, and hybrids. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/09/2009) - Wisconsin Forward Award Executive Director Elizabeth Menzer has announced the recipients of the 2009 Wisconsin Forward Award. Ten organizations are receiving recognition this year. They are Sacred Heart Hospital (Eau Claire), Central Wisconsin Center (Madison), Pewaukee Public Schools (Pewaukee), School District of Elmbrook (Brookfield), St. Clare Hospital and Health Services (Baraboo), St. Mary’s Hospital (Madison), Kohl's Department Stores Credit Division (Menomonee Falls), Evergreen Retirement Community Inc. (Oshkosh), and Upland Hills Health, Inc. (Dodgeville). WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/08/2009) - Has it been seeming that every time you go to the supermarket you come away with less for the same amount of money that you spent the week before? Well, it may be a surprise that Wisconsin second quarter 2009 retail food prices fell just over 4-percent from the first quarter of 2009. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Market Basket quarterly survey found the average cost of 20 basic food items totaled $53.40 in the second quarter of 2009. That is a $2.45 decrease from the survey average price of $55.85 in the first quarter of 2009. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/07/2009) - American Transmission Company, a leader in the planning, construction and operation of transmission infrastructure, has identified various new high-voltage transmission line projects that can help deliver renewable energy while also addressing reliability issues in the Midwest. Since formed in 2001, ATC has invested more than $2 billion to build or upgrade 1,700 miles of transmission lines including the 220-mile interstate Arrowhead-Weston line, which runs from Wausau, Wisconsin to Duluth, Minnesota. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/06/2009) - The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the availability of $4 billion in Recovery Act grants nationwide to help bring broadband service to unserved and underserved communities. This is the first round of Recovery Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access to help bridge the technological divide and to create jobs by building out Internet infrastructure. Wisconsin U.S. Congressional Representative Steve Kagen, M.D. is part of the effort to include rural areas of Northeast Wisconsin in the economic recovery. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/01/2009) - Small business owner and former Congressman Mark Neumann has filed paperwork to officially enter the 2010 race for Wisconsin Governor. Neumann was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District in Wisconsin in 1994 and was re-elected in 1996. Neumann ran for US Senate on the Republican ticket in 1998. 55 year old Neumann owns a home building company and is co-chairman of Educational Enterprises, a non-profit that runs three Hope Schools in Milwaukee as well as a public charter school in Arizona. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/29/2009) - State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) says Wisconsin has now succeeded in what he calls a long struggle to bring mandatory auto insurance to Wisconsin. Governor Jim Doyle signed into law legislation that requires drivers in Wisconsin to carry auto insurance. Wisconsin joins the 48 other states that have what Carpenter calls a commonsense requirement. Meanwhile, some Republicans are voicing objections to some of the auto insurance requirements. Read more on this story and others at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/29/2009) - Joined by local officials, business and education leaders and Wisconsin citizens, Governor Jim Doyle signed into law today a state budget that builds upon the commitment to expand access to affordable health care coverage, invests in Wisconsin businesses that will create jobs and lead to future growth, and continues to protect priorities like education and police and fire protection, in the face of unprecedented national economic challenges. For the first time since 1977, the budget is being enacted before the start of the new biennium. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/19/2009) - Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold took the case of the Wisconsin auto industry directly to President Obama yesterday (Thurs., June 19, 2009). Feingold told President Obama by phone how important the industry is to the state, and had another conversation with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. The President continues to make it clear he does not intend to meddle in decisions made by the auto industry, even though the government currently has a large financial stake in helping General Motors and Chrysler try to survive. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/2009) - The Wisconsin State Senate has passed a biennial budget bill for 2009-2011. As usual, there are misgivings by Republicans that majority party Senate Democrats were able to get the budget passed. However, Majority Leader Russ Decker says the version passed has no general sales or payroll tax increases, yet, it still protects working families, schools, and police and fire services from cuts. Another provision invests in highways, airports, bridges and harbors, and is expected to create about 10,000 jobs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/13/2009) - Having a good year in 2008 wasn't enough to prevent a major company providing family recreation in three countries from filing bankruptcy. The amusement park company Six Flags is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, saying it needs to reorganize to get rid of about 2 Billion Dollars in debt. The New York based company has a Six Flags amusement park at Gurnee, Illinois. However, Six Flags chief executive officer says the bankruptcy is not expected to affect Six Flags Great America nor any of its 19 other theme parks in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/12/2009) - At a health care town hall meeting in Green Bay thursday, President Barack Obama strongly advocated the inclusion of a public health insurance option in the health care reform proposal currently being crafted in Congress. The forum kicked off the public campaign for fundamental health care reform. President Obama criticized opponents who are saying he is promoting socialized medicine, saying the government would not be taking over healthcare, but, providing options for gaining access to healthcare. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/9/2009) - In an outpouring of opposition, more than 2,100 business executives have signed petitions urging the Wisconsin Legislature to reject a state budget with $3 billion in higher taxes and expanded liability. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) has declared that many members are opposed to a number of provisions in the state budget that would increase the cost of doing business in Wisconsin. The WMC says the items at issue would hamper job creation. Read more about it on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/08/2009) - Fiat and the new Chrysler Group LLC have agreed to honor most of the Lemon Law rights of Chrysler buyers when the new company takes control of the U.S. auto maker.The new Chrysler Group LLC will be owned by Fiat, the UAW, the U.S., and Canada. State Lemon Laws provide consumers with rights and procedures to obtain a refund or a replacement vehicle if a new vehicle develops a significant problem that can not be repaired after a certain number of repair attempts. More on this story is online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/02/2009) - One of the icons of the automobile industry and of corporate America in general, General Motors (GM) yesterday entered into bankruptcy. It's part of the overall plan to save the company from leaving the stage entirely. GM entered chapter 11 to launch the New GM through the powerful tools of the Bankruptcy Code. GM has followed Chrysler LLC in filing for reorganization under the bankruptcy codes. Chrysler filed last month. Both companies are hoping to be leaner, focused and more competitive as a result of their actions. If you have questions about the developments, read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/28/2009) - With many students heading home, starting their summer jobs, or beginning long vacations, forty students in the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG) Student Chapters are travelling the route of the proposed high speed rail system in Wisconsin to build support for the project. From Green Bay to Milwaukee to Madison to La Crosse, the students are stopping in major towns and cities along the way, meeting with public officials and talking to the media about why they believe high-speed rail is essential for future transportation needs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/27/2009) - The World Health Organization says, as of 06:00 GMT, 27 May 2009, 48 countries have officially reported 13,398 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 95 deaths. The largest number of cases seem to be in the United States at this point. The United States has reported 6764, and only 10 deaths. However, the percentage of deaths in relationship to cases reported is still in Mexico. Mexico has reported 4541 cases and 83 deaths. Read more about the latest so-called Swine Flu news at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/22/2009) - In honor of Memorial Day, a United States Congressional Representative from Wisconsin has proposed federal law aimed at helping military personnel, students and veterans. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation called the Service Member Home Ownership Act and the Help Student Soldiers Act to provide housing and education benefits to service members. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/21/2009) - Credit Card debt in the U.S. has reached a record high of nearly one trillion dollars. Almost half of American families currently carry a balance. The average balance was over seven thousand dollars in 2007. Congress thought it was time to put on some brakes regarding the credit card industry so customers are treated more fairly. On May 20th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of the Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights, H.R. 627. What does this mean to cardholders? WisconsinReport.com has the details. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/20/2009) - State Representative Joe Parisi (D-Madison) and Senator Pat Kreitlow (D) Chippewa Falls) announced today they will be introducing a bill designed to protect the right of a journalist to keep sources and material gathered during the reporting process confidential. The legislation, which is currently being circulated for co-sponsors, is called the Whistleblower Protection Act, and has already been passed by 32 other states in some form. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/20/2009) - The U.S. House of Representatives today okayed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act by a vote of 361-64. The Senate had earlier passed the Act onto the House by a vote of 90 to 5 Tuesday. Some of the problems that have been evident that this Act applies answers to, include over-the-limit fees, charges for paying by phone, and getting advance notice when the credit card company decides to raise your rate. It also addresses difficulties young people have regarding credit cards. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/18/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle today signed legislation to make public places, including restaurants, taverns, and other indoor workplaces, smokefree. The Governor was joined at bill-signing events around the state today by business owners, health officials and smokefree Wisconsin advocates. Governor Doyle said the move will not only improve public health, it will also save money by lowering health care costs. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/16/2009) - General Motors plans to reduce its dealer network from 5,969 stores to approximately 3,600 by the end of 2010. This process started yesterday (Friday, May 15, 2009), as GM began contacting dealers regarding its long term planning. 1,100 small sales volume U.S. dealers are being advised that GM does not see them as part of its dealer network on a long-term basis. In most cases, existing franchise agreements run through October of 2010. Read more about the GM dealer reduction plan at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/15/2009) - The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu) statistics now show that only four states do not yet have confirmed or probable cases of the illness. At this writing, only Alaska, Wyoming, Mississippi and West Virginia have that distinction. In the midwest, the CDC indicates that there are 613 cases in Wisconsin, 36 in Minnesota, 638 in Illinois, 66 in Iowa, 71 in Indiana, 14 in Ohio, and 142 in Michigan. The CDC stats show a total of 4,714 confirmed or probable cases and only 4 deaths. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/13/2009) - Several members of the United States House of Representatives, including Ron Kind of Wisconsin, have re-introduced the Small Business Options Program Act (SHOP). SHOP, if passed, would make health insurance more available and affordable for small businesses and their employees. The bill is endorsed by several business, employee, and family groups and organizations. Read more about SHOP on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/11/2009) - Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation, has filed a request with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to adjust its retail electric and natural gas rates, effective January 1, 2010. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has grave concerns for the ratepayers. CUB says many families are already having a hard time paying their utility bills. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/09/2009) - A public health emergency remains in effect in Wisconsin in response to the presence of Influenza A (H1N1) in the state. Wisconsin now has 298 Confirmed Cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu), according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDH). The increase in confirmed cases from May 6th to May 8th reflects new testing capability in Wisconsin. Read more about this story and others at WisconsinReport.com, the place to depend on for Relevant Reading. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/07/2009) - As of 06:00 GMT, 7 May 2009, 23 countries have officially reported 2099 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 1112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 642 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths. The latest Wisconsin figures released as of mid-day today, show 176 probable cases in the state, however, only 26 have been confirmed as the so-called Swine Flu. Read more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/06/2009) - May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Wisconsin. The warmer weather is bringing out motorcycles again, and it's time to be a little more careful while driving a vehicle. Car, truck and van drivers should become more aware of what is coming down the road before starting out from stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, exiting driveways, and parking spaces. Read more about motorcycling and driver safety at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/05/2009) - U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Richard Besser have announced new CDC guidance on closure of schools and child care facilities where there has been reported cases of the novel H1N1 flu virus. CDC no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A/H1N1 consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/04/2009) - At least 20 countries, including the United States have now officially reported 985 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection (often referred to as the Swine Flu), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. WHO notes that the United States has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. More on the situation at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/03/2009) - Wisconsin has made it to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tally of so-called Swine Flu cases in the United States. The CDC shows 226 cases in the nation as of mid-morning today, including three cases in Wisconsin. The Center says the total in the official total posted includes Laboratory Confirmed Cases of the illness. There are now cases in 30 states with the largest numbers still in New York and Texas. Read more in the updated story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/2/2009) - The Wisconsin Department of Health (WDH) tally of Probable Swine Flu (H1N1) Cases now has risen to at least 14, however, as of mid-morning today none of them have shown up in the official U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics. Excluding Wisconsin, the CDC how reports 160 laboratory confirmed cases of people suffering from the flu strain that is, at this time, believed to have broken out in Mexico. The CDC figures now include cases in 21 states. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/01/2009) - As of mid-morning today the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports 141 Swine Flu cases (H1N1) have been confirmed in 19 of the country's 50 states. However, there still has been only one death in Texas that has been attributed to the strain of flu virus that has caused illness in a large number of people in Mexico. So far Wisconsin seems to be spared from the CDC statistics, but there is news today that there may be two cases in Milwaukee. Meanwhile the ACLU has issued a caution. More information is on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/01/2009) - State and local health officials in Wisconsin today reported that five probable cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus of swine origin (Swine Flu) have been found in Wisconsin. Two cases were found in the Milwaukee (one adult and one child), a third case in Adams County, another in Osaukee County and a fifth case in Sheboygan County. State Health Officer, Dr. Seth Foldy, says these laboratory-proven cases indicate the flu is active in Wisconsin, and, Governor Jim Doyle has declared a State of Emergency. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/30/2009) - In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 yesterday (April 29, 2009). Meanwhile, new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius cautions people not to panic. Sebelius reminds people there are flu outbreaks every year and everyear there are some flu deaths. She also says HHS and other agencies are doing everything possible to limit the seriousness of this particular flu outbreak. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/29/2009) - The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. The Centers for Disease Control reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The nearly two year old infant who died was reportedly a Mexican youth brought into this country for treatment. CDC statistics as of 10 AM Central Daylight Time (CDT) show 91 people have come down with the flu strain in the U.S. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/28/2009) - The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. As of this morning (Tuesday, April 28th) there are 64 known cases of Swine Flu in the United States. The World Health Organization has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. Read additional relevant information at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/27/2009) - General Motors today presented an updated Viability Plan that will speed the reinvention of GM's U.S. operations into a leaner, more customer-focused, and more cost-competitive automaker. The new plan focuses on four core brands in the U.S. - Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC - with fewer nameplates and a more competitive level of marketing support per brand. The Pontiac brand will be phased out by the end of 2010. More details can be found inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/27/2009) - Wisconsin Governor Doyle suggests everyone should remain calm and use common sense, good health practices, following the news regarding swine influenza, which has been reported in several states and in Mexico. Doyle says the Wisconsin government is in touch with health officials across the country and more information will be made available as needed to keep residents of the state up to date and aware of the situation. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/25/2009) - Retail food prices at the supermarket increased in the first quarter of 2008, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 basic grocery items in the first quarter of 2008 was $45.03, up about 8 percent or $3.42 from the fourth quarter of 2007. However, compared to the first quarter of 2008, groceries in the sample group are up 9 percent from the same period a year ago. More Relevant Reading at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/24/2009) - The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent in March, before seasonal adjustment according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. The index has decreased 0.4 percent over the last year, the first 12 month decline since August 1955. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI-U decreased 0.1 percent in March after rising 0.4 percent in February. More statistics are available at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/23/2009) - Former Judiciary Committee Chairman and author of the REAL ID legislation, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), is responding to the remarks of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano. Napolitano spoke to the Anti-Defamation League National Leadership Conference about repealing REAL ID, an idea that the author of the bill finds distasteful. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/22/2009) - Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today released March 2009 local unemployment rates for Wisconsin cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. Unemployment increased in 12 metro areas during March. On the other hand, when you take a look at counties, unemployment decreased in 64 of 72 Wisconsin counties. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/20/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle has approved proposals for transit projects in 14 small urban areas and 32 non-urbanized areas around Wisconsin. Approval is a major step in securing the portion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding that has been appropriated for the state. The projects total nearly $34.5 million. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/18/2009) - The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is cautioning moving too swiftly on a proposed rule designed to make processing meat safer that may increase costs and lessen profits for farmers. More time is needed to consider the unintended consequences to the Wisconsin cattle industry as a result of the proposed federal rule, says the largest farm organization in the state. More on this story is available inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/16/2009) - A Janesville man has been sentanced to six and a half years in prison without parole for robbing a Madison, Wisconsin bank. Erik C. Peterson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that John Kowal, 23, Janesville, Wis., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb to 78 months in prison without parole for robbing the Anchor Bank on Westfield Road in Madison on September 16, 2008. More on this and other stories can be found at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/13/2009) - United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi likes the idea of the United States government purchasing nearly 18,000 fuel efficient vehicles from only American car makers. Pelosi believes it will help auto makers currently in financial touble, spur the economy, and make the government fleet more fuel efficient. The Speaker also is supportive of President Obama's plan to make healthcare better for the military and veterans. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/06/2009) - Ford Motor Company announced today the successful completion of debt restructuring initiatives that will reduce the Automotive debt by $9.9 billion from $25.8 billion at December 31, 2008, and lower the annual cash interest expense by more than $500 million based on current interest rates. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/03/2009) - Chrysler LLC has reported March U.S. total sales of 101,001 units, which is the first time since Sept. 2008 that the Company has surpassed 100,000 units, representing a 39 percent decrease versus 2008. Chrysler retail market share increased to an estimated 10.0 percent versus 9.9 percent in March 2008. Read more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/02/2009) - House Budget Committee Ranking Republican Paul Ryan (WI-01) yesterday introduced a comprehensive alternative to the fiscal year 2010 budget proposed by the President and Democratic Majority. Republicans say their plan will get spending and deficits under control, without raising taxes, but some Democrats don't think it's right for the country, at this point in history. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/30/2009) - General Motors is looking at today's announcement by President Obama as the start of a new era for the U.S. auto industry, and a defining moment in the history of General Motors. The U.S. Treasury will provide working financing capital for GM for 60 days while GM completes a more accelerated and aggressive restructuring to put the company on sound long-term financial footing. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/27/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle has signed into law legislation that will protect traveling sales crews from abuse by employers and sets regulations that also protect consumers and homeowners. Malinda’s Act, SB4, is a response to the tragic traveling sales crew van crash on March 25, 1999 in Janesville, which killed 7 people, including 18-year-old Malinda Turvey from Verona, and severely injured 5 others. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/26/2009) - The Wisconsin Department of Justice has obtained a 5.5 Million Dollar judgment against a Colorado corporation, the National Rebate Fund, Inc., and its owner, Timothy Stubbs, over their operation of a fraudulent rebate scheme known as the National Energy Rebate Fund. And, in another case, Northern States Power has been ordered to pay 1.3 Million. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/25/2009) - State Representative Jason M. Fields (D-Milwaukee) today announced he will introduce legislation that requires creditors to take reasonable steps and make good faith efforts to avoid foreclosure. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/25/2009) - U.S. Senator Feingold announced today that the 96 Wisconsin housing authorities that received over $26 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) can now begin spending the money to improve and modernize public housing facilities. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/03/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced that Wisconsin has received federal authority to proceed with plans for investing up to $529 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on transportation improvement projects across the state. The funds will create or save 13,000 jobs. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/26/2009) - United States Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) is commending President Barack Obama for presenting a budget to Congress that represents an honest assessment of the current financial situation. Wisconsin's United States Senator Russ Feingold, a member of the Senate Budget Committee agrees. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/19/2009) - The Institute for Wisconsin’s Future (IWF) is applauding Governor Jim Doyle and the Legislature for the tax reform ideas contained in both the budget-repair bill, which passed the Legislature February 18th, and the governor’s budget proposal for the 2009-2011 biennium, released February 17th. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/11/2009) - United States Congressmen Steve Kagen and Ron Kind are fighting for tax breaks for small businesses. The Wisconsin Representatives led 12 of their colleagues in a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer to include a provision that would provide built-in gains (BIG) tax relief in the final version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs annually over the last decade have been created by small businesses according to the Small Business Administration. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/30/2009) - The Wisconsin Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee has passed a bill authored by Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston) to increase the minimum wage from $6.50 to $7.60 and then index it for inflation. If it gets through the legislative process the new wage would go into effect on June 1, 2009 and be indexed annually for inflation. Another bill that also made it's way through the committee is called the Wage Potection Act. The Wage Protection Act protects workers wages when a company goes bankrupt. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/27/2009) - Two bills intended to spur economic growth and create jobs in Wisconsin passed the State Assembly this afternoon, during the first working session day of the new Democratic majority. The American Jobs Act and the Wisconsin First legislation are both aimed at supporting companies that create jobs in the state. Both bills passed with strong bipartisan support. The Wisconsin First legislation passed with a 77 to 22 vote; the American Jobs Act passed with a 69 to 30 vote. More on the legislation can be found on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/09/2009) - As part of a program called Invest in America, GM and Chrysler LLC are pointing to credit unions – not-for-profit financial institutions owned by their members – to make as much as $80 billion available for low-cost loans on new cars. Even prior to its arrival in Wisconsin, the program has generated more than a million hits in just one month on its website and is expected to put up to 4 million new cars on the road. Special discounts on vehicles are also being offered to Credit Union members. Even non-members can access the discounts by joining a Credit Union. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/22/08) - Three cocoa products packaged for Christmas sale and sold through Shopko and Big Lots stores have been recalled because they may contain melamine, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reports. No illnesses have been reported from consumption of these products, which have been voluntarily recalled by Dorsey Marketing Inc. (DMI) of Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada. All were sold under the brand name G and J. Consumers who bought these products should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/13/08) - General Motors is making several adjustments to 2009 production of a large number of GM vehicles even though GM's official statement is that they are encouraged by the White House's apparent willingness to consider other options to help the auto industry now that the U.S. Senate has turned down the House's recommendation to issue a loan to the Big 3 automakers. GM announced a significant reduction of planned production because of a major slump in industry sales, which were down 36 percent overall in November, but 41 percent off the mark for GM products. See more on this at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/10/08) - Ozaukee County is the healthiest county in the state, according to the newly released 2008 Wisconsin County Health Rankings. The report is the sixth annual health check-up of the 72 counties and the City of Milwaukee, developed by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The 2008 report brings together over 30 measures of health to summarize the overall health of each county in Wisconsin. The County of Milwaukee, Marquette County, City of Milwaukee, and Menominee County are at the bottom of the list. See WisconsinReport.com for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/5/08) - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today began refilling Lake Delton and opened County Highway A in the Wisconsin Dells - Lake Delton area. Less than six months ago, torrential rains caused the lake to breach its shoreline, damaging a section of County Highway A. Today, Governor Doyle officially reopened the washed away part of the highway and announced the gates have been lowered on the newly refurbished Lake Delton Dam, allowing water to begin refilling the lake. For more on this story and others go to WisconsinReport.com on the internet. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/28/08) - The day after Thanksgiving 2008 finds retailers in Wisconsin and around the country hoping that the traditional day that starts the Christmas shopping in earnest will be at least as affluent as usual. However, as the years go by, many shoppers are foregoing the hustle and bustle of shopping in stores in person. Many have opted to shop through the internet. Retail Decisions (ReD), a payment card issuer and world leader in payment card fraud prevention and payment processing, predicted a bustling Black Friday on November 28 with 10.00 am - 11.00 am being the busiest online shopping hour. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/08) - In the second of a schedued three news conferences at the beginning of Thanksgiving week President-elect Barack Obama announced several members of his economic team. Monday (11-24-08) Obama named Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury; Lawrence H. Summers, Director of the National Economic Council; Christina D. Romer, Director of the Council of Economic Advisors; Melody C. Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy Council; and Heather A. Higginbottom, Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council. Tuesday, he nominated Peter Orszag as Office of Management and Budget Director, and Rob Nabors as Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director. Read about these Obama team members at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/21/08) - What happens in the automotive industry affects the people of the United States far beyond the immediate employee roster in the U.S. automobile factories and auxiliary industries. It could potentially affect everyone in the country. Estimates indicate that if allowed to happen, the collapse of the U.S.-based auto industry wouldn't just impact the nearly 355,000 Americans directly employed by the Big Three. There is the eventual potential that around 3 Million jobs, and possibly more, in all parts of the USA, in many different types of occupations, could ultimately be lost. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/12/08) - Wisconsin consumers need to be prepared for the possibility of a phone scam targeting the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday warns the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA). A similar fraud was perpetrated on Manitowoc County residents over the 2007 Thanksgiving holiday and potentially could victimize other Wisconsin residents. The same type of scam occurred recently in Northeastern Wisconsin. The scam indicated that people should call a toll-free number to give personal information in order to get their bank accounts unfrozen. More about this warning is online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/31/08) - From October 21st to October 28th, spending on television advertising in the presidential campaign has totaled nearly $38 million. Over this time period, the Obama campaign spent nearly $21.5 million while the McCain campaign spent nearly $7.5 million. Another $6.7 million was spent by the Republican Party and $2.2 million was spent by interest groups. The total does not include the so-called 30-minute Obama Infomercial the week before election day, nor anything McCain has spent in the last few days. Figures indicate the Obama campaign will spend more than any other Presidential effort in history. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/28/08) - A Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analysis shows that Wisconsin contributors have donated a record $3.27 million to unregulated special interest groups that spend much of their money on negative broadcast advertising, mailings and other electioneering activities to muffle what the candidates in federal and state races have to say on issues that really matter to voters. The contributions to 527 groups occurred between January 2007 and October 15, 2008. More than $1 million was contributed by a Milwaukee philanthropist. See WisconsinReport.com for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/20/08) - WAUSAU Financial Systems (WFS) have announced the addition of Charlie Gibbons as its Executive Vice President of Strategic Business Development. Gibbons has over 30 years of highly successful executive and strategic management experience in all facets of the outsourcing industry. Recognized by many as an outsourcing pioneer, Gibbons has worked closely with major corporations such as IBM, Shell Oil, Avon Products, Dun and Bradstreet and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Gibbons will use his experience in outsourcing in his position at WFS. More details online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/10/08) - Change To Win, a nationwide worker organization of over 6 million members, has outlined a comprehensive economic recovery program for Main Street America that would generate broad-based prosperity, restore faith and fairness in the market system, and renew the American Dream for working and middle class families. The worker organization called on Congress to reject the Wall Street bailout based on the flawed economic policies of the past. A spokesperson says the United States needs a new economic model that rewards worker productivity and innovation, and, sets new rules for the marketplace and the workplace. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/09/08) - The John McCain - Sarah Palin campaign tactics have become rougher and rawer than previously as the 2008 Presidential Campaign election date gets closer. The inaccuracies, and, often misleading information on the political stump, in advertising, and in interviews on radio and television by the Republican candidates and their surrogates is keeping the Barack Obama camp busy. Some political commentators believe McCain is ramping up the desperate attack because his people see the possibility of the Obama - Biden ticket winning the White House in November. Despite the McCain muckattack, the polls show Obama leading in many states. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/08/08) - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke is calling last night's Presidential Debate Barack Obama’s second straight debate victory. Wineke says John McCain was unable to articulate a new direction for the country beyond what Wineke calls the failed, recycled policies of George Bush. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Lieutenant Governor Margaret Farrow are spinning the second Presidential Debate from the Republican point of view. Farrow and Walker saw McCain making several points and coming out ahead of Obama in the Nashville debate. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/06/08) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced more than $3.8 million in additional employee training assistance for dislocated workers at General Motors and three other manufacturers in south central Wisconsin affected by GM’s decision to cut production at the Janesville assembly plant. Governor Doyle and Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Russ Feingold received a commitment from the U.S. Department of Labor that more than $1.6 million would be made available immediately to assist 785 affected workers at GM, Lear Corporation, and Logistics Services, Inc., all in Janesville, and United Industries in Beloit. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/30/08) - The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) CEO is weighing in on the failure by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, and one of Wisconsin's U.S. Senators has some suggestions on how to make the Bailout Better. Wisconsin Bankers Association President Kurt Bauer warns the crisis won't get better by doing nothing. Senator Russ Feingold expects the so-called Bailout to see another round of voting by Congress, which creates another opportunity to address what he calls major flaws in the proposal. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/29/08) - Another big name bank has been gobbled up by a bigger name financial system, as the United States Congress debates a measure that is aimed at relieving the pressure the financial sector is experiencing. Wachovia today announced intentions to sell its retail bank, corporate and investment bank and wealth management businesses to Citigroup. Wachovia Corporation will remain a public company with two main operating subsidiaries: Wachovia Securities, the nation's third largest brokerage firm, and Evergreen Asset Management, a leading provider of asset management services. More on this story is online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/29/08) - The United States Congress failed to pass the 700 Billion Dollar Solution they have been working on over the weekend and debating today. Despite the apparent urgency of the financial crisis, H.R 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, failed on the House floor by a vote of 205 - 228. Several Wisconsin members of the House of Representatives voiced dissapproval of the so-called Bailout. Some others were dismayed that the attempt to find a solution that the majority could agree on just wasn't possible. The Stock Market reacted in dissappointment. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/27/08) - There are mixed reactions to last night's first United States Presidential Debate between the two major party candidates running to be the next Commander In Chief of the Economy as well as Commander In Chief of the Military. McCain supporters say Arizona Senator John McCain won, while Illinois Senator Barack Obama supporters say Obama came out on top. And, Depending on which tv/radio talker you listen to after the debates, you have your choice of, it was a draw, or, Obama proved he was ready to take control of the military and the economy, or, McCain's strategy seemed to be to try his best to look stern and to not look at his opponent, and so on. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/25/08) - The Republican and Democrat running against each other for President of the United States have decided to lend their input and guidance in the current national economy emergency Congress is wrestling with. Yesterday, U.S. Senators John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D) issued a joint statement that pointed out that it's important for both parties to come together to solve the problem. Obama and McCain will both be meeting with President George W. Bush and leaders of Congress today in hopes of making a difference in the so-called 700 Billion Dollar Solution to save homes, jobs, and the ecomomy proponents say are at stake. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/23/08) - Probable voters in four Battleground States are looking at the Barack Obama - Joe Biden ticket as the one that is more likely to bring about Change. By 19 - 24 point margins, voters in Wisconsin, Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota say Democrat Barack Obama, not Republican John McCain, is the candidate of change. That poll result lifts Senator Obama into the lead in these battleground states, according to four simultaneous Quinnipiac University polls of likely voters, conducted in partnership with The Wall Street Journal and WashingtonPost.com More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/22/08) - Illinois Senator Barack Obama started out being the only major presidential candidate advocating Change at the start of the Democrats Primary Campaign. When his opponent, New York Senator Hillary Clinton saw people were drawn to the message of Change, her slogan soon was about Change, but, Obama's message was the one people wanted. Now, it's the Republican candidate, Senator John McCain, who has changed his message to a declaration that McCain is the Change guy. While in Green Bay, Wisconsin today, Barack Obama explained that Obama's Change is The Real Change We Need. To read Barack Obama's speech, go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/19/08) - The Obamas are coming to Wisconsin. The Obama campaign today announced that Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama will campaign in Wisconsin Monday to kick off the Wisconsin campaign’s Women’s Week of Action. Mrs. Obama will host Wisconsin Women for Obama rallies in Madison and Milwaukee, and an economic roundtable discussion with working women in Wausau. Senator Barack Obama will also hold a separate event in Green Bay on Monday. Meanwhile, Obama's opponent, Republican Senator John McCain outlined his plan To reform financial markets while in Green Bay today. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/18/08) - Electric vehicle pioneer ZAP has announced that increasing demand has resulted in record August 2008 sales for its Advanced Technology Vehicle division, the most since ZAP's Xebra sedan and truck were launched in 2006. Unaudited sales for ZAP electric vehicles surged to $737,000 in August, versus $392,000 a year ago, an increase of $345,000 or 88 percent. The Zap currently has a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour, however, the company says it is street legal, and very affordable. You will find more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/17/08) - United States Reprepresentatives Ron Kind (D) of LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Steven Kagen (D) of Appleton, Wisconsin joined a majority in Congress Tuesday evening in passing a comprehensive energy plan for America – H.R. 6899. Kind hailed the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act as a way for Democrats and Republicans to come together to forge a path to energy independence. Kind says the plan is much more than a Drill, Baby, Drill plan. It begins federal investments in renewable and clean energy alternatives to take the so-called addiction to foreign oil eventually off the table. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/08/08) - When Barack Obama's Democratic Vice Presidential running mate, Senator Joe Biden, campaigned in Green Bay he was introduced by a Hoffmaster Appleton employee who, along with 300 coworkers, is losing his job. Greg Hinds, is a 17-year employee of a series of companies that have occupied the same plant. Hinds feels that he, his wife and two daughters, have suffered under what is called the failed economic policies of the last eight years of the Bush Administration. Hinds suggested that a John McCain-Sarah Palin administration is likely to be no better for the country. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/02/08 - First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention at the Saint Paul Xcel Energy Center yesterday. The First Lady and Mrs. McCain's remarks focused on the ongoing relief efforts aimed at assisting the people of the Gulf Coast States. Laura Bush explained that when disasters like Hurricane Gustav take place shared American ideals will always transcend partisanship. Other speakers included Republican National Committee Chairman Robert Duncan, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), and U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/01/08) - The 2008 Report of the Democratic Platform Committee suggests that Democrats want to make the United States Government and the country less partisan than it has been for decades. The Preamble to the Platform, states that it's time to reach out to Republicans, Independents, and all Americans who hunger for a new direction, and a reason to hope. The Platform indicates Democrats not only want to undo the damage they perceive that the Bush Administration has done, they want to find and enact the ideas that are right for the country and it's citizens. Read the Preamble at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/29/08) - Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama officially accepted his party's nomination last night, during the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. During his acceptance speech Obama made the case for why America cannot afford four more years of what many believe are the failed policies of the George W. Bush Administration. Obama laid out his vision to bring about fundamental change at home and abroad. He reminded the country about the extraordinary promise of America at its best and challenged his supporters to continue to fight for that promise by marching ahead and never looking back. Read Obama's acceptance speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/29/08) - U.S. Senator John McCain today announced that he has selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate and to serve as his vice president. The McCain campaign says Governor Palin is a tough executive who has demonstrated during her time in short time in office that she is ready to be president. In addition to naming 44 year old Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate against the Obama - Biden ticket, the McCain campaign has released a statement from McCain that calls Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech last night, misleading. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/27/08) - Last night the candidate who came in second in the long primary campaign to determine who would be the Democrats presidential candidate on the November 2008 ballot urged her 18 Million primary voters to switch their allegience to Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton told delegates at the Democrats National Convention in Denver, Colorado that her delegates and supporters and Obama's delegates and supporters must unite as a single party with a single purpose. Hillary said it's time to take back the country and no one should sit by the sidelines, because it will take everyone and every vote to make sure it happens. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/26/08) - Contrary to what some radio and tv talkers have been saying, the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver set the stage for a robust way to educate people about who Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are, and, what the Democrats stand for. Former Iowa Republican U.S. Senator Jim Leach endorsed Obama for President because the time is right to unite the country, not to be tied up in the partisan politics Congress and the White House has been playing for too long. There was also a tribute to and speech by U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, and the revelation by Michelle Obama that the Obamas are just regular folks like us, who want to do the country proud. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/24/08) - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign have announced additional details surrounding the Monday evening tribute to honor Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His niece, Caroline Kennedy, will speak to his extraordinary work over the last 46 years on behalf of this country, as well as his future plans in the United States Senate. A video tribute, directed by documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Mark Herzog, will also portray his love of country, family, politics and the sea. More about the Democratic National Convention at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/23/08) - Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama has chosen Delaware U.S. Senator Joe Biden to be his running mate in their Democratic bid to defeat Republican rival Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain in November on the way to the White House. Many talking heads on television and radio had narrowed it down to Biden as the logical choice for Obama in on-air discussions during the past few weeks. Following the so-called vetting process, Barack Obama has come to the same conclusion. Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl calls Obama-Biden an exciting ticket. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/19/08) - Manitowoc-based Tower Tech Systems has signed a contract to manufacture wind tower components for Nordex USA, one of the world’s leading providers of onshore wind turbines. Badger Transport, based in Clintonville, has signed a contract to deliver the components to Texas for Nordex. Tower Tech and Badger Transport are subsidiaries of Naperville, IL-based Broadwind Energy, Inc., according to New North, which promotes regional cooperation and economic development in an 18-county region in Northeast Wisconsin. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/18/08) - The Weston 4 power plant, of which Dairyland Power Cooperative has a 30 percent ownership interest, was officially dedicated today. Weston 4 has been named Power Plant of the Year by Power Magazine. Dairyland President and CEO Bill Berg joined Wisconsin Public Service Corporation President Charlie Schrock, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Eric Callisto and officials in a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the plant’s dedication ceremony. For more details go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/11/08) - With just two weeks to go before the Democratic National Convention officially kicks off, the Wisconsin delegation is fired up and ready to go to Denver, according to Democratic Party Wisconsin (DPW) Chair Joe Wineke. The Wisconsin delegation will consist of 92 delegates and 12 alternates. Wineke says Wisconsin will be one of the top represented states at the Democratic National Convention August 25th thru the 28th. To see who is going, learn more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/08/08) - Two U.S. Congressional Representatives from Wisconsin have joined forces to try to get some help for mill workers who will be without work at the NewPage Corporation's Kimberly Mill. Republican Tom Petri and Democrat Steve Kagen wrote to the Labor Department seeking Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the employees affected by the planned shutdown of the Kimberly mill. Kagen says paper imported to the United States from China is one reason U.S. paper companies are having a downturn. For more details, see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/07/08) - New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannebaum has confirmed that the Jets have made a deal that brings former Packer Brett Favre to the Jets. In a conference call to the media, Tannebaum said he spoke with Favre about the prospect of joining the Jets and Brett, team management and Jets fans seem to be excited about the football icon becoming a Jet. Tannebaum explained that acquiring Brett Favre will mean that the Jets are likely to let Chad Pennington go. He said he appreciates what Pennington has done for the Jets, but, would not say where Chad would be going just yet. For more see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/06/08) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced $983,000 in grants for the Wisconsin Grazing Lands and Conservation Initiative, which protects the land and water of the state through education, technical planning assistance, and research for dairy and livestock farmers. Grazing is a low-cost, environmentally-friendly method of farming that moves animals to a fresh pasture on a regular basis while resting unused pastures so the plants can regrow before being regrazed. To learn more, go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/05/08) - The NewPage Corporation Wisconsin Rapids Converting Facility has been honored with an Environmental Stewardship Award from Orion Energy Systems. After an extensive review of the facility’s energy consumption in the second half of 2006, managers began working with Orion to find innovative and cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste and lessen the impact on the environment. With the help of VanErt Electric, a new high-efficiency, high intensity fluorescent (HIF) system was installed, replacing the older fixtures in the facility to save money and energy. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/04/08) - Speaking in Michigan today, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called the upcoming November election possibly the most important election of a lifetime. Obama suggested that the USA's economy, security, and the future of the planet will depend on the choices made when people vote in November, and the choices made over the next few years will shape the next decade and perhaps the entire century. The U.S. Senator from Illinois said all of the major challenges will hinge on what is done about our addiction to oil. The rest of Obama's words can be found at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/23/08) - A West Bend, Wisconsin company has been ordered to pay 215-thousand dollars as the result of a Department of Natural Resources lawsuit against the firm. Anton J. Matuszczak and Shoreline Contracting Services, Inc. are to pay $75,000 in forfeitures and surcharges for violating Wisconsin water pollution laws by failing to follow permit requirements governing a bluff stabilization project along Lake Michigan in Mequon, Ozaukee County. Matuszczak must also provide a $140,000 letter of credit for restoration of the affected property. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/18/08) - Visitors to the 2008 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days not only saw new machinery in action, some even had a chance to try it out for themselves. The state’s largest outdoor ag expo, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days was held July 15-17 at Country Aire Farms, south of Greenleaf in Brown County. Founded in 1954, the three day show travels to a different Wisconsin county each year. This year Field demonstrations took place on 390 acres of land that Budd and Ione Gerrits and their family provided for the popular show feature. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/17/08) - Lemonweir Valley Telcom of Camp Douglas, Wisconsin has announced that construction has begun on a multi-million dollar project to deploy state-of-the-art fiber optic communications infrastructure throughout Lemonweir Valley Telcom’s serving area. The first phase of the project will extend optical fiber cable directly to homes and businesses within the City of New Lisbon, Village of Camp Douglas and Village of Hustler. The thin glass fibers will allow the company to offer advanced services to customers in that area. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/16/08) - Now that Miller Brewing Company and Coors have joined forces to become MillerCoors, changes were expected to take place, as is usually the case when two major companies merge. MillerCoors have announced that it is placing its headquarters in Chicago, but will maintain substantial operations in Golden, Colorado, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MillerCoors will invest over $50 million into the brewery in Milwaukee over the next three years and increase the number of jobs at the brewery, even though headquarters office jobs will be lost to the city. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/15/08) - General Motors Corporation has announced it is taking further steps to adapt its business to rapidly changing market conditions, marked by the weak U.S. economy, record high fuel prices, shifts in consumer vehicle preferences, and the lowest U.S. industry sales volumes in a decade. GM had a record of being Number One in Sales for 76 consecutive years, but that's not so easy to do with the current competitive nature of the auto industry. By changing directions, the company hopes to change the future. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/12/08) - The United States Senate has passed Senator Herb Kohl’s (D-WI) legislation to protect Americans from becoming the victim of foreclosure rescue scams as part of a bipartisan housing package (H.R. 3221). The Kohl measure protects financially distressed homeowners – often elderly – from unscrupulous financial predators by implementing stricter requirements and a federal floor of protection. For more on this story and others go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/10/08) - Continuing high costs for energy along with supply and demand pressures are behind this quarter’s increase measured in the Market Basket survey conducted by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Wisconsin’s largest farm organization tracks the retail price of 20-food items in 26 communities. The Market Basket survey found the average cost of those 20-items in the second quarter of 2008 was 55 dollars and 57 cents, 2.30 more than the overall average of 53.27 in the first quarter of 2008. More details are online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/07/08) - Research shows that a drug that had been tested successfully in large hospitals to save blod clot patients can also be used in smaller communities with good results. The Wisconsin Medical Journal report indicates a Marshfield Clinic study in Ladysmith, Wisconsin shines a light at the end of the tunnel for more patients experiencing stroke symptoms since the study began in 1995. Tissue Plasminogen Activator can cause patients to be released earlier, and, the percent of stroke patients surviving is higher. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/30/08) - Polls are in huge abundance during this presidential election year in the United States, and, they vary from week to week. However, a Wall Street Journal - Washington Post - Quinnepiac University poll deserves mentioning. It shows that Democrat Barack Obama is out in front of Republican John McCain by a hefty margin in Wisconsin, and elsewhere. The poll results, released late last week, was taken before Hillary Clinton gave her speech at Unity, New Hampshire. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/27/08) - Not to be confused with the joint campaign rally appearance by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Unity, New Hampshire, a UNITY 2008 Convention in Chicago next month will feature a discussion with Obama and John McCain. The Unity 2008 Convention will be held by Journalists of Color. CNN will broadcast live in prime time the historic discussion with the presumptive presidential nominees July 24th. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/27/08) - Democratic Presidential Primary rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made a show of unity today (Friday, June 27th) in a community aptly named Unity, New Hampshire. It was the first joint public appearance since what some observers called a divisive Democratic primary race ended. The campaign speeches in Unity was the start of Hillary's assurance she will work toward Obama becoming the next president of the United States, even though for awhile it seemed to some, she might hold a grudge. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/25/08) - According to the latest figures available, Wisconsin employment is still holding it's own and in some areas is higher than it was. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today released the May breakdown of unemployment rates that show declines in the majority of Wisconsin's counties accompanied by job gains across all major metro areas. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/23/08) - The U.S. Postal Service has selected Verizon Business to provide an estimated $16.4 million worth of network services under the federal Networx Universal communications program. Verizon Business will be the primary provider of long-distance and calling-card services for the agency's nearly 166,000 lines serving 34,000 locations nationwide, under a 10-year agreement valued at $10 million. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/20/08) - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will address nearly a thousand elected and appointed Latino officials at a national leadership luncheon on Thursday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C. This will be her first major public appearance since suspending her presidential campaign. Presidential Candidates Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are set to be at the same event two days later. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/19/08) - Recent floods have hit more than corn and soybeans. Rains have hit hard Wisconsin's direct marketing vegetable growers, those selling at farmers markets, local restaurants and retailers, and CSA's. Growers who market to local food consumers report flooded fields and potential losses. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection urges consumers to buy locally. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/08) - In this age of the Internet, and the need to protect computer systems from worms, viruses, adware, spyware, and other malware, Jefferson County, Wisconsin has chosen to enlist the help of a California firm's answer. Jefferson County has deployed Fortinet's FortiGate multi-threat security appliances to help secure the county's network infrastructure. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/13/08) - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and State Patrol have closed I-39 northbound, I-90/94 westbound at US 151 (Exit 135 - Madison) due to rising water at I-90/94 westbound at the Baraboo River (WIS 33). Motorists are strongly advised to not travel in the south central part of Wisconsin due to many flooded state and local highways. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/11/08) - The latest Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll shows that Barack Obama is way ahead of John McCain in New York. Based on that, Obama could easily count New York in the win column in November. McCain is 14 percentage points behind Obama, according to the poll of nearly 14 hundred New York State residents. The margin of error is 2.6 percentage points. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/10/08) - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has requested assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment from this past weekend’s severe weather and flooding. Governor Doyle is expected to seek a Federal Disaster Declaration following the FEMA assessment. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/09/08) - This isn’t exactly the party I’d planned, but I sure like the company, Hillary Clinton said as she started the weekend speech that would signify the end of her try for the presidency. Saturday, June 7th New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton officially suspended her presidential primary campaign and asked her 18 Million supporters to get behind Barack Obama. Read Hillary's speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/06/08) - Wisconsin consumers are now able to sign up their cell phone numbers to be added to the Do Not Call list starting today. The new list will be sent to telemarketers on September 1, 2008. To make that list consumers must sign up before the end of August. Adding cell phone numbers to the Do Not Call list became possible by including it in a recent Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill. Those wishing to be part of the Do Not Call cell phone list may register online at Wisconsin.Gov. WisconsinReport.com has more details on this story and many more added often on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/30/08) - USA Network will kick-off a summer of scripted originals by launching its new drama series IN PLAIN SIGHT with an aggressive interactive marketing campaign developed in conjunction with digital innovators Big Spaceship, Electric Artists and The Hyperfactory. The multiplatform effort will feature robust interactive, viral and mobile elements focused on aggressive promotional extensions to immerse viewers in the world of the witness protection program. IN PLAIN SIGHT, a new original series, premieres Sunday, June 1st at 9:00 Central Time on USA Network. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story and others.
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