Mayors Against Illegal Guns Like The U. S. Senate Work On Gun Act
WISCREPORT.COM (03/13/2013) - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mayor Tom Barrett and the 900 member Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) are happy that the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has passed the Protecting Responsible Gun Owners Act. The Act was approved by the committee by a vote of 10 to 8. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, a non-government entity informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Vets From Wisconsin And 9 Other States Promote Stress Free Farming
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/04/2013) - Swine veterinarians Dr. Tara Donovan of Wisconsin and Dr. Matthew Turner of North Carolina join veterinarians and farmers from across the country in speaking out for responsible livestock farming by hosting a film crew to document their work. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Ending Same Day Wisconsin Voter Registration Would Cost Over $5 Million
WISCREPORT.COM (12/11/2012) - If the Republican controlled Wisconsin legislature passes legislation designed to end same day voter registration, as is being discussed, it would initially cost taxpayers more than 5 million dollars. Assembly Representative Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc, and Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, are drafting a repeal of same day registration. See story inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin: Less Than Penny Per Dollar Of Tobacco Revenue Fights Use
WISCREPORT.COM (12/06/2012) - Wisconsin currently spends 5.3 million dollars a year on tobacco prevention and cessation programs. That's just 8.2 percent of the recommended amount. As a result, Wisconsin ranks 30th in the nation in funding programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit. For more, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Feeding America Donation Helps Turn Back Hunger In Rural Areas
WISCREPORT.COM (11/24/2012) - Feeding America, the nation's leading anti-hunger organization, has announced a one million dollar donation from Archer Daniels Midland Company. The funds will be used to support the operation of 30 mobile food distribution units operating in Wisconsin and 20 other states. The mobile units will be operated by their local Feeding America member food banks. For more on this story, and others, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Company With Wisconsin Ties Involved In Florida Championship Weekend
WISCREPORT.COM (11/15/2012) - Yamaha Motor Corporation, a California company with facilities in Wisconsin and elsewhere around the United States, is involved in NASCAR activities going on this weekend at Homestead Miami Speedway. Yamaha is providing water pumps, phone charging stations and generators. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers about People, Places, Politics, Events and Activities since 2001. (read more)...
Teamsters And Treasury Unions Were Among Many In President's Corner
WISCREPORT.COM (11/08/2012) - President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden would be the first to acknowledge that it took a lot of dedicated people and organizations to do the work to get elected to a 2nd term. Two such organizations were the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the National Treasury Employees Union. For more on this story, see inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Showing Spirit: Lands End And Packers Team Up For Titletown Collection
WISCREPORT.COM (10/25/2012) - If 13 world championships are not enough, the Green Bay Packers and Lands End have teamed up to launch an exclusive Titletown Collection, leaping into the Packers Pro Shop and online at landsend.com/titletown. A company spokesperson says it is their way of having fun and showing support. For more, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
U W Wisconsin - Stout College Student Receives Video Game Scholarship
WISCREPORT.COM (09/13/2012) - A University of Wisconsin-Stout recipient and three students from colleges in other states have received scholarships from the video games industry. The scholarships are awarded by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS). AIAS is the professional video games organization advancing the artistic values of the interactive entertainment community. For more, see inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Midwest Health Startups Gain $511 Million In Investments; Wisconsin Last
WISCREPORT.COM (08/05/2012) - Midwest health care startups reported 511 million dollars in total investments across 97 companies in the first half of 2012, according to the BioEnterprise Midwest Health Care Venture Investment Report. The totals are the highest recorded for the region among the last five years both in dollars of financing and number of companies receiving investment. See more inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Heatwave Is Time To Apply For Business Freeze Damage Relief
WISCREPORT.COM (07/21/2012) - Here we are, in the middle of a summer heatwave, which seems to be the perfect time for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to be geared up to give businesses relief from freezing temperatures. Small, nonfarm businesses in 2 Wisconsin counties, 43 Iowa counties and neighboring counties in Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans. For more on this story, see inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Five Dems Side With House Republicans In Obamacare 244-185 Repeal Vote
WISCREPORT.COM (07/11/2012) - The Republican-heavy United States House of Representatives made good on the GOP promise to bring a repeal of ObamaCare to the house floor, again. The issue is moving on to the United States Senate as a result of the 244-185 vote today. Five House Democrats from North Carolina, Utah, Arkansas and Oklahoma, sided with Republicans. For more on this story, see inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Meat Firm Gains National Award For Smoked Chicken Breast
WISCREPORT.COM (07/02/2012) - Nueske Applewood Smoked Meats of Wittenberg, Wisconsin has again captured a Gold sofi Award from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). The Applewood Smoked Chicken Breast was named the winner in the Outstanding Perishable Foodservice Product category. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the only real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
80 Year Old Central Wisconsin Printing Firm Wins Best Of Show Award
WISCREPORT.COM (06/21/2012) - Fey Printing of Wisconsin Rapids, WI has received the Best of Show award at the Great Lakes Graphics Association's annual Graphics Excellence Awards celebration. Over 1,000 entries were submitted from printers across Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The GLGA is one of the largest printing trade organizations in the country. For more on this story, see WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Bill Could Make U. S. Companies More Competitive And Jobs More Stable
WISCREPORT.COM (06/19/2012) - Efforts at bipartisan cooperation are being attempted in the United States Congress, according to the latest bill to be introduced. Representatives John Barrow (D) of Georgia, Robert J. Dold (R) of Illinois, Gary Peters (D) of Michigan, and Peter Roskam (R) of Illinois, have introduced the bipartisan Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2012. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Based Manufacturers Group Happy With Russian Trade Bill Progress
WISCREPORT.COM (06/12/2012) - Milwaukee, Wisconsin based Association of Equipment Manufactuers President Dennis Slater credits bi-partisan efforts in the U.S. Congress with Senate passage of a bill to grant Permanent Normal Trade Relations with Russia. Slater is commending Senators Max Baucus, John Kerry, John Thune and John McCain. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Six Second Harvest Heartland Partners Get Awards For Feeding The Hungry
WISCREPORT.COM (06/05/2012) - Second Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest's largest hunger relief organization, has announced the recipients of its third annual Hunger Hero award. Second Harvest Heartland to distribute more than 70 million pounds of grocery products last year to hungry seniors, families, and children through nearly 1,000 non-profit member agencies and programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For more on this story, see inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Both Sides Claim Win In Walker - Barrett Wisconsin Gov. Recall Debate
WISCREPORT.COM (06/01/2012) - Things are heating up in Wisconsin with just a few days remaining before the June 5th Wisconsin Governor Recall Election. Former U.S. President Clinton is urging people to overthrow Republican Governor Scott Walker by voting for Democrat Tom Barrett. On the other hand, big time hitters like South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley is supporting Walker. Both sides are claiming victory in the final debate. For more on this story, see WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Air Wisconsin Flight Attendants Say Strike If Negotiations Fail
WISCREPORT.COM (05/22/2012) - Flight Attendants at Air Wisconsin, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have authorized a strike should management fail to reach an agreement with Flight Attendants. 97.3 percent of Air Wisconsin Flight Attendants voted to authorize a strike, if necessary. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin's Lands' End Boosts National Swimsuit Confidence Week
WISCREPORT.COM (05/15/2012) - A Wisconsin company, Lands End, has partnered with Self Magazine, Curvy Girl Guide and Beyond The Boobie Trap, to help boost the confidence of women in swimsuits. The National Swimsuit Confidence Week is being held May 21-25, 2012. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Zombies Fear Chevy Cruze; Easier For Humans To Escape, Brains Intact?
WISCREPORT.COM (05/03/2012) - Chevy recently launched its latest advertisements for the 2012 Chevy Cruze, which features a fleet of zombies in the midst of an apocalypse. The tongue-in-cheek ad is used to highlight some of the Cruze's most human-valued and zombie-feared features. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin For Falk To Spend A Million More For Recall Walker Primary Ads
WISCREPORT.COM (04/26/2012) - An organization designed to promote Kathleen Falk for Governor will spend over one million dollars on advertising during the final days just before the Democrat candidates primary May 8th. The Democrat candidates in the Recall Republican Governor Scott Walker election process are Falk, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Secretary of State Doug LaFollette, and State Senator Kathleen Vinehout. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Bank Headquartered In Green Bay Declares Shareholder Income Increase
WISCREPORT.COM (04/20/2012) - A Green Bay, Wisconsin based bank, with branches in many cities, has declared a net increase in income to common shareholders. Associated Banc-Corp reports net income to common shareholders of $41 million, or $0.24 per common share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Facebook Buying Instagram For One Billion Dollars In Cash And Stocks
WISCREPORT.COM (04/11/2012) - Facebook, an online social media destination that more and more residents of Wisconsin are members of, has purchased an internet business called Instagram. Facebook announced it is buying the photo-sharing application for $1 billion in a mix of cash and stock. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Former Wisconsin State Senator Roger Breske Has Died At 73
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/03/2012) - A former Northern Wisconsin State Senator, who resigned from that position to take a job as Wisconsin Railroad Commissioner, has died of an apparent heart attack. Roger Breske was 73. When he was in the Wisconsin Senate, he served the 12th State Senate District. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Photo Id Not Required April 3rd, But Could Change
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/31/2012) - It looks like Voter Photo Identification will not be required for the April 3rd Elections taking place in Wisconsin, because the court has placed a halt on enforcing that provision of a law which would have been in effect. However, officials at the Government Accountability Board office in Madison are cautioning that the matter is being appealed and things may change before the polling places open Tuesday. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Doug La Follette Seeking To Replace Walker In Wisconsin Gov. Recall
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/28/2012) - Secretary of State Doug La Follette has thrown his hat into the ring for an office that he has been testing the waters about for quite awhile. Standing in front of the Wisconsin Constitution in the State Capitol, Democrat Doug La Follette today announced his candidacy for Governor in the recall election of Scott Walker. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Kick Butts Day: 17.7 Percent Of Wisconsin High School Students Smoke
WISCREPORT.COM (03/20/2012) - Kids in Wisconsin are taking center stage in the fight against tobacco on March 21 as they join thousands of young people nationwide for the 17th annual Kick Butts Day. In Wisconsin, tobacco use claims 7,200 lives and costs $2.02 billion in health care bills each year. Currently, 17.7 percent of the state's high school students smoke. A list of Wisconsin scheduled events are shown below. More than 1,100 events are planned across the nation. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Chain Says Demand For Bite Size Chicken Helps Boost Fast Food Sales
WISCREPORT.COM (03/08/2012) - The restaurant chain known for fast food the world over has announced what McDonalds is calling Comparable Sales Growth of 7 point 5 percent last month. McDonalds figures indicate a System Wide Sales Increase of 9 point 4 percent for the month. McDonalds Corporation February sales results reflect the benefit of about three percentage points from an extra day due to leap year. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Joint Finance Mining Bill Version Rejected By Wisconsin Senate 17-16
WISCREPORT.COM (03/07/2012) - The Wisconsin Senate, by a close vote, did not approve the Open-Pit Mining Bill forwarded to the State Senators to consider, and Clean Wisconsin is happy the issue has hit another stumbling block. Republican Senator Darling, however, is very disappointed. The State Senate rejected the Joint Finance Committee’s version of the open-pit mining bill, Tuesday, March 6th, by a 17-16 vote and sent it back to committee. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Associations Urge Wisconsin Legislators To Pass Mining Bill
WISCREPORT.COM (03/06/2012) - The Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Wisconsin Utilities Association, and Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, are among those encouraging the Wisconsin legislature to pass mining legislation. Proponents say the permitting proposed would open up mining jobs that would help the economy, while those opposed, say it would hurt the environment and could change the value of Wisconsin as a tourist destination. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Erbert And Gerbert Removes Alfalfa Spouts From Menus In 53 Outlets
WISCREPORT.COM (02/20/2012) - Eau Claire, Wisconsin based Erbert and Gerberts Sandwich Shops has decided to remove alfalfa sprouts from their entire menu across the system. The system currently has 53 restaurant locations that span the country from college towns to urban downtowns to rural centers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Georgia and Texas. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Website Designed To Help Business Location Deciders Choose Wisconsin
WISCREPORT.COM (02/10/2012) - The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and GIS Planning Inc. have announced the launch of a free online search tool for businesses looking to relocate or expand in Wisconsin. It is a website at LocateInWisconsin.com, The new online tool provides company executives and site selectors with comprehensive information for making business expansion decisions in Wisconsin. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Store Closings Will Improve Customer Experience In Remaining Stores
WISCREPORT.COM (12/27/2011) - Sears Holdings recent announcement that it would likely close up to 120 K-Mart and Sears full line stores was based on poor performance during the past few months. Kmart's quarter to date comparable store sales decline reflects decreases in the consumer electronics and apparel categories and lower layaway sales, while Sears Domestic's sales decline was attributed to consumer electronics and home appliances. Sears apparel sales were flat, and Lands End sales in Sears stores was actually up, but by single digits. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Dems Kreitlow Disappointed With Congressman Duffy's Role In D. C. Debacle
WISCREPORT.COM (12/23/2011) - A Wisconsin 7th Congressional District Democrat who is seeking to regain the seat for his party and the people of Wisconsin, voiced disagreement with the current Northern Wisconsin Republican who took over the seat in the last election. Pat Kreitlow says Republican Congressman Scott Duffy put over 3 million Wisconsin families at risk for higher taxes when Duffy voted to leave Washington early instead of voting for the tax reduction extension that would benefit those families. See more inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
If You're Planning A Trip To The Rose Bowl, Be Careful Of Scams And Schemes
WISCREPORT.COM (12/05/2011) - Over the weekend, the University of Wisconsin Badgers football team victory over Michigan State Spartans won the Badgers the right to head to the Rose Bowl for the second straight year, meaning many Badgers fans will be making travel plans to Pasadena. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) urges consumers to use caution when buying travel packages to guarantee they have a seat at the big game. For more, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Credit Card Rates Remain Unchanged Heading Into Christmas Shopping
WISCREPORT.COM (11/25/2011) - Interest rates on new credit card offers remained unchanged as banks took their traditional Thanksgiving break from changing rates, according to the CreditCards.com Weekly Credit Card Rate Report. Internet rates range anywhere from a low of 10.73 percent to a high of 24.96 percent, depending on whether a person is a good or bad credit risk. See more inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
19 Percent Of Young Adults Live At Home; 7.6 Million Unmarried Couples Live Together
WISCREPORT.COM (11/03/2011) - Between 2005 and 2011, the proportion of young adults living in their parents' home increased, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The percentage of men age 25 to 34 living in the home of their parents rose from 14 percent in 2005 to 19 percent in 2011 and from 8 percent to 10 percent over the period for women. These statistics come from America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2011, a Population Survey providing a look at the socioeconomic characteristics of families and households at the national level.For more details, see inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Wisconsin Voters Split On Whether Gov. Scott Walker Should Be Recalled
WISCREPORT.COM (10/30/2011) - Fifty-six percent of Wisconsinites disapprove of the way Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is handling his job while 42 percent somewhat or strongly approve. The numbers are similar to six months ago, according to a recent poll. The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute statewide poll also shows that the 605 people polled in the sample are nearly evenly split on whether Governor Walker should be recalled. For more on this story see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Central Wisconsin Ramada Closes Doors Leaving 140 Unemployed
WISCREPORT.COM (10/27/2011) - A Central Wisconsin lodging, eating facility and convention destination that has house numerous business and organization meetings, concerts and exhibitions for years, will be closing Sunday. The Ramada Inn in Stevens Point will close it's doors Sunday, October 30th, which will result in 104 people no longer being employed. The building once housed the popular Holiday Inn and Convention Center, in Stevens Point, until the Holiday Inn moved into a brand new facility on the eastern edge of the city. Holiday Inn is not affected by the Ramada closing. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
March 2012 Film Fest To Generate $150,000 For Area And Raise State Profile
WISCREPORT.COM (10/25/2011) - Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett presented Film Green Bay with a 15,903 dollar Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant for the Green Bay Film Festival to be held March 23-25, 2012. The event is expected to generate an economic impact of almost 150,000 dollars from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores. The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. For more, see the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Senate Passes 2 Jobs Related Bills With Huge Bipartisan Votes
WISCREPORT.COM (10/18/2011) - Wisconsin Senate Republicans and Democrats voted nearly unanimously to pass two job-creation measures, which the leader of the Republican majority says are aimed at improving the state's business climate. Senator Scott Fitzgerald also claims Democrats are in Attack Mode and suggests political rhetoric doesn't create jobs. However, Democrats heavily supported passing the two Senate Bills, suggesting both sides of the political fence may be getting down to the business of passing legislation for the public good rather than just bickering. For more, see inside the pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Equipment Manufacturers Happy About White House Action On Exports
WISCREPORT.COM (10/05/2011) - The Wisconsin based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is commending the President Barack Obama administration for action on export agreements that will benefit workers and companies in the United States. AEM and member companies are happy about the White House taking action on the export agreements for Colombia, Panama and Korea. The White House has transmitted the implementing legislation for the FTAs to Congress. For more, see inside the website pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Taiwan Will Pay Up To $5.12 Billion For Midwest Soybeans And Corn
WISCREPORT.COM (09/29/2011) - Taiwanese visitors stopped in the Capitol of Wisconsin today to visit Governor Scott Walker and sign a letter of intent to purchase agricultural crops produced by Wisconsin farmers. The delegation is looking at trying to purchase a large amount of soybeans and corn totaling several Billion tons, worth multiple Billions of dollars. For more, see inside the pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Packers Win Opener Over Saints And Rodgers Captured By A Lady Cougar
WISCREPORT.COM (09/08/2011) - Aaron Rodgers throws 3 TDs as the Green Bay Packers outlast Saints 42-34. The Packer defense won the game by stopping the New Orleans Saints at the goal line in the final seconds of the season opener in Green Bay. It was an exciting game, to say the least, but, perhaps, when the dust settles, you, like some of us in this office, are wondering what is going on with Rodgers being wheeled out on a dolly in a TV commercial. The story on that, is online at WisconsinReport.com, providing information to internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
The New Age Of Vending Machines Won't Want You To Feed Them Your Coins
WISCREPORT.COM (08/30/2011) - The days of searching for coins to put into a vending machine are changing, according to the National Automatic Merchandising Association. They say the new age of vending has arrived, and the industry is taking its machines, products and technology on the road to showcase what the new consumer vending experience looks and feels like. The seven city tour for what is being called, The Gratitude Tour, includes Madison, Wisconsin, as well as Boston, New York City, Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Glendale, Arizona and Minneapolis. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Johnsonville Brats Spiritville Offers Chance For Your School To Win $10,000
WISCREPORT.COM (08/24) - Johnsonville Sausage of Wisconsin has announced the launch of Spiritville, an online contest that gives high schools across the country a chance to win $10,000 for their athletic department and also have a cookout with the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill. Through the contest, students, parents and others nationwide are invited to nominate their schools by uploading photos, videos and a description of their high school's pre-game traditions. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
New Voter I. D. Card Not Required To Vote In Wisconsin Senate Recall Elections
WISCREPORT.COM (07/14/2011) - Persons who go to their Wisconsin voting place to vote in the upcoming State Senate Recall elections can do so without presenting the new Voter I.D. Card recently enacted by the legislature and Governor Scott Walker. Needing the Voter I.D. card to vote doesn't go into effect until the 2012 Spring Elections and Primaries. However, to vote in the recalls this year voters will need either the Voter Photo I.D. Card or some other form of identification. An additional requirement this year is that the voter must also sign the Voter Poll list. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Real Democrats Win Primaries To Take On Incumbent Senate Republicans In Wisconsin Aug 9th Recall Voting
WISCREPORT.COM (07/13/2011) - The real Wisconsin Democrats were victorious over the fake Democrats in yesterdays Recall Primary in the attempt to remove nine rubber stamp Republicans from seats on the Governor Scott Walker legislature in Madison. The Recall process now continues on to another ballot day, August 9th. On that upcoming day voters will actually be deciding whether they want to return the Republicans to their seats to continue voting the way they have been, or replacing the GOP incumbents with Democrats, changing the balance of power. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Gov. Walker Makes Positive And Negative Vetoes On State Budget
WISCREPORT.COM (06/27/2011) - On Sunday, Governor Walker signed into law the 2011-2013 State Budget, which included 50 vetoes. Advocacy groups and editorials around the state encouraged the Governor to veto the most egregious policy changes inserted into the budget with no public hearing or input. While there were a few positive vetoes, such as one the prevented commercial bail bonds from operating in Wisconsin, many of what some people call, attacks on consumer protections, remained. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Many Wonder: Is Pull Out Of 33,000 Troops Enough In Current U. S. Situation?
WISCREPORT.COM (06/23/2011) - Not unlike Wisconsin residents from all parts of the state, Wisconsin representatives in the U.S. Congress, Democrat and Republican, also have mixed feelings about President Obama's announced withdrawl of troops from Afghanistan. The pullout of 33,000 troops by next summer will still find the remaining troop level to be higher than many would like to see. Troop deaths, cost of the war, the economy back home, and government pocket book woes are all playing a part in the drawdown. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
July 12th Recall Primary Ballot Names Told For 6 Wisconsin Districts And 48th Special
WISCREPORT.COM (06/18/2011) - The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board has officially declared that primaries will be held July 12th in each of the State Senate Recall Election districts, not full recall voting. The full recall election has been moved to August 9th due to the need for primaries. The July 12th Recall Primary has been called by the board because there were more than one challenger seeking the Democratic Party nomination that were approved by the board in each of the districts involved. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Mayors To Vote On Telling Obama To End Afghanistan War To Spend On Creating Jobs
WISCREPORT.COM (06/17/2011) - The nation's mayors, led by Conference President and Burnsville, Minnesota Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, have announced the introduction of a resolution, calling to end the Afghanistan War and re-direct spending for job creation. On Monday, the final day of the 4 day meeting, the U.S. Conference of Mayors will vote on the Afghanistan resolution, as well as release an employment report for 363 metro areas, published in conjunction with Global Insight. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
G O P Dirty Tricks Charged By Candidate Hoping To Replace Sen. Harsdorf In Wisconsin Recalls
WISCREPORT.COM (06/07/2010) - One of the Democrats running to replace Wisconsin State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (Republican) in the Western Wisconsin area that Harsdorf represents, is crying foul play. Teacher Shelly Moore suspects the GOP is not playing fair in the recall election involving lawmakers that many constituents want to replace in the State Legislature. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Does Civil War Feel Inside Walker Residence Reflect July 12th Wisconsin Recall Elections?
WISCREPORT.COM (06/03/2011) - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his wife are adding the look and feel of the Civil War to the Executive Residence. More than 91,000 Wisconsin citizens fought in the Civil War. Many people remember the not too distant past when several thousand more Wisconsin citizens than fought in the Civil War, marched on Madison to protest controversial changes Governor Walker and his fellow elected Republicans want to bring about. The situation has prompted recall requests and what amounts to a civil but not so violent war of sorts. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
U. S. Big Lots Corporate Adding Canadian Liquidation World Firm
WISCREPORT.COM (05/31/2011) - Big Lots, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, with stores in Wisconsin and 47 other states, has signed a definitive agreement to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Liquidation World Inc. of Brantford, Ontario, Canada. This is the first expansion of Big Lots retail operations outside of the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, the Big Lots company would, subject to closing conditions and approval by the shareholders of Liquidation World, acquire all outstanding shares of Liquidation World for $0.06 per share, or approximately $1.8 million. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Judge Sumi Says Republican Lawmakers Failed To Comply With Open Meetings Law
WISCREPORT.COM (05/26/2011) - After hearing evidence, a Madison, Wisconsin judge has ruled that the Anti-Collective Bargaining Law passed by the Republican controlled Wisconsin legislature is null and void. Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi says Republican lawmakers violated the state's open meetings law in rushing the legislation through at the height of the Capitol protests. Sumi ruled the evidence was clear and convincing that a conference committee failed to comply with the law. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Prosser Remains Wisconsin Supreme Court Victor Following Statewide Recount
WISCREPORT.COM (05/21/2011) - Saturday, May 21st may feel like the end of the world for Joanne Kloppenburg and her supporters. The unofficial Wisconsin Supreme Court Recount totals show that incumbent David Prosser has indeed won the court seat after a fierce battle between the two. Unofficial recount totals show Prosser won by 7,006 votes, following the final recount results in from all of Waukesha County. Both candidates each picked up a few more votes in Waukesha County than were included in totals from that county before the recount. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Manpower Says It Has A Role In Reducing Unemployment In U S A
WISCREPORT.COM (05/7/2011) - ManpowerGroup, the world leader in innovative workforce solutions, is working to design more comprehensive solutions in securing displaced talent for hard-to-fill positions, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the overall April unemployment rate rose to 9 percent and 268,000 private sector jobs were created during the month. Although unemployment levels are improving in key world regions, Manpower claims companies continue to lack access to individuals with the right skills. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Spouses, Lovers, Rivals, Employers, Law Should Need Court Order To Track Mobile Users
WISCREPORT.COM (04/26/2011) - In light of recent revelations in the news about some mobile devices tracking the whereabouts of users, a Wisconsin lawmaker is concerned about the privacy rights of iPhone and iPad users. State Assembly Representative Frederick Kessler of Milwaukee doesn't think disgruntled spouses, lovers, business rivals, employers, and law enforcement should have access to the information without a court order, See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Kloppenburg Supreme Court Recount On While Prosser Campaign Calls It Frivolous
WISCREPORT.COM (04/21/2011) - The attention remains on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race that developed into a referendum of sorts over the so-called anti-union actions of the new governor and his elected Republican friends in the capitol. Now that the state canvassing is finished, Supreme Court seat challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg has asked for a recount, which a Supreme Court incumbent Prosser spokesperson calls, frivolous. There is plenty of debate by people throughout the state about the campaign, voting, possible discrepencies and the recount. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
House U.s. Budget Passed Ends Medicare As We Know It, But Senate Plan Could Save It
WISCREPORT.COM (04/15/2011) - On what would normally be the final day of filing income tax returns, the United States House passed it's version of a U.S. budget that could cut about $6 Trillion over a period of years. The Republican controlled House plan includes cuts to social safety net programs. It remains to be seen if all of the budget cuts remain intact as the Democrat controlled U.S. Senate is working on its own plan, and the political ideology and rhetoric continues. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Exports $1.3 Billion To China; Debate On Worth Of Walker's First 100 Days
WISCREPORT.COM (04/12/2011) - China is currently Wisconsin’s 3rd highest trade export destination after Canada and Mexico. Ten years ago it was 13th. Last year, Wisconsin sold $1.3 billion worth of products to China, about 6.7 percent of all Wisconsin exports. Governor Scott Walker is hoping to continue the Wisconsin relationship with China, and met with a representative of China today. Meanwhile, there are differing opinions about the First 100 Days of Governor Walker.See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Rep. Baldwin Asks U. S. Attorney General To Look Into Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
WISCREPORT.COM (04/09/2011) - Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asking for a federal investigation into the questionable handling of vote records in Waukesha County. Baldwin tells Holder in the letter that her constituents have contacted her expressing serious doubt the Supreme Court election was a free and fair one. Meanwhile, the Kloppenburg for Justice Committee has requested election documents from Brookfield, WI and Waukesha County under Wisconsin Open Records laws. See story inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Kloppenburg Appears To Be The Winner In Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
WISCREPORT.COM (04/06/2011) - It is not close to being official yet, but, it appears that Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg may be the preliminary results victor in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. A Milwaukee television station is saying the when the results of the Jefferson County precinct at Lake Mills is added to the state-wide total, Kloppenburg wins over incumbent David Prosser by about 200 votes out of a total of nearly 1.5 million votes. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Good Samaritan Giving Shoes To Nigerian Boy Sparked Samaritan's Feet Idea
WISCREPORT.COM (04/05/2011) - A Good Samaritan from Wisconsin who gave a 9-year old boy in Nigeria a pair of shoes is credited with starting an idea that has led Buick to recently contribute 3,000 pairs of shoes and socks to an organization called Samaritans Feet. The organization founder, former University of North Dakota basketball player Emmanuel Ohonme was that 9-year old Nigerian boy. The charity is supported by the NCAA. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Congressman Petri Is Cheering Aviation House Passage
WISCREPORT.COM (04/01/2011) - U.S. House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI) is cheering passage of the FFA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (HR658). H.R. 658 was passed in the House by a vote of 223 to 196. The Senate approved a different FAA reauthorization bill in February. The two proposals will have to be negotiated to produce a final bill for the President's signature. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
It's Judge Sumi Vs. G O P: Battle For Power Continues In Wisconsin
WISCREPORT.COM (03/30/2011) - Dane County Judge Maryanne Sumi is upset that elected Wisconsin Republicans have disobeyed what she intended in her original Act 10 (Anti-Collective Bargaining Law) restraint order, and said as much in her ruling Tuesday, March 29th. The GOP disagrees and have voiced their displeasure with, what they call, a leftist judge trying to act as the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett Pleased With Gov. Walker Application For Rail Funds
WISCREPORT.COM (03/29/2011) - Wisconsin is applying for 150 million dollars in high speed rail funds from the federal government. The money will provide upgrades to the Hiawatha line, which provided service between Milwaukee and Chicago to more than 800,000 passengers last year. Walker's former opponent in the race for the Governor's office, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is all for the project. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Collective Bargaining Status Still Unclear After Legislative Reference Bureau Action
WISCREPORT.COM (03/26/2011) - The publication of the Wisconsin Anti-Collective Bargaining Law by the Legislative Reference Bureau Friday, March 25th, may not have legally activated the law because it was not done in the traditional way, and it might be against the intent of the restraining order issued by a judge. The Dane County District Attorney will present the case on behalf of the People of Wisconsin Tuesday morning, March 29, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Anti Candidate Website Calls Her Poison; Supporters Say She's Best Choice April 5th
WISCREPORT.COM (03/11/2011) - Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg, who is hoping to replace incumbent Justice David Prosser on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, has become the darling of the anti-Governor Scott Walker movement in the April 5th election. Ads claim Prosser will be a rubber stamp for the Walker agenda, while a website suggests Kloppenburg is Poison. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin People, Government And Business Benefits From Health Act
WISCREPORT.COM (03/21/2011) - It's been one year since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act by the U.S. Congress. In Wisconsin, the Act means reducing costs for seniors and strengthening Medicare, and lowering costs for businesses. The Act also offers new coverage options, improves the quality of coverage, and provides flexibility and resources to the state. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more details. (read more)...
Worry Over Changes To Medicaid Programs And Real Reasons Behind Budget Repair Bill
WISCREPORT.COM (03/12/2011) - AARP Wisconsin is disappointed that the budget repair bill signed by Governor Walker gives the Department of Health Services increased power to make drastic changes to Medicaid programs with very little oversight by the state legislature. Meanwhile, a Wausau, WI Democrat Assembly Representative is finding fault with Governor Walker saying passing a bill that he claimed was 'non-fiscal' in nature was responsible for saving 1,500 jobs. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Study Says Tea Party And Wisc. Unions Have Same Core Values
WISCREPORT.COM (03/09/2011) - InsightsLab, the research arm of Sam Adams Alliance (SAM), has released a new study showing that both Tea Partiers and a segment of union protesters in Madison, Wisconsin, share similar core values. SAM Executive Director Yvonne Ralsky says the study is significant because it shows where the Tea Partiers and unions can meet in the middle and find common ground. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Judge Albert Says It's Ok To Limit Protester Access To Wisconsin State Building
WISCREPORT.COM (03/04/2011) - The Wisconsin Department of Administration says a court order allowed the security force at the State Capitol Building to remove overnight protesters from the building last night. People have been protesting Gov. Walker attempts to limit public worker bargaining rights while also giving them what amounts to pay cuts to fix a State Budget expense excess. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
State Treasurer Disagrees With Gov. Walker Proposal To Gut The Constitutional Office
WISCREPORT.COM (03/03/2011) - The State Treasurer of Wisconsin says he wants to be party to eliminating the office he holds, but, he thinks people should be able to determine if that constitutional office is eliminated, not to gut it through the budget process. He says Gov. Scott Walker wants to move two key areas of responsibility to the Office of Administration. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Deep Emotions Boil Over Gov. Walker Biennium Budget Proposals
WISCREPORT.COM (03/02/2011) - The reaction to the next Wisconsin biennial budget proposed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is bringing more deeply emotions to the surface. Republicans in Madison say the biennial budget will drastically curb spending and reduce the structural deficit. However, Democrats are fearful many measures in the proposed budget will cause irreparable damage to working families and will shift more power to corporations and businesses. One of the things opponents worry about is the validity of the University of Wisconsin system under the terms of the proposed budget. More inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Morning Joe: What's Wrong With People Coming Together To Negotiate?
WISCREPORT.COM (02/28/2011) - The weekend again found thousands of demonstrators in Madison, Wisconsin to continue protests against what protesters believe is an unfair attitude by newly elected Governor Scott Walker. There were estimates again in the 70,000 range as protesters often wondered, where is the national media. Even some of the people in the media wondered why media coverage seemed to dry up during the weekend efforts. Conservative Joe Scarborough of Morning Joe on MSNBC wondered aloud, indicating he thinks the governor might be going too far. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Republicans Pass Anti Collective Bargaining Bill Before Assembly Dems Can Finish Votes
WISCREPORT.COM (02/25/2011) - Wisconsin Assembly Republicans passed Assembly Bill 11 in the middle of the night before half of the Assembly Democrats had a chance to cast votes. The bill includes taking away Collective Bargaining from public employees, which is the object of disagreement between the two political bodys. Polls show public sentiment is in favor of allowing Collective Bargaining, but Gov. Walker and fellow Republicans have been sticking to their notion that it needs to be removed. The issue is not yet over, since the Senate has to approve, but, cannot act until Democrats return to the floor from Illinois. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Governor And Lawmakers Should Step Back For Common Future
WISCREPORT.COM (02/24/2011) - The faculty and staff of the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Library and Information Studies has issued a letter to Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) and the State Legislature about the loss of Collective Bargaining. The group opposes the abolition of most Collective Bargaining rights by the Budget Repair Bill now being pushed through the Wisconsin Legislature by newly elected Governor Walker and Republicans in the Assembly and Senate. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Local Government Leaders Urge Lawmakers Not To Take Away Collective Bargaining
WISCREPORT.COM (02/24/2011) - About 300 elected officials from county, town, village and city governments, as well as school board supervisors and mayors throughout Wisconsin have issued an open letter to Governor Scott Walker and Republican legislators. The open letter says the officials respectfully urge the governor, senators and assembly representatives to reconsider and delete the proposal in the Budget Repair Bill to severely restrict the collective bargaining process between local governmental bodies and their employees. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Republican Govs Assn Supports Gov. Walker Stand In Wisconsin
WISCREPORT.COM (02/23/2011) - Some Republican Governors around the United States of America are urging their own form of solidarity behind fellow GOP Governor Scott Walker. The Republican Governors Association (RGA) is sponsoring a website suggesting it is a great idea to Stand With Scott in the battle of wills going on in the State of Wisconsin. RGA Chairman Rick Perry sees the Walker fight with Democrats, public workers, unions, and supporters, as a defining moment for the Conservative movement. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Democrats Upset About Perceived Republican Plan To Harm Unions
WISCREPORT.COM (02/19/2011) - State Senator Julie Lassa of Stevens Point, WI says the true agenda of newly elected Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is now clear. Lassa is one of the Fab-14 Democrats who went to Illinois to slow down the process of what is being called an attempt to break unions in the state. She says public employees have offered to make concessions, but, Walker refused to accept them unless he is also able to take away the right of workers to have a say in their future through the collective bargaining process. More inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (02/15/2011) - The illness of a 6 year old Wisconsin cat has been declared to be the first confirmed case of the H1N1 influenza virus in a United States pet since January of 2010. The American Veterinary Medical Association has announced that laboratory tests have confirmed the feline was sick with the flu that caused a scare among the human population not too long ago. The cat may have caught the disease from its owner who had symptoms before the cat became ill. The feline was euthanized after it failed to respond to treatment. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Sen. Lassa Wants Public Hearings On Gov. Walker Budget Proposals
WISCREPORT.COM (02/12/2011) - Workers and Democrats in Madison are calling parts of the new Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker budget request, Job Killing Proposals, while Republicans and other proponents say Walker is taking a necessary stance for the times. State Senator Julie Lassa (D-St.Point) is calling on the Republican leadership not to ramrod the budget through before legislators and the public have an opportunity to know what is in the proposal. She wants public hearings before the vote. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (02/04/2011) - The Wisconsin Tea Party is happy with the recent State of the State speech of newly elected Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, according to a spokesperson for Wisconsin Tea Party Patriots (WTTP). WTTP State Coordinator Michael Hintze of Brookfield, Wisconsin is congratulating Governor Walker on the tone, tenor and content of his first State of the State speech on Tuesday, February 1st. However, WTTP and other special interest groups, for and against, will be watching to see what Governor Walker and State Politicians do. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
N F I B Determined To Overturn Health Law In Its Entirety
WISCREPORT.COM (02/01/2011) - A Florida judge ruling the federal health care law unconstitional is not the end of the story. Wisconsin congressional representative Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis) says she is confident the reform that took nearly two years to push through Congress will survive. Wisconsin U.S. Congressman Reid Ribble (R-Wis) is not so sure. He says some kind of reform is needed, but, making it mandatory to buy insurance is not the right way to go, and the NFIB agrees. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Better Than Rest Of Nation
WISCREPORT.COM (01/26/2011) - The latest figures show unemployment was down slightly last month and down in Wisconsin last month from the same month last year. 227,700 workers were without jobs at the end of 2010, compared to 258,200 at Christmas time the year before. December, 2010 figures from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development indicate a 7.5 percent unemployment rate, compared to 9.4 percent in the nation. New Republican Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he is willing to work with President Obama, if possible, to make the job picture even better in the state. For more, see inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Prez Obama To Visit Wisconsin After State Of The Union Address
WISCREPORT.COM (01/24/2011) - On Wednesday, January 26, President Obama will travel to Manitowoc, WI, as part of his White House to Main Street Tour. Before he heads for Wisconsin, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress Tuesday night at 8 pm CST. Following the President's speech, networks will air the Republican version of their assessment of the Union. The Republican side will be delivered by Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Democrats chair Mike Tate hopes Ryan will not advocate slashing Medicare and Medicaid and endanger retirement investments of millions of Americans. Read more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (01/20/2011) - The U.S. House of Representatives Republicans made good on promises to constituents in the last election cycle, by passing a bill to repeal the health care reforms by a vote of 245 to 189. U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) says he voted against what he calls Republican efforts to increase the debt by 230 billion, repeal critical patient rights, and give powerful health insurance companies back control of health care decisions. Congressman Ron Petri (R-WI), who voted for repeal, says a new approach to the health care situation is needed. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (01/03/2011) - The 45th Governor of the State of Wisconsin has been sworn in. Republican Scott Walker has officially taken over the reigns of the Governor's office from Democrat James Doyle. Walker says he will be governor of not just one party over the other, or the governor of one part of the state over another. Governor Walker says he will be the servant of and for everyone in Wisconsin. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
New Governor's Goal: 250,000 Jobs And 10,000 New Businesses
WISCREPORT.COM (12/29/2010) - Senior level staffers for Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker have been named. They include Deputy Chief of Staff Eric Shuut, Chief Legal Counsel Brian Hagedorn, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Ryan Murray, Communications Director Chris Schrimpf, Chief of Staff Keith Gilkes and Press Secretary Cullen Werwie. The senior level Walker staff will officially serve beginning January 3, 2011, according to transition director, John Hiller. Read more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (12/17/2010) - A recent poll indicates that some people who voted the way they did in the November 2010 election were likely doing so due to misinformation or lack of understanding of the details presented them by news organizations. The poll, conducted by WorldPublicOpinion.org, based at the University of Maryland, and Knowledge Networks, shows that many voters were misinformed on key issues regarding the stimulus, health reform, the economy, climate change, taxes, the GM bailout, and other issues. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (12/14/2010) - The U.S. Census Bureau says the county-level poverty rate for individuals ranges from less than 4 percent to more than 40 percent. The poverty level is below 5 percent in 19 counties or county equivalents in the nation. The counties with poverty levels below 5 percent includes two in Wisconsin (Ozaukee and Waukesha counties), plus five counties or independent cities in Virginia, three counties in New Jersey, two in Colorado and one in Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio and South Dakota. Read more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (12/09/2010) - The latest book by United States President Barack Obama, Of Thee I Sing, was printed by a Stevens Point, Wisconsin company. Worzalla Publishing of Stevens Point printed the Random House book dedicated to the daughters of President and Michelle Obama. The printing arrangement by the Central Wisconsin company included secrecy and security. Many Worzalla staff members didn't know what they were working on the book until recently. The book, for sale in stores and on the internet, is illustrated by Loren Long. For more on this story see inside WisconsinReport.com (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (12/03/2010) - Governor elect Scott Walker delivered a message of creating 250,000 jobs, lowering taxes on businesses with 50 or fewer workers and requiring state regulations to be based on science. Those are the points Walker stressed to more than 300 Dairy Business Association (DBA) members at the DBA 11th Annual Business Conferrence December 1st. Read more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/18/2010) - The Kohl Department Stores chain of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and Music Entertainment Sports Holdings (MESH), a division of LF USA, have plans to launch two multi-department contemporary lifestyle brands with globally-recognized entertainers Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. This is the first celebrity couple to simultaneously design collections for one retailer. To find out more about this story, see inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/01/2010) - Several Congressional races will be decided in Wisconsin Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, 2010, the next Governor will also be chosen, and one of two U.S. Senate seats will be filled. Voters will determine whether Wisconsin will be represented in Washington D.C. by Democrats or Republicans. Many experts are unsure just which way it will go, while others are expecting Republicans to be put back in power. Voter turnout will be the deciding factor. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/21/2010) - Both of the candidates hoping to replace retiring Wisconsin 7th District Representative Dave Obey in the U.S. House are claiming debate victory following the event held last night (Weds., Oct. 20, 2010) in Rice Lake, WI. The campaign manager for Republican Sean Duffy says Duffy erroneously insists Wisconsin workers are not affected by outsourcing to China. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/20/2010) - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has received endorsements from more than 700 Wisconsin business leaders who stand behind the idea that Senator Feingold works for and has a commitment to grow the economy. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin claims Feingold challenger, Republican Ron Johnson, has dodged 15 debates and is basing his run on an $8 million ad campaign. There is more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/19/2010) - A survey by a Wisconsin college shows, if the election for Wisconsin Governor was held last week, 50 percent of the respondents said they would vote for Republican Scott Walker, while 41 percent would vote for Democrat Tom Barrett. The random phone survey included 402 Wisconsinites in its sample of potential voters. WisconsinReport.com has a further breakdown of the results. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/11/2010) - A tatoo firm with locations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and elsewhere around the country is participating in a Breast Cancer Awareness promotion. Atomic Tattoos launched their "Tats for Tatas" fundraising campaign that is taking place throughout October. Atomic Tattoos is offering several specials throughout the month if customers donate $5 to breast cancer awareness. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCEPORT.COM (10/05/2010) - For the eighth year in a row, a Wisconsin company has received a nod from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). SC Johnson has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the (HRC) Corporate Equality Index. The HRC Corporate Equality Index rates companies on a scale of 0 to 100 on their fair treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/01/2010) - The state of Wisconsin is receiving a 1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department to begin work on an online health insurance exchange. Governor Jim Doyle says the grant will help Wisconsin build on its national leadership in health care quality and access. See more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/25/2010) - Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI) is visiting China through October 1, 2010 to promote Wisconsin industry and trade to hold high-level meetings with government and businesses leaders. Before Gov. Doyle left for China he declared a state of emergency in five additional Wisconsin areas following strong storms that caused flooding. More about these developments is online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/20/2010) - Wisconsin employment seekers and employers looking to recruit new workers can now take advantage of free job training and certification made possible partly by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) program helps individuals show mastery in basic workplace skills for current and potential employers. Read all about it online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/16/2010) - The United States House of Representatives has passed what could be a game changer for the country in its struggle to re-employ those who have lost jobs to outsourcing mania. The House passed two bills as part of a Make It In America manufacturing agenda Democrats hope will catch on. The bills are the Congressional Made In America Act, and the Berry Amendment Extension Act. Read more at WisconsinReport.com (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/10/2010) - A company that has allegedly improperly marketed an epileptic drug called Topamax is in trouble with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Food and Drug Administration. The firm has agreed to pay back some of the money gained through Medicaid programs because the medication was prescribed for ailments not FDA approved. Wisconsin will receive some of the settlement. To find out more about this story click on the headline above. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
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.
![[Skip To Content]](images/spacer.gif "[Skip To Content]")
