WISCREPORT.COM (08/19/2010) - The United States Veterans Administration (VA) says it will open a new Vet Center site in Wausau, Wisconsin, as well as add additional counselors at the Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay Vet Centers to help process cases and expedite assistance to veterans. Wisconsin currently has a low number of Vet Centers compared to other states like West Virginia or Hawaii that have a smaller veteran population than Wisconsin, but have nine and seven Vet Centers respectively. Click on headline above for more details. (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 (08/04/2010) - 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 (07/26/2010) - The leading cause (25 percent) of pet poisoning is swallowing human or pet pills the pets should not ingest . That is the finding of Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (VPI) of California, the oldest and largest insurer of pets in the United States. VPI is underwritten in most states by National Casualty Company of Madison, Wisconsin. For details, click on the above headline. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/02/2010) - A new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that will offer coverage to uninsured Americans who have been unable to obtain health coverage because of a pre-existing health condition is beginning to take applications. Click on the headline above for more details. (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 (06/07/2010) - 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 (04/30/2010) - Governor Jim Doyle has signed into law Senate Bill 484, the BadgerCare Plus Basic Bill. This bill creates a new, entirely self-funded health care plan option for nearly 43,000 adults without dependent children who are on the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan waiting list. For 130 dollars a month, people enrolled in BadgerCare Plus Basic will be able to go see a doctor, get the generic prescriptions they need, and receive catastrophic coverage, without costing taxpayers a dime. Click on the headline above to read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (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 (04/08/2010) - Wisconsin has plenty of newsmakers this week, as usual. Wisconsin Nurses and Health Pros are applauding efforts by Governor Jim Doyle to rapidly implement the new federal Health Care Reform Law. The group likes the move to create a new office of National Health Care Reform this week. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Don Dunbar of Wisconsin is one of 35 people to be named to the Department of Homeland Security's newly formed Preparedness Task Force. Read more about these developments and more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/29/2010) - Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle have announced a new Organ Donor Registry for the State of Wisconsin. The web-based registry is intended to make it easier for Wisconsin residents to list themselves as a donor through a secure online database. The new Organ Donor Registry will help the more than 1500 people in Wisconsin currently on the recipient waiting list, and others in the future. All interested residents, including those who already have an orange dot on their drivers license, should register as a donor on the website. Read more 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 (03/23/2010) - 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 (03/17/2010) - 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 (02/08/2010) - Childrens Hospital and Health System has launched the Wisconsin Childrens Advocacy Network to help Wisconsin residents advocate for children in public policy. Through C.A.N., families, business leaders, employees and others can help ensure and improve the health and well-being of all children. By joining C.A.N., members will receive updates on activities, learn about opportunities to contact legislators or be asked to participate in community events. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/21/2010) - Governor Jim Doyle unveiled a new self-funded health care plan today for adults without dependent children who are on the state health care waiting list. BadgerCare Plus Basic will provide enrollees with limited access to physicians, hospital services, generic prescriptions and catastrophic coverage, and will be paid for entirely through a monthly premium of $130. The Basic plan is designed to be a bridge plan to keep individuals healthy while they wait for space in the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/17/2010) - The National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) are donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross to aid victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The NFL and its network partners also ran pregame and in-game messages during the weekend playoff games valued at $1.5 million to promote donations. In addition, NFL owners and players are making their own personal donations. Read More At WisconsinReport.com. (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 (1/5/2010) - The U.S. Senate Health Care bill recently passed by the Senate includes some provisions of the Control Spending Now Act (CSNA) introduced by Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI). The provisions would effectively lower the cost of prescription drugs, if included in the final version that comes out of the House-Senate Conference Committee. Senator Feingold says he will fight to keep the provisions in the final bill. In a WisconsinReport.com news story Feingold explains how the savings would come about. (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 (12/28/2009) - Now that the U.S. Senate has passed its version of the Health Care bill that has received much discussion in Congress, and cable channel and radio talk/news shows for nearly a year, many Republicans continue to stick to the same basic spin. Republican Party of Wisconsin Executive Director Mark Jefferson is suggesting that Wisconsin U.S. Senators Feingold and Kohl have, in his words, sold out Wisconsin, by voting for passage. However, the Wisconsin Hospital Association President is applauding the Congressional delegation. 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 (12/14/2009) - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, recently introduced the Control Spending Now Act. The legislation would reduce the deficit by more than one half trillion dollars. The Act is made up of more than 40 proposals to cut the record deficit, which currently stands at $1.42 trillion. One of the Feingold Spotlight on Spending topics shines a light on making prescription drugs available to more citizens. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/10/2009) - Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports H1N1 influenza activity has declined, with 25 states now reporting widespread activity. CDC also reports that visits to doctors for influenza-like illness have declined. Flu-related hospital stays and deaths continue to decline nationally as well, but are still very high compared to what is expected for this time of year, and could pick up again. Read 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 (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 (11/20/2009) - The Department of Health Services (DHS) update on the amount of H1N1 vaccine allocated to Wisconsin indicates, as of November 20, 2009, Wisconsin has been allocated more than a million doses of the so-called Swine Flu vaccine. However, the DHS says it is not enough to be able to give the vaccine to everyone that wants it at this time. Read more online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/18/2009) - The Wisconsin Supreme Court has voted to accept seven new cases. Among the cases is a case involving who should pay the taxes on a multi-million dollar inheritance after a young girl was named to receive the large sum when her godfather died. The estate said the inheritor should pay, but the young girl and her parents said the estate should pay. The estate paid, then sued the girl and her parents for reimbursement. The Supreme Court will decide who should pay. WisconsinReport.com has more. (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 (11/02/2009) - 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 (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 (09/17/2009) - 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 (09/07/2009) - While all of the debate and rhetoric in Congress and on television and cable shows and radio talk programs continues, the State of Wisconsin is continuing to build what has been labeled BadgerCare. Click on the headline above for more 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 (08/31/2009) - Republican Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner of Brookfield, Wisconsin has announced his bid for re-election to represent the Wisconsin 5th district in the U.S. House of Representatives and has also announced he is being treated for prostate cancer. Click on the headline for more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/26/2009) - U.S. Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) passed away during the night at age 77. The youngest of the famous Kennedy brothers had been suffering from brain cancer. President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert Kennedy were both assassinated decades earlier. Ted continued their political tradition in the U.S. Senate for nearly half a century. He was one of the Democratic champions for the American People who was respected by party members and opponents alike for his dedication. Read more on the internet 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 (08/11/2009) - 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 (08/06/2009) - U.S. Congressional Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) might find himself the victim of health insurance industry financed Teabagger protests after video of him supporting a public option for health care reform, and rejecting the argument of so-called Birthers was released by One Wisconsin Now. Petri answered questions at a town hall meeting in Darby, Wisconsin. One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scott Ross gives Petri credit for taking on what Ross calls the right-wing fringe some people are calling the Birther movement. Read more on this story 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 (07/29/2009) - State of Wisconsin officials are reminding people that the first day to apply for a Declaration of Domestic Partnership begins on August 3, 2009. The Declaration is a new vital record created under state law that the Department of Health Services (DHS) will maintain, along with other vital records such as birth and death certificates. The Department has been providing training and technical assistance for county clerks in preparation for August 3rd. Two unmarried adults of the same sex who are living together may apply for a Declaration at their local county clerk office. Read more 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 (07/22/2009) - 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 (07/09/2009) - 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 (07/03/2009) - When we think of Fourth of July, of course, we think of fireworks. However, we must not forget the danger they pose to our eyes and vision. This Fourth, the Wisconsin Optometric Association (WOA) urges all citizens to use fireworks safely. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 1,400 fireworks-related eye injuries were treated in the one month surrounding July 4, 2007, nearly 22 percent of all fireworks-related injuries during that timeframe. Read more about it on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/30/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle signed into law basic legal protections for same-sex couples, as part of the 2009-11 biennial budget. This makes Wisconsin the first state in the Midwest to legislatively enact basic legal protections for same-sex couples. The co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee is calling it a historic development in the lives of thousands of gay and lesbian families across the state, and, a step toward true equality in Wisconsin. It starts August 3rd. Opponents say its not a Constitutional move. Read more on the internet 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 (06/23/2009) - Dangerously hot, muggy weather predicted for the Summer Months is prompting Wisconsin humane veterinarians to remind owners of pets and livestock to take a little extra care to protect their animals. Heat stroke is one of the very real threat to animals, and can be fatal even with prompt treatment. Pets that have already suffered heat stroke once are more susceptible, as are animals that are very young or very old, have health problems, are overweight, or are snub-nosed. Read more about this and other stories on the internet 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 (06/11/2009) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the level of the so-called Swine Flu pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 as of today. WHO reports there have been 30,000 confirmed cases of what is now being called a novel influenza A virus (H1N1) in 74 countries. WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan says the number of deaths has been small worldwide. Chan says the H1N1 pandemic will likely be of moderate severity, based on the trends that have been noted during the course of the cases reported thus far. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/01/2009) - The Pro-Life Wisconsin organization state director is voicing opposition to anyone opposed to abortion taking the life of someone who is engaged in abortion. Yesterday morning late-term abortionist Doctor George Tiller was shot and killed in Wichita, Kansas. Pro-Life Wisconsin State Director Peggy Hamill says Pro-Life Wisconsin is appalled by the slaying of Dr. George Tiller Sunday morning. Similar statements have been made from Pro Choice and other Pro Life Leaders who also deplore the act. 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 (05/20/2009) - State Representative Joe Parisi (D-Madison) and Senator Pat Kreitlow (D) Chippewa Falls) announced today they will be introducing a bill designed to protect the right of a journalist to keep sources and material gathered during the reporting process confidential. The legislation, which is currently being circulated for co-sponsors, is called the Whistleblower Protection Act, and has already been passed by 32 other states in some form. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/19/2009) - In response to President Obama's commencement address last Sunday at the University of Notre Dame, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), held a press conference in Washington, D.C. Monday (5/19/2009). Smith and Sensenbrenner also sent a letter to President Obama calling on him to publicly forgo rescinding the Bush Administration conscience protection regulation regarding abortions in the United States. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/18/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle today signed legislation to make public places, including restaurants, taverns, and other indoor workplaces, smokefree. The Governor was joined at bill-signing events around the state today by business owners, health officials and smokefree Wisconsin advocates. Governor Doyle said the move will not only improve public health, it will also save money by lowering health care costs. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/15/2009) - The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu) statistics now show that only four states do not yet have confirmed or probable cases of the illness. At this writing, only Alaska, Wyoming, Mississippi and West Virginia have that distinction. In the midwest, the CDC indicates that there are 613 cases in Wisconsin, 36 in Minnesota, 638 in Illinois, 66 in Iowa, 71 in Indiana, 14 in Ohio, and 142 in Michigan. The CDC stats show a total of 4,714 confirmed or probable cases and only 4 deaths. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/13/2009) - Several members of the United States House of Representatives, including Ron Kind of Wisconsin, have re-introduced the Small Business Options Program Act (SHOP). SHOP, if passed, would make health insurance more available and affordable for small businesses and their employees. The bill is endorsed by several business, employee, and family groups and organizations. Read more about SHOP on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/09/2009) - A public health emergency remains in effect in Wisconsin in response to the presence of Influenza A (H1N1) in the state. Wisconsin now has 298 Confirmed Cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu), according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDH). The increase in confirmed cases from May 6th to May 8th reflects new testing capability in Wisconsin. Read more about this story and others at WisconsinReport.com, the place to depend on for Relevant Reading. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/07/2009) - As of 06:00 GMT, 7 May 2009, 23 countries have officially reported 2099 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 1112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 642 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths. The latest Wisconsin figures released as of mid-day today, show 176 probable cases in the state, however, only 26 have been confirmed as the so-called Swine Flu. Read more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/06/2009) - May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Wisconsin. The warmer weather is bringing out motorcycles again, and it's time to be a little more careful while driving a vehicle. Car, truck and van drivers should become more aware of what is coming down the road before starting out from stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, exiting driveways, and parking spaces. Read more about motorcycling and driver safety at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/05/2009) - U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Richard Besser have announced new CDC guidance on closure of schools and child care facilities where there has been reported cases of the novel H1N1 flu virus. CDC no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A/H1N1 consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/04/2009) - At least 20 countries, including the United States have now officially reported 985 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection (often referred to as the Swine Flu), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. WHO notes that the United States has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. More on the situation at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/03/2009) - Wisconsin has made it to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tally of so-called Swine Flu cases in the United States. The CDC shows 226 cases in the nation as of mid-morning today, including three cases in Wisconsin. The Center says the total in the official total posted includes Laboratory Confirmed Cases of the illness. There are now cases in 30 states with the largest numbers still in New York and Texas. Read more in the updated story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/2/2009) - The Wisconsin Department of Health (WDH) tally of Probable Swine Flu (H1N1) Cases now has risen to at least 14, however, as of mid-morning today none of them have shown up in the official U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics. Excluding Wisconsin, the CDC how reports 160 laboratory confirmed cases of people suffering from the flu strain that is, at this time, believed to have broken out in Mexico. The CDC figures now include cases in 21 states. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/01/2009) - As of mid-morning today the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports 141 Swine Flu cases (H1N1) have been confirmed in 19 of the country's 50 states. However, there still has been only one death in Texas that has been attributed to the strain of flu virus that has caused illness in a large number of people in Mexico. So far Wisconsin seems to be spared from the CDC statistics, but there is news today that there may be two cases in Milwaukee. Meanwhile the ACLU has issued a caution. More information is on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/01/2009) - State and local health officials in Wisconsin today reported that five probable cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus of swine origin (Swine Flu) have been found in Wisconsin. Two cases were found in the Milwaukee (one adult and one child), a third case in Adams County, another in Osaukee County and a fifth case in Sheboygan County. State Health Officer, Dr. Seth Foldy, says these laboratory-proven cases indicate the flu is active in Wisconsin, and, Governor Jim Doyle has declared a State of Emergency. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/30/2009) - In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 yesterday (April 29, 2009). Meanwhile, new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius cautions people not to panic. Sebelius reminds people there are flu outbreaks every year and everyear there are some flu deaths. She also says HHS and other agencies are doing everything possible to limit the seriousness of this particular flu outbreak. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/29/2009) - The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. The Centers for Disease Control reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The nearly two year old infant who died was reportedly a Mexican youth brought into this country for treatment. CDC statistics as of 10 AM Central Daylight Time (CDT) show 91 people have come down with the flu strain in the U.S. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/28/2009) - The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. As of this morning (Tuesday, April 28th) there are 64 known cases of Swine Flu in the United States. The World Health Organization has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. Read additional relevant information at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/27/2009) - Wisconsin Governor Doyle suggests everyone should remain calm and use common sense, good health practices, following the news regarding swine influenza, which has been reported in several states and in Mexico. Doyle says the Wisconsin government is in touch with health officials across the country and more information will be made available as needed to keep residents of the state up to date and aware of the situation. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/25/2009) - Retail food prices at the supermarket increased in the first quarter of 2008, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 basic grocery items in the first quarter of 2008 was $45.03, up about 8 percent or $3.42 from the fourth quarter of 2007. However, compared to the first quarter of 2008, groceries in the sample group are up 9 percent from the same period a year ago. More Relevant Reading at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/18/2009) - The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is cautioning moving too swiftly on a proposed rule designed to make processing meat safer that may increase costs and lessen profits for farmers. More time is needed to consider the unintended consequences to the Wisconsin cattle industry as a result of the proposed federal rule, says the largest farm organization in the state. More on this story is available inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/13/2009) - United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi likes the idea of the United States government purchasing nearly 18,000 fuel efficient vehicles from only American car makers. Pelosi believes it will help auto makers currently in financial touble, spur the economy, and make the government fleet more fuel efficient. The Speaker also is supportive of President Obama's plan to make healthcare better for the military and veterans. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/02/2009) - House Budget Committee Ranking Republican Paul Ryan (WI-01) yesterday introduced a comprehensive alternative to the fiscal year 2010 budget proposed by the President and Democratic Majority. Republicans say their plan will get spending and deficits under control, without raising taxes, but some Democrats don't think it's right for the country, at this point in history. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/01/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has awarded the state $1 million for the Department of Health Services to participate in the Maximizing Enrollment for Kids Program, an initiative to increase enrollment and retention of eligible children in BadgerCare Plus. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/26/2009) - United States Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) is commending President Barack Obama for presenting a budget to Congress that represents an honest assessment of the current financial situation. Wisconsin's United States Senator Russ Feingold, a member of the Senate Budget Committee agrees. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/17/2009) - A Dane County jury has found a pharmaceutical manufacturer defrauded the Wisconsin Medicaid program by reporting grossly inflated and fraudulent prices. In a case brought by the Wisconsin Department of Justice against Pharmacia, after a two-week trial, the jury determined that Pharmacia should pay $9 million to compensate the state for its monetary losses. The jury considered allegations of both Medicaid and consumer fraud, and found that Pharmacia violated both laws. Read more on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/13/2009) - Lambda Legal and the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin has filed a federal lawsuit the US District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on behalf of Melody Rose, a 35-year-old Wisconsin woman who was denied surgery to remove her gallbladder because she has HIV. Lambda Legal and ARCW represent Melody Rose who experienced health problems with her gallbladder while incarcerated at Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Fond du Lac. She was referred to Fond du Lac Regional Hospital where a surgeon rufused to perform surgery after learning the woman was HIV Positive. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/05/2009) - State health officials are encouraging sexually active youth to receive HIV testing as part of February 7th’s Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Between 1990 and 2008, the rate of reported HIV infection among African Americans in Wisconsin declined 42 percent from 74 per 100,000 in 1990 to 43 per 100,000 in 2008. Although fewer African Americans in Wisconsin have been diagnosed with HIV in recent years, they continue to be disproportionately affected by this epidemic. African Americans account for six percent of Wisconsin’s overall population, but represented 39 percent of new HIV infections in 2008. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/15/2009) - As one of the first legislative acts of the 111th Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday reauthorized the 11-year-old Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and extended health insurance coverage to an additional 4.1 million children nationwide. The bill will provide coverage to more than 11 million children. Families USA expects quick action in the U.S. Senate to speed the bill to new United States President Barack Obama's desk. It may be the first bill that was vetoed by outgoing President George W. Bush that will be signed by the new President. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/29/08) - In 2008, Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold’s top accomplishments included efforts to help Wisconsin servicemembers and veterans and to protect the Great Lakes. Feingold continued support for men and women in uniform with efforts to help ease the tremendous burden they and their families face. In October the President signed into law legislation authored by Feingold to allow servicemembers to suspend cell phone contracts without charge when deployed. Feingold also led the Wisconsin delegation in calling for the establishment of new Vet Centers in Wisconsin, and more. Read about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/22/08) - Three cocoa products packaged for Christmas sale and sold through Shopko and Big Lots stores have been recalled because they may contain melamine, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reports. No illnesses have been reported from consumption of these products, which have been voluntarily recalled by Dorsey Marketing Inc. (DMI) of Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada. All were sold under the brand name G and J. Consumers who bought these products should return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/16/08) - A frigid forecast and news of a dog left overnight frozen to a sidewalk in Sheboygan are prompting Wisconsin's state humane officer to remind people that animals need extra care in winter. An animal losing its life is not the only possible consequence when temperatures drop bigtime. A Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection spokesperson warns that animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries, and harsh conditions can weaken their immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to illness. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/10/08) - Ozaukee County is the healthiest county in the state, according to the newly released 2008 Wisconsin County Health Rankings. The report is the sixth annual health check-up of the 72 counties and the City of Milwaukee, developed by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The 2008 report brings together over 30 measures of health to summarize the overall health of each county in Wisconsin. The County of Milwaukee, Marquette County, City of Milwaukee, and Menominee County are at the bottom of the list. See WisconsinReport.com for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/08) - Wisconsin Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) has been elected vice-chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. In January, when Congress reconvenes for the first session of the 111th Congress, Representative Moore will become a key leader in the U.S. House of Representatives on issues affecting women. Congresswoman Moore’s tenure will last for two years and she will serve with Chairwoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and two Republican members of Congress. For more on this story and other news go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/10/08) - State health officials are reminding people across Wisconsin to get their influenza vaccine as the first influenza case is announced for the 2008-09 season. A school-age child from Kenosha County is the first confirmed case of influenza among Wisconsin residents. To get your flu shot, contact your health care provider, local public health department or tribal health clinic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention reports that influenza vaccine will continue to be shipped to Wisconsin throughout the flu season. For more details go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/10/08) - Change To Win, a nationwide worker organization of over 6 million members, has outlined a comprehensive economic recovery program for Main Street America that would generate broad-based prosperity, restore faith and fairness in the market system, and renew the American Dream for working and middle class families. The worker organization called on Congress to reject the Wall Street bailout based on the flawed economic policies of the past. A spokesperson says the United States needs a new economic model that rewards worker productivity and innovation, and, sets new rules for the marketplace and the workplace. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/08/08) - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke is calling last night's Presidential Debate Barack Obama’s second straight debate victory. Wineke says John McCain was unable to articulate a new direction for the country beyond what Wineke calls the failed, recycled policies of George Bush. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Lieutenant Governor Margaret Farrow are spinning the second Presidential Debate from the Republican point of view. Farrow and Walker saw McCain making several points and coming out ahead of Obama in the Nashville debate. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/27/08) - There are mixed reactions to last night's first United States Presidential Debate between the two major party candidates running to be the next Commander In Chief of the Economy as well as Commander In Chief of the Military. McCain supporters say Arizona Senator John McCain won, while Illinois Senator Barack Obama supporters say Obama came out on top. And, Depending on which tv/radio talker you listen to after the debates, you have your choice of, it was a draw, or, Obama proved he was ready to take control of the military and the economy, or, McCain's strategy seemed to be to try his best to look stern and to not look at his opponent, and so on. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/23/08) - Probable voters in four Battleground States are looking at the Barack Obama - Joe Biden ticket as the one that is more likely to bring about Change. By 19 - 24 point margins, voters in Wisconsin, Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota say Democrat Barack Obama, not Republican John McCain, is the candidate of change. That poll result lifts Senator Obama into the lead in these battleground states, according to four simultaneous Quinnipiac University polls of likely voters, conducted in partnership with The Wall Street Journal and WashingtonPost.com More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/22/08) - Illinois Senator Barack Obama started out being the only major presidential candidate advocating Change at the start of the Democrats Primary Campaign. When his opponent, New York Senator Hillary Clinton saw people were drawn to the message of Change, her slogan soon was about Change, but, Obama's message was the one people wanted. Now, it's the Republican candidate, Senator John McCain, who has changed his message to a declaration that McCain is the Change guy. While in Green Bay, Wisconsin today, Barack Obama explained that Obama's Change is The Real Change We Need. To read Barack Obama's speech, go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/01/08) - The 2008 Report of the Democratic Platform Committee suggests that Democrats want to make the United States Government and the country less partisan than it has been for decades. The Preamble to the Platform, states that it's time to reach out to Republicans, Independents, and all Americans who hunger for a new direction, and a reason to hope. The Platform indicates Democrats not only want to undo the damage they perceive that the Bush Administration has done, they want to find and enact the ideas that are right for the country and it's citizens. Read the Preamble at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/29/08) - Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama officially accepted his party's nomination last night, during the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. During his acceptance speech Obama made the case for why America cannot afford four more years of what many believe are the failed policies of the George W. Bush Administration. Obama laid out his vision to bring about fundamental change at home and abroad. He reminded the country about the extraordinary promise of America at its best and challenged his supporters to continue to fight for that promise by marching ahead and never looking back. Read Obama's acceptance speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/27/08) - Last night the candidate who came in second in the long primary campaign to determine who would be the Democrats presidential candidate on the November 2008 ballot urged her 18 Million primary voters to switch their allegience to Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton told delegates at the Democrats National Convention in Denver, Colorado that her delegates and supporters and Obama's delegates and supporters must unite as a single party with a single purpose. Hillary said it's time to take back the country and no one should sit by the sidelines, because it will take everyone and every vote to make sure it happens. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/26/08) - Contrary to what some radio and tv talkers have been saying, the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver set the stage for a robust way to educate people about who Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are, and, what the Democrats stand for. Former Iowa Republican U.S. Senator Jim Leach endorsed Obama for President because the time is right to unite the country, not to be tied up in the partisan politics Congress and the White House has been playing for too long. There was also a tribute to and speech by U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, and the revelation by Michelle Obama that the Obamas are just regular folks like us, who want to do the country proud. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/22/08) - A Wisconsin health care organization is attributing three of the state's congressional representatives for saving some Medicare benefits for residents of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Health Care Association (WHCA) has high praise for U.S. Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Steve Kagen (D-WI) and Ron Kind (D-WI), a member of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, for participating in a successful, bipartisan effort in Congress last week to stop the Bush Administration attempt to cut some funding. See WisconsinReport.com for more details. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/16/08) - The Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus program is providing high-quality, comprehensive care to 77,000 Wisconsin residents, including over 50,000 children. The good news is that a recent study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation finds that chronically ill Wisconsin children in the BadgerCare Plus program receive the same access to health care services as children with private insurance. However, the bad news is that the totally uninsured go without the same necessary care. For more information see the pages of WisconsinReport.com on the internet. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/11/08) - With just two weeks to go before the Democratic National Convention officially kicks off, the Wisconsin delegation is fired up and ready to go to Denver, according to Democratic Party Wisconsin (DPW) Chair Joe Wineke. The Wisconsin delegation will consist of 92 delegates and 12 alternates. Wineke says Wisconsin will be one of the top represented states at the Democratic National Convention August 25th thru the 28th. To see who is going, learn more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/21/08) - A dedicated team of 517 volunteer Wisconsin Dental Association dentists have provided free, comprehensive oral health care, valued at more than 4.25 million dollars, to 1,726 disabled, senior, poor and uninsured state residents during the first 10 years of the WDA Foundation’s Donated Dental Services program. Nearly $1 million of that care was delivered in its record-setting 2007 – 2008 fiscal year which ended June 30th. For more on this story, look to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/07/08) - Research shows that a drug that had been tested successfully in large hospitals to save blod clot patients can also be used in smaller communities with good results. The Wisconsin Medical Journal report indicates a Marshfield Clinic study in Ladysmith, Wisconsin shines a light at the end of the tunnel for more patients experiencing stroke symptoms since the study began in 1995. Tissue Plasminogen Activator can cause patients to be released earlier, and, the percent of stroke patients surviving is higher. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/27/08) - Democratic Presidential Primary rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made a show of unity today (Friday, June 27th) in a community aptly named Unity, New Hampshire. It was the first joint public appearance since what some observers called a divisive Democratic primary race ended. The campaign speeches in Unity was the start of Hillary's assurance she will work toward Obama becoming the next president of the United States, even though for awhile it seemed to some, she might hold a grudge. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/08) - NBC newsman and political commentator Tim Russert, who was slated for burial June 18 after a funeral Mass in Washington, unabashedly witnessed to his Catholic faith, said Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Communications Committee. Archishop Niederaurer said the public host of Meet the Press was loyal to his family, fatherhood and faith in his private life. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/27/08) - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is urging Wisconsin lawmakers to address the state's drunk driving problem as they consider law reforms following the outcry from people demanding change. The outrage stems from the April 25, 2008 crash in Oconomowoc that killed a pregnant woman and her daughter by a repeat drunk driver. The offender, Mark Benson, had three prior OWI convictions and was driving impaired on prescription medication without a license when he slammed his SUV into the rear of Jennifer Bukosky's car, killing Jennifer, her unborn child and 10-year old daughter and injuring her son. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/22/08) - Plagued by a defection of Clinton supporters and white working class voters, Democrat Barack Obama, trails Republican John McCain in Florida and Ohio. However, Obama is six points ahead of McCain in Pennsylvania. That's according to simultaneous Quinnipiac University Swing State polls released today, which also shows Hillary Clinton beating McCain in all three states at this particular point of the presidential election year. No one has been elected President since 1960 without taking two of these three largest swing states in the Electoral College. Margins of error and time might change the actual results of the November election. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/16/08) - The Republican Party of Wisconsin is holding its 2008 State Convention this weekend in Stevens Point this Friday and Saturday. Two prominent leaders in the Republican Party were booked to address Wisconsin Republicans at the event. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty was set to headline the Banquet Honoring County Chairmen on Friday, May 16th, at 7 p.m. and Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan was scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the state convention on Saturday, May 17th at 10:30 a.m. State Democratic Party Chair Joe Wineke says Republicans are celebrating GOP failures. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/15/08) - Wondering whether Hillary Clinton stays on the straight and narrow concerning the facts in her stories, and whether Barack Obama returns to the message of Hope, Change, Yes We Can, and the Feel Good feeling voters get from his message? The ABC Television Network is providing another debate between the two Democrats seeking the White House tomorrow night (Weds. April 16, 2008) so primary voters in Pennsylvania and remaining primary states can gain insight into which will be the best choice to be on the Democratic ticket in November. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/05/08) - State health officials are reminding consumers to cook raw poultry to safe internal temperatures before eating. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Services has issued a public health alert due to illnesses from Salmonella associated with frozen, stuffed raw chicken products that may be contaminated with salmonella. There have been no confirmed illnesses related to these products in Wisconsin. Products linked to the illnesses were produced by Serenade Foods, a Milford, Indiana establishment. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/01/08) - After hearing presentations by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader John Boehner, members of the Veterans Affairs committee, the Secretaries of the Army and Veterans Affairs, and Wisconsin veterans took steps April 1st, 2008 to ensure the well-being and health care of United States fighting men and women, past and present, are on solid ground. Department Commander David A. Kurtz led a delegation of Wisconsin members of The American Legion to Washington to fight for funding to care for the nation’s veterans of past wars and to protect benefits for those now serving. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/26/08) - Starting this July all public workplaces in Eau Claire, including bars will be smoke free. The Eau Claire City Council voted 7 to 4 Tuesday in favor of an ordinance ending cigarette smoking in all public workplaces. The vote comes after a public hearing where council members listened to testimony about the health dangers of secondhand smoke including increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory problems. Thirty-three Wisconsin communities have now passed some kind of smoke free ordinance. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/25/08) - Nearly five people die each week in Wisconsin because they don’t have health insurance, says a new report by Families USA, the national organization for health care consumers. The Families USA report, the first-ever state-specific report of this type, is based on a ground-breaking national study by the Institute of Medicine, which in 2002 forged the direct link between a lack of health coverage and deaths from health-related causes. The new report released today by one of Citizen Action’s national partners, Families USA, shows that the health care crisis is a life and death issue. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/24/08) - A Wisconsin Assembly Representative who counts legislation about organ donation, drug assistance for seniors, and working on a statewide spending cap, as meaningful during the time he has served in the Assembly, is retiring. 57th Assembly District Representative Steve Wieckert has decided to not seek re-election this year. Republican Weickert is from the Appleton area, and expects to return to work there upon his retirement from public service. Wieckert is currently Assembly Housing Committee chairperson, and part of the narrow Republican majority in the Assembly. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/19/08) - The war in Iraq is costing Wisconsin residents alone, millions of dollars, no, billions of dollars, with a B, since the beginning of the hostile action five years ago. A group called Citizen Action of Wisconsin, estimates that in 2008, Wisconsin's share of the war will be One-Point-Three Billion additional dollars. The 2008 amount is based on Bush Administration and military proposals for additional outlays of funds to be funneled into the effort in Iraq this year. A report issued today shows what Wisconsin governments and citizens could have gained locally if that money wasn't going into the war. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/15/08) - A Wisconsin Congressional Representative from the Northeastern part of the state was in Philedelphia yesterday (March 14, 2008) to tell medical personnel that Constitutional rights should apply to health care. Congressman Steve Kagen, who is also a doctor, declared that to guarantee access to affordable care, it's important to end discrimination in health insurance. Kagen spoke at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) in Philadelphia, PA. Before being elected to Congress, Dr. Kagen founded the Kagen Allergy Clinics in Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/14/08) - A growing group of Wisconsin businesses, community groups and health care providers have announced a new coalition supporting the proposed Wisconsin hospital assessment. StopTheShift.org members say it’s time that the State Legislature do something about what is called the hidden tax that businesses have paid for too many years because of significant underfunding of Wisconsin’s Medicaid program. The coalition's broad-based membership includes Wisconsin Hospital Association, Aurora Health Care, Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, and other organizations. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/10/08) - A new report from Citizen Action of Wisconsin documents large health care cost savings for Wisconsin families if a Wisconsin initiative called Healthy Wisconsin is enacted. The release of the report coincides with a hearing by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on a revised version of the comprehensive health care reform plan. Healthy Wisconsin, which has received national attention as a health care reform model, was passed by the State Senate this summer as a budget amendment, but was blocked by the State Assembly. The revised version, SB 562, is sponsored by Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), who is Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/08/08) - Congress is looking into the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act to help promote new construction, preservation, and conversion of existing Section 202 facilities into assisted-living facilities. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), Chairman of the Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development have introduced a bill designed to streamline the program and process. It is hoped the move would save the government money and make it easier for senior citizens. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/03/08) - Jenna Bush will keynote the Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) organization’s 21st Annual Scholarship Recognition Banquet on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. Jenna Bush,the daughter of President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, became an inspirational international child rights advocate during her internship with UNICEF in 2006. Jenna Bush joins the ranks of Elizabeth Edwards, Donna Shalala, Mary Matalin, and many other famous women who have spoken at the annual event in the past. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/25/08) - The Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in Tomah will receive $4.425 million from the 2008 VA Appropriations bill to complete a renovation of their facility. Democratic Congressional Representative Ron Kind of LaCrosse says the funding was made possible by the boost given to the Veterans Administration by the Democratic Congress, who this year provided the largest increase to the VA in its 77-year history with an allocation of $3.8 billion above what President Bush had requested. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/25/08) - Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton has announced that a public service announcement, featuring the Lt. Governor, will begin running over 85 cable television networks statewide this week to raise awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention. The 30-second announcement is being seen on Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable networks statewide from Thursday, February 21, through the end of 2008. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/18/08) - Anyone who tried to register by mail to vote in the February 19th Wisconsin primary and missed the deadline, must register in person at the voting site. The Wisconsin Elections Division has received hundreds of voter registration forms mailed after the January 30 deadline. By Wisconsin law late forms cannot be processed to place voters’ names in the poll books, according to the state's Government Accountability Office. Proper identification must be presented at the polling place if a person who wants to vote, and was not yet registered, missed the Register By Mail deadline. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/16/08) - State health officials and the City of Milwaukee Health Department have confirmed the first pediatric influenza death within the State of Wisconsin for the current influenza season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated national surveillance and reporting of pediatric influenza deaths during the 2004-2005 influenza season. The flu season is officially October through April. So far this season, CDC has confirmed 10 pediatric influenza-related deaths nationwide. Health officials urge parents to have children vaccinated. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/09/08) - Governor Jim Doyle signed nine bills into law Friday (February 8, 2008), including one that involves screening for military members who may have been exposed to uranium. Another bill signed into law by Governor Doyle makes it possible for an elected official to not be paid for their services, if they wish to do so. Still other legislation signed by Doyle affect child abuse and neglect, as well as hunting, fishing and game trapping in Wisconsin by members of the military. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/09/08) - The Barack Obama campaign for President of the United States started airing its second TV ad in Wisconsin, in which Obama highlights his commitment to changing the system in Washington and providing health care for all Americans. The ad, titled Mother, opens with Obama talking directly to the camera about how his mother was burdened by a failing health care system as she battled cancer during the last few months of her life. It goes on to point out that it takes a Democrat like him to change things in Washington D.C. in order to get things done. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/04/08) - Veteran Senator Roger Breske (D-Eland) has come under attack for his opposition to a unilateral, state-wide smoking ban. The Northwoods Democrat has successfully fought a ban to date because he fears hundreds of small taverns will be forced to close their doors if not given ample time to prepare to any statewide law prohibiting smoking. Breske believes his real world experience running a family owned tavern/restaurant for over 20 years gives him some insights on what government regulations and mandates can do to small business. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/01/08) - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen testified yesterday at a public hearing on partial birth abortion held by the state Assembly Committee on Judiciary and Ethics. Van Hollen said Assembly Bill 710, which relates to partial-birth abortion, is carefully patterned after a federal statute that was upheld as constitutional by the United States Supreme Court in Gonzales v. Carhart. Van Hollen concluded that in his opinion, AB 710, if enacted into law as introduced, would also survive a constitutional challenge. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/22/08) - The Federal Trade Commission has reached agreement with online sellers of alternative hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products that settles charges that Herbs Nutrition Corporation made health claims for their products without supporting scientific evidence. The company had claimed that their natural progesterone creams are effective in preventing, treating, or curing osteoporosis; are effective in preventing or reducing the risk of estrogen-induced endometrial (uterine) cancer; and do not increase the user’s risk of developing breast cancer. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/10/08) - The Wisconsin State Senate Public Health Committee has taken an important step in advancing Senate Bill 150, legislation that would make all public places and workplaces in the state smoke-free. However, the Smoke Free Wisconsin group is unhappy that amendments were added to the bill by the committee that create loopholes for Big Tobacco and delay health protection for restaurant and bar workers for nearly two years. A coalition of public health and business groups is urging a vote on the Senate floor as soon as possible to correct and pass SB150. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/10/08) - State Senator Roger Breske (D-Eland) has announced he will not support the amended smoking ban bill which has passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee. The vote was 3-2, including bipartisan opposition from Senator Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) and Senator Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center), on Senate Bill 150 as amended. After Senator Kreitlow’s proposed amendment to delay the effective date for taverns and restaurants to April 1, 2011 failed, the Committee verbally amended the delay date to January 1, 2010, giving taverns and restaurants about one and one-half years instead of three years to adjust to the proposed change. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/07/08) - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold and nine other members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation are urging the establishment of more Veteran Centers in Wisconsin. The delegation has sent a letter to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). In the letter, Feingold and the nine other members of the bipartisan delegation advised the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to open two additional Vet Centers in Wisconsin’s La Crosse and Brown counties. The letter was signed by Feingold, Dave Obey, Jim Sensenbrenner, Gwen Moore, Ron Kind, Herb Kohl, Tom Petri, Tammy Baldwin, Paul Ryan, and Steve Kagen. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/27/07) - A bill introduced by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin to aid wounded veterans, and passed unanimously in both houses of Congress, has been signed into law by President Bush. The bill was suggested by, and bears the name of, Korean War veteran Dr. James C. Allen, a retired Madison ophthalmologist. The seven year odyssey of turning one doctor's observation from an idea into a bill into a law is a lesson in civics and the power of one person to make a difference in our democracy. The Dr. James C. Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act (H.R. 797) will aid veterans who sustained a significant loss of vision in one eye while serving their country. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/15/07) - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) voted in favor of the Senate Farm Bill, which included several provisions Feingold authored to help Wisconsin farmers. However, he expressed disappointment with the defeat of several common-sense reforms despite bipartisan support. Among the measures Feingold successfully had included or supported in the bill were restoration of the MILC program, protection for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers through better price reporting and USDA oversight, and a balanced milk marketing order review commission. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/13/07) - Current and former Major League Baseball players have been named in former Sen. George Mitchell's investigation into performance enhancing drugs in baseball. Mitchell held a news conference during which he made a few comments to reporters before releasing the names of many prominent Major League baseball figures who have been indicated as being involved in steroid or other performance enchancer use during their careers. Some of those allegedly uncovered during the Mitchell investigation included Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds. Commissioner Selig says players will be disciplined on a case by case basis. WisconsinReport has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/12/07) - The Senate lead author of the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims bill applauded Assembly adoption of the bill and commended the Assembly author for his leadership on the bill. Former Senate Democratic Leader Senator Judy Robson says the vote shows it is not a partisan issue. The bill passed the Assembly 56 to 41. However, because of a procedural objection to a third reading in the Assembly, the bill will receive final Assembly approval in January and then will return to the Senate for concurrence. The bill then goes to the Governor. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/12/07) - Two key legislative priorities for domestic violence victims have passed legislative hurdles with unanimous support. The state Senate approved SB 269, the Safe Housing Act, to improve safety in housing for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Assembly passed AB 499, the Strangulation Prevention Enforcement Act. Both bills must still be approved by the respective other houses. The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence is hailing both pieces of legislation as critical efforts toward ending domestic violence in Wisconsin. WisconsinReport has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/11/07) - Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) announced that legislation she authored to create a fraud, waste and mismanagement hotline at the Legislative Audit Bureau has been passed by the State Senate. Senate Bill 86 requires the Legislative Audit Bureau to create a waste, fraud and mismanagement hotline where state employees and the general public can call anonymously 24 hours a day to report misuse of state funds. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/6/07) - The Wisconsin Right to Life Political Action Committee (WRTL), the state's premier right-to-life PAC, has announced its endorsement of former Senator Fred Thompson for President of the United States. Right to Life believes Fred Thompson wants to reverse abortion on demand, and demonstrated support of many Right To Life issues when he was a United States Senator. The Wisconsin - based group is following the National Right to Life Committee PAC which endorsed Thompson several weeks ago. More on this story inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/1/07) - World Aids Day is observed every year on December 1st to inform and educate people about the epedemic, as well as what is being done, and, more specifically, what the individual can do. HIV and AIDS can affect men and women, and their babies. Once a person has been exposed, how does one know they have contracted HIV, which can lead to AIDS? The Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau of Communicable Diseases, has information to help you know the answer. WisconsinReport.com has published some of the facts online about HIV and AIDS. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/29/07) - According to Ranking America’s Mental Health: An Analysis of Depression Across the States, Wisconsin ranked 30th in rates of depression and 26th in suicide in a first-of-its-kind report by Mental Health America. The report analyzed data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The study found that 8.4 percent of Wisconsin’s adult population and 9.4 percent of Wisconsin’s youth population experienced a major depressive episode in 2004-2005. 662 Wisconsinites completed suicide in 2004. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/27/07) - American Foods Group, LLC, a Green Bay, Wisconsin, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 95,927 pounds of various coarse and fine ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. The ground beef products subject to recall were produced on Oct. 10, 2007, and were distributed to retail establishments and distributors in Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story and others. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/26/07) - Wisconsin state health officials are encouraging smokers to make a fresh start by calling the Quit Line to help kick the smoking habit. Wisconsin is observing Lung Cancer Awareness Month during November. Figures show that nearly 3 thousand people die from lung cancer in Wisconsin each year. The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT NOW) has helped nearly 50,000 Wisconsin residents since its inception in 2001. So far, 5,500 have called the Quit Line in 2007. The Quit Line offers free quitting assistance and resources. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/13/07) - What started as perhaps a stretch goal set a year ago—all hospitals in Wisconsin becoming tobacco-free campus wide by November 15, 2007—is almost a reality. Now, 96 percent—123 in all—of Wisconsin’s hospitals are tobacco-free campus wide. In late 2006, the Wisconsin Hospital Association Board of Directors recommended that 100 percent of hospitals become tobacco-free by the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, November 15, 2007. Some hospitals experienced resistence to changing the smoke 'em if you've got 'em attitude, but the effort to have more healthful environments is gaining ground. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/3/07) - Sunday, November 4 is the last day of the 40 Days for Life vigils. Many vigil locations are marking this with a prayer service or thanksgiving dinner. In addition to the closing celebrations, dedicated pro-lifers will be holding a 24-hour vigil, from midnight Saturday until midnight Sunday, at the Planned Parenthood in Beaver Dam and at hundreds of sites nationwide. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/2/07) - The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) has recognized U.S Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl for their leadership in winning an extension for Wisconsin's popular senior drug coverage program, SeniorCare. Earlier this year, Kohl and Feingold negotiated for inclusion of a two and a half year extension for the program in a Senate spending bill, preserving the successful drug benefit for 103,000 low-income seniors across the state. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/31/07) Racine County will introduce a discount card program Monday, November 5th, to help consumers cope with the high price of prescription drugs. The county has signed a contract to make prescription drug discount cards available, free of charge, under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The program offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/23/07) - Several organizations are praising aspects of the compromise State Budget announced last week. They include the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, and AARP Wisconsin. The praise centers around Badger Care Plus Expansion, SeniorCare, and FamilyCare. The Citizen Action Committee Executive Director says it's the first real progress on health care coverage in a decade. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/22/07) - Federal legislation cosponsored by Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) would give Wisconsin’s 340,015 self-employed individuals better access to affordable health-care coverage, ending a significant double-digit disparity in premium rates that has contributed to the nation’s health-care crisis. The Equity for Our Nation’s Self-Employed Act (H.R. 3660) would eliminate the cost penalties in health insurance imposed on sole proprietors and make quality health care more affordable for Americans who make up the majority of the working uninsured. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/19/07) - Citizen Action of Wisconsin, a USAction affiliate, applauded Wisconsin Congessional Representative Tom Petri for crossing partisan lines, and voting Thursday (10/18/07) to override President Bush’s veto of a bill to renew and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The House narrowly missed its chance to override the veto, even though the plan would have guaranteed 10 million children access to quality, affordable health care. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/18/07) - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Director says the Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2007 threatens to raise prices for consumers, especially seniors. During testimony to a House Antitrust Task Force, David Wales, Jr. said the Act also could increase costs to employers who provide health insurance to employees, yet, doesn't assure higher quality care. Because of these reasons, the FTC opposes the Act, which is designed to allow pharmacies to enter into collective bargaining with health plans to secure higher fees and better terms. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/18/07) - The House of Representatives has failed to override the President’s recent veto of legislation to greatly expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Congressman Steve Kagen, MD (D-Appleton) says forty-four Republicans joined the Democratic majority in the attempt to override President Bush's veto, but, that wasn't enough to save the S-CHIP idea. S-CHIP would have provided health insurance to 10 million children whose parents work but still can't afford health insurance. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/15/07) - The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (H.R. 1727) has been passed by the House of Representatives on a voice vote. The bill, authored by Congresswomen Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Mary Bono (R-CA) and Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) will improve the lives of and hasten better treatments and cures for people living with paralysis. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/13/07) - State health officials are advising people not to consume frozen pot pie products that may be linked to 21 Salmonella illnesses in 14 Wisconsin counties. The recalls involve some products with the following brand names: Banquet, Albertson’s, Food Lion, Great Value, Hill Country Fare, Kirkwood, Kroger, Meijer, and Western Family. All varieties of 7 ounce single servings bearing an establishment number P-9 or Est.1059 printed on the side are subject to the recall. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (9/27/07) - The House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (H.R. 1727) and sent it for consideration to the full House. The bipartisan legislation, introduced in March 2007 by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues is designed to improve the lives of and hasten better treatments and cures for people living with paralysis. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - Governor Jim Doyle has received endorsements from patients, physicians, health care providers, and businesses for his Health Care for All agenda. The Governor's bold health care reform agenda will make comprehensive health care coverage more affordable and ensure access to 98 percent of Wisconsin citizens. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - Governor Jim Doyle joined representatives from Joerns Healthcare, a leading manufacturer in products and services for health care providers, as they announced their global headquarters will be located in Stevens Point. The community is located in Central Wisconsin along the I-39 corridor. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) announced that as part of a statewide effort to encourage Bush Administration Secretary of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt to extend Wisconsin’s SeniorCare waiver, he will provide the latest information on SeniorCare and how people can contact the administration. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston) applauded Governor Doyle for considering an assessment on hospitals to help fund the cost of Medical Assistance programs in Wisconsin. He noted that the latest report on hospital profits makes the contribution of hospitals all the more necessary. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM – As the debate over health care reform reaches the top of Wisconsin’s political agenda, the grassroots citizen group Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFPF) will sponsor a health care reform forum on Thursday, February 22, to discuss consumer-driven health care reform options and their successful implementation by Manitowoc County and Serigraph Inc. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - In his second Inaugural Address, Governor Jim Doyle pledged to focus on making health care more affordable and accessible to hardworking Wisconsin families and to ensure that Wisconsin is a place where our young people's dreams can be realized. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that Medicare beneficiaries have six weeks to change or add coverage to their current Medicare health and prescription drug plans. The Medicare annual Open Enrollment Period runs from November 15 through December 31, 2006. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - Fed up with inaction by the Legislature on skyrocketing health insurance costs, Wisconsin residents in six counties and seven municipalities cast their vote November 7th decisively in favor of health care reform. The YES votes represent 82 percent of potential voters. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - In response to Wal-Mart's decision to offer $4 costs on limited generic drugs and initially at a limited number of Wal-Mart stores, Kmart reiterated its support for its 90-Day Generics Program, which offers a convenient 90-day supply of selected generic prescriptions for $15. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - One of the television and movie viewers favorites, Michael J. Fox was in Milwaukee to encourage Wisconsin voters to put Democrat Steve Kagen, MD, in the halls of the U.S. House of Representatives. As a vocal proponent of medical research, Fox is supporting candidates who support all forms of stem cell research. (read more)...
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