Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat Biggest April 2nd Ballot Race
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/28/2013) - Voters in Wisconsin will vote for a State Supreme Court Justice the first Tuesday in April. Marquette University Law professor, Ed Fallone, who is also a practicing attorney for three decades, is challenging sitting Justice Pat Roggensack. Fallone has the support of notable Democrats, law personnel and unions. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Ending Same Day Wisconsin Voter Registration Would Cost Over $5 Million
WISCREPORT.COM (12/11/2012) - If the Republican controlled Wisconsin legislature passes legislation designed to end same day voter registration, as is being discussed, it would initially cost taxpayers more than 5 million dollars. Assembly Representative Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc, and Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, are drafting a repeal of same day registration. See story inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Company With Wisconsin Ties Involved In Florida Championship Weekend
WISCREPORT.COM (11/15/2012) - Yamaha Motor Corporation, a California company with facilities in Wisconsin and elsewhere around the United States, is involved in NASCAR activities going on this weekend at Homestead Miami Speedway. Yamaha is providing water pumps, phone charging stations and generators. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers about People, Places, Politics, Events and Activities since 2001. (read more)...
80 Year Old Central Wisconsin Printing Firm Wins Best Of Show Award
WISCREPORT.COM (06/21/2012) - Fey Printing of Wisconsin Rapids, WI has received the Best of Show award at the Great Lakes Graphics Association's annual Graphics Excellence Awards celebration. Over 1,000 entries were submitted from printers across Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The GLGA is one of the largest printing trade organizations in the country. For more on this story, see WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Bill Could Make U. S. Companies More Competitive And Jobs More Stable
WISCREPORT.COM (06/19/2012) - Efforts at bipartisan cooperation are being attempted in the United States Congress, according to the latest bill to be introduced. Representatives John Barrow (D) of Georgia, Robert J. Dold (R) of Illinois, Gary Peters (D) of Michigan, and Peter Roskam (R) of Illinois, have introduced the bipartisan Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2012. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Six Second Harvest Heartland Partners Get Awards For Feeding The Hungry
WISCREPORT.COM (06/05/2012) - Second Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest's largest hunger relief organization, has announced the recipients of its third annual Hunger Hero award. Second Harvest Heartland to distribute more than 70 million pounds of grocery products last year to hungry seniors, families, and children through nearly 1,000 non-profit member agencies and programs serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For more on this story, see inside WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Both Sides Claim Win In Walker - Barrett Wisconsin Gov. Recall Debate
WISCREPORT.COM (06/01/2012) - Things are heating up in Wisconsin with just a few days remaining before the June 5th Wisconsin Governor Recall Election. Former U.S. President Clinton is urging people to overthrow Republican Governor Scott Walker by voting for Democrat Tom Barrett. On the other hand, big time hitters like South Carolina Republican Governor Nikki Haley is supporting Walker. Both sides are claiming victory in the final debate. For more on this story, see WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Air Wisconsin Flight Attendants Say Strike If Negotiations Fail
WISCREPORT.COM (05/22/2012) - Flight Attendants at Air Wisconsin, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have authorized a strike should management fail to reach an agreement with Flight Attendants. 97.3 percent of Air Wisconsin Flight Attendants voted to authorize a strike, if necessary. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin For Falk To Spend A Million More For Recall Walker Primary Ads
WISCREPORT.COM (04/26/2012) - An organization designed to promote Kathleen Falk for Governor will spend over one million dollars on advertising during the final days just before the Democrat candidates primary May 8th. The Democrat candidates in the Recall Republican Governor Scott Walker election process are Falk, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Secretary of State Doug LaFollette, and State Senator Kathleen Vinehout. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Photo Id Not Required April 3rd, But Could Change
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/31/2012) - It looks like Voter Photo Identification will not be required for the April 3rd Elections taking place in Wisconsin, because the court has placed a halt on enforcing that provision of a law which would have been in effect. However, officials at the Government Accountability Board office in Madison are cautioning that the matter is being appealed and things may change before the polling places open Tuesday. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Doug La Follette Seeking To Replace Walker In Wisconsin Gov. Recall
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/28/2012) - Secretary of State Doug La Follette has thrown his hat into the ring for an office that he has been testing the waters about for quite awhile. Standing in front of the Wisconsin Constitution in the State Capitol, Democrat Doug La Follette today announced his candidacy for Governor in the recall election of Scott Walker. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Joint Finance Mining Bill Version Rejected By Wisconsin Senate 17-16
WISCREPORT.COM (03/07/2012) - The Wisconsin Senate, by a close vote, did not approve the Open-Pit Mining Bill forwarded to the State Senators to consider, and Clean Wisconsin is happy the issue has hit another stumbling block. Republican Senator Darling, however, is very disappointed. The State Senate rejected the Joint Finance Committee’s version of the open-pit mining bill, Tuesday, March 6th, by a 17-16 vote and sent it back to committee. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Associations Urge Wisconsin Legislators To Pass Mining Bill
WISCREPORT.COM (03/06/2012) - The Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Wisconsin Utilities Association, and Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, are among those encouraging the Wisconsin legislature to pass mining legislation. Proponents say the permitting proposed would open up mining jobs that would help the economy, while those opposed, say it would hurt the environment and could change the value of Wisconsin as a tourist destination. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Website Designed To Help Business Location Deciders Choose Wisconsin
WISCREPORT.COM (02/10/2012) - The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and GIS Planning Inc. have announced the launch of a free online search tool for businesses looking to relocate or expand in Wisconsin. It is a website at LocateInWisconsin.com, The new online tool provides company executives and site selectors with comprehensive information for making business expansion decisions in Wisconsin. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Recall Wisconsin Gov. Walker Effort Turned In One Million Signatures To G A B
WISCREPORT.COM (01/17/2012) - United Wisconsin today announced that more than one million Wisconsinites have signed a petition to recall Republican Governor Scott Walker, representing the most-participated-in major recall effort in American history, In addition, more then 845,000 signatures were collected for Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. Signatures were submitted to the Government Accountability Board this afternoon. The signatures represent the largest recall effort in the history of the United States and 185 percent of the signatures needed to trigger a recall of Walker. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Rally To Celebrate Turning In Recall Walker Petition Signatures Jan. 17th
WISCREPORT.COM (01/16/2011) - United Wisconsin and partners in the effort to Recall Governor Scott Walker, will hold a rally tomorrow in Madison to celebrate turning in the signatures people throughout Wisconsin signed, calling for the Recall of Walker. The effort needed 540,000 valid signatures to get the recall on ballots so people could officially vote on the issue. Those opposed to Walker were asked to sign because of Walker supported legislation that some say was railroaded through the state legislature by Republicans who are currently in the majority in the Senate and Assembly. For more on this story, see inside the online pages of the real WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Store Closings Will Improve Customer Experience In Remaining Stores
WISCREPORT.COM (12/27/2011) - Sears Holdings recent announcement that it would likely close up to 120 K-Mart and Sears full line stores was based on poor performance during the past few months. Kmart's quarter to date comparable store sales decline reflects decreases in the consumer electronics and apparel categories and lower layaway sales, while Sears Domestic's sales decline was attributed to consumer electronics and home appliances. Sears apparel sales were flat, and Lands End sales in Sears stores was actually up, but by single digits. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Dems Kreitlow Disappointed With Congressman Duffy's Role In D. C. Debacle
WISCREPORT.COM (12/23/2011) - A Wisconsin 7th Congressional District Democrat who is seeking to regain the seat for his party and the people of Wisconsin, voiced disagreement with the current Northern Wisconsin Republican who took over the seat in the last election. Pat Kreitlow says Republican Congressman Scott Duffy put over 3 million Wisconsin families at risk for higher taxes when Duffy voted to leave Washington early instead of voting for the tax reduction extension that would benefit those families. See more inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Petition Signatures Sought To Force Vote As 58 Percent Favor Wisconsin Gov. Walker Recall
WISCREPORT.COM (11/16/2011) - Recall Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker supporters are out in communities all over Wisconsin gathering signatures for a petition to kick start the recall election process. The We Are Wisconsin Executive Director says there are a thousand reasons why Walker should be replaced and that is what is prompting people to be part of the recall effort. Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Wisconsin has established a website to raise money for Walker to finance the campaign to fight the recall. For more, see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Voters Split On Whether Gov. Scott Walker Should Be Recalled
WISCREPORT.COM (10/30/2011) - Fifty-six percent of Wisconsinites disapprove of the way Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is handling his job while 42 percent somewhat or strongly approve. The numbers are similar to six months ago, according to a recent poll. The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute statewide poll also shows that the 605 people polled in the sample are nearly evenly split on whether Governor Walker should be recalled. For more on this story see inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Central Wisconsin Ramada Closes Doors Leaving 140 Unemployed
WISCREPORT.COM (10/27/2011) - A Central Wisconsin lodging, eating facility and convention destination that has house numerous business and organization meetings, concerts and exhibitions for years, will be closing Sunday. The Ramada Inn in Stevens Point will close it's doors Sunday, October 30th, which will result in 104 people no longer being employed. The building once housed the popular Holiday Inn and Convention Center, in Stevens Point, until the Holiday Inn moved into a brand new facility on the eastern edge of the city. Holiday Inn is not affected by the Ramada closing. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
March 2012 Film Fest To Generate $150,000 For Area And Raise State Profile
WISCREPORT.COM (10/25/2011) - Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett presented Film Green Bay with a 15,903 dollar Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant for the Green Bay Film Festival to be held March 23-25, 2012. The event is expected to generate an economic impact of almost 150,000 dollars from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores. The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. For more, see the online pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Wisconsin Senate Passes 2 Jobs Related Bills With Huge Bipartisan Votes
WISCREPORT.COM (10/18/2011) - Wisconsin Senate Republicans and Democrats voted nearly unanimously to pass two job-creation measures, which the leader of the Republican majority says are aimed at improving the state's business climate. Senator Scott Fitzgerald also claims Democrats are in Attack Mode and suggests political rhetoric doesn't create jobs. However, Democrats heavily supported passing the two Senate Bills, suggesting both sides of the political fence may be getting down to the business of passing legislation for the public good rather than just bickering. For more, see inside the pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
Equipment Manufacturers Happy About White House Action On Exports
WISCREPORT.COM (10/05/2011) - The Wisconsin based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is commending the President Barack Obama administration for action on export agreements that will benefit workers and companies in the United States. AEM and member companies are happy about the White House taking action on the export agreements for Colombia, Panama and Korea. The White House has transmitted the implementing legislation for the FTAs to Congress. For more, see inside the website pages of WisconsinReport.com, informing internet readers since 2001. (read more)...
New Voter I. D. Card Not Required To Vote In Wisconsin Senate Recall Elections
WISCREPORT.COM (07/14/2011) - Persons who go to their Wisconsin voting place to vote in the upcoming State Senate Recall elections can do so without presenting the new Voter I.D. Card recently enacted by the legislature and Governor Scott Walker. Needing the Voter I.D. card to vote doesn't go into effect until the 2012 Spring Elections and Primaries. However, to vote in the recalls this year voters will need either the Voter Photo I.D. Card or some other form of identification. An additional requirement this year is that the voter must also sign the Voter Poll list. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Real Democrats Win Primaries To Take On Incumbent Senate Republicans In Wisconsin Aug 9th Recall Voting
WISCREPORT.COM (07/13/2011) - The real Wisconsin Democrats were victorious over the fake Democrats in yesterdays Recall Primary in the attempt to remove nine rubber stamp Republicans from seats on the Governor Scott Walker legislature in Madison. The Recall process now continues on to another ballot day, August 9th. On that upcoming day voters will actually be deciding whether they want to return the Republicans to their seats to continue voting the way they have been, or replacing the GOP incumbents with Democrats, changing the balance of power. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Gov. Walker Makes Positive And Negative Vetoes On State Budget
WISCREPORT.COM (06/27/2011) - On Sunday, Governor Walker signed into law the 2011-2013 State Budget, which included 50 vetoes. Advocacy groups and editorials around the state encouraged the Governor to veto the most egregious policy changes inserted into the budget with no public hearing or input. While there were a few positive vetoes, such as one the prevented commercial bail bonds from operating in Wisconsin, many of what some people call, attacks on consumer protections, remained. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Many Wonder: Is Pull Out Of 33,000 Troops Enough In Current U. S. Situation?
WISCREPORT.COM (06/23/2011) - Not unlike Wisconsin residents from all parts of the state, Wisconsin representatives in the U.S. Congress, Democrat and Republican, also have mixed feelings about President Obama's announced withdrawl of troops from Afghanistan. The pullout of 33,000 troops by next summer will still find the remaining troop level to be higher than many would like to see. Troop deaths, cost of the war, the economy back home, and government pocket book woes are all playing a part in the drawdown. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
July 12th Recall Primary Ballot Names Told For 6 Wisconsin Districts And 48th Special
WISCREPORT.COM (06/18/2011) - The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board has officially declared that primaries will be held July 12th in each of the State Senate Recall Election districts, not full recall voting. The full recall election has been moved to August 9th due to the need for primaries. The July 12th Recall Primary has been called by the board because there were more than one challenger seeking the Democratic Party nomination that were approved by the board in each of the districts involved. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Supreme Court: State Lawmakers Not Subject To Open Meetings Law
WISCREPORT.COM (06/15/2011) - The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that the State Legislature acted within the rules of the legislature and did not need to follow the Wisconsin Open Meetings Law during the process which resulted in passing legislation affecting Collective Bargaining in Wisconsin. As a result, during its ruling the Supreme Court Ruling also declared that Dane County Judge Sumi overstepped her boundry by stopping enactment of the Collective Bargaining bill. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
G O P Dirty Tricks Charged By Candidate Hoping To Replace Sen. Harsdorf In Wisconsin Recalls
WISCREPORT.COM (06/07/2010) - One of the Democrats running to replace Wisconsin State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (Republican) in the Western Wisconsin area that Harsdorf represents, is crying foul play. Teacher Shelly Moore suspects the GOP is not playing fair in the recall election involving lawmakers that many constituents want to replace in the State Legislature. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Does Civil War Feel Inside Walker Residence Reflect July 12th Wisconsin Recall Elections?
WISCREPORT.COM (06/03/2011) - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his wife are adding the look and feel of the Civil War to the Executive Residence. More than 91,000 Wisconsin citizens fought in the Civil War. Many people remember the not too distant past when several thousand more Wisconsin citizens than fought in the Civil War, marched on Madison to protest controversial changes Governor Walker and his fellow elected Republicans want to bring about. The situation has prompted recall requests and what amounts to a civil but not so violent war of sorts. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
U. S. Big Lots Corporate Adding Canadian Liquidation World Firm
WISCREPORT.COM (05/31/2011) - Big Lots, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, with stores in Wisconsin and 47 other states, has signed a definitive agreement to purchase all of the outstanding stock of Liquidation World Inc. of Brantford, Ontario, Canada. This is the first expansion of Big Lots retail operations outside of the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, the Big Lots company would, subject to closing conditions and approval by the shareholders of Liquidation World, acquire all outstanding shares of Liquidation World for $0.06 per share, or approximately $1.8 million. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Judge Sumi Says Republican Lawmakers Failed To Comply With Open Meetings Law
WISCREPORT.COM (05/26/2011) - After hearing evidence, a Madison, Wisconsin judge has ruled that the Anti-Collective Bargaining Law passed by the Republican controlled Wisconsin legislature is null and void. Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi says Republican lawmakers violated the state's open meetings law in rushing the legislation through at the height of the Capitol protests. Sumi ruled the evidence was clear and convincing that a conference committee failed to comply with the law. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Prosser Remains Wisconsin Supreme Court Victor Following Statewide Recount
WISCREPORT.COM (05/21/2011) - Saturday, May 21st may feel like the end of the world for Joanne Kloppenburg and her supporters. The unofficial Wisconsin Supreme Court Recount totals show that incumbent David Prosser has indeed won the court seat after a fierce battle between the two. Unofficial recount totals show Prosser won by 7,006 votes, following the final recount results in from all of Waukesha County. Both candidates each picked up a few more votes in Waukesha County than were included in totals from that county before the recount. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Manpower Says It Has A Role In Reducing Unemployment In U S A
WISCREPORT.COM (05/7/2011) - ManpowerGroup, the world leader in innovative workforce solutions, is working to design more comprehensive solutions in securing displaced talent for hard-to-fill positions, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the overall April unemployment rate rose to 9 percent and 268,000 private sector jobs were created during the month. Although unemployment levels are improving in key world regions, Manpower claims companies continue to lack access to individuals with the right skills. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Spouses, Lovers, Rivals, Employers, Law Should Need Court Order To Track Mobile Users
WISCREPORT.COM (04/26/2011) - In light of recent revelations in the news about some mobile devices tracking the whereabouts of users, a Wisconsin lawmaker is concerned about the privacy rights of iPhone and iPad users. State Assembly Representative Frederick Kessler of Milwaukee doesn't think disgruntled spouses, lovers, business rivals, employers, and law enforcement should have access to the information without a court order, See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Kloppenburg Supreme Court Recount On While Prosser Campaign Calls It Frivolous
WISCREPORT.COM (04/21/2011) - The attention remains on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race that developed into a referendum of sorts over the so-called anti-union actions of the new governor and his elected Republican friends in the capitol. Now that the state canvassing is finished, Supreme Court seat challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg has asked for a recount, which a Supreme Court incumbent Prosser spokesperson calls, frivolous. There is plenty of debate by people throughout the state about the campaign, voting, possible discrepencies and the recount. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
House U.s. Budget Passed Ends Medicare As We Know It, But Senate Plan Could Save It
WISCREPORT.COM (04/15/2011) - On what would normally be the final day of filing income tax returns, the United States House passed it's version of a U.S. budget that could cut about $6 Trillion over a period of years. The Republican controlled House plan includes cuts to social safety net programs. It remains to be seen if all of the budget cuts remain intact as the Democrat controlled U.S. Senate is working on its own plan, and the political ideology and rhetoric continues. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Exports $1.3 Billion To China; Debate On Worth Of Walker's First 100 Days
WISCREPORT.COM (04/12/2011) - China is currently Wisconsin’s 3rd highest trade export destination after Canada and Mexico. Ten years ago it was 13th. Last year, Wisconsin sold $1.3 billion worth of products to China, about 6.7 percent of all Wisconsin exports. Governor Scott Walker is hoping to continue the Wisconsin relationship with China, and met with a representative of China today. Meanwhile, there are differing opinions about the First 100 Days of Governor Walker.See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Rep. Baldwin Asks U. S. Attorney General To Look Into Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
WISCREPORT.COM (04/09/2011) - Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asking for a federal investigation into the questionable handling of vote records in Waukesha County. Baldwin tells Holder in the letter that her constituents have contacted her expressing serious doubt the Supreme Court election was a free and fair one. Meanwhile, the Kloppenburg for Justice Committee has requested election documents from Brookfield, WI and Waukesha County under Wisconsin Open Records laws. See story inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Kloppenburg Appears To Be The Winner In Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
WISCREPORT.COM (04/06/2011) - It is not close to being official yet, but, it appears that Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg may be the preliminary results victor in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. A Milwaukee television station is saying the when the results of the Jefferson County precinct at Lake Mills is added to the state-wide total, Kloppenburg wins over incumbent David Prosser by about 200 votes out of a total of nearly 1.5 million votes. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
It's Judge Sumi Vs. G O P: Battle For Power Continues In Wisconsin
WISCREPORT.COM (03/30/2011) - Dane County Judge Maryanne Sumi is upset that elected Wisconsin Republicans have disobeyed what she intended in her original Act 10 (Anti-Collective Bargaining Law) restraint order, and said as much in her ruling Tuesday, March 29th. The GOP disagrees and have voiced their displeasure with, what they call, a leftist judge trying to act as the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett Pleased With Gov. Walker Application For Rail Funds
WISCREPORT.COM (03/29/2011) - Wisconsin is applying for 150 million dollars in high speed rail funds from the federal government. The money will provide upgrades to the Hiawatha line, which provided service between Milwaukee and Chicago to more than 800,000 passengers last year. Walker's former opponent in the race for the Governor's office, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is all for the project. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Collective Bargaining Status Still Unclear After Legislative Reference Bureau Action
WISCREPORT.COM (03/26/2011) - The publication of the Wisconsin Anti-Collective Bargaining Law by the Legislative Reference Bureau Friday, March 25th, may not have legally activated the law because it was not done in the traditional way, and it might be against the intent of the restraining order issued by a judge. The Dane County District Attorney will present the case on behalf of the People of Wisconsin Tuesday morning, March 29, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Congress Told Don't Cut Research Funds; Cancer Kills 1,500 Everyday
WISCREPORT.COM (03/25/2011) - The American Cancer Society is urging the U.S. Congress to listen to the results of a recent poll that shows that 77 percent of Americans oppose cuts to research and 76 percent oppose cuts to prevention. A Wisconsin spokesperson says research is key to finding a cure for Cancer. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Anti Candidate Website Calls Her Poison; Supporters Say She's Best Choice April 5th
WISCREPORT.COM (03/11/2011) - Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg, who is hoping to replace incumbent Justice David Prosser on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, has become the darling of the anti-Governor Scott Walker movement in the April 5th election. Ads claim Prosser will be a rubber stamp for the Walker agenda, while a website suggests Kloppenburg is Poison. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin People, Government And Business Benefits From Health Act
WISCREPORT.COM (03/21/2011) - It's been one year since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act by the U.S. Congress. In Wisconsin, the Act means reducing costs for seniors and strengthening Medicare, and lowering costs for businesses. The Act also offers new coverage options, improves the quality of coverage, and provides flexibility and resources to the state. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more details. (read more)...
Worry Over Changes To Medicaid Programs And Real Reasons Behind Budget Repair Bill
WISCREPORT.COM (03/12/2011) - AARP Wisconsin is disappointed that the budget repair bill signed by Governor Walker gives the Department of Health Services increased power to make drastic changes to Medicaid programs with very little oversight by the state legislature. Meanwhile, a Wausau, WI Democrat Assembly Representative is finding fault with Governor Walker saying passing a bill that he claimed was 'non-fiscal' in nature was responsible for saving 1,500 jobs. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Study Says Tea Party And Wisc. Unions Have Same Core Values
WISCREPORT.COM (03/09/2011) - InsightsLab, the research arm of Sam Adams Alliance (SAM), has released a new study showing that both Tea Partiers and a segment of union protesters in Madison, Wisconsin, share similar core values. SAM Executive Director Yvonne Ralsky says the study is significant because it shows where the Tea Partiers and unions can meet in the middle and find common ground. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Judge Albert Says It's Ok To Limit Protester Access To Wisconsin State Building
WISCREPORT.COM (03/04/2011) - The Wisconsin Department of Administration says a court order allowed the security force at the State Capitol Building to remove overnight protesters from the building last night. People have been protesting Gov. Walker attempts to limit public worker bargaining rights while also giving them what amounts to pay cuts to fix a State Budget expense excess. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
State Treasurer Disagrees With Gov. Walker Proposal To Gut The Constitutional Office
WISCREPORT.COM (03/03/2011) - The State Treasurer of Wisconsin says he wants to be party to eliminating the office he holds, but, he thinks people should be able to determine if that constitutional office is eliminated, not to gut it through the budget process. He says Gov. Scott Walker wants to move two key areas of responsibility to the Office of Administration. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Deep Emotions Boil Over Gov. Walker Biennium Budget Proposals
WISCREPORT.COM (03/02/2011) - The reaction to the next Wisconsin biennial budget proposed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is bringing more deeply emotions to the surface. Republicans in Madison say the biennial budget will drastically curb spending and reduce the structural deficit. However, Democrats are fearful many measures in the proposed budget will cause irreparable damage to working families and will shift more power to corporations and businesses. One of the things opponents worry about is the validity of the University of Wisconsin system under the terms of the proposed budget. More inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Morning Joe: What's Wrong With People Coming Together To Negotiate?
WISCREPORT.COM (02/28/2011) - The weekend again found thousands of demonstrators in Madison, Wisconsin to continue protests against what protesters believe is an unfair attitude by newly elected Governor Scott Walker. There were estimates again in the 70,000 range as protesters often wondered, where is the national media. Even some of the people in the media wondered why media coverage seemed to dry up during the weekend efforts. Conservative Joe Scarborough of Morning Joe on MSNBC wondered aloud, indicating he thinks the governor might be going too far. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Republicans Pass Anti Collective Bargaining Bill Before Assembly Dems Can Finish Votes
WISCREPORT.COM (02/25/2011) - Wisconsin Assembly Republicans passed Assembly Bill 11 in the middle of the night before half of the Assembly Democrats had a chance to cast votes. The bill includes taking away Collective Bargaining from public employees, which is the object of disagreement between the two political bodys. Polls show public sentiment is in favor of allowing Collective Bargaining, but Gov. Walker and fellow Republicans have been sticking to their notion that it needs to be removed. The issue is not yet over, since the Senate has to approve, but, cannot act until Democrats return to the floor from Illinois. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Governor And Lawmakers Should Step Back For Common Future
WISCREPORT.COM (02/24/2011) - The faculty and staff of the University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Library and Information Studies has issued a letter to Governor Scott Walker (R-WI) and the State Legislature about the loss of Collective Bargaining. The group opposes the abolition of most Collective Bargaining rights by the Budget Repair Bill now being pushed through the Wisconsin Legislature by newly elected Governor Walker and Republicans in the Assembly and Senate. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Local Government Leaders Urge Lawmakers Not To Take Away Collective Bargaining
WISCREPORT.COM (02/24/2011) - About 300 elected officials from county, town, village and city governments, as well as school board supervisors and mayors throughout Wisconsin have issued an open letter to Governor Scott Walker and Republican legislators. The open letter says the officials respectfully urge the governor, senators and assembly representatives to reconsider and delete the proposal in the Budget Repair Bill to severely restrict the collective bargaining process between local governmental bodies and their employees. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Republican Govs Assn Supports Gov. Walker Stand In Wisconsin
WISCREPORT.COM (02/23/2011) - Some Republican Governors around the United States of America are urging their own form of solidarity behind fellow GOP Governor Scott Walker. The Republican Governors Association (RGA) is sponsoring a website suggesting it is a great idea to Stand With Scott in the battle of wills going on in the State of Wisconsin. RGA Chairman Rick Perry sees the Walker fight with Democrats, public workers, unions, and supporters, as a defining moment for the Conservative movement. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Gov. Walker Tv Address Tonight; Lawmakers Like Peaceful Protests
WISCREPORT.COM (02/22/2011) - The demonstrations of peaceful protesters in the state capital at Madison, Wisconsin have been a welcome change from some of the violent pictures of recent foreign demonstrations of people seeking regime changes in the mid-east. The two sides are still far apart in the controversy over what new Governor Scott Walker wants to do to get the budget in line with available funds. Gov. Walker will address the issues tonight via WisEye TV at 6 pm CST. WisEye is also making the feed available to interested stations or networks. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Budget Repair Bill Not Up For Negotiation Say Gov. Walker And Senate Leader
WISCREPORT.COM (02/21/2011) - The Majority Leader of Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate says he has enough votes to pass the Budget Repair Bill that has caused 14 Senate Democrats to skip the state and take up refuge in neighboring Illinois. Senator Scott Fitzgerald says the bill is ready to go and is in final passage form. He expects it will easily pass with 19 GOP votes, but he is waiting for the 14 Dems to return to Madison and take their seats in the Senate chamber so the final vote can be taken. However, he says the bill will remain intact. See more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Democrats Upset About Perceived Republican Plan To Harm Unions
WISCREPORT.COM (02/19/2011) - State Senator Julie Lassa of Stevens Point, WI says the true agenda of newly elected Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is now clear. Lassa is one of the Fab-14 Democrats who went to Illinois to slow down the process of what is being called an attempt to break unions in the state. She says public employees have offered to make concessions, but, Walker refused to accept them unless he is also able to take away the right of workers to have a say in their future through the collective bargaining process. More inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Wisc. Assembly Democrats Support Workers And Families
WISCREPORT.COM (02/17/2011) - Assembly Democrats entered the Assembly floor this morning wearing orange t-shirts reading Assembly Democrats FIGHTING FOR WORKING FAMILIES! Assembly Democratic Minority Leader Peter Barca says they joined together in support of working families, to send, what he calls, a powerful message to Governor Scott Walker. Barca also urges demonstrators in Madison and elsewhere to continue their peaceful protest over what Walker and Republicans are attempting. For more, see inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Committee Democrats Disappear Before Trojan Horse Budget Repair Vote
WISCREPORT.COM (02/17/2011) - The Wisconsin Joint Committee On Finance reportedly took a vote and approved the so-called Budget Repair Bill, which Representative Mark Pocan (D-Madison) is calling a Trojan Horse. At this writing its not known if that is accurate because Republicans hold a 19-14 majority, but they need at least one Democrat to be present before taking a vote on the bill, and the Associated Press says as ever-growing throngs of protesters filled the Capitol for a third day, the 14 Democrats disappeared from the Capitol, whereabouts unknown. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (02/15/2011) - The illness of a 6 year old Wisconsin cat has been declared to be the first confirmed case of the H1N1 influenza virus in a United States pet since January of 2010. The American Veterinary Medical Association has announced that laboratory tests have confirmed the feline was sick with the flu that caused a scare among the human population not too long ago. The cat may have caught the disease from its owner who had symptoms before the cat became ill. The feline was euthanized after it failed to respond to treatment. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Sen. Lassa Wants Public Hearings On Gov. Walker Budget Proposals
WISCREPORT.COM (02/12/2011) - Workers and Democrats in Madison are calling parts of the new Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker budget request, Job Killing Proposals, while Republicans and other proponents say Walker is taking a necessary stance for the times. State Senator Julie Lassa (D-St.Point) is calling on the Republican leadership not to ramrod the budget through before legislators and the public have an opportunity to know what is in the proposal. She wants public hearings before the vote. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
N F I B Determined To Overturn Health Law In Its Entirety
WISCREPORT.COM (02/01/2011) - A Florida judge ruling the federal health care law unconstitional is not the end of the story. Wisconsin congressional representative Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis) says she is confident the reform that took nearly two years to push through Congress will survive. Wisconsin U.S. Congressman Reid Ribble (R-Wis) is not so sure. He says some kind of reform is needed, but, making it mandatory to buy insurance is not the right way to go, and the NFIB agrees. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Better Than Rest Of Nation
WISCREPORT.COM (01/26/2011) - The latest figures show unemployment was down slightly last month and down in Wisconsin last month from the same month last year. 227,700 workers were without jobs at the end of 2010, compared to 258,200 at Christmas time the year before. December, 2010 figures from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development indicate a 7.5 percent unemployment rate, compared to 9.4 percent in the nation. New Republican Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he is willing to work with President Obama, if possible, to make the job picture even better in the state. For more, see inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
Prez Obama To Visit Wisconsin After State Of The Union Address
WISCREPORT.COM (01/24/2011) - On Wednesday, January 26, President Obama will travel to Manitowoc, WI, as part of his White House to Main Street Tour. Before he heads for Wisconsin, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress Tuesday night at 8 pm CST. Following the President's speech, networks will air the Republican version of their assessment of the Union. The Republican side will be delivered by Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Democrats chair Mike Tate hopes Ryan will not advocate slashing Medicare and Medicaid and endanger retirement investments of millions of Americans. Read more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (01/20/2011) - The U.S. House of Representatives Republicans made good on promises to constituents in the last election cycle, by passing a bill to repeal the health care reforms by a vote of 245 to 189. U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) says he voted against what he calls Republican efforts to increase the debt by 230 billion, repeal critical patient rights, and give powerful health insurance companies back control of health care decisions. Congressman Ron Petri (R-WI), who voted for repeal, says a new approach to the health care situation is needed. See inside the internet pages of WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
New Governor's Goal: 250,000 Jobs And 10,000 New Businesses
WISCREPORT.COM (12/29/2010) - Senior level staffers for Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker have been named. They include Deputy Chief of Staff Eric Shuut, Chief Legal Counsel Brian Hagedorn, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Ryan Murray, Communications Director Chris Schrimpf, Chief of Staff Keith Gilkes and Press Secretary Cullen Werwie. The senior level Walker staff will officially serve beginning January 3, 2011, according to transition director, John Hiller. Read more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (12/17/2010) - A recent poll indicates that some people who voted the way they did in the November 2010 election were likely doing so due to misinformation or lack of understanding of the details presented them by news organizations. The poll, conducted by WorldPublicOpinion.org, based at the University of Maryland, and Knowledge Networks, shows that many voters were misinformed on key issues regarding the stimulus, health reform, the economy, climate change, taxes, the GM bailout, and other issues. See inside WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (12/03/2010) - Governor elect Scott Walker delivered a message of creating 250,000 jobs, lowering taxes on businesses with 50 or fewer workers and requiring state regulations to be based on science. Those are the points Walker stressed to more than 300 Dairy Business Association (DBA) members at the DBA 11th Annual Business Conferrence December 1st. Read more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/01/2010) - Several Congressional races will be decided in Wisconsin Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, 2010, the next Governor will also be chosen, and one of two U.S. Senate seats will be filled. Voters will determine whether Wisconsin will be represented in Washington D.C. by Democrats or Republicans. Many experts are unsure just which way it will go, while others are expecting Republicans to be put back in power. Voter turnout will be the deciding factor. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/21/2010) - Both of the candidates hoping to replace retiring Wisconsin 7th District Representative Dave Obey in the U.S. House are claiming debate victory following the event held last night (Weds., Oct. 20, 2010) in Rice Lake, WI. The campaign manager for Republican Sean Duffy says Duffy erroneously insists Wisconsin workers are not affected by outsourcing to China. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/20/2010) - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has received endorsements from more than 700 Wisconsin business leaders who stand behind the idea that Senator Feingold works for and has a commitment to grow the economy. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin claims Feingold challenger, Republican Ron Johnson, has dodged 15 debates and is basing his run on an $8 million ad campaign. There is more inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCEPORT.COM (10/05/2010) - For the eighth year in a row, a Wisconsin company has received a nod from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). SC Johnson has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the (HRC) Corporate Equality Index. The HRC Corporate Equality Index rates companies on a scale of 0 to 100 on their fair treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/01/2010) - The state of Wisconsin is receiving a 1 million dollar grant from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department to begin work on an online health insurance exchange. Governor Jim Doyle says the grant will help Wisconsin build on its national leadership in health care quality and access. See more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/25/2010) - Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI) is visiting China through October 1, 2010 to promote Wisconsin industry and trade to hold high-level meetings with government and businesses leaders. Before Gov. Doyle left for China he declared a state of emergency in five additional Wisconsin areas following strong storms that caused flooding. More about these developments is online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/20/2010) - Wisconsin employment seekers and employers looking to recruit new workers can now take advantage of free job training and certification made possible partly by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) program helps individuals show mastery in basic workplace skills for current and potential employers. Read all about it online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/16/2010) - The United States House of Representatives has passed what could be a game changer for the country in its struggle to re-employ those who have lost jobs to outsourcing mania. The House passed two bills as part of a Make It In America manufacturing agenda Democrats hope will catch on. The bills are the Congressional Made In America Act, and the Berry Amendment Extension Act. Read more at WisconsinReport.com (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/10/2010) - A company that has allegedly improperly marketed an epileptic drug called Topamax is in trouble with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Food and Drug Administration. The firm has agreed to pay back some of the money gained through Medicaid programs because the medication was prescribed for ailments not FDA approved. Wisconsin will receive some of the settlement. To find out more about this story click on the headline above. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/08/2010) - Not surprisingly, the unsure attitude about the economy that many people have, is causing the employed to think twice about leaving their jobs, but confidence is increasing. GfK Custom Research North America, a leading global custom research company, says its national survey indicates more than one in five currently employed Americans are willing to change jobs. However, 53 percent would prefer to stay with their current company even if they were offered a good job elsewhere. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/03/2010) - U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has launched a collaboration with Southern Shield, a consortium of state homeland security and law enforcement officials from 14 Southeastern states and territories. It is part of the national Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) initiative, as well as the expansion of the If You See Something, Say Something campaign to fusion centers across the Southeast. Click on the headline above to read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (09/01/2010) - One of the larger employers in Milwaukee, a world-wide small engine manufacturing giant, is using a legal manuever to try to raise money to retire a 203.5 million dollar debt. Briggs and Stratton Corporation has filed what is called a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The statement allows the company to offer and sell debt securities to pay off the Senior Notes that become due in March of 2011. Click on the headline above for more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/23/2010) - Things are looking up in the state of Wisconsin, according to information by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. The quarterly report shows that more jobs have been added than originally anticipated by economists. However, the bad news is that it will likely take two to three years before the Wisconsin employed level will again reach the figures that were prevalent before the slow down. Click on the headline above to read the full story with more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (08/16/2010) - President Barack Obama traveled to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin today to jumpstart what the president called a homegrown, clean energy industry. ZBB Energy received a loan that is helping to fund an expansion of company operations, enabling ZBB to retain a dozen workers add 80 new employees. The President says he wants to see Made In America stamped on new energy products distributed in this country and around the globe. For more on this story, click on the above headline. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/23/2010) - It must be an election year. The Wisconsin GOP is accusing the camp of Wisconsin 7th Congressional District candidate Julie Lassa (D-Portage County) of carrying out a negative campaign against Republican Sean Duffy (R-Ashland County). They claim Lassa is using a thin link and flawed logic to cover up her track record. That record includes more than a decade of working on business and workforce issues. For more details, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (07/10/2010) - Anyone dialing a phone number in what has strictly been the 715 Area until now in the northern part of Wisconsin must enter the full ten digit number starting Saturday, July 17, 2010. That's the date telephone companies switch so a second code number (534) can be dropped into the 715 area. To read more, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/16/2010) - Large majorities of Americans feel they should be allowed to have guns, acccording to the latest Harris Poll findings. At the same time, many Americans favor stricter control of guns, particularly hand guns, although this number has decreased somewhat in the past few years. Most Republicans and Americans who own guns favor less strict laws controlling guns and hand-guns. Conversely, most Democrats and those who do not own guns favor stricter control of guns and hand guns. Click on the headline above for more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/07/2010) - Smokers in Wisconsin will be unable to light up in the workplace state-wide by state law beginning next month. The new Wisconsin Smoke-Free Workplace Law will go into effect July 5th. The law is designed to help workers quit smoking and to protect customers and non-smokers from inhaling second hand smoke in restaurants and other consumer frequented businesses. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says radio, print, and internet advertising is in the works to educate people about the new law. Read more by clicking on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/03/2010) - Now you can hear Pop Rock from the Greatest Five Decades of Hit Music on your computer while surfing the web. A Super Mix of your favorite Top 40 songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s is available on the internet at GreatGold.fm 24 hours everyday. The internet radio station plays Classic Hit Oldies (Pop Rock), which is the best of the Greatest Hits that made it onto Popular Rock Top 40 Charts from the beginning of the rock era in the mid-50s through the end of the 20th Century. All you need are headphones or speakers attached to your computer and you're ready to enjoy the music. Click on the headline above for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (06/02/2010) - American voters say by 48-35 percent that they want their state to pass an immigration law similar to the recent Arizona law, according to a Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll released June 1, 2010. The same poll shows that most people who took the poll don't look favorably at those who are opposed to the law. The poll results indicate, by an overwhelming 76-12 percent, those surveyed say that plans by those opposed to the law to boycott Arizona are a bad idea. To read more about the latest Quinnipiac Poll, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/24/2010) - Starting June 1st it will be mandatory to carry automobile insurance in Wisconsin. Drivers who fail to qualify can be fined up to 500 dollars. Forty-eight other states already require that drivers carry automobile insurance. After June 1, 2010, only New Hampshire will not require that all drivers take the responsible action of carrying insurance. Meanwhile, the Immediate Past President of the College Republicans of Wisconsin has renounced her party membership and joined the Democratic Party. To read more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/19/2010) - Marshfield, Wisconsin alderman John Spiros is running for the Wisconsin 70th Assembly District seat held by Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore). Spiros is also a Roehl Transport Vice President of Safety and Claims Management. Spiros says he will work to undo, what he calls, the Wisconsin reputation of being a state that is not friendly toward employers, blaming 10.3 unemployment on Democrats raising taxes and fees. To read more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/14/2010) - The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is seeking public comment on the proposed wind siting rules, issued today by the PSC. The proposed rules will ultimately result in uniform wind siting standards for local units of government in Wisconsin and ensure consistent local procedures for regulation of wind energy systems. Any person may submit written comments on these proposed rules. Comments on the proposed rules will be accepted until July 7, 2010, at noon (July 6, 2010, at noon, if filed by fax). More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/12/2010) - A Milwaukee based company that provides a service to military and commercial aerospace customers has been honored with a small business award. S3 International, LLC, Milwaukee, Wis., has been named 2010 Wisconsin Small Business Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). S3 International provides aircraft spare parts and repair management services to military and commercial aerospace customers. For more on this story at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/10/2010) - State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) has entered the race for the Congressional seat that Dave Obey is giving up after more than 40 years. Last week Obey announced he will retire from the Wisconsin 7th Congressional Seat in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of his current term. Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Reince Priebus says Lassa has apparently emerged as the hand-picked successor to Dave Obey. Priebus added the usual opposing party rhetoric, indicating Lassa won't necessarily have an easy campaign. For more at WisconsinReport.com click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (05/03/2010) - Now that former Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce Dick Leinenkugel has moved on to become a Republican candidate for Wisconsin U.S. Senator, the Governor has promoted former Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver to the position. When Leinkugel resigned the Secretary job with short notice to jump into the political campaign ring, Governor Jim Doyle turned to Olver, because of his experience within the department. Olver also had a business background before becoming part of the Doyle Administration. Click on the headline above to read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/28/2010) - A Wisconsin Democracy Campaign review released today shows eleven contributors to Wisconsin candidates for statewide office and the legislature exceeded the annual $10,000 limit on individual contributions in 2009. The Democracy Campaign findings are based on state campaign finance reports filed by legislative, judicial and statewide candidates and political parties that show the sources of their campaign contributions and spending. The contributions were to both Democrats and Republicans. Click on the headline above to read more about this story and others at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/26/2010) - Former state Commerce Secretary Richard Leinenkugel has announced his Republican bid for the Wisconsin U.S. Senate seat held by Russ Feingold (D-WI). When Feingold took office 18 years ago, Leinenkugel said he was busy improving the state economy by expanding his family beer-making business in Chippewa Falls. In making a switch from Commerce Secretary to Republican Primary candidate for the seat held by Feingold, Leinenkugel tried to distance himself from Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI), who had appointed him Secretary, saying he was working for the state not the Governor or Democrats. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/21/2010) - Menomonee Falls Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced a U.S. House bill that would require all candidates for federal office to publicly disclose campaign donations online before gaining access to the funds. Meanwhile, State health officials have praised Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) for signing Act 209 (Assembly Bill 659). State Health Secretary Timberlake says it is a long-overdue modernization of state law governing HIV testing. For more on both of these stories at WisconsinReport.com, click on the headline above. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/20/2010) - This morning at the Capitol in Madison, a group of the largest businesses in Wisconsin, labor unions, farm organizations and other groups called for passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act being considered by the state legislature. The groups are among nearly 300 businesses, labor unions and other organizations that are supporting the legislation. As the legislature considers the Clean Energy Jobs Act, citizens from across Wisconsin have created short videos to show why Wisconsin should pursue a clean energy future. For more click on the headline to go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/12/2010) - The Wisconsin Business Council is lauding a new report by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue that showed the state and local tax burden at its lowest level since 1961 in a ranking of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Wisconsin ranked 15th in state and local taxes per $1,000 of personal income and 21st per capita, the lowest ranking for Wisconsin since its general sales tax was adopted nearly 50 years ago. For more information about this story and more see WisconsinReport.com on the internet. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (04/10/2010) - The University of Wisconsin - Madison will end its licensing agreement with Nike as a result of the company's failure to adequately address the problems caused by the closing of two Honduran factories. According to UW-Madison, displaced workers at the two plants should have been paid a combined 2 million dollars. Even though Nike did not own the factories, the UW is holding them to the UW Code of Conduct for the actions of subcontractors. Read more about this story and others on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/27/2010) - A grassroots movement from the other side of the fence is growing to be an alternative voice for people who do not necessarily agree with the tactics and apparent goals of the Tea Party. Coffee Party USA instead aims to reinvigorate the democratic process with civility, inclusiveness, and civic engagement. In addition to holding Coffee Party USA group Coffee Party Summit get togethers in many cities throughout the country this weekend, Coffee With Congress is scheduled March 29th through April 9th. 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 (03/24/2010) - Now that President Obama has signed the Senate Health Reform Bill into law thanks to the approval of the House of Representatives, the House is moving on to boosting the economy. The House has passed two job creation and small business bills: the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Act and the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act. It is hoped this will help businesses cope with the effects of the economy and create more jobs to get the economy moving in a positive direction. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/23/2010) - President Barack Obama has signed the Senate Health Reform bill into law, making good on a campaign promise that helped him get elected. The road to signing day was bumpy, slow and frustrating over more than a year since President Obama was sworn into office in January of 2009. Several provisions in the new law came from Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin. As President Obama was signing the bill, Attorneys General from more than a dozen states were filing lawsuits challenging the new law, and Washington D.C. Republicans have vowed to repeal it. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (03/22/2010) - The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Senate Health Care Reform bill 219-212 during a special weekend session in Washington D.C. They did so while also passing a separate House bill that fixes some of the things some people thought should not be included in the law. The original Senate bill now goes to President Obama for his signature, however, the Fixes now go to the Senate for approval. So Health Care Reform issues are not completely settled just yet. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/17/2010) - The Small Business Council of America (SBCA) is urging Members of the House of Representatives to vote against the Senate health care reform bill. The SBCA believes the details of the legislation will not only harm small businesses and their ability to provide health care to employees, but SBCA suggests it could lead to the ultimate demise of the USA private health care system. A spokesperson says SBCA supports health care reform, but not as proposed in the House and Senate bills. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/15/2010) - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is helping to spread the word about an unusually high number of complaints to the Social Security Administration from Wisconsin residents about phishing phone calls. The department is reminding people that the Social Security Department does not ask for Social Security numbers over the phone. Real Social Security workers have access to that information if they need it without asking for it. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/05/2010) - Governor Doyle was in Wisconsin Rapids today to sign a bill that will pool federal recovery zone bonds to fund job-creating projects statewide. The Governor signed Senate Bill 440, authored by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point), and Assembly Representatives Marlin Schneider (D- Wisconsin Rapids), and Louis Molepske, Jr. (D-Stevens Point), at a ceremony at Energy Composites. The bill will clear the way to fund projects like the company proposed wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in Wisconsin Rapids, projected to create 600 jobs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/01/2010) - Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC WI) filed an injunction Friday, January 29, 2010, in Dane County Circuit Court to prevent the implementation of a new law requiring contractors to electronically file extensive payroll data when working on public works projects. The law, adopted last May as part of the budget bill, became effective this January. The association says it unfairly treats non-union contractors differently than union contractors. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/19/2010) - Flambeau River Biofuels (FRB) has executed a letter of intent to engineer, procure, and construct (EPC) the largest second generation green diesel plant in the United States at an existing pulp and paper mill in Park Falls, Wisconsin. The $250 million project, funded in part with a grant from the U.S. Dept of Energy, is expected to be fully operational by 2013. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/14/2010) - People in the United States and in countries around the world are looking to assist in the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti. Many are unable to actively go to the country to help in digging out citizens from under the rubble of the buildings, but money and goods are needed to help survivors cope with being without lodging, food, water, and other basic needs. InterAction has a list of member organizations online that accept donations. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/08/2010) - Now that National Guard and Reserve units are beginning to return from active duty in Iraq Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle is urging state employers to put the veterans back to work in the civilian sector as soon as possible. Within the next three weeks Doyle expects about 3200 Iraq veterans to return to the state. Federal law requires employers to take them back with open arms. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/31/2009) - It took four months, more than 5,000 pounds of donated yarn and hundreds of talented volunteers to knit over 25,000 hats for homeless individuals across the country as part of the Lands' End FeelGood initiative. Lands' End kicked off the FeelGood campaign in September in an effort to warm the homeless and displaced this season. For every Lands' End FeelGood sweater purchased, the company donated signature FeelGood yarn to One Heart Foundation's Warming Families, a nationwide knitting charity. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/29/2009) - The National Education Association is disappointed with some provisions of the United States Senate version healthcare reform passed by Senators last week. The 3.2 million members of NEA are unhappy that the Senate has chosen to finance healthcare reform on the backs of teachers and bus drivers, and other middle class americans instead of millionaires, according to NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/21/2009) - 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 (12/08/2009) - The latest Putting People Back To Work speech by President Barack Obama is causing lawmakers to comment. Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is happy that President Obama is looking at tax credits to stimulate job creation. Feingold says he has been advocating tax credits to companies that hire workers to encourage hiring. President Obama talked today about ideas to ease the strain on the job outlook and the economy. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/07/2009) - The Wisconsin Safety Council and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development are now accepting nominations for the 16th Annual Wisconsin Corporate Safety Awards. Companies compete based on size and type of business. The awards are given in recognition of company safety and health achievements. Read more about the award program at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/03/2009) - As the Obama administration hosts a jobs summit, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is continuing his efforts to support American jobs by urging the president to support Buy American requirements. Feingold led a group of members of Congress in asking the president to include strong and effective Buy American requirements in any legislative proposals developed during the White House jobs summit. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/30/2009) - While the federal Cash For Clunkers program grabbed headlines earlier this year, another U.S. government program still in effect can help put money in the pockets of new-car buyers who act before the end of 2009. The Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association is reminding people that the tax break for buying a new car is due to expire at end of year. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/27/2009) - State Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today released October 2009 local unemployment rate estimates for Wisconsin cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. The unemployment rate decreased in 27 of 72 Wisconsin counties in October and remained the same in 10, compared to September 2009, but remains up for the year, statewide. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/25/2009) - Wisconsin Assembly Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine) is seeking co-sponsorship for a Toxic Toys bill designed to make it easier for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and friends to buy safer toys to give to young girls and boys during Christmas and the rest of the year. There's more on this story on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/23/2009) - U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of a new report highlighting the benefits of health insurance reform for Wisconsin. Also today, Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson and Richard Gephardt are showing support for Health Insurance Reform for the United States. Read more about the HHS Report and the Thompson-Gephardt joint statement at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/10/2009) - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Mike Tate is disappointed with the votes of some Congressional Representatives from Wisconsin in the U.S. House last Saturday. Tate says the votes of Congressmen Tom Petri (R-WI) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) against the Affordable Health Care for America Act highlights the growing divide between their stance on the issues and what their constituents want. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/07/2009) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that the New Direction that Democrats have been promising the country will be manifested today by passage of the Health Care Reform that Congress has been spending so much time and effort on. She made the comments at a news conference today following a Democratic Whip meeting with President Obama in the Cannon Caucus Room. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/05/2009) - Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl are urging the Obama administration to support a Wisconsin proposal for high-speed passenger rail service from Milwaukee to Madison. In a letter sent to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Feingold and Kohl stated their support for the state request for federal funding to develop a high-speed passenger rail line to connect the two largest Wisconsin cities. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/02/2009) - Medical Examining Board (MEB) Chair Gene Musser, M.D. has announced that formal disciplinary action will be pursued against a Green Bay M.D.for, allegedly, failing to adequately assess the capacity of a patient to make her own health care decisions. The Board has also suspended the license of a Beloit doctor pending the outcome of an investigation and disciplinary proceedings. The Beloit physician allegedly reported for work at Beloit hospital under the influence of alcohol. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/19/2009) - The Teamsters Union is launching a national campaign to fight against the destruction of the carhaul industry by bailed-out auto giants General Motors and Chrysler. The automakers received bailouts from taxpayers earlier this year, but are now demanding dramatic cost cuts from Teamster-represented carhaul companies, threatening hundreds of jobs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/14/2009) - The State of Wisconsin has created or saved over 22,000 full time jobs through the use of federal recovery funds allocated to the state to help ease the downturn in the economy, according to the State Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan of Janesville. Sheridan is predicting the ultimate creation of 70,000 jobs in Wisconsin. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/07/2009) - U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, joined Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Congressman George Miller (D-CA), in introducing legislation to restore vital civil rights protections for older workers in the face of the Supreme Court decision in Gross v. FBL Financial. The bill is supported by AARP and other senior citizen advocates. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/02/2009/) - Governor Jim Doyle announced today the state submitted an application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for federal funds to develop a $651.8 million high-speed passenger rail line between Milwaukee and Madison. It is estimated that the project could create 13,000 jobs by the year 2013. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/01/2009) - Hundreds of Saturn brand automobile employees will be losing their jobs following the General Motors (GM) announcement that the deal to purchase Saturn by the Penske Automotive Group has fallen through. GM President Fritz Henderson says a wind down process will be made available soon. In the meantime, Saturn vehicles can still be purchased and serviced at current dealerships. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/30/2009) - The Senate Finance Committee yesterday first failed to include a public health insurance option plan offered by Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV), and later another similar plan offered by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) during consideration of the committee health care reform proposal. Some Democrats, including Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, say the issue is not completely at an end. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/26/2009) - U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, has released a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) examining long-term effects of 401(k) loans and leakage on retirement savings of workers. The report highlights various policy changes to reduce these effects, urging Congress to take legislative action. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/23/2009) - U.S. House Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-WI) supported the extension of Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits by voting for the Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009. The Act passed the House 331-83. It provides a continuation of UC checks for another 13 weeks in states hardest hit by joblessness. The Senate is working on a similar plan. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/15/2009) - 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 (09/10/2009) - The September 9th health care reform speech by President Barack Obama before a joint session of the U.S. Senate and House Of Representatives has been received well by many Obama supporters, however, others are not completely satisfied. Read about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/01/2009) - Wisconsin starts collecting a new 75 cents per-pack cigarette tax today. The tax, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, is estimated to prompt 17,000 Wisconsin smokers to quit while preventing 33,000 Wisconsin kids from ever starting. WisconsinReport.com has more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/27/2009) - The Wisconsin job picture continues to stabilize, but the Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS) is saying the recession impact is far from over. The latest Wisconsin Job Watch from COWS shows a continued slowing in the rate of job loss in Wisconsin, according to July 2009 data. However, Wisconsin has 137,000 fewer jobs than when the so-called recession started in December of 2007. Even though the situation may be slowing down, the Wisconsin unemployment rate remains at highs not seen since the 1980s. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/26/2009) - 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 (08/14/2009) - State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) says a $100,000 Department of Workforce Development grant to train the first of 400 workers to produce wind turbine blades in Wisconsin Rapids is another major step in making Central Wisconsin a leading Green Center. The North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board will work with Mid-State Technical College to create customized training courses to prepare the workers Energy Composites Corporation will need to begin production of wind turbine blades. Read more about this development at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/11/2009) - While Congress pushes for national health care reform legislation that may ultimately open the door for more citizens to receive primary and preventive medical, dental and behavioral health care in a consistent, welcoming, health care home setting, the model of care provided by the Wisconsin Community Health Centers continues to serve as an example to follow, according to Stephanie Harrison, executive director of the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association. Read more about the effort in the story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/03/2009) - Wisconsin and Minnesota cooperatives are applauding what they call the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack decision to raise dairy price supports through the Dairy Product Price Support Program during a time of near-record low dairy prices. Wisconsin and Minnesota dairy cooperatives handle more than 85 percent of the milk produced in the two states. Cooperative Network President and CEO Bill Oemichen says this extra financial support at a very difficult time is greatly needed, and is greatly appreciated, by the Upper Midwest dairy industry. Read more on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/31/2009) - Congressional Representative Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-WI) says the health care reform legislation currently making its way through Congress is getting better with each new draft. The House Energy and Commerce Committee resumed their mark-up of the Affordable Health Choices Act after members of the committee and House Leadership reached a compromise on key portions of the legislation. Kagen says he will be holding public listening sessions throughout Northeast Wisconsin in August to discuss the health care reform legislation. Read more about this story on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/27/2009) - At least half the adults in every county in Wisconsin are either overweight or obese, according to a recent state report. The new Department of Health Services report, Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Wisconsin, indicates that the obesity rate for adults in the state has more than doubled since 1990, reflecting a nationwide trend. Wisconsin Department of Health Secretary Karen Timberlake says residents of the state, as well as teachers, parents, businesses, and government employees, have a stake in turning the trend around. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/25/2009) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says $3.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds will be used for transit upgrades and improvements in Wisconsin. The grants include the purchase of buses in Eau Claire, and Appleton, plus some other transportation related needs in the Appleton and Eau Claire areas of the state. The ARRA funds distribution to Wisconsin brings the total now to 415 grants and the amount to $3.8 Billion dollars for transit improvements. Read more about this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/22/2009) - A pilot program by the Consumer CHECKBOOK Center for the Study of Services, has shown the national feasibility of conducting scientifically valid surveys of patients to give public ratings and reports on doctors. It shows how well doctors listen and explain things, make themselves available for appointments and care when needed, arrange to have helpful and courteous office staff, and perform on other important aspects of care that patients can judge. The surveys use questions and a survey procedure developed by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, endorsed by the National Quality Forum. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/21/2009) - Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. (D-WI) says the proposed health care legislation will take us closer to our goal of guaranteeing access to affordable care for all of us. According to a report released today by Families USA, 233,000 people in Wisconsin will gain health care coverage under the American Affordable Health Choices Act by 2013 and 375,000 by 2019. Kagen will join doctors and nurses today from across the country in support of reforms included in the American Affordable Health Choices Act. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/08/2009) - Has it been seeming that every time you go to the supermarket you come away with less for the same amount of money that you spent the week before? Well, it may be a surprise that Wisconsin second quarter 2009 retail food prices fell just over 4-percent from the first quarter of 2009. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Market Basket quarterly survey found the average cost of 20 basic food items totaled $53.40 in the second quarter of 2009. That is a $2.45 decrease from the survey average price of $55.85 in the first quarter of 2009. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/07/2009) - American Transmission Company, a leader in the planning, construction and operation of transmission infrastructure, has identified various new high-voltage transmission line projects that can help deliver renewable energy while also addressing reliability issues in the Midwest. Since formed in 2001, ATC has invested more than $2 billion to build or upgrade 1,700 miles of transmission lines including the 220-mile interstate Arrowhead-Weston line, which runs from Wausau, Wisconsin to Duluth, Minnesota. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/01/2009) - Small business owner and former Congressman Mark Neumann has filed paperwork to officially enter the 2010 race for Wisconsin Governor. Neumann was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District in Wisconsin in 1994 and was re-elected in 1996. Neumann ran for US Senate on the Republican ticket in 1998. 55 year old Neumann owns a home building company and is co-chairman of Educational Enterprises, a non-profit that runs three Hope Schools in Milwaukee as well as a public charter school in Arizona. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/19/2009) - Wisconsin U.S. Senator Russ Feingold took the case of the Wisconsin auto industry directly to President Obama yesterday (Thurs., June 19, 2009). Feingold told President Obama by phone how important the industry is to the state, and had another conversation with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. The President continues to make it clear he does not intend to meddle in decisions made by the auto industry, even though the government currently has a large financial stake in helping General Motors and Chrysler try to survive. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/2009) - The Wisconsin State Senate has passed a biennial budget bill for 2009-2011. As usual, there are misgivings by Republicans that majority party Senate Democrats were able to get the budget passed. However, Majority Leader Russ Decker says the version passed has no general sales or payroll tax increases, yet, it still protects working families, schools, and police and fire services from cuts. Another provision invests in highways, airports, bridges and harbors, and is expected to create about 10,000 jobs. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/13/2009) - Having a good year in 2008 wasn't enough to prevent a major company providing family recreation in three countries from filing bankruptcy. The amusement park company Six Flags is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, saying it needs to reorganize to get rid of about 2 Billion Dollars in debt. The New York based company has a Six Flags amusement park at Gurnee, Illinois. However, Six Flags chief executive officer says the bankruptcy is not expected to affect Six Flags Great America nor any of its 19 other theme parks in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/12/2009) - At a health care town hall meeting in Green Bay thursday, President Barack Obama strongly advocated the inclusion of a public health insurance option in the health care reform proposal currently being crafted in Congress. The forum kicked off the public campaign for fundamental health care reform. President Obama criticized opponents who are saying he is promoting socialized medicine, saying the government would not be taking over healthcare, but, providing options for gaining access to healthcare. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/9/2009) - In an outpouring of opposition, more than 2,100 business executives have signed petitions urging the Wisconsin Legislature to reject a state budget with $3 billion in higher taxes and expanded liability. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) has declared that many members are opposed to a number of provisions in the state budget that would increase the cost of doing business in Wisconsin. The WMC says the items at issue would hamper job creation. Read more about it on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/02/2009) - One of the icons of the automobile industry and of corporate America in general, General Motors (GM) yesterday entered into bankruptcy. It's part of the overall plan to save the company from leaving the stage entirely. GM entered chapter 11 to launch the New GM through the powerful tools of the Bankruptcy Code. GM has followed Chrysler LLC in filing for reorganization under the bankruptcy codes. Chrysler filed last month. Both companies are hoping to be leaner, focused and more competitive as a result of their actions. If you have questions about the developments, read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/20/2009) - 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 (05/16/2009) - General Motors plans to reduce its dealer network from 5,969 stores to approximately 3,600 by the end of 2010. This process started yesterday (Friday, May 15, 2009), as GM began contacting dealers regarding its long term planning. 1,100 small sales volume U.S. dealers are being advised that GM does not see them as part of its dealer network on a long-term basis. In most cases, existing franchise agreements run through October of 2010. Read more about the GM dealer reduction plan at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/15/2009) - The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu) statistics now show that only four states do not yet have confirmed or probable cases of the illness. At this writing, only Alaska, Wyoming, Mississippi and West Virginia have that distinction. In the midwest, the CDC indicates that there are 613 cases in Wisconsin, 36 in Minnesota, 638 in Illinois, 66 in Iowa, 71 in Indiana, 14 in Ohio, and 142 in Michigan. The CDC stats show a total of 4,714 confirmed or probable cases and only 4 deaths. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/13/2009) - Several members of the United States House of Representatives, including Ron Kind of Wisconsin, have re-introduced the Small Business Options Program Act (SHOP). SHOP, if passed, would make health insurance more available and affordable for small businesses and their employees. The bill is endorsed by several business, employee, and family groups and organizations. Read more about SHOP on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/09/2009) - A public health emergency remains in effect in Wisconsin in response to the presence of Influenza A (H1N1) in the state. Wisconsin now has 298 Confirmed Cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu), according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDH). The increase in confirmed cases from May 6th to May 8th reflects new testing capability in Wisconsin. Read more about this story and others at WisconsinReport.com, the place to depend on for Relevant Reading. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/07/2009) - As of 06:00 GMT, 7 May 2009, 23 countries have officially reported 2099 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 1112 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 42 deaths. The United States has reported 642 laboratory confirmed human cases, including two deaths. The latest Wisconsin figures released as of mid-day today, show 176 probable cases in the state, however, only 26 have been confirmed as the so-called Swine Flu. Read more on this story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/06/2009) - May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Wisconsin. The warmer weather is bringing out motorcycles again, and it's time to be a little more careful while driving a vehicle. Car, truck and van drivers should become more aware of what is coming down the road before starting out from stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, exiting driveways, and parking spaces. Read more about motorcycling and driver safety at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/05/2009) - U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Richard Besser have announced new CDC guidance on closure of schools and child care facilities where there has been reported cases of the novel H1N1 flu virus. CDC no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A/H1N1 consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/04/2009) - At least 20 countries, including the United States have now officially reported 985 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection (often referred to as the Swine Flu), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The higher number of cases from Mexico reflects ongoing testing of previously collected specimens. WHO notes that the United States has reported 226 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. More on the situation at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/03/2009) - Wisconsin has made it to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tally of so-called Swine Flu cases in the United States. The CDC shows 226 cases in the nation as of mid-morning today, including three cases in Wisconsin. The Center says the total in the official total posted includes Laboratory Confirmed Cases of the illness. There are now cases in 30 states with the largest numbers still in New York and Texas. Read more in the updated story at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/2/2009) - The Wisconsin Department of Health (WDH) tally of Probable Swine Flu (H1N1) Cases now has risen to at least 14, however, as of mid-morning today none of them have shown up in the official U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics. Excluding Wisconsin, the CDC how reports 160 laboratory confirmed cases of people suffering from the flu strain that is, at this time, believed to have broken out in Mexico. The CDC figures now include cases in 21 states. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/01/2009) - As of mid-morning today the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports 141 Swine Flu cases (H1N1) have been confirmed in 19 of the country's 50 states. However, there still has been only one death in Texas that has been attributed to the strain of flu virus that has caused illness in a large number of people in Mexico. So far Wisconsin seems to be spared from the CDC statistics, but there is news today that there may be two cases in Milwaukee. Meanwhile the ACLU has issued a caution. More information is on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/01/2009) - State and local health officials in Wisconsin today reported that five probable cases of influenza A (H1N1) virus of swine origin (Swine Flu) have been found in Wisconsin. Two cases were found in the Milwaukee (one adult and one child), a third case in Adams County, another in Osaukee County and a fifth case in Sheboygan County. State Health Officer, Dr. Seth Foldy, says these laboratory-proven cases indicate the flu is active in Wisconsin, and, Governor Jim Doyle has declared a State of Emergency. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/30/2009) - In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 yesterday (April 29, 2009). Meanwhile, new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius cautions people not to panic. Sebelius reminds people there are flu outbreaks every year and everyear there are some flu deaths. She also says HHS and other agencies are doing everything possible to limit the seriousness of this particular flu outbreak. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/29/2009) - The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. The Centers for Disease Control reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The nearly two year old infant who died was reportedly a Mexican youth brought into this country for treatment. CDC statistics as of 10 AM Central Daylight Time (CDT) show 91 people have come down with the flu strain in the U.S. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/28/2009) - The human swine flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports additional cases of confirmed swine influenza and a number of hospitalizations of swine flu patients. As of this morning (Tuesday, April 28th) there are 64 known cases of Swine Flu in the United States. The World Health Organization has raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4. Read additional relevant information at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/27/2009) - General Motors today presented an updated Viability Plan that will speed the reinvention of GM's U.S. operations into a leaner, more customer-focused, and more cost-competitive automaker. The new plan focuses on four core brands in the U.S. - Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC - with fewer nameplates and a more competitive level of marketing support per brand. The Pontiac brand will be phased out by the end of 2010. More details can be found inside the online pages of WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/27/2009) - Wisconsin Governor Doyle suggests everyone should remain calm and use common sense, good health practices, following the news regarding swine influenza, which has been reported in several states and in Mexico. Doyle says the Wisconsin government is in touch with health officials across the country and more information will be made available as needed to keep residents of the state up to date and aware of the situation. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/24/2009) - The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent in March, before seasonal adjustment according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. The index has decreased 0.4 percent over the last year, the first 12 month decline since August 1955. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI-U decreased 0.1 percent in March after rising 0.4 percent in February. More statistics are available at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/23/2009) - Former Judiciary Committee Chairman and author of the REAL ID legislation, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), is responding to the remarks of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano. Napolitano spoke to the Anti-Defamation League National Leadership Conference about repealing REAL ID, an idea that the author of the bill finds distasteful. Read all about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/22/2009) - Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today released March 2009 local unemployment rates for Wisconsin cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. Unemployment increased in 12 metro areas during March. On the other hand, when you take a look at counties, unemployment decreased in 64 of 72 Wisconsin counties. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/17/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle and 7th Wisconsin Congressional District Congressman Dave Obey today broke ground on a new academic building at UW-Superior. The project is expected to create or maintain 200 jobs and move forward efforts to grow the Northern Wisconsin economy. More on this story and other relevant reading about what's going on in Wisconsin can be found at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/13/2009) - United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi likes the idea of the United States government purchasing nearly 18,000 fuel efficient vehicles from only American car makers. Pelosi believes it will help auto makers currently in financial touble, spur the economy, and make the government fleet more fuel efficient. The Speaker also is supportive of President Obama's plan to make healthcare better for the military and veterans. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/06/2009) - Ford Motor Company announced today the successful completion of debt restructuring initiatives that will reduce the Automotive debt by $9.9 billion from $25.8 billion at December 31, 2008, and lower the annual cash interest expense by more than $500 million based on current interest rates. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/03/2009) - Chrysler LLC has reported March U.S. total sales of 101,001 units, which is the first time since Sept. 2008 that the Company has surpassed 100,000 units, representing a 39 percent decrease versus 2008. Chrysler retail market share increased to an estimated 10.0 percent versus 9.9 percent in March 2008. Read more details at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/02/2009) - House Budget Committee Ranking Republican Paul Ryan (WI-01) yesterday introduced a comprehensive alternative to the fiscal year 2010 budget proposed by the President and Democratic Majority. Republicans say their plan will get spending and deficits under control, without raising taxes, but some Democrats don't think it's right for the country, at this point in history. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/30/2009) - General Motors is looking at today's announcement by President Obama as the start of a new era for the U.S. auto industry, and a defining moment in the history of General Motors. The U.S. Treasury will provide working financing capital for GM for 60 days while GM completes a more accelerated and aggressive restructuring to put the company on sound long-term financial footing. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/27/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle has signed into law legislation that will protect traveling sales crews from abuse by employers and sets regulations that also protect consumers and homeowners. Malinda’s Act, SB4, is a response to the tragic traveling sales crew van crash on March 25, 1999 in Janesville, which killed 7 people, including 18-year-old Malinda Turvey from Verona, and severely injured 5 others. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/25/2009) - U.S. Senator Feingold announced today that the 96 Wisconsin housing authorities that received over $26 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) can now begin spending the money to improve and modernize public housing facilities. See WisconsinReport.com for more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/09/2009) - Wisconsin voters who have not voted in four years or more have two weeks to respond to a notice postcard recently sent to them from the Elections Division of the Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.). More than 313,000 Wisconsinites received the notice. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/06/2009) - President Barack Obama today announced $2 billion in Recovery Act 2009 funding allocations for state and local law enforcement assistance available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, including over $30 million for the state of Wisconsin. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/03/2009) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced that Wisconsin has received federal authority to proceed with plans for investing up to $529 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on transportation improvement projects across the state. The funds will create or save 13,000 jobs. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/26/2009) - United States Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) is commending President Barack Obama for presenting a budget to Congress that represents an honest assessment of the current financial situation. Wisconsin's United States Senator Russ Feingold, a member of the Senate Budget Committee agrees. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/19/2009) - The Institute for Wisconsin’s Future (IWF) is applauding Governor Jim Doyle and the Legislature for the tax reform ideas contained in both the budget-repair bill, which passed the Legislature February 18th, and the governor’s budget proposal for the 2009-2011 biennium, released February 17th. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/30/2009) - The Wisconsin Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee has passed a bill authored by Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston) to increase the minimum wage from $6.50 to $7.60 and then index it for inflation. If it gets through the legislative process the new wage would go into effect on June 1, 2009 and be indexed annually for inflation. Another bill that also made it's way through the committee is called the Wage Potection Act. The Wage Protection Act protects workers wages when a company goes bankrupt. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/27/2009) - Two bills intended to spur economic growth and create jobs in Wisconsin passed the State Assembly this afternoon, during the first working session day of the new Democratic majority. The American Jobs Act and the Wisconsin First legislation are both aimed at supporting companies that create jobs in the state. Both bills passed with strong bipartisan support. The Wisconsin First legislation passed with a 77 to 22 vote; the American Jobs Act passed with a 69 to 30 vote. More on the legislation can be found on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/09/2009) - As part of a program called Invest in America, GM and Chrysler LLC are pointing to credit unions – not-for-profit financial institutions owned by their members – to make as much as $80 billion available for low-cost loans on new cars. Even prior to its arrival in Wisconsin, the program has generated more than a million hits in just one month on its website and is expected to put up to 4 million new cars on the road. Special discounts on vehicles are also being offered to Credit Union members. Even non-members can access the discounts by joining a Credit Union. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/29/08) - 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 (12/10/08) - Ozaukee County is the healthiest county in the state, according to the newly released 2008 Wisconsin County Health Rankings. The report is the sixth annual health check-up of the 72 counties and the City of Milwaukee, developed by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The 2008 report brings together over 30 measures of health to summarize the overall health of each county in Wisconsin. The County of Milwaukee, Marquette County, City of Milwaukee, and Menominee County are at the bottom of the list. See WisconsinReport.com for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/5/08) - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today began refilling Lake Delton and opened County Highway A in the Wisconsin Dells - Lake Delton area. Less than six months ago, torrential rains caused the lake to breach its shoreline, damaging a section of County Highway A. Today, Governor Doyle officially reopened the washed away part of the highway and announced the gates have been lowered on the newly refurbished Lake Delton Dam, allowing water to begin refilling the lake. For more on this story and others go to WisconsinReport.com on the internet. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (11/06/08) - The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Fund is thanking Wisconsin’s election officials, from the Government Accountability Board, (GAB) to clerks, to citizens who worked at voting locations, for a smooth election. Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the AFL-CIO are pleased with the results of elections throughout the United States, and in particular, within the State of Wisconsin. AFT and AFL-CIO spokespersons believe election night produced big victories for working families in Wisconsin, as pro-labor candidates swept elections in state and federal races. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/28/08) - A Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analysis shows that Wisconsin contributors have donated a record $3.27 million to unregulated special interest groups that spend much of their money on negative broadcast advertising, mailings and other electioneering activities to muffle what the candidates in federal and state races have to say on issues that really matter to voters. The contributions to 527 groups occurred between January 2007 and October 15, 2008. More than $1 million was contributed by a Milwaukee philanthropist. See WisconsinReport.com for more on this story. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/10/08) - Change To Win, a nationwide worker organization of over 6 million members, has outlined a comprehensive economic recovery program for Main Street America that would generate broad-based prosperity, restore faith and fairness in the market system, and renew the American Dream for working and middle class families. The worker organization called on Congress to reject the Wall Street bailout based on the flawed economic policies of the past. A spokesperson says the United States needs a new economic model that rewards worker productivity and innovation, and, sets new rules for the marketplace and the workplace. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/09/08) - The John McCain - Sarah Palin campaign tactics have become rougher and rawer than previously as the 2008 Presidential Campaign election date gets closer. The inaccuracies, and, often misleading information on the political stump, in advertising, and in interviews on radio and television by the Republican candidates and their surrogates is keeping the Barack Obama camp busy. Some political commentators believe McCain is ramping up the desperate attack because his people see the possibility of the Obama - Biden ticket winning the White House in November. Despite the McCain muckattack, the polls show Obama leading in many states. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/08/08) - Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke is calling last night's Presidential Debate Barack Obama’s second straight debate victory. Wineke says John McCain was unable to articulate a new direction for the country beyond what Wineke calls the failed, recycled policies of George Bush. Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Lieutenant Governor Margaret Farrow are spinning the second Presidential Debate from the Republican point of view. Farrow and Walker saw McCain making several points and coming out ahead of Obama in the Nashville debate. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (10/06/08) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced more than $3.8 million in additional employee training assistance for dislocated workers at General Motors and three other manufacturers in south central Wisconsin affected by GM’s decision to cut production at the Janesville assembly plant. Governor Doyle and Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Russ Feingold received a commitment from the U.S. Department of Labor that more than $1.6 million would be made available immediately to assist 785 affected workers at GM, Lear Corporation, and Logistics Services, Inc., all in Janesville, and United Industries in Beloit. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/27/08) - There are mixed reactions to last night's first United States Presidential Debate between the two major party candidates running to be the next Commander In Chief of the Economy as well as Commander In Chief of the Military. McCain supporters say Arizona Senator John McCain won, while Illinois Senator Barack Obama supporters say Obama came out on top. And, Depending on which tv/radio talker you listen to after the debates, you have your choice of, it was a draw, or, Obama proved he was ready to take control of the military and the economy, or, McCain's strategy seemed to be to try his best to look stern and to not look at his opponent, and so on. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/25/08) - The Republican and Democrat running against each other for President of the United States have decided to lend their input and guidance in the current national economy emergency Congress is wrestling with. Yesterday, U.S. Senators John McCain (R) and Barack Obama (D) issued a joint statement that pointed out that it's important for both parties to come together to solve the problem. Obama and McCain will both be meeting with President George W. Bush and leaders of Congress today in hopes of making a difference in the so-called 700 Billion Dollar Solution to save homes, jobs, and the ecomomy proponents say are at stake. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/23/08) - Probable voters in four Battleground States are looking at the Barack Obama - Joe Biden ticket as the one that is more likely to bring about Change. By 19 - 24 point margins, voters in Wisconsin, Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota say Democrat Barack Obama, not Republican John McCain, is the candidate of change. That poll result lifts Senator Obama into the lead in these battleground states, according to four simultaneous Quinnipiac University polls of likely voters, conducted in partnership with The Wall Street Journal and WashingtonPost.com More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/22/08) - Illinois Senator Barack Obama started out being the only major presidential candidate advocating Change at the start of the Democrats Primary Campaign. When his opponent, New York Senator Hillary Clinton saw people were drawn to the message of Change, her slogan soon was about Change, but, Obama's message was the one people wanted. Now, it's the Republican candidate, Senator John McCain, who has changed his message to a declaration that McCain is the Change guy. While in Green Bay, Wisconsin today, Barack Obama explained that Obama's Change is The Real Change We Need. To read Barack Obama's speech, go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/19/08) - The Obamas are coming to Wisconsin. The Obama campaign today announced that Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama will campaign in Wisconsin Monday to kick off the Wisconsin campaign’s Women’s Week of Action. Mrs. Obama will host Wisconsin Women for Obama rallies in Madison and Milwaukee, and an economic roundtable discussion with working women in Wausau. Senator Barack Obama will also hold a separate event in Green Bay on Monday. Meanwhile, Obama's opponent, Republican Senator John McCain outlined his plan To reform financial markets while in Green Bay today. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/08/08) - When Barack Obama's Democratic Vice Presidential running mate, Senator Joe Biden, campaigned in Green Bay he was introduced by a Hoffmaster Appleton employee who, along with 300 coworkers, is losing his job. Greg Hinds, is a 17-year employee of a series of companies that have occupied the same plant. Hinds feels that he, his wife and two daughters, have suffered under what is called the failed economic policies of the last eight years of the Bush Administration. Hinds suggested that a John McCain-Sarah Palin administration is likely to be no better for the country. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (09/01/08) - 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 (08/28/08) - Former President Bill Clinton, 2004 Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry, and 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, all say that Barack Obama is Ready to be President. President Bill Clinton trumpeted the idea that when he first ran for the White House job, Republicans then campaigned against him with the idea that he had no experience and was not ready, and, now they are trying to use that tactic against Obama. President Clinton said they were wrong then, and they are wrong now. More on yesterdays (Thursday, August 27th, 2008) speakers at the convention at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/27/08) - Last night the candidate who came in second in the long primary campaign to determine who would be the Democrats presidential candidate on the November 2008 ballot urged her 18 Million primary voters to switch their allegience to Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton told delegates at the Democrats National Convention in Denver, Colorado that her delegates and supporters and Obama's delegates and supporters must unite as a single party with a single purpose. Hillary said it's time to take back the country and no one should sit by the sidelines, because it will take everyone and every vote to make sure it happens. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/26/08) - Contrary to what some radio and tv talkers have been saying, the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver set the stage for a robust way to educate people about who Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are, and, what the Democrats stand for. Former Iowa Republican U.S. Senator Jim Leach endorsed Obama for President because the time is right to unite the country, not to be tied up in the partisan politics Congress and the White House has been playing for too long. There was also a tribute to and speech by U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, and the revelation by Michelle Obama that the Obamas are just regular folks like us, who want to do the country proud. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/24/08) - The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America campaign have announced additional details surrounding the Monday evening tribute to honor Senator Edward M. Kennedy. His niece, Caroline Kennedy, will speak to his extraordinary work over the last 46 years on behalf of this country, as well as his future plans in the United States Senate. A video tribute, directed by documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Mark Herzog, will also portray his love of country, family, politics and the sea. More about the Democratic National Convention at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/23/08) - Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama has chosen Delaware U.S. Senator Joe Biden to be his running mate in their Democratic bid to defeat Republican rival Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain in November on the way to the White House. Many talking heads on television and radio had narrowed it down to Biden as the logical choice for Obama in on-air discussions during the past few weeks. Following the so-called vetting process, Barack Obama has come to the same conclusion. Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Herb Kohl calls Obama-Biden an exciting ticket. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/19/08) - Manitowoc-based Tower Tech Systems has signed a contract to manufacture wind tower components for Nordex USA, one of the world’s leading providers of onshore wind turbines. Badger Transport, based in Clintonville, has signed a contract to deliver the components to Texas for Nordex. Tower Tech and Badger Transport are subsidiaries of Naperville, IL-based Broadwind Energy, Inc., according to New North, which promotes regional cooperation and economic development in an 18-county region in Northeast Wisconsin. See more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/11/08) - With just two weeks to go before the Democratic National Convention officially kicks off, the Wisconsin delegation is fired up and ready to go to Denver, according to Democratic Party Wisconsin (DPW) Chair Joe Wineke. The Wisconsin delegation will consist of 92 delegates and 12 alternates. Wineke says Wisconsin will be one of the top represented states at the Democratic National Convention August 25th thru the 28th. To see who is going, learn more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/08/08) - Two U.S. Congressional Representatives from Wisconsin have joined forces to try to get some help for mill workers who will be without work at the NewPage Corporation's Kimberly Mill. Republican Tom Petri and Democrat Steve Kagen wrote to the Labor Department seeking Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the employees affected by the planned shutdown of the Kimberly mill. Kagen says paper imported to the United States from China is one reason U.S. paper companies are having a downturn. For more details, see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/07/08) - Senator Barack Obama holds a 44 percent to 38 percent lead in Wisconsin over Senator John McCain in the presidential race, according to a Wisconsin Policy Research Institute poll of 600 people. Senator Obama leads the race primarily because of a combination of the most important issues on the minds of voters and the impact of President Bush and the voter’s view about the direction of the country. The economy, jobs, and the war in Iraq are on top of the list of concerns among Wisconsin residents. The results show Obama favored two to one to come up with favorable solutions. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (08/04/08) - Speaking in Michigan today, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called the upcoming November election possibly the most important election of a lifetime. Obama suggested that the USA's economy, security, and the future of the planet will depend on the choices made when people vote in November, and the choices made over the next few years will shape the next decade and perhaps the entire century. The U.S. Senator from Illinois said all of the major challenges will hinge on what is done about our addiction to oil. The rest of Obama's words can be found at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/31/08) - Biodiesel, a renewable fuel made in Wisconsin, is safer and better for the environment than conventional diesel, according to information from the U.S. Department of Energy. In other news, Governor Jim Doyle has announced a $2,880,128 project that will support improvements to the Burger Boat Company’s facility at the Port of Manitowoc. And, Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), is applauding the restoration of $250 million in federal funds for job training in the second Senate economic stimulus plan. For more on these stories, see WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/18/08) - Visitors to the 2008 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days not only saw new machinery in action, some even had a chance to try it out for themselves. The state’s largest outdoor ag expo, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days was held July 15-17 at Country Aire Farms, south of Greenleaf in Brown County. Founded in 1954, the three day show travels to a different Wisconsin county each year. This year Field demonstrations took place on 390 acres of land that Budd and Ione Gerrits and their family provided for the popular show feature. Read more about it at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/16/08) - Now that Miller Brewing Company and Coors have joined forces to become MillerCoors, changes were expected to take place, as is usually the case when two major companies merge. MillerCoors have announced that it is placing its headquarters in Chicago, but will maintain substantial operations in Golden, Colorado, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MillerCoors will invest over $50 million into the brewery in Milwaukee over the next three years and increase the number of jobs at the brewery, even though headquarters office jobs will be lost to the city. More at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/15/08) - General Motors Corporation has announced it is taking further steps to adapt its business to rapidly changing market conditions, marked by the weak U.S. economy, record high fuel prices, shifts in consumer vehicle preferences, and the lowest U.S. industry sales volumes in a decade. GM had a record of being Number One in Sales for 76 consecutive years, but that's not so easy to do with the current competitive nature of the auto industry. By changing directions, the company hopes to change the future. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/12/08) - The United States Senate has passed Senator Herb Kohl’s (D-WI) legislation to protect Americans from becoming the victim of foreclosure rescue scams as part of a bipartisan housing package (H.R. 3221). The Kohl measure protects financially distressed homeowners – often elderly – from unscrupulous financial predators by implementing stricter requirements and a federal floor of protection. For more on this story and others go to WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/10/08) - Continuing high costs for energy along with supply and demand pressures are behind this quarter’s increase measured in the Market Basket survey conducted by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Wisconsin’s largest farm organization tracks the retail price of 20-food items in 26 communities. The Market Basket survey found the average cost of those 20-items in the second quarter of 2008 was 55 dollars and 57 cents, 2.30 more than the overall average of 53.27 in the first quarter of 2008. More details are online at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (07/09/08) - Presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama addressed nearly 10,000 educators Saturday as part of the National Education Association's Representative Assembly. Obama called for overhauling No Child Left Behind, providing adequate resources to educators, and encouraging parental and community involvement. Obama has praised the NEA for its leadership in coming up with what Obama called a Roadmap For Educators, Elected Officials, Policymakers, and others who care about the education of the children of the country. Read more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/27/08) - Not to be confused with the joint campaign rally appearance by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Unity, New Hampshire, a UNITY 2008 Convention in Chicago next month will feature a discussion with Obama and John McCain. The Unity 2008 Convention will be held by Journalists of Color. CNN will broadcast live in prime time the historic discussion with the presumptive presidential nominees July 24th. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/27/08) - Democratic Presidential Primary rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made a show of unity today (Friday, June 27th) in a community aptly named Unity, New Hampshire. It was the first joint public appearance since what some observers called a divisive Democratic primary race ended. The campaign speeches in Unity was the start of Hillary's assurance she will work toward Obama becoming the next president of the United States, even though for awhile it seemed to some, she might hold a grudge. WisconsinReport.com has more.