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. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/26/08) - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says the State Crime Lab has added additional DNA experts to keep up with the demand. 19 new DNA analysts have completed their rigorous year-long training and certification program to join the team in Madison. In related news, J.B. Van Hollen was recently elected to serve as Chairman of the Midwestern Region of the National Association of Attorneys General. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/25/08) - According to the latest figures available, Wisconsin employment is still holding it's own and in some areas is higher than it was. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today released the May breakdown of unemployment rates that show declines in the majority of Wisconsin's counties accompanied by job gains across all major metro areas. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/23/08) - The U.S. Postal Service has selected Verizon Business to provide an estimated $16.4 million worth of network services under the federal Networx Universal communications program. Verizon Business will be the primary provider of long-distance and calling-card services for the agency's nearly 166,000 lines serving 34,000 locations nationwide, under a 10-year agreement valued at $10 million. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/23/08) - The former rivals for the right to become the official Democratic candidate to run on the national presidential election will campaign together in Unity, New Hampshire Friday, June 27th. The location, announced today (Monday, June 23rd), was reportedly chosen for it's symbolic name, and because Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama each received 107 votes in the primary voting there January 8th. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/20/08) - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will address nearly a thousand elected and appointed Latino officials at a national leadership luncheon on Thursday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C. This will be her first major public appearance since suspending her presidential campaign. Presidential Candidates Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are set to be at the same event two days later. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/20/08) - Wisconsin Farm Bureau leaders were in Washington D.C. this week (June 14-18) to lobby lawmakers on pressing issues facing agriculture and give first-hand accounts of flood damage. Immigration, trade agreements, ag exports, and oil drilling inside the USA and offshore, were all hot topics during the visit, which included a tour of the White House. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/18/08) - NBC newsman and political commentator Tim Russert, who was slated for burial June 18 after a funeral Mass in Washington, unabashedly witnessed to his Catholic faith, said Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Communications Committee. Archishop Niederaurer said the public host of Meet the Press was loyal to his family, fatherhood and faith in his private life. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/13/08) - ABC Television News Anchor Charles Gibson has now joined the ranks of NBC's Tim Russert, who passed away of an apparent heart attack while at work today. As the news of Russert's death was being announced on NBC by former anchor Tom Brokow and friends, Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University was presenting its 15th annual Fred Friendly First Amendment Award to ABC's Charles Gibson. Russert had received the award in 2005. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/12/08) - As record gas and food prices, skyrocketing health care costs and the mortgage crisis continue to hammer the economy, the Service Employees International Union's (SEIU) two million members today called on Congress to pass legislation extending jobless benefits. Read more about this news story and others on the internet at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (06/09/08) - This isn’t exactly the party I’d planned, but I sure like the company, Hillary Clinton said as she started the weekend speech that would signify the end of her try for the presidency. Saturday, June 7th New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton officially suspended her presidential primary campaign and asked her 18 Million supporters to get behind Barack Obama. Read Hillary's speech at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/29/08) - Wisconsin business, unions and individuals have contributed a record $1.5 million in the first 15 months of the 2007-08 election cycle to unregulated groups most of which raise and spend unlimited amounts on negative advertising, mailings and other outside activities in state and national elections, a Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analysis shows. Total Wisconsin contributions to so-called 527 groups between January 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008 shattered the previous high for a comparable period ($1.03 million) between January 2005 and March 2006. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/15/08) - Democratic presidential primary frontrunner Barack Obama is gaining even more momentum following the Wednesday (May 14, 2008) endorsement of former candidate John Edwards. The United Steelworkers union endorsed Barack Obama for president Thursday, which should help attract more Democratic blue-collar workers. Others endorsing Obama the day after Edwards, include, United States Congressman Jim McDermott of the State of Washington, Congressional Representatives Henry Waxman and Howard Berman of California, and Communications Workers of America President, Larry Cohen. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (05/05/08) - Wisconsin Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass says the fourth Unclaimed Property Auction on eBay brought in over 10-thousand dollars from bids submitted from several areas of the United States. The auction concluded on Thursday at 6:00 pm with bids from locations in Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota, Nebraska and Maryland. All of the 37 items up for bid sold totaling $10,119.02. The highest bid item was for a diamond engagement ring which sold for $4,383.33. By law the Unclaimed Property found in safe deposit boxes are turned over to the State Treasurer, then auctioned if they are not claimed. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/24/08) - Wisconsin Congressmen Steve Kagen, Democrat, and Tom Petri, Republican, have urged the Bush Administration to halt unfair trade practices by overseas paper manufacturers. In a joint letter to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, they expressed concerns over the swift entry of unusually low-priced imports of lightweight thermal paper (LWTP) into the U.S. market from China and Germany. Similarly, an influx of coated free sheet paper from foreign producers will lead to the closing of an entire paper plant in Niagara, WI and a loss of papermaking jobs in Kimberly, WI. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/21/08) - The Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board (ECB) has named Gene Purcell as Executive Director of the agency. Purcell joined the ECB as deputy director in April, 2006, and became Interim Director a year ago when the director left. The Educational Communications Board (ECB) is the state agency responsible for ensuring that public radio and television programs and instructional technology services are made available throughout Wisconsin, and that these programs and services reflect and respond to the educational and cultural needs of the state’s residents. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/17/08) - Even though there are pockets of higher job losses in some parts of the Badger State, the unemployment rate in the state of Wisconsin is overall holding its own. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman says Wisconsin’s unemployment rate for March was 5.6 percent, down two-tenths of a percentage point from February's 5.8 percent and equal to the rate one year ago. The national rate for March was 5.2 percent, same as the February rate, but seven-tenths of a percentage point higher than the March 2007 rate of 4.5 percent. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/09/08) - Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama is catching up with New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary and now trails 50 - 44 percent among likely primary voters, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released April 8th. This compares to a 50 - 41 percent Sen. Clinton lead in an April 2nd poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN uh-pe-ack) University. Comparing the polls released a week apart, Obama is gaining in most demographic categories in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary will be held April 22nd. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/04/08) - New York Senator Hillary Clinton holds a 50 - 41 percent lead over Illinois Sen. Barack Obama among likely Pennsylvania Democratic primary voters and runs better against Arizona Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican nominee in Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll. This compares to a 53 - 41 percent lead in a March 18 survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University of Hamden, Connecticut. Pennsylvania is one of three of the biggest so-called Swing States surveyed by the school. The others are Florida and Ohio. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/25/08) - Nearly five people die each week in Wisconsin because they don’t have health insurance, says a new report by Families USA, the national organization for health care consumers. The Families USA report, the first-ever state-specific report of this type, is based on a ground-breaking national study by the Institute of Medicine, which in 2002 forged the direct link between a lack of health coverage and deaths from health-related causes. The new report released today by one of Citizen Action’s national partners, Families USA, shows that the health care crisis is a life and death issue. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/24/08) - Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roland Day and Justice William Bablitch have endorsed Justice Louis Butler for retention on the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justice Bablitch says Justice Butler has experience, integrity, and is the best choice. Butler has been endorsed by five police organizations, two-hundred-twenty judges, 25 district attorneys and sheriffs, fire department associations, and union groups. Butler has also been endorsed by both of Wisconsin's United States Senators and five of eight Wisconsin Representatives to the U.S. Congress. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/20/08) - While many people in Wisconsin and the rest of the United States are spending time this week to protest the Iraq War on the 5th anniversary of U.S. involvement there, others are patting the military on the back for doing what their Commander In Chief has been requiring them to do. Democratic Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq by thanking local veterans in Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District. The Congressman was joined by six veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan who commented on the experience. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/14/08) - US Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) applauded the final version of the FY09 Budget Resolution, which the Senate passed late last night, for including major boosts in federal funds for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and the Child Care Development Block Grant program – increases that would directly benefit Wisconsin if the plan is enacted into law. In addition, an ammendment supported by Kohl creates a new standard deduction for homeowners that will provide relief to more than 641-thousand Wisconsin taxpayers. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/08/08) - Wisconsin United States Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold (both D-WI) have called on President George W. Bush to end unfair trade practices by overseas paper manufacturers that hurt domestic producers. Kohl and Feingold are trying to make the Bush Administration understand that, because paper mills are major employers in some regions of Wisconsin, such unfair trade practices could result in fewer employment opportunities in Wisconsin and other areas of the country where paper manufacturing has been making it possible for workers to support their families. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (03/05/08) - The dust is settling on the March 4th presidential primaries. John McCain has now won enough delegates to become the Republican candidate in the November election, and, Mike Huckabee has bowed out of the Republican primary race graciously. On the Democrats side, the excitement and uncertainty continues. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in Rhode Island, Ohio and Texas, while Barack Obama won Vermont. But, Obama is still ahead of Hillary Clinton in delegates acquired to date, including the second place finishes in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. So the close battle between Hillary and Barack goes on. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/28/08) - State Assembly Democrats yesterday rallied in support of an amendment written by Senator Spencer Coggs to divest Wisconsin from companies doing business with Sudan’s government. The argument for the amendment to Assembly Bill 623 points out that companies such as PetroChina give Sudan’s government ready access to the funds they need to continue committing unspeakable atrocities in Darfur. The Assembly Bill seeks to modernize the investment standards of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/27/08) - The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) has released its review of the bridge inspection program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). Democratic State Senator Jim Sullivan of Wauwatosa and Republican Assembly Representative Suzanne Jeskewitz of Menomonee Falls authorized the review after conducting a public hearing on bridge safety in September 2007. Sullivan and Jeskewitz are co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC). The report indicates the condition of state-owned bridges have improved. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/22/08) - More than 1.5 million Wisconsin voters participated in Tuesday’s Presidential Preference Primary Election. That is about 37 percent of all eligible voters in the state. It is officially the largest Wisconsin presidential primary turnout in 20 years. Director of the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board indicates, even though the number of voters was so large, the primary was carried out with relatively few problems across the state. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/21/08) - The two, remaining, serious contenders for the Democratic Nominee for President of the USA, will debate tonight in a nineteenth debate of the lengthy primary campaign season. New York U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama will answer questions in a one on one debate in Austin, Texas. The event will be moderated by Campbell Brown of CNN and carried live on CNN, CNN International and CNN.com from 7 to 8:30 pm Central Time. The debate will also air in Spanish on Univision at 10:30 p.m. Central Time. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/14/08) - As the 2008 national elections approach, US Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) unveiled legislation to encourage greater participation in Presidential and Congressional elections by moving the polling date to the first weekend of November, instead of the first Tuesday of that month. The proposal, if passed, would make it possible for United States residents to vote between 9 am Saturday until 5 pm (Central Time) Sunday, giving many workers and others who can't make it to the voting place during a weekday the opportunity to vote during what may be a more opportune time. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/13/08) - Yesterday was more than just another day of primary wins for Barack Obama, in what seems to be an upset of Hillary Clinton's plan to take the presidency. The membership of the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) voted overwhelmingly in favor of lifting the restraining order and ending their 100-day strike that began on Nov. 5th last year. 3,775 writers turned out in Los Angeles and New York to cast ballots or fax in proxies, with 92.5 percent voting in favor of ending the work stoppage. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/12/08) - After a rally at the Kohl Center in Madison tonight, Democratic Presidential Primary Candidate Barack Obama is sceduled to continue campaigning in Wisconsin, leading up to the Wisconsin Primary, February 19th. Tomorrow, Senator Obama will take his Yes We Can - Change We Can Believe In message to Janesville, Waukesha and Racine, according to the Obama for President campaign. Unofficial national delegate tallies to date show Obama ahead of Hillary Clinton, 958 to 904, with Obama expected to gain more in projected primary wins today in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/12/08) - The Barack Obama for President Campaign will be launching a massive text message volunteer recruitment drive at tonight’s rally at the Kohl Center. The drive will be unprecedented in Wisconsin political history and is expected to yield thousands of volunteer hours to help the Obama campaign organize for the critical February 19th Wisconsin primary. Governor Jim Doyle says tonight's Obama event in Madison will be a chance to get involved in the Obama movement to change America. Doors at the Kohl Center will open at 6:00 PM tonight. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/11/08) - As we move closer to the February 19th Wisconsin Presidential Primary, the campaigns are starting to beef up their attention on voters in the state. Both of the Democratic frontrunner campaigns have announced movement in that direction. The Hillary Clinton campaign says they are sending Hillary's daughter Chelsea into Wisconsin today and tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 12th), while the Barack Obama campaign says Obama will make a personal appearance in Madison tomorrow night (Feb 12th). WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/09/08) - Women, children, teens and men throughout Wisconsin, and the rest of the country may soon be watching more than just reruns, pilots for shows that were in the can before the writer's strike, reality tv shows, quiz shows, contrived competitions, and the like. The presidents of the Writers Guild of America, west and east, have sent a joint letter to WGA members, that states the WGA negotiators and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have worked out a tentative deal. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/08/08) - Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District Representative Dave Obey of Wausau, and the Teaching Assistants Association (TAA-AFT Local 3220), which is the second largest local in AFT-Wisconsin and represents over 2700 teaching and project assistants at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, have declared their support for and their endorsement of the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama for the Wisconsin Presidential Primary. The TAA support vote was taken in a non-partisan caucus by an over two-thirds supermajority. The Teaching Assistants endorsement is counter to the endorsement of Senator Hillary Clinton's candidacy by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/08/08) - Senator Hillary Clinton is set to headline the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s Founders Day Gala on Saturday, February 16 in Milwaukee, according to word from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Three days before Wisconsin’s primary, Senator Clinton will join Wisconsin Democratic elected officials and Democrats from around the state for the annual event. Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers Local 212 of Milwauke broke with its parent union today to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/06/08) - A former Wisconsin Governor and the current Governor of Wisconsin have chosen sides in the battle toward the November presidential election fast approaching. U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign has announced that Tommy Thompson, former Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services, has endorsed John McCain for president. Current Governor Jim Doyle has endorsed and has been supporting Barack Obama on the Democratic side of the aisle. Doyle has announced several Obama campaign stops in Wisconsin leading up to the February 19th Wisconsin presidential primary. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/05/08) - The New York City independent film community will once again be a thriving community. Some of the city's leading independent film companies reached interim agreements with the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) and Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), enabling them to resume business immediately. Agreements have been signed with GreeneStreet Films, Killer Films, Open City Films, and This Is That Corporation. Meanwhile, as of this date, talks are still ongoing between the Guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/05/08) - Republican State Representative Steve Wieckert of Appleton is introducing legislation that will help to stimulate the Wisconsin housing industry. The bill would allow individuals who have capital assets to sell that asset and use 100 percent of the funds to purchase a primary residence, without a tax consequence at that original point of sale. Taxes would be deferred. The portion of the home sale financed by the tax deferred sale of the original capital asset, would be payable when the home is sold. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (02/01/08) - The Writers Guild of America, West and the Writers Guild of America, East have announced they have reached interim agreements with The Film Department and Intermedia. The Guilds continue to sign agreements with companies that value the essential role writers play in making films, television programs, and content for new media. Negotiations between WGA representatives and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers team is still underway again. However, there is a blackout on any news of the details of the current sessions, imposed by agreement of both parties. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/30/08) - Wisconsin State Senate Democrats unveiled their economic development plan today. The plan, Wisconsin Invests Now (WIN), focuses on investing in Wisconsin’s businesses, workers and infrastructure. Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston) said the plan’s focus on putting people to work now is critical to getting the economy going immediately. The plan is funded by closing the so-called Las Vegas Loophole, which has been called a tax scam that would save Wisconsin about 90 million dollars a year. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/22/08) - Director and producer Doug Liman is forming a new media company, Jackson Bites, which will create television-style programming for alternative distribution. He will serve as co-owner of the venture with the support of a wide range of new media and business investors. Liman also announced that the new company has entered into an agreement with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), effective immediately. The Jackson Bites company is another addition to the slowly growing number of show business production firms that Writers Guild members can now be employed by during the strike going on against most of the rest of the industry. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/22/08) - The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has concluded a tentative agreement on the terms of a new 3-year collective bargaining agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The Directors Guild agreement involves how directors would be paid for New Media distribution, which includes productions downloaded from the Internet. Writers Guild of America members are currently on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers due to negotiations breaking down over fair compensation to writers for New Media distribution of their works. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/18/08) - Governor Jim Doyle has announced steps his Administration is taking to respond to the recent news that NewPage Corp., the new owner of the former Stora Enso North America, will permanently close papermaking operations in Niagara and one of three machines in Kimberly, affecting about 440 workers. NewPage has also acquired Stora Enso mills in Wisconsin Rapids, Biron, Whiting and Stevens Point. The Central Wisconsin area locations are not included in the NewPage announcement of the loss of jobs at the former Stora Enso operations in Niagara and Kimberly. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/11/08) - The fastest-growing union is calling the combination of the United States largest mortgage lender with the largest bank when both institutions are facing mounting losses and potentially destabilizing risks bad for consumers, bad for business, and bad for America. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is cautioning against uncritical and short-sighted support for Bank of America's attempt to acquire troubled mortgage giant Countrywide Financial Corporation. An official statement from the union suggests this may not be the way to save Countrywide from bankruptcy. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/09/08) - The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families is approving the decision by a key committee of the State Senate to recommend passage of a bill that would index the state’s minimum wage to inflation. Tieing Wisconsin's minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index would create automatic raises for those workers who are paid minimum wage. This would help people, especially those with families, keep up with the constantly rising prices of health care, and at the grocery and other stores people shop at for the necessities of life. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (01/08/08) - The Writers Guild of America and legendary United Artists Films have reached a mutually beneficial independent agreement. While the details have not been disclosed in the initial announcement, the comprehensive agreement addresses the issues important to writers, including New Media. As a result of this agreement, Writers Guild members will be able to work with United Artists while the strike against other companies continues. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/26/07) - NewPage Corporation has completed the previously-announced acquisition of Stora Enso Oyj's (NYSE: SEO) North American paper manufacturing operations. The acquisition includes mills at the Central Wisconsin communities of Wisconsin Rapids, Biron, Whiting and Stevens Point. Combined, the new operating company, which will be called NewPage Corporation, will be the North American industry leader in publication, fine and specialty paper. NewPage Corporation, headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, is a leading U.S. producer of coated papers in North America. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/15/07) - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle says his Administration is taking steps to respond to the recent news that the Domtar paper mill in Port Edwards, Wisconsin will close permanently in a few months. The mill employs 500 people in Central Wisconsin. It is not yet known just how much this loss will affect the economy of the area, but it is sure to have some kind of noticeable effect. The Governor says he is committed to do what he can to ease the situation for the families who will be affected, including talking to the Domtar company to see if state assistance might keep the plant open. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/13/07) - Television fans gave studio moguls from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) an unexpected early Christmas present: more than half a million pencils. Over 200 fans and writers gathered in Johnny Carson Park in Burbank this week to transform a 20-foot long, five-foot-high wall of boxed pencils into six giant delivery baskets full of pencils. Pencils 2 Media Moguls was organized by UnitedHollywood.com. The website launched the pencil drive as a show of fan support for the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, now in its sixth week. WisconsinReport has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/13/07) - About 500 Central Wisconsin workers will be affected by the closing of the Domtar paper mill at Port Edwards, Wisconsin. Domtar announced that it will close its Port Edwards, Wisconsin mill as well as reorganize production at its Dryden, Ontario facility. An additional 125 workers will be affected by the reogranization at Ontario. These measures will result in a permanent reduction of Domtar’s annual production capacity by approximately 342,000 tons. Domtar says it will take what they have called appropriate measures to assist affected workers. WisconsinReport has more. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/6/07) - The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and Writers Guild of America negotiators are meeting again today to try to resolve differences so the striking writers can leave picket lines. Both sides are anxious to get back to work on scripts for drama, comedy and talk-variety shows that depend on comedy writers to give the star relevant humor. Negotiations took place through yesterday. The sides are interested in reaching a fair and reasonable deal for both writers and production companies so viewers in Wisconsin and the rest of the country can get back to enjoying all of their favorite shows. Click on the headline for more at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCONSINREPORT.COM (12/4/07) - The writers strike that has been going on for several weeks will soon be even more evident to television viewers in Wisconsin and around the world. More and more production companies are running out of new shows and will either go into reruns or the shows will be replaced by reality shows, which don't need writers. To try to reverse that trend, writers of such classic films as Diamonds Are Forever, and '60s TV favorites The Big Valley and The Danny Thomas Hour, are showing their support for the Writers Guild of America strike. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/17/07) - Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman says Wisconsin’s unemployment rate for October 2007 was 4.5 percent. Statistics show that is nearly unchanged from one month earlier. The October rate was one-tenth of a percentage point lower than the September rate of 4.6 percent. The national rate for October fell to 4.4 percent from 4.5 percent in September. Gassman says the start of school and changing weather influenced labor market statistics. WisconsinReport.com has more. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/13/07) - The First Annual Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit in Rhinelander brought together stakeholders from across the region to discuss new opportunities for the economy of Northern Wisconsin, and to explore new ways that the state can partner with businesses and local communities. Governor Jim Doyle announced nearly $9.7 million in economic development awards that will invest in northern Wisconsin businesses, provide opportunities to expand into new industries, and create over 470 new jobs for the region. More inside WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (11/9/07) - It looks like the UAW organization may be close to concluding contract negotiations with what has been known as the Big Three USA Automakers. After members ratified contracts with Chrysler and General Motors recently, the UAW Ford National Council has now voted to unanimously recommend ratification of the 2007 tentative agreement with Ford Motor Co. The member workers at more than 55 Ford facilities across the nation are scheduled to vote on ratification by November 12th. More details are at WisconsinReport.com. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/31/07) - The Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition (WFTC) is praising Senator John Edwards’ call to defeat the Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA) pending in Congress. Senator Edwards says the agreement does not meet his standard of putting American workers and communities first, ahead of the interests of the big multinational corporations, which he says have rigged trade policies for themselves. The organization likes the Edwards statement on the matter over that of Edwards Democratic opponent Barack Obama. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/27/07) - UAW members have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Chrysler LLC.The new contract covers approximately 45,000 active workers at Chrysler and more than 55,000 Chrysler retirees and 23,000 surviving spouses. It will expire on Sept. 14, 2011. A union spokesperson says, even though negotiating took place during a difficult time for the auto industry, the agreement secures jobs and wages and protects health care and pension benefits. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/26/07) - Barack Obama, who often is in second place behind Hillary Clinton during surveys and polls taken during this presidential primary season, is picking up more support. The 15,000 member Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have announced their support for Barack Obama. Citing Obama's commitment on health care, nurses, direct care workers, school employees, janitors, and other workers represented by the SEIU in Wisconsin, are pleased with Obama's support of S-CHIP and his commitment to expanding affordable healthcare. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/24/07) - U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) has secured $2.025 million in federal appropriations for employment and economic development programs throughout Wisconsin. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, which was passed by the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. last night. “Successful job training programs keep talented, high-skilled workers learning new skills throughout their careers,” Kohl said. The bill now moves to a House-Senate conference. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/15/07) - The UAW Chrysler Council, which includes local union leaders from Chrysler facilities throughout the United States, have voted overwhelmingly to recommend approval of the tentative agreement reached by UAW negotiators with Chrysler last Wed., Oct. 10. Should UAW members agree and ratify the pact, Ford would be the last of the big three U.S. companies that the UAW has not reached agreement with during this round of negotiations. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/11/07) - Chrysler LLC and the UAW have reached a tentative agreement on a new national labor contract, covering approximately 45,000 represented employees. Chrysler President Tom LaSorda says the terms balance the needs of employees and the company. The agreement between the UAW and Chrysler is subject to UAW member ratification. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/10/07) - Thousands of members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) walked off the job at Chrysler plants across the country. There was no immediate, official comments from Chrysler or the UAW, but, the UAW is receiving help from the Teamsters Carhaulers who say they will not cross the UAW picket lines as long as the walkout continues. Chrysler workers currently earn roughly from 26 to 28 dollars per hour. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (10/10/07) - United Auto Workers (UAW) President Ron Gettelfinger and UAW Vice President General Holiefield have announced that the UAW has reached a tentative agreement with the Chrysler Corporation. The strike against Chrysler at 11 this morning, following the expiration of an extension to the current labor agreement, has been recessed. The UAW also says the General Motors contract has been ratified by UAW workers as a final step in the squabble with GM. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (9/29/07) - The UAW GM National Council – made up of presidents and bargaining chairs from more than 80 GM facilities across the nation – has voted to unanimously recommend ratification of the 2007 tentative agreement with General Motors. Ratification votes are expected to conclude by Wednesday, Oct. 10th. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (9/27/07) - The Wisconsin chapter of Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFPF) says enacting budget increases when economic woes threaten to take a bite out of state government revenues and damage Wisconsinites prosperity is a foolhardy move. Analysis of data shows the state’s unemployment rate has become worse than the national average since last year. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (9/26/07) - General Motors and the UAW have reached a tentative agreement on a new national labor contract, covering approximately 74,000 represented employees. The agreement is subject to UAW member ratification. The union announced that workers are to return to work today (Sept. 26, 2007) at most GM facilities. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM (9/24/07) - The United Auto Workers are striking at General Motors plants nationwide, including Wisconsin operations. The UAW announced that due to the failure of General Motors to address job security and other mandatory issues of bargaining, the union set a firm strike deadline for 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 24. The two sides did not come to agreement by the deadline. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - Increasing the minimum wage to $7.25 will benefit thousands of low-wage working adults in Wisconsin. Data analyzed by the Center on Wisconsin Strategy and Economic Policy Institute show that some 255,000 workers in Wisconsin –10 percent of the workforce – stand to gain from an increase. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - The Apollo Alliance, a national network of labor unions, environmental groups, business leaders and community leaders, praised Governor Doyle’s announcement of an Office of Energy Independence and urged strong standards be developed to ensure the effort create high quality technology jobs. (read more)...
WISCREPORT.COM - Just days after Eau Claire-based Menard, Inc. announced that it was putting 800 jobs in Ohio and Iowa instead of Wisconsin because it could not get permit approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expand their distribution facilities, two more Wisconsin employers have announced major job cuts. (read more)...
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