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 PAGE THREE - WisconsinReport.com - April 7, 2004
STORIES IN THE April 7, 2004 ISSUE

Gov. Doyle signs bill honoring
Wisconsin Military Service Members

MADISON (April 7, 2004) - At a bill signing ceremony at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum today, Governor Jim Doyle signed into law three bills that honor the service and sacrifice of Wisconsin military service members. The Governor also signed a bill to improve the state's ability to respond to and manage public health and terrorism-related emergencies.

"Our men and women in uniform have earned the greatest respect and admiration, and deserve the best services and benefits that we can offer," Governor Doyle said. "Today, I am proud to build on our commitment to those who serve in our nation's Armed Forces by signing three bills that further honor their service and sacrifice."

Current law exempts income from the state income tax for members of the Armed Forces and Reserves who are serving in a combat zone outside the United States. The Governor also signed Assembly Bill 155, which extends that exemption to all Reserve members who are called up to active duty, regardless of whether they are serving in a combat zone.

"Under this bill, reservists who are called up for active federal service or special state service, like a homeland security assignment, would receive this exemption, ensuring that all soldiers who serve their country receive the same tax benefit," Governor Doyle said, thanking the bill's lead authors - Representative Terry Musser and Senators Dale Schultz, Julie Lassa, and Bob Wirch.

The Governor also signed legislation to increase the number of vehicles that may display a special Wisconsin National Guard Member license plate to include motor homes and farm trucks. Senate Bill 420 also enables the Department of Transportation to better serve Guard members who want their service recognized on their license plates by making a number of improvements to the vehicle titling process. The bill's authors are Senator Joe Leibham, and Representatives John Ainsworth, Mark Miller, Joe Plouff, and Bob Turner.

The Governor signed Assembly Bill 869, which exempts eligible veterans who served honorably in a designated war period from nonresident tuition at any University of Wisconsin System School - if they are residents of the state for veterans' benefits purposes. The benefit begins in the 2004 spring semester.

Governor Doyle recognized the bill's lead authors - Representatives Mark Pettis and Bob Turner.

Finally, Governor Doyle signed legislation that will improve the state's ability to effectively respond to and manage public health and terrorism-related emergencies.

Among other provisions, Senate Bill 120 mandates that all emergency response agencies are trained in and use the Incident Command System, a system designed to manage the roles, responsibilities, and operations of all agencies involved in an emergency response. The bill also establishes a statewide system for mutual aid for emergency management programs, EMS programs, fire departments, and local health departments.

"Advance planning, communication, and coordination are essential components of an effective emergency preparedness system," Governor Doyle said. "This bill will ensure that we have the tools necessary to respond quickly and effectively to any emergencies in Wisconsin."

SB 120 represents the work of the Legislative Council Special Committee on the Public Health System's Response to Terrorism and Public Health Emergencies. It also creates an advisory Public Health Council at the Department of Health and Family Services, and requires the state to reimburse local public health departments for the costs of quarantining a person outside of their home during a public health emergency.

The Governor thanked Senators Judy Robson and Ron Brown for working closely with DHFS Secretary Helene Nelson to get this bill passed and to his desk.
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