NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
|
|
WISCONSIN LOST JOBS IN AUGUST, LABOR PARTICIPATION REMAINS HIGH
|
Wisconsin lost 1,400 jobs in the private sector during the month of August, new U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. Also according to the data, the state saw year-over-year job growth of only 0.32% the slowest year-over-year performance since July 2010.
In a press release, Governor Tony Evers' Department of Workforce Development praised the data, pointing to the state's labor force participation rate, or loosely the amount of people working in the state. That number remained unchanged at 67.2%, and 4% higher than the national average.
The state ranked 36th in job growth in 2018, but has fallen to 40th through July of this year, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.6% lower than the national average.
|
|
EVERS PUSHES 'RED FLAG LAW,' WHILE JUDGE, LAW ENFORCEMENT SKEPTICAL
|
A new bill being pushed by Governor Evers would allow for a judge to take away an individual's firearms if law enforcement or a loved one requests that they do so. The court would need to find "reasonable grounds" to believe that the person is a danger to themselves or somebody else.
Judge Steven Gibbs, a Chippewa County Circuit Court judge, said that "criminals don't apply for guns, go under background checks, they steal them." He also does not think the plan would work "on an already overworked court system," and doubts it will become law.
Oneida County Sheriff Grady Hartman told reporters last week "We already have laws on the books that can protect against someone that the family's thinking that they're going to commit a crime...they already can come here and report that and we take can take appropriate action."
Governor Tony Evers also said he is interested in mandatory "assault weapon buybacks," where individuals must bring their weapons forth the government, and will receive a stipend in return.
|
|
MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL INTRODUCED BY BIPARTISAN AUTHORS
|
A Republican from Portage County joined two Democrat lawmakers from Dane County last week to roll out the state's first bipartisan medical marijuana bill since the turn of the millennium in 2001. State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) joined Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) and Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) in introducing the bills. Testin championed all of the hemp legislation over the past two years.
Republicans responded to the bills that they are worried about creating a pathway to legalization for recreational marijuana, something that both GOP leaders in the legislature are against. On medical marijuana, Speaker Robin Vos has in the past shown an interest in the legislation, but Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who announced his candidacy last week to replace outgoing Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner, stands opposed.
The bill would create regulatory channels for medical marijuana, and would require a doctor's approval. It would also create a registry within the state's Department of Health Services, and require all retail establishments to be licensed by the state. The medical conditions that would permit medical cannabis use would be conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, AIDS/HIV, Crohn's, hepatitis C, Alzhimer's, PTSD, chronic pain, seizures, and others.
|
|
BIPARTISAN BILL WOULD CHANGE CAR SEAT LAWS
|
According to State Representative Chris Taylor, a Dane County Democrat, and Republican State Representative Ron Tusler, Wisconsin's child car seat laws are in need of some revisions.
The two representatives that have introduced a bill that would no longer allow children who are more than one year or 20 pounds to sit in a front-facing car seat. Tusler said he'll be putting his daughter in a rear-facing seat until she is at least two years old, and urges Wisconsinites to do the same.
Rep. Taylor told reporters that many deaths could be prevented if parents would only follow the advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends that children two-years-old and younger sit in rear-facing seats.
|
|
DNR PROPOSES RENAMING STATE FOREST AFTER DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR
|
The state's Department of Natural Resources is proposing changing the name of the Peshtigo River State Forest to the Governor Earl Peshtigo State Forest, named after former Democrat Governor Tony Earl.
Earl was governor from 1983 through 1986, and also served in the state legislature, as Secretary of the Department of Administration, and the DNR Secretary. The DNR's board will meet to vote on Wednesday in Mishicot.
The Peshtigo River State Forest was established by the State of Wisconsin in 2001, and has 9,200 acres of forest, 25 miles of river, and 3,200 acres of water.
|
|
WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD TO DEPLOY SOLDIERS TO MIDDLE EAST
|
About 150 soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard's 828th Engineer Company headquartered in Spooner and Ashland, will be deploying to the Middle East later this fall. The group has been deployed to Afghanistan (2013-2014) and twice to Iraq (2003-2004, 2009-2010).
The group of soldiers will work as a construction unit and support a battalion of engineers from the State of Indiana.
There are currently around 400 soldiers in the 2nd Battalion in Afghanistan, and earlier this month the Wisconsin National Guard announced that soldiers would be deploying to Ukraineto act as a headquarters element "overseeing a group of training teams from several countries stationed in western Ukraine."
|
|
GOV. EVERS TO ORDER SPECIAL ELECTION IN 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
|
Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he will order a special election to fill the 7th Congressional District vacancy created by the resignation of U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.). The election will occur on January 27, 2020. A primary, if required, will occur on December 30, 2019.
The governor has received notification from Mr. Duffy stating that Mr. Duffy will resign the office of U.S. Representative, effective Monday, September 23, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. EST.
"Our rural communities have been directly affected by unproductive trade wars, political attacks on healthcare and public education, and economic uncertainty because of the volatility we're seeing in Washington, D.C.," said Gov. Evers. "The people of Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District deserve to have a voice in Congress, which is why I am calling for a special election to occur quickly to ensure the people of the 7th Congressional District have representation as soon as possible. I thank Rep. Duffy for his service and wish him and his family all the best."
|
|
WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
|
|
Were you surprised to learn that less than half of Wisconsin's K-12 students are proficient in reading and math?
|
|
After Walker took over he slashed money from schools, hence the dumbing down of students. Evidently school choice isn't living up too the task either!!
Not surprised for Wisconsin, nor across the US, where education is not valued like it is in other countries.
As a retired educator - I see too much emphasis on technology and not enough time for the basics in elementary schools. AND the tendency to jump on every new method that comes down the pike helping some new college "professor" to get their PHD. The lack of discipline in the schools- teachers trying to teach without the needed authority for their position and the deterioration of the family structure. The tax structure that encourages the breakup of the traditional family.
Too much money is being spent on pretty schools and sports. We need more classroom teachers and smaller class sizes.
Since Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha are obviously included I am not surprised. Milwaukee especially has always under-performed.
School funding was drastically cut 10 years ago and we are seeing the results. Focus was put on cutting teachers and compensation for teachers rather than money wasted elsewhere. If the investment isn't being made in the people doing the educating don't expect to see results.
Evers stinks
Have family in our school system right now, all are excelling. work with twentysomethings and do find a disturbing lack of reading and math skills, Basic skills. Motivation, parental and personal seems to be the deciding factor.
I thought our schools were better than that! Wasting money!
Bet they can put a condom on a banana as well as tell you 46 different genders. Education has become a farce. Get back to basics
Combine certain political thought that says divest in everything...like education because we don't want to spend tax dollars on other peoples kids...just look at what Scotty Walker did in his tenure leading up to his failed Presidential bid. Combine that with a fairly large immigrant community that does not have access to publicly funded private charters and other private institutions. These people are in the public schools and in general will have lower scores becuase they don't have the family background to help them in an all English language environment.
The education department of this State is failing in educating our students in these arears, only teach liberal ideas to our students
computers are dumbing down everyone
Teachers are spending more time parenting...not teaching.
There seems to be a trend to make every student a winner. In our local school district,80% of the students are on the honor rolls. I believe that we need to challenge our students more,not make them all winners! Too much emphasis on extra curricular's.
When are we going to find a way to hold both parents and teachers accountable for student performance. We need to allow students to be held back if they do not learn the material.
We are not getting any results although more is being spent....but what does that matter, less than half the voters in Wisconsin are probably proficient in math so they will not realize the extra going to education is not helping the students. And if we carry the same results to the voting age population as far as reading proficiency, they will believe everything the liberal news coming out of the cities tell them, no wonder Wisconsin leans BLUE! Keep the voters uneducated and feed them the narrative that gets the democrats elected, brilliant plan!
Uh, I've met these kids. Our education system is taking too much OUT of the system and pushing too much other stuff. Let's get our kids literate, because once they can read, they can learn anything.
Modern math is a mistake
When politics take over, this is what happens, leave no child behind, no teacher accountability by not requiring testing, virtual school here we come
We are spending more money to try to educate less students. throwing tons of money at schools doesn't do much,does it.
Computers, smaller classes, more aids more money , new buildings. Where is the pay back?
I've employed a couple kids in or right out of high school and am.just appalled at their lack of math skills. Completely without any concepts of numbers or money.
This shows a problem in rural and urban areas. We need to get kids away from computers and cell phones and back to enjoying a good book. This shows a long term failing that has increased over several years.
Thats why Evers got out1
What do we expect, American students test scores compared to the rest of the world have been plummeting since the 70's when PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS took over Wisconsin's and the country's schools, taking almost all decision making power away from the local board. How can you expect our education system to prepare our children to prosper in the REAL world, when the educators have never been there? Academia only.
Our grandchilldren are readers and are made fun of for reading when the rest are fooling around. If you can't read you are probably going to be a poor math student.
|
|
Were you surprised to learn that the number of bureaucratic positions within the UW System grew during the same time period that nearly 500 faculty teaching positions were cut?
|
|
I wasn't surprised because of course. Everything is awful.
BLOATED bureaucracy!
Another top-heavy institution. The "increased regulations" is a terrible excuse. Read "The Peter Principle" by Dr. Lawrence Peters.
Administrative Bloat at its finest.
UW needs good house cleaning.
spending has to keep their liberal friends employed
It would be interesting what these "bureaucratic positions" were. Maybe WPT should provide some clarity instead of fueling at times irrational anti-tax sentiment. There might be a reason....how about finding it out instead of getting people all riled up. Might be too hard though eh?
Thats why our UW system is failing, instead of providing faculty that teach and do research
lack of teachers helps to dumb down Wisconsin
That is the problem with this country in all areas. Take away teachers and give to bureaucrats.
Our schools are not being responsible with our tax dollars!
We should force a ratio of teachers to adminstrators rule.
This is the way big gov't creates jobs, by making more regulations, thus making the need for more paper pushers.
Nope. UW System is turning into a money guzzling disaster. Too much money wrapped up in big admin salaries and the like, wasteful spending, wasteful buildings, waste waste waste waste! SAME ISSUE IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS... Oh wait Evers is governor, nm, I must be wrong, even after working in the public schools...
So many questions... Maybe less students are majoring in Medieval French Literature, but revenues can't be that bad. UW Madison had a record number of new freshman starting this fall. They are acting just like any bureaucracy. Add process and reduce actionable function.
Increase teachers and pay them more! Eliminate half the administrative positions and you'd save money and eliminate waste! Easy
No I was not, just figures!!!
liberal government is always top heavy
They have administrators for ridiculous programs that shouldn't exist!
UW is the largest bureau in WI
This is such a loaded question. We should be asking WHY the shift and WHAT are the outcomes? Perhaps the universities have fewer students? Perhaps they have larger budgets requiring more oversight and administrtion? Perhaps there are more researchers and more grants to manage? The question calls them bureaucratic positions, but it’s really just more management.
I would like to see more of our University Extension teaching positions restored and less bureaucrats.
Does this actually mean anything?
Blame it on Evers1
Education Professionals have no REAL world experience! How many PHD's does it take screw in a light bulb or screw up a university?
|
|
Governor Evers is creating a task force on "retirement security" In Wisconsin. After reading the article...
|
|
How could this be a bad idea? Educating people on retirement is a good thing.
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. Young people don't think about retirement until it's too late.
Not sure this is a state government matter
Task Force = spending money determining WHAT we should spend money on...and the recommendations will be painfully obvious...
You create a task force when you don't want to do anything.
My grandchildren deserve more creative ways to save for their retirement such as being able to put some of their social security money into an account earmarked for only them!! This has been too long coming.
We sure don't need this.
How can we be prepared if we don't prepare as a society. Nice that people with big paychecks can get by on their own, but as a whole society...finding out the problems and helping to solve them is part of what gov't is for.
I question some of his thoughts and is a way of government more control over our every day lives
Down size entitlements and take away from immigration funds and there will be money for the people who deserve it and have worked for it.
It should be common sense to save for one's own retirement.
I would love to be able to get in on the public unions retirement plan, where can I sign up?
I really think that this falls into the hands of private people, but too many people waste all their money and then retire penniless. OR they never earn enough to be able to have enough to put away for retirement. And that is a reality for MANY business owners right now.
This will result in nothing.
Gov't. can't fix a pothole. What makes them think they can fix retirement security. Waste of Money!!!
There are already plenty of resources available.
Is he thinking about only the government employees?
Retirement security is a choice just as a new snowmobile, pick up or concert tickets Education in schools on personal finance is the solution
That is not the job of government,but Evers thinks government will solve all problems.He's nuts!
Another task force,another expense with no return
Everyone should be responsible and save for retirement. However, that’s not the reality. It’s ridiculous we need a task force to review this but if we don’t understand and address the issue now, it’s only going to grow. And in 30 years when I’m ready to retire, your generation will have used up Social Security and my savings will be used to bail out my peers.
I think it is a good idea to see what most people are relying on for their retirements. Giving even more in retirement benefits to government employees is not going to help the general population.
Everyone has access to Roth or Traditional IRAs. They just need the discipline to save and not spend.
Bad, just put all seniors in with the state employee plan, they paid for it anyhow, and they have money.
People don't save because the figure the gov't will take care of them. The people that do take responsibility for their retirement end up paying for everybody else.
|
|
A GOP lawmaker has introduced a bill to designate part of Wisconsin Highway 28 as the '9/11 Memorial Highway.' What are your thoughts?
|
|
Looks like he has too much time on his hands.
Not needed.
Tastes like political grandstanding from here...is a chunk of road with special designation going to help those who lost in this tradgedy?y
$ ?
So we can spend yet more money on signs? More signs = more clutter and confusion. We already have to many signs on streets and too many "memorial " highways.
In a way its a waste of money.
Only Eastern Wisconsinites should memorilize 9/11?
I am a VET but question money should be spent on improving our roads
Drama, how can anyone forget that day. No need for a memorial.
It is a good idea to not forget, but some of these bills are just a "gimmick" to a certain extent.
Oh for the love of god. Move on.
Political.
how does this change the lives of victims of 911 lets move on with things that fix the future not dwell on the past
WHY
If private citizens care about this, let them raise funds and implement on their own. This is a complete waste of money.
Why highway 28?
Why Hwy 28? It doesn't go anyplace important. Maybe Hwy 45??
|
|
A bipartisan group of lawmakers will begin a pilot program (initially only in Milwaukee) that would implement automated traffic enforcement. After reading the article...
|
|
I know people freak out about traffic cameras, but too bad. Stop running red lights and you'll be fine.
Here in Verona, it's a oddity to see someone stop for a stop sign. Too many cars speed on West 18/151 through the construction zone and the police set up speed signs on back roads. I did see a person on a bike stop once! Yesterday, a man was killed in Madison when he ran a red light. sign. The speeding cars on west 18/151 through the construction zone is incrediable 18/151
I've experienced them in Chicago and have learned, from others and through personal experience, that they are unreliable. Tickets are regularly issued for non-violations.
Take crae of real crime first. Milwaukee has huge problems that need to be solved yesterday.
Being removed in other cities. privately operated, revenue generating scam. Help safety?? I think not..the non registered, non licensed, "borrowed vehicle" operators will not be penalized by this.
Need something.
Bad idea. Traffic cameras have no training. police used to be trained to identify a speeder and then verify with radar or laser. So who is going to see the vehicle that actually is speeding. A radar does not discriminate one vehicle from another it only sees the largest radar return. Hello big brother
About time.. you listen to the news and all you hear is about accidents.
If it improves public saftey great...though still don't like the thought of those cameras
I see things at stop lights. I do not think people what a stop light or sign mean, it no wonder more people are killed
Only If that helps police officers have more time to fight serious crimes?
all kinds of tools should be used to help keep people obeying our traffic laws. the laws are meant to keep everyone safe.
This is too easy to manipulate for revenue enhancement like they do in Chicago.
There are so many times in the past several years, I have seen down right just rude people driving, with no regard for anyone but themselves. This may help, I would hope.
I love the idea of folks being nailed for stuff by automated systems. Go get 'em!
It's existance will make people act less stupid.
Nanny state
More government watching!!
driving habits are bad lets give law enforcement a helping hand
BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING!
Why not
Traffic on city streets in Milwaukee can be very dangerous. Let the lawmakers try this to cut down on the dangers of driving in Milwaukee.
I don't like the police state as it is, but photographic, accurate, and non-judgmental enforcement may be an improvement.
I thought the courts sail this was illegal because you coudn't prove who was the driver.
|
|
By clicking the link, you acknowledge that it is the policy of WPT, Inc. to publish all comments that are submitted by members each week, often including broad differences of opinion within the weekly responses. Our organization values our role in fostering dialogue within our membership, but does not take responsibility for the individual views and opinions expressed herein.
|
|
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW OR VETOED
|
|
LRB-4325
Memo
Dennis Burns (Miller, Mark) Honoring the life and public service of Dennis Burns. Deadline: Thursday, September 26, 5 pm
LRB-0196
Memo
Physician Assistants (Bernier, Kathy) Regulation of physician assistants, creating a Physician Assistant Examining Board, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. Deadline: Friday, October 4
LRB-1661
Memo
Student Loan Payment Pilot (Tusler, Ron) A Public Defender Board student loan payment pilot program, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and making an appropriation. Deadline: Friday, September 20, 3:30 pm
LRB-3875
Memo
Prosecutor Board (Tusler, Ron) Creation of a prosecutor board and a state prosecutors office and making an appropriation. Deadline: Friday, September 20, 3:30 pm
LRB-4131
Memo
Public Defender Board (Tusler, Ron) Public Defender Board regulation. Deadline: Friday, September 20, 3:30 pm
LRB-2124
Memo
Circuit Courts (Tusler, Ron) Adding 12 circuit court branches to be allocated by the director of state courts. Deadline: Friday, September 20, 3:30 pm
LRB-3432
Memo
Cancer Trial Reimbursement (Kulp, Bob) Allowing reimbursement of certain expenses for patients participating in cancer clinical trials. Deadline: Thursday, September 26, 5 pm
LRB-4372
Memo
Cancer Trial Reimbursement (Kooyenga, Dale) Allowing reimbursement of certain expenses for patients participating in cancer clinical trials. Deadline: Thursday, September 26, 5 pm
LRB-2608
Memo
Riparian Rights (Stafsholt, Rob) The presumption of riparian rights on navigable waters. Deadline: Friday, September 27
LRB-0200
Memo
Child Restraints (Tusler, Ron) Use of child safety restraint systems in motor vehicles and providing a penalty. Deadline: Tuesday, October 1, Noon
LRB-2698
Memo
Tribal Women Task Force (Stuck, Amanda) Creating a task force on missing and murdered tribal women and girls and making an appropriation. Deadline: Wednesday, October 2, 5 pm
LRB-0740
Memo
PTSD Claims (Jacque, Andre) Claims for compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder by police officers and fire fighters under the worker's compensation law. Deadline: Friday, October 4, 5 pm
LRB-3637
Memo
Caregiver Designation (Testin, Patrick) Requiring hospitals to allow designation of a caregiver. Deadline: Friday, October 11
LRB-4383
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Sargent, Melissa) Extreme risk protection temporary restraining orders and injunctions and providing a penalty.
LRB-0302
Memo
DA Payment (Miller, Mark) Allocation and payment of district attorneys. Deadline: Friday, October 4
LRB-1624
Memo
Medication Requests (Pope, Sondy) Permitting certain individuals to make requests for medication for the purpose of ending their lives and providing a penalty. Deadline: Thursday, October 3
LRB-1055
Memo
Medical Cannabis (Erpenbach, Jon) Medical cannabis, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. Deadline: Monday, September 30, 5 pm
LRB-3780
Memo
Driver License Waiver (Petrowski, Jerry) Commercial driver license waiver for certain operation of commercial motor vehicles by farmers. Deadline: Friday, October 4, 5pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
