Fifty Three to Fifty Six

Update on 53rd Assembly Candidates

2008-02-11T20:32:00.001-08:00

As of 2/10/08, candidates for the open 53rd Assembly seat vacated by Rep Owens include the following:

Cecil A Streeter (R)
Mike Hatch (R)
James M. Chitwood (R)
Dick Spanbauer (R)

The Fond du Lac Reporter is reporting that the lone Democratic Candidate Timothy Blake is stepping out of the race.

We previously included information on Cecil Streeter here, and on Mike Hatch here. Cecil Streeter now has his campaign website up: http://www.streeterforassembly.com/.

James Chitwood:

UW Oshkosh Dean of Students
chitwood@uwosh.edu
jimchitwood@charter.net
(920) 235-2441
5024 County Road R, Oshkosh, WI
Has served as Asst District Governor for Southwest Rotary in Oshkosh
BA and MS from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in sociology education and counseling respectively. (source)
Received his PhD from the University of Northern Colorado in College Student Personnel Administration. (source)
Former UW Oshkosh Resident Life Director, and 2007 winner of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International’s Parthenon Society Award.

Picture of Chitwood from http://www.uwosh.edu/news/?p=315

According to the Oshkosh Northwestern, "Chitwood served three terms on the school board from 1989 to 1998. He is a member of the Black Wolf town planning and zoning committee, a board member of the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center, Inc. and a member of the Oshkosh Southwest Rotary Club."

Dick Spanbauer is a 2-time challenger to Carol Owens, and has served for many years as the chairman and board supervisor of the Town of Algoma. Dick is likely the leading contender at this point.

Realtor-Agent with The Premier Group
3040 Sheldon Drive, Oshkosh
rspanbauer@townofalgoma.org
233-2656
has been a contributing member to the Winnebago Lakes Council
was endorsed by the Winnebago County Labor Council in 2006

Surprisingly, very little is readily available on-line regarding Spanbauer's positions. We'll see in the future if we can't track down some candidate surveys or similar information.

According to Democrat and Winnebago County Board Supervisor Mike Norton, Spanbauer "has a great deal of local government experience who understands the impact of what Madison does has on county, city, and town government. He also been a member of a local union in the past and understands what both what the farmer and working person has to go through to make a living and better life for themselves and their families."

According to the Fond du Lac Reporter: "Spanbauer supports bringing out-of-state businesses to Wisconsin, making health care coverage more available and affordable for small businesses, farm families and low-income families, protecting the citizen's right to bear arms and pro-life issues and family values."

picture of Spanbauer from here.

53rd Assembly Candidates

2008-01-25T20:27:00.000-08:00

The following are reported candidates vying for the open 53rd assembly seat:

A. Tim Blake (D), 1416 Valley Road in the town of Algoma.

According to the Appleton Post Crescent: "Blake said that if elected, he would fight against higher taxes and the placement of sex offenders in places where children congregate. He said he would seek to bring higher paying manufacturing jobs to the district."

Tim has a website from his town of Algoma Board campaigns: http://voteblake2007.com/default.aspx. According to the site:

I’ve been a member of the Town Board since 2003... I’ve been a member of the Town’s Parks Committee since 2005 and a member of the Oakwood School Safety Committee since 2006. I’m married and have three children (Michael (12), Christian (9), and Quintin (6)). My wife Katie and I enjoy raising our family in the Town of Algoma. We are members of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church. I’m employed as a Production Supervisor (North Plant) at Oshkosh Truck Corporation. Prior to my promotion, I was an Assembler and member of the UAW Local 578. I have attended both Fox Valley Technical College (Supervisory Management) and Lakeland College (Business Administration). My beliefs have been shaped by personal experiences as a Christian, a working person at Oshkosh Truck, and as a father and husband.

Eye on Oshkosh has the following about Blake:

"the Town of Algoma may take legal action to try preventing the Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education from establishing new boundaries for the district. Town supervisors are apparently upset that the town was not included in the planning team’s decision-making processes regarding any potential boundary changes and that town of Algoma residents are affected as it is within the OASD. One town supervisor, Tim Blake, was actually quoted in the article as saying, “It shocks me that the town of Algoma was never invited to any meetings that other municipalities were. To me, that’s appalling because it affects our community.”

picture from Blake's website

B. Cecil A Streeter (R), 1000 Alpine Court, Oshkosh, WI 54901

We included information on his campaign on Nov 11, 2007 here.

According to the Oshkosh Northwestern: "He said that if elected he would want to focus on unequal spending in Madison because he think Madison and Milwaukee get a disproportionate amount of the state's resources. "

C. Mike Hatch (R), Town of Empire

Mike has a website here: http://mike_hatch.tripod.com/

According to this site: Mike Hatch, the author, is an engineer and computer scientist who has past experience in defense industries including radioactive materials handling equipment for nuclear weapons and military aircraft production. Today, Mike teaches computer science and computer-based business logistics at the University of Wisconsin. His novels are packed with authentic cutting-edge computer, weapons and communications technology presented in a reader-friendly manner.

picture from US Rep Petri's website

Here is another Bio and interview of Mike.

Mike was also a "Gore Detector" back in 2000.

picture from UW Madison college of engineering news piece

Recent Assembly Happenings Jan 25, 2008

2008-01-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

Rep Hintz wants Public Defenders to be more accessible to low-income individuals. According to Hintz's release: The legislation would update the SPD’s financial eligibility criteria to be the same as that of the W2 program (except the SPD criteria limits the asset exclusion for a home to $30,000, and takes the cost to hire an attorney into account). Under the new eligibility requirements, the SPD would be able to provide legal representation in about 15,400 additional cases per year. Additionally, the new requirements would ultimately eliminate the liability for counties to provide counsel to people who do not qualify for SPD representation.

Rep Kaufert wants mandatory breathalyzers attached to your ignition for all repeat drunk driving violators. They would need to breath into it before being able to start the car and randomly while driving.

As many other sources have already told you, Rep Carol Owens is stepping down after 16 years of government service. You can read her release here. Rep Owens, like Rep Roth, would not respond to questions from this site, because she would only provide feedback to constituents in her district and we may or may not have had an address in her region. Hopefully the next official in the 53rd will be more open to disclosing their opinions and positions. Good luck in retirement Carol. This local site linked here didn't care much for Owens.

The Oshkosh Northwestern interviewed Rep Hintz and State Sen Roessler on their response to Doyle's state of the state address. The entire interview can be found here. Really not much is said, but here is one statement from each:

Hintz, when asked if anything was left out of Doyle's address: "..one thing that was missing was campaign finance reform. We seem to be closer to getting our governor’s attention when he called for a special session and we certainly still have time this year to act. I’m a little bit disappointed that we haven’t heard anything about campaign finance reform. It’s just because to me one of the biggest issues that needs to be addressed in Wisconsin. I think the support is there from the public."

Roessler, when asked about Doyle's Health Care proposal: "my first comment is that it puts a further nail in the coffin of the Senate Democrats Healthy Wisconsin proposal. The governor continues to not support that proposal. What he did talk about is that the public cares about disclosure, how much they are paying for and they want to see those costs and who is performing the service. They want to be more in charge of it, consumer driven. The governor is now talking about the involvement of consumers and again, the Democrat majority simply want to pour more money in it and raise the money and then have a board determine what the benefit plans are going to be. A board of absolute generalists and no one from the medical community and on and on.A government operated health care system and government run system is costing $15 billion in taxes on our workers and employers is not the way to go. Now, the first that I heard of BadgerChoice is tonight. It is all about the cost. I agree with the governor that it is all about the health care cost. He said something there that it is the cost. He is the saying the same thing that we republicans have said for months when we came up with Healthy Wisconsin that it is about the cost. I do not know really the particulars about this plan. This is the first that I heard of it tonight."

The "Labor Chicks" are back to life, with early endorsements of any Democrat that will run. According to the site, they would support "Any Democrat who will do a good job in the 53rd Assembly district. All you have to do is be able to stay awake during Assembly sessions and you will be doing better than the incumbent. " Oddly naive - this blind Dem support at any cost leads one to endorse Chuck Chvala over Bob Lafollete. Not everyone has to like Bob.

Rep Roth and friends have introduced a bill that would require the Legislative Fiscal Bureau to prepare report to be released to the public for 48 hours before the Joint Committee on Finance, the Assembly, or the Senate can approve a budget bill. The report will bring to light all earmarks, including the cost, location, beneficiary, and requesting representative or senator. Their press release can be found here.

Rep Kaufert sponsored a resolution paying tribute to former state assembly rep and WW2 decorated veteran Richard Steffens, who passed away Jan. 2.

Roth Deploying to Iraq

2008-01-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

According to the Appleton Post Crescent, 56th Assembly Rep Republican Roger Roth of Grand Chute will be deploying to Iraq later this month with the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Rep Roth plans to hold his seat while gone, having all business run by his staff. While Roth's press release indicated he could be back as soon as March, we have seen deployments of far longer periods.

This site wishes Rep Roth the best and hopes for a safe and quick return for Rep Roth and the entire 115th.

For a video of Rep Roth and additional biographical information, go to WisEye.

Hintz, Performing, and Booze

2008-01-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

Rep Hintz performed with the Oshkosh Chamber Singers and several other public figures in Oshkosh during their recent Christmas event. The local on-line community and west coast groupies are wondering: was it the revival of air guitar?

As noted in June, Rep Hintz introduced a bill, AB584, that would exempt restaurants where alcoholic beverages are 50 percent or less of gross receipts from counting under the state's liquor license quota. The bill was co-sponsored by State Sen Roessler. According to analysis by the LRB:
Current law prohibits a person from selling alcohol beverages at retail unless the seller possesses a license or permit authorizing the sale. A "Class B" license authorizes the retail sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption on the licensed premises and, depending on the type of intoxicating liquor and whether a municipal ordinance has been adopted, may also authorize the retail sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption off the licensed premises, subject to certain limitations.
Current law imposes a quota on the number of "Class B" licenses that a municipality may issue. This quota is generally determined by a formula based on the number of licenses previously issued by the municipality and the municipality's population. Current law provides quota exceptions for a full-service restaurant that has a seating capacity of 300 or more persons and for a hotel that has 50 or more rooms and has a restaurant or banquet room meeting certain criteria.
Current law also provides a quota exception for certain opera houses and theaters, but a "Class B" license issued under this exception authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor only for consumption on the premises and only in connection with ticketed performances.

This bill modifies the quota exception for full-service restaurants. The bill provides a quota exception for full-service restaurants regardless of seating capacity, but creates a definition of "full-service restaurant" that limits the exception to establishments where meals are prepared, served, and sold for consumption on the premises and in which the sale of alcohol beverages accounts for 50 percent or less of the establishment's gross receipts.
In addition, a "Class B" license issued under this exception authorizes the sale of intoxicating liquor only for consumption on the premises. The bill prohibits a person holding a "Class B" license, other than one issued under this exception, from surrendering that license and applying for a new license under this exception.

Additional information:

Opposition: According to director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin Peter Madland in a Milwaukee JS story: "Historically we've always been opposed to anything that creates more licenses," he said. "Obviously, the more licenses there are, the more it decreases the value of existing licenses."

Support: Oshkosh North Western: Liquor license barriers must come down: Anybody with a decent business plan, investment cash and the guts to open a full-service restaurant with fewer than 300 seats has to get in line and wait for one to be relinquished. Here, the city's 131 "Combination" liquor licenses are typically spoken for – it's been this way for years. Rarely, one frees up.

State Beverage and Alcohol Laws

State Alcohol Beverage Laws for Retailers

Hintz & Roessler in Forum

2007-12-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

According to TalktoTony.Blog, the following event is scheduled for 2/11/08 at 6:30pm at UW Oshkosh:

What Ever Happened to Good Government in Wisconsin? How Can We FIX it?

Monday, February 11, 2008 6:30–8:00PM

Room 227C – Reeve Memorial Union – UW Oshkosh

1748 Algoma Blvd - Oshkosh, WI

Panelists:
State Senator Carol Roessler – (R-Oshkosh)
State Representative Gordon Hintz – (D-Oshkosh)
Professor James Simmons – UW Oshkosh Political Science Dept
Professor Tony Palmeri – UW Oshkosh Communication Dept / Oshkosh Common Council
Kathy Propp – League of Women Voters of Wisconsin
Jay Heck – Executive Director of Common Cause in Wisconsin

Moderator: Alex Hummel – Editorial Page Editor of The Oshkosh Northwestern

SPONSORS: COMMON CAUSE IN WISCONSIN, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF OSHKOSH AREA, UW-OSHKOSH POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT, AARP, WISCONSIN ALLIANCE OF RETIRED AMERICANS, AND THE UW-OSHKOSH POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

For more information: http://www.commoncause.org/wi or call Scott Colson (608) 256-2686

Hintz on Budget

2007-12-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

From Hintz's website:on October 23, 2007:

Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) issued the following statement following tonight’s passage of the 2007-2009 State Biennial Budget by the Wisconsin State Assembly:

“The Republican Leadership decided that the best way to compromise was to borrow, use one-time funding, and accounting gimmicks to fund ongoing programs. There are important programs in this budget that deserve state support, but these programs require reliable revenue sources.”

“The current Legislature has dug a hole for the next budget by returning to Thompson-era style budgeting I campaigned against. It is no longer acceptable to vote for irresponsible budgets that fund expanding programs with one-time and potentially declining revenue.”

“I worked hard to make sure this budget includes funding for the UW-System and the first phase of the Growth Agenda, a six-year plan that will be meaningless if we can’t sustain our state’s commitment in future budgets. Starting the next budget with an estimated $892 million structural deficit in an uncertain economy makes the challenge that much harder.”

“I am hopeful state government can identify savings in this biennium that can be used to reduce our future debt.”

The 2007-2009 budget includes a $25,000 aquatic invasive species grant to treat weeds in Miller’s Bay as well as a $25,000 grant for neighborhood improvement, both which utilized existing state program funding.

“While the state continues to turn its back on cities like Oshkosh with no increase in shared revenue and unreasonable attacks on local control, I felt it was important to find other ways to secure funding for these important projects for Oshkosh.” ###

Gordon, the criticism of the Republican leadership speaks in generalities. Although you may be right, it would be more interesting to know what specific proposals you opposed and why. After all, you were only 1 of a few Dems who opposed the final budget, despite it including these things you state you fought for. Unfortunately, if you did provide this type of in-depth look into your positions and reasoning, you'd probably be the only state rep doing it.

Kaufert and School Start Dates

2007-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

According to an AP story on 11/30/07, freshman Republican Jim Ott of Mequon wants to remove the 2000 law that prevents schools from beginning before September 1.

The move to eliminate this law is supported by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards as well as, according to Ott, many school superintendents.

According to the article:

If Ott wants a hearing on the bill, he will get one, said Tourism Committee Chairman Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah. But Kaufert said he didn't expect the idea to get much support.
"I don't hear an outcry from people," he said. "I
thought this was pretty much behind us."

The original bill in 2000 strikes me as a "Big Gov in Madison excessively sticking its control hand into local communities" law. What makes one think that a rep in Madison from, say, Neenah, knows what is best for a local community education system in Milwaukee or Bayfield when it comes to a start date for the school year.

I would hope that communities would be able to work together to determine what works best to facilitate a healthy economy while serving the educational needs of the children. It seems that the current law does not allow this to happen. If so, then the proposal to allow communities and school districts to determine what serves them best would seem to make the most sense.

Following Budget Success, Give'em a Raise

2007-11-27T18:23:00.000-08:00

According to a piece in the Milwaukee JS by Steven Walters, the Joint Committee on Employment Relations unanimously approved pay raises for state legislators and other state officials, including:
The 6.3% pay raise for legislators will take their salaries from $47,413 to $50,438. The $88 tax-free daily expense stipend that most legislators get when in the Capitol would not be increased; legislators from Dane County would still get a $44 per diem.

The article also reported the following pay increases:
Under the changes, the governor elected in November 2010 will see his or her salary rise from $137,092 to at least $147,313, a 7.4% raise. The next governor's base salary will probably be higher, because cost-of-living raises for non-union workers expected to be approved two years from now also usually go to all elected state officials.

Four other constitutional officers - attorney general, lieutentant governor, secretary of state and treasurer - would also get 7.4% raises, starting when their new terms begin in January 2011. The attorney general is now paid $137,092; lieutenant governor, $72,394; and both secretary of state and treasurer, $65,079.

The superintendent of public instruction who is elected to a new four-year term in April 2009 will be paid $122,516. That will be 11.7% more than the $109,587 now paid Superintendent of Public Instruction ElizabethBurmaster.

Throw a Pie at Hintz

2007-11-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

If you are available Wednesday, November 28, you can pay a few bucks to throw a pie in Gordon Hintz's face. Event is at Fratellos in Oshkosh, between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Proceeds go to the Oshkosh United Way. Rumor has it Rep Hintz will be dressed as Kry Tuff, his air guitar alter ego.

Rep Roth won't be present, but the Milwaukee JS did throw a pie at his immigration proposal, calling it " Just Counterproductive" while a letter in the Capital Times stated the following:

What the legislators (Rep Roth and State Sen. Glenn Grothman ) are truly attempting is to fuse the notions of "immigrant" and "dangerous criminal." Their campaign is based on deception and confusion, which only promotes fear, division and confrontation within our own communities.

Hintz and Mayor Tower at BGC

2007-11-23T11:00:00.001-08:00

A side story that is great - public leaders engaging local youth. From the Oshkosh Northwestern:

Getting children involved in making decisions is just one of the goals of the town hall style meetings that are being held at the Boys & Girls Club as part of the leadership program designed by Teen Center Director Ben Perkovich.

"The goal is to get people to think about rules, why we have laws and government," Hintz said. "The earlier that you can stress the importance of involvement of any kind, the better."

Perkovich hopes to bring in local leaders, historians or business leaders about once every three months to talk to the children about their backgrounds, what they do and how they got there. But the town hall style meetings aren't just about the kids listening to the speakers, Perkovich said he hoped the children become involved and ask questions, allowing the speakers to"rap with the kids."

Hintz was the second person to speak to the group. Oshkosh Mayor Frank Tower kicked off the meetings when he spoke earlier in the week.

Another positive is Rep Roth participating in a program with the Harbor House. Agreed, Rep Roth, that anytime you are able to learn about the important things affecting the lives of your constituents, it is a positive.

Kaufert and State Budget Process

2007-11-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

This column from Rep Kaufert appeared in Appleton PC on 11/23/07. This first half of the column is at best simple partisan ragging and ineffective negative rhetoric, which does little to promote dialogue or discussion amongst anyone not already deep within the camp.

The second half of the column includes recommendations on improving the state's troubled budget process. Many of the proposals are intriguing, and some are common sense - such as prohibiting political contributions during the budget process.

According to Kaufert:

"...I'll be exploring these proposals and concepts in the future for possible legislation:

Pay and per diems would be withheld from legislators until a permanent budget is passed.

All other legislative bills and proposals will be frozen until a budget resolution is passed. No bills will be allowed to be drafted, passed or have a public hearing.

Pass language that takes non-fiscal policy out of the budget.

Hold steady timelines requiring state agencies to submit their budgets by Sept. 15 of the prior year and that the governor must introduce his budget on the last Tuesday of January.

Explore the possibility of moving the state's fiscal year end date back by one month to Aug. 1 in odd years.

Adopt Assembly Bill 61/Senate Bill 25, which bans state elected officials from accepting political contributions during the budget process."

A response letter in the Oshkosh Northwestern questioned Kaufert's integrity and support of the measures he is offering here:

I read with great interest, Representative Dean Kaufert's laundry list of proposals to reform the budget process. What I would like to know is where these reforms were the last seventeen years that Dean has been in the Assembly?

This is not the first time the budget process has broken down while Rep. Kaufert has been in the Assembly. In fact it happened twice, in 1997 and 1999. It wasn't until the fall of those years that the legislature finally approved a budget. Where were these reforms then? Or, where were they just a few years hence when Rep. Kaufert co-chaired the powerful Joint Finance Committee and wielded enormous influence in the budget-writing process?

It's easy to stand on the sidelines, knowing your influence has waned, and armchair quarterback problems like the budget process. Rep. Kaufert knows his reforms will go nowhere. He can "champion" reform and pose for holy pictures, knowing full well he can score political points without changing the system that worked so well for him when he has been in power. I guess for Rep. Kaufert he can have his cake and eat it, too.

James Reiland, Menasha

The Appleton Post Crescent endorsed much of what Kaufert said here.

Early Assembly Challengers

2007-11-21T19:26:00.001-08:00

Challenging Rep Owens:

Office: Assembly District 53

Name: Cecil Arthur Streeter

Party: Republican

Address: 1000 Alpine Court, Oshkosh, WI 54901

Phone: 920-233-2717

E-Mail: cecil@streeterfamily.com

Occupation: Retired High School Guidance Counselor

Notes: Serves on City of Oshkosh Traffic Advisory Board, Member Oshkosh Southwest Rotary

Committee Information:

Name: Streeter for Assembly

Address: 1000 Alpine Court, Oshkosh, WI 54901

Phone: 920-233-2717

Treasurer: Cecil Arthur Streeter

Challenging Rep Kaufert:

Office: Assembly District 55

Name: Mark Westphal

Party: Democrat

Address: 945 Hunt Ave., Neenah, WI 54956

Phone: 920-727-4781

E-Mail: sswes@earthlink.net

Occupation: Industrial Electrician

Notes: President Fox Valley Labor Council, serves on Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, United Way Board and Winnebago County W-2 Steering Committee

Committee Information:

Name: Westphal for Assembly

Address: 945 Hunt Ave., Neenah, WI 54956

Phone: 920-727-4781

Website: http://markwestphal.org/

Treasurer: Donald Winter

Roth, Owens, and Illegal Aliens

2007-11-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

Reps Roth and Owens are sponsors of AB569, legislation intended to seemingly protect the local policies that have been adopted in communities across the state in an effort to gain political clout by pushing the hot-button issue of immigration. This is an example of when elected politicians ignore significant issues within the state and the departments they "rule" over, and instead attempt to create the illusion that there is an issue regarding a controversial topic that will potentially provide them with political gains.

According the the LRB:

This bill prohibits a city, village, town, or county (political subdivision) from enacting or enforcing an ordinance, resolution, or policy that prohibits an employee of that political subdivision from inquiring about the immigration status of an individual who is seeking or receiving public services provided by that political subdivision and from notifying the federal government of the presence of illegal aliens in the political subdivision.

The bill also authorizes an elector of a political subdivision to file a writ of mandamus with the circuit court to require compliance with the requirements created by the bill if the elector is aggrieved by the failure of the political subdivision to comply with the requirements.

The Cable Bill Update

2007-11-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

According to the Legislative Spotlight:

"A proposal to establish a statewide video franchise, 2007 Assembly Bill 207, was introduced in the Assembly on March 22. The proposal would repeal state laws allowing municipalities to grant cable franchises and require cable companies to obtain a franchise through the state Department of Financial Institutions. After extensive debate, the Assembly adopted Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 to AB-207. The Assembly passed the amended version of AB-207 on May 9, by a vote of 66-28. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities and Rail, which recommended concurrence.

The companion bill is 2007 Senate Bill 107. On October 31, the Joint Committee on Finance recommended passage by a vote of 13-1. The Senate passed an amended version of the bill on November 8 by a vote of 23-9 and sent it back to the Assembly for their consideration."

Back in April, we posted current commentary from vested parties, much of which contained some degree of concern - see here. It isn't difficult to find opposition now either, including:

From the WI St Journal on 10/31/07: "The 2,200-member Milwaukee local of the Communications Workers of America last month voted to oppose AB 207, even though its parent union supports it. "If we're going to pass a bill here in Wisconsin, why not pass a good bill?" said George Walls, president of CWA Local 4603 in Milwaukee. Walls said his local could support the bill if it includes significant penalties for companies that don't provide service in all parts of a community and don't quickly provide services after the bill is passed. He also said the bill should include a provision for the state franchise to expire after a period of years, rather than be granted forever."

From the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign on 11/9/07: The state Senate passed AT&T's cable TV bill late yesterday. Assuming the Assembly agrees to the few noncontroversial amendments the Senate tacked on and the governor signs it into law as expected, this legislation will say a lot about who owns cable television in Wisconsin and what the terms of ownership will be. But it says much more about who owns our state government. The Democracy Campaign just released an analysis showing that special interest backers of the cable bill gave senators who voted for it 12 times more in campaign contributions than they gave the senators who voted against it. AT&T alone gave 28 times more in campaign donations to senators who voted to approve the legislation. (this information was emailed from the WDC, but the site link above includes more detailed info)

From the Wisconsin State Journal on 11/8/07: "opponents decried the bill, saying it would virtually eliminate regulation of television providers, do nothing to spur competition in most parts of the state and reduce consumer protections and customer service requirements. "This bill does nothing good for Wisconsin, " said Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma. The Senate rejected Vinehout 's amendment that would have replaced AB 207 with a similar bill that passed in Illinois that she said is better for consumers while still promoting competition. She said the Wisconsin bill eliminates local governments ' ability to protect consumers while failing to give the state money to investigate complaints. The bill adds satellite telecommunications companies to existing state consumer regulations."

According to Mayor of Madison Dave C on 11/9/07: "This proposal eliminates funding for public access programming, awards perpetual video franchises with minimal review, hampers the ability of local communities to control their rights of way, and provides no meaningful consumer protection or regulatory oversight."

According to Mayor of Milwaukee Tom B on 11/9/07: "the video franchising bill that passed the State Senate last night undermines the protection the City currently has for Milwaukee consumers and taxpayers."

According to the Capital Times on 11/8/07: "Critics, including Laitman (Cynthia Laitman, the co-founder of the statewide chapter of TeleTruth), charge the AT&T-backed bill would dissolve consumer protections, threaten the viability of public access stations and allow telecommunications providers to serve only dense and wealthy parts of the state. The bill has been heavily lobbied by AT&T, whose stable of lobbyists included for a short time Joe Wineke, the state chairman of the Democratic Party."

According to the Capital Times on 11/10/07: "As a former Dane County district attorney and Wisconsin attorney general, Gov. Jim Doyle knows that it is wrong for legislators who have accepted campaign contributions from special-interest donors to allow lobbyists associated with those donors to craft legislation. Yet, that is precisely how the cable television re-regulation bill that has now reached his desk came to be. As such, Doyle should not hesitate to veto this corrupt legislation. And the legislators who wrote it and are backing it have taken money from donors linked to the corporations that will benefit most from this atrocious restructuring of the process to favor the industry that is supposed to be regulated rather than the consumers it is supposed to serve. If enacted, the quality of cable service in Wisconsin will decline. Cable bills will go up. Rural areas and inner cities will be denied access to technological advances. The digital divide will grow wider. And corporations will know that if they spread campaign money and lobbying influence around in the right way, they can game the system in Wisconsin."

From to Capital Times on 10/31/07: "Backed by AT&T as part of a move to consolidate control over communications in Wisconsin, the legislation -- Senate Bill 107 -- was written in consultation with industry interests with the purpose of undermining consumer protections, threatening public access channels, eliminating the ability of communities to establish basic standards for cable service, and decreasing the likelihood that new communications technologies will be offered to communities throughout the state. The supposed regulations in this bill are riddled with loopholes that are designed to allow communications conglomerates to deny quality service to low-income and rural areas of Wisconsin."

From the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities on 10/29/07: "The bill would do significant damage to local government and public access to local government activities, while doing nothing to accomplish the goals of video competition and lower video rates that we all share."

In addition, according to state records, the following organizations and groups have registered in opposition of the bill: AFSCME Council 11, Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, Citizens Utility Board, City of Madison and Milwaukee, Dane County Cities & Villages Association, League of Wisconsin Municipalities, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Inc, Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Alliance of Cities Inc, Wisconsin Association of Public, Educational and Government Access Channels, Inc., Wisconsin Association of School Boards Inc, Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials, Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, Wisconsin Council for Administrators of Special Services, Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Farmers Union, Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG), Wisconsin Towns Association.

Conclusion: The notion that this bill must be passed immediately is an illusion. Fast tracking this bill is bucking the responsibility of ensuring that the best decisions are being made. The opposition to the current bill is too great from too many important components of Wisconsin society to push through the flawed legislation.

Library Vids and Public Defenders

2007-11-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Library Videos: Senate Bill 214, which allows police officials to access library videos, passed the Senate and Assembly recently. Rep Kaufert was applauding. The bill language is quite strong, "requiring" libraries to turn over records upon police request. Living in a sharply divided political climate in the state that produced J Mac, I hope this bill doesn't become dangerous down the road if, say, republican is the new C word and videos are demanded to see if in fact it was the Reagan Diaries I was reading.

Public Defenders: Rep Hintz issued a press release on a proposed bill calling for adjusted standards for low income individuals to qualify for a state public defender instead of having them work with county officials. The press release is here. The ONW did a related story on the cost of court appointed attorneys.

Hintz, UW, and Responsibility Wishes

2007-11-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Rep Hintz was interviewed by the Badger Herald regarding UW funding in the latest budget. According to Hintz:

"...I just wish we were more responsible with the funding.”

Gordon, I imagine you're not alone.

Photo by Kate Brenner of the Badger Herald, Monday, November 5, 2007 article Hintz: Students must get political

Back to Work

2007-11-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

This site, like our state legislature, is ending a long period of doing nothing and getting back to it.

We now have a budget: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/debf/execbudget.asp?locid=3

I have received requests to include the State Senate here as well - and will for election season. Oshkosh Common Council candidate Jessica King may be announcing her candidacy against State Sen Carol Roessler (18th Dist). We'll follow up more with this as the campaign season heats up.

Senate Dems have ousted their leader Judy Robson and replaced her with Russ Decker.

There has been much discussion lately on the AT&T bill - see an old post here: http://winassem.blogspot.com/search?q=AT%26T. If time permits, i'll assemble new commentary based on the changes that have been implemented and offered. I strongly hope this is not something that is rushed.

Rep Hintz offered some ideas regarding budget negotiations that were endorsed by the ONW. Included are the following proposals:
1. Anyone seeking state office and has filed the appropriate papers with the Elections Board may not fundraise during the budget-writing process.
2. Compel the attendance of budget conference committee members as outlined in AB551.
3. Withhold legislator pay after August 1 if a budget has not passed.

Kaufert and Doyle in SB 122

2007-08-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Doyle signed into SB 122 on Aug 8. According to the LRB:

Under current law, generally, all property purchased or constructed as a waste treatment facility and used to treat industrial wastes or air contaminants is exempt from property taxes.

Under this bill, all property purchased or constructed as a waste treatment facility and used exclusively and directly to remove, store, or cause a physical or chemical change in industrial waste or air contaminants is exempt from property taxes.

According to Gov Doyle's release:

Governor Jim Doyle today signed Senate Bill 122, which will protect property taxpayers by updating a tax exemption for waste treatment plants and pollution abatement equipment. This bill, which clarifies the current statutory exemption, returns $34 million of property value to the 2007 tax assessment rolls, preventing an undue property tax burden on homeowners

Doyle also thanked Senators Dave Hansen, Robert Cowles as well as Representatives Jim Soletski and Dean Kaufert for their work on SB 122

SB 122 was strongly supported by the WI Counties Association, who stated on their website:

SB 122 relates to property tax exemptions and, in particular, attempts toaddress the huge loophole created by the Newark Decision. SB 122, if signed into law, will fix a loophole in the property tax exemption for waste treatment facilities by specifically defining waste treatment facilities as used "exclusively and directly" for removing, storing or causing change in industrial waste or air contaminants.

SB 122 was also supported by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. According to WASB:

Under Senate Bill 122, as amended, only property purchased or constructed as a waste treatment facility and "used exclusively and directly" to remove, store or cause physical or chemical change in industrial waste or air contaminants would be exempt. It also specifies that "industrial waste" has no monetary or market value, except as specified in the definition of "used exclusively," and that industrial waste would otherwise be considered as superfluous, discarded, or fugitive material. The bill, as much as possible, restores the original intent of the 1953 law and allows those treatment facilities that have been receiving the tax exemption properly for 50 years to continue to do so.

On May 8, Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce issues an opposition statement to SB122. According to WMC:

We are, however, concerned about the impact legislative responses to the Newark could have on existing applications of the exemption. We believe SB122 goes beyond the authors stated intent of returning to a pre-Newark understanding of 70.11(21). In other words, the bill goes beyond repealing Newark and threatens the exemption for companies that used it prior to the decision.

Gov Doyle's release

SB 122

WCA statement

WASB statement

WMC statement

Kaufert and Assembly Budget

2007-07-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Milwaukee JS covered the republican led assembly budget proposal. According to the piece,

At least one Republican - Rep. Dean Kaufert of Neenah - said he is not sure if he can support the Assembly budget. Kaufert said he was disturbed that both Republicans and Democrats crafted their budgets behind closed doors and "loaded" them with pork and policy items that should be dealt with separately.
"The no-tax-increase budget is a laudable goal, but if you're not going to be upright and upfront and you're going to utilize accounting gimmicks to get there, I don't know if that's what my constituents want me to support," he said.

Read the piece here.

Even the crazies are questioning him for his position.

Hintz on Petri

2007-07-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

The local Democrat entourage showed up in a New York Times piece on the upcoming Petri race. According to the piece:

Hintz even attempted to invert one of the credentials that has given Petri cross-party appeal, his willingness on occasion to break with the Republican line. Hintz argued that Petri, despite his seniority, has long been overlooked for leadership positions in his party. “He’s out of touch with Republicans,” Hintz contended. “He’s a 1979 Republican. He comes from an era where parties worked together more.”

Hintz also offered that a Petri retirement can’t be ruled out, saying, “Anyone that has been a career politician as long as he has, you hear rumors.”

Read the article here.

Hintz and Booze

2007-06-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

Rep Hintz is sponsoring a bill that would exempt restaurants where alcoholic beverages are 50 percent or less of gross receipts from counting under the state's liquor license quota.

According to Hintz:

"It empowers local government to determine if they want to grant a license. This returns something to that local level,"

The Northwestern Editorial page also said the following:

"Hooray to State Sen. Carol Roessler, R-Oshkosh, state Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, and a refreshingly bipartisan chorus of state legislators backing a welcome change to state liquor-license law."

Hintz, Hintz and Hintz

2007-06-13T06:33:00.000-07:00

- Hintz press release on his series of budget forums dated 6/12/07

- Hintz press release on his "Economic Development Exemption to State-Imposed Limit on Liquor Licenses" dated 6/12/07

- Tony Palmeri's analysis and comparison of Hintz and Underheim dated 6/5/07

Owens, Roth on Employee Discrimination

2007-06-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Reps Owens and Roth are sponsors of AB 30. According to the LRB:

This bill specifies that it is not employment discrimination because of conviction record for an educational agency to refuse to employ or to terminate from employment an individual who has been convicted of a felony and who has not been pardoned for that felony, whether or not the circumstances of the felony substantially relate to the circumstances of the particular job.

On May 16, the assembly passed AB 30 with all four Winnebago Assembly Reps voting in favor.

This bill joins a list of recent proposals from the Assembly that seek to weaken the protections of ex-felons. While is some cases the results of this bill may be reasonably effective, note that these employers are already legally able to deny employment if the crime is at all related to the employment position.

The issue with the continual assault on common societal protections for ex-felons is that we create an ever-increasingly difficult atmosphere for an ex-felon to succeed in. To the extreme, we create a class of individuals who are long-term reliant on taxpayer-funded social welfare programs and who are more likely to re-offend. Of greater significance, we suggest that our corrections system is entirely inadequate of addressing the needed protections of society while assisting their service population in becoming safe and productive members of society.

Of course it is always unfavorable to oppose legislation that negatively impacts an un-liked population. In addition, it is unlikely that AB30 by itself would cause negative effects in many cases.

UW Oshkosh instructor, author, and convict criminology expert Stephen Richards has impressive credentials that likely exceed most of those in the state Assembly (See Here). He also is an ex-con who spent 4 years in prison. Yet he is doing some of the most impressive and innovative work in Wisconsin (Listen to his interview with UW Oshkosh instructor Tony Palmeri). While we want to ensure that our society is safe and protected, we also want to make sure that we strive to harness the positive potential of everyone. We want to ensure that an ex-felon who is committed to following the law, who works hard, and who positively contributes to society will be welcomed and supported. We also want to make sure that when our lawmakers are discussing emotionally and politically driven topics as with AB30, they are consulting with knowledgeable people like Steven Richards.

To Hintz From Nass On UW

2007-06-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Letter Issued on May 16, 2007 to Rep Hintz and Rep Jeffrey Smith from Rep Steve Nass regarding UW System Financial Aid Staff and Conflicts of Interest:

Dear Representatives Hintz and Smith:

I am writing in response to your request for a public hearing of the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee on the potential conflicts of interest in the relationships between student loan companies and UW System financial aid staff. As you both know, the scandalous actions of some student financial aid administrators has brought national attention to this serious issue and appropriate reactions from authorities in several states and the federal government.

On May 11, 2007, the UW System Board of Regents took timely action by mandating the development of an ethics code dealing with the activities of financial aid officials within the System. While Wisconsin Ethics Law requires the UW System to already have such an ethics code in place, it is appropriate that UW System President Kevin Reilly and his staff be given reasonable time to develop a draft ethics code for financial aid staff.

I have decided that the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee will hold a public hearing on this issue in mid-July. At the July hearing, I will request the representatives of the UW System, the Wisconsin Technical College System and private higher education institutions testify on their actions to clean-up the situation in this state. The July public hearing will focus on specific steps being taken by these institutions of higher education.

I am not interested in pomp and circumstance from the leaders of higher education in this state. If the testimony from these leaders is not satisfactory, I assure you that our committee will move promptly on legislation to protect the interests of students from unsavory practices between colleges/universities and private student loan companies.

Additionally, I will require the leaders of higher education to specifically address if the questionable activities already identified at various Wisconsin institutions violated either existing campus policies or state law. Our response to this issue shouldn’t only be about going forward with reforms. It must also be about holding individual administrators accountable for past actions. A concept that is particularly foreign within higher education.

Sincerely,

Steve Nass, Chairman
Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee

Kaufert and School Safety

2007-06-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

Press Release from Rep Kaufert dated 5/15/07:

KAUFERT SUPPORTS SCHOOL SAFETY INITIATIVE

MADISON….. State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) urged his colleagues on the Joint Finance Committee today to consider loosening the state’s spending cap on public schools for enhanced safety measures in the state budget.

“It’s a different world out there these days,” said Kaufert. “We use to assume our kids were safe when we dropped them off at school.”

Kaufert’s proposal would allow school boards to exceed the state spending cap by $25 per student to help support expenses related to school safety in Wisconsin high schools.

“It’s a relatively small adjustment but it sends a clear message that safety is a priority and we want schools to make the investment,” said Kaufert.

Republican Party and Emergency Contraception

2007-06-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

The website Playground Politics has a piece on the Emergency Contraception issue, calling it the Death Knell for the Republican Majority. The legislation has been moved to the Judiciary and Ethics Committee, which is chaired by Rep Mark Gundrum (Republican - West Salem) According to the piece:

"If the Republicans refuse to move it out of committee and bring it to the floor, you can be assured that the Democrats will attempt a pulling motion at some point. There will be a roll call vote on this bill. The Democrats will need 50 votes on the first try - just a simple majority - to pull the bill to the floor for a vote."

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, "(Representative Mark) Gundrum told the Wisconsin State Journal he would not hold a hearing on the bill."

Local Winnebago County website Babblemur also covered the issue, stating that "Gundrum must be in a pretty safe district to exercise such “compassionate conservatism” for rape victims."

Analysis - See previous posts ONE and TWO on this issue.

AB377 is important legislation that serves the interests of victims of rape. This bill guarantees the rape victim access to important information on how to legally, safely, and effectively prevent the possibility of an unplanned and unwanted conception. This is a needed guarantee, and we commend Representatives Kaufert and Hintz for co-sponsoring this legislation.

Candidate Time

2007-06-07T10:23:00.001-07:00

It is almost the season when the politically-minded, the wealthy businessmen, the socially disgruntled, and the principled idealists begin considering a run for state office.

A few requirements to challenge for a State Assembly Representative seat:

- Representative to the Assembly is elected in the Fall General Election and serves a 2-year term starting the first Monday of January. Candidates must be a resident for one year within the state and a qualified elector* of the district at the time of taking office.

- Qualified elector is defined in s.6.02, Stats., as a U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, who has resided in the election district for at least 10 days before any election at which he or she offers to vote (and who is not disqualified by virtue of one or more of the impediments described in s.6.03, Stats.).

- No person may hold any state or local elected office in Wisconsin if the person has been convicted of a felony in any court in the United States unless the person has been pardoned of the conviction. No person may have his/her name placed on the ballot for any state or local elected office in Wisconsin if the person has been convicted of a felony in any court in the United States unless the person has been pardoned of the conviction. (Article XIII, Section 3 (2), (3), Wis. Constitution)

For information on the requirements for registering and running a state assembly campaign, visit the following website on the Wisconsin State Elections Board Website: http://elections.state.wi.us/subcategory.asp?linksubcatid=423&linkcatid=527&linkid=295&locid=47

In addition, check out these fine resources:

- The Legislative Process in Wisconsin

- The Wisconsin Blue Book

- Resources for Legislators

- How to Become and Effective Legislator

- A Guide for Legislative Leaders

- Legislative Spotlight from the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau

Gov Accountability Board Nominations

2007-06-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

- The Honorable Michael W. Brennan of Marshfield, former Clark County Circuit Court Judge

- Chief Judge Thomas Cane of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals – District III, of Wausau

- The Honorable David G. Deininger of Monroe, former Wisconsin Court of Appeals – District IV
Judge

- The Honorable William Eich of Madison, former Chief Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals – District IV

- The Honorable James Mohr of Eagle River, former Vilas County Circuit Court Judge

- The Honorable Gerald C. Nichol of Madison, former Dane County Circuit Court Judge

www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/June07/june6/0606govaccountability.pdf

Kaufert and Tax Loophole (Newark)

2007-06-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Press Release on 5/30 from the Wheeler Report:

BILL TO CLOSE NEWARK LOOPHOLE ADVANCES THROUGH COMMITTEE - Court Decision Threatens to Shift Millions of Taxes to Homeowners

(Madison)—A bi-partisan bill aimed at closing a tax loophole that could shift millions of dollars in property taxes to homeowners received unanimous support today from the Legislature’s Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions. The bill, sponsored by State Senators Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) and State Rep Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah), is designed to reverse a controversial Tax Appeals Commission ruling that has already forced homeowners and small businesses to pick up over $34 million in extra property taxes throughout the state, with many millions more possibly on the way.

“I am thankful to the members of the committee for their support, but we must continue to fight to get this bill to the Governor’s desk as soon as possible,” said Cowles. “The longer we wait, the more taxes will be shifted to our homeowners and small businesses.”

A 2004 decision by the Tax Appeals Commission, upheld on appeal at circuit court, extended the property tax exemption for treatment plant and pollution abatement equipment to property of a paper board manufacturing facility in Milwaukee owned by the New Jersey-based Newark Group, Inc. The ruling was loose interpretation of a 1953 statute designed to reduce air and water pollution from manufacturing sources.

The decision has become known as the Newark decision. “This bill has now received unanimous, bi-partisan support from both committees that have acted on it and Wisconsin homeowners need to know that leaders of both parties are committed to closing this outrageous loophole,” said Hansen. “It is my hope that leadership on both sides can avoid the temptation to play politicswith this bill so we can get this to the Governor’s desk as soon as possible.”

Exemptions based on the Newark decision have been granted to paper makers, wood product manufacturers, oil and grease shops and even a cheese maker. Over $34 million in manufacturing property has been removed from the tax rolls because of Newark-based appeals of property tax assessments. It is expected that the effects of the exemption may spread much further unless the loophole is closed. Up to $1.8 billion in manufacturing property value may become exempt from property taxes because of the court ruling. This would cause a massive property tax shift to homeowners and small businesses.

"We need to keep this moving through the legislative process to send a clear signal to municipalities that the Legislature is going to resolve this problem," said Kaufert. "We have a good bill here and there is no reason to delay action any longer."

The legislation now needs approval from the Joint Committee on Finance, before being voted on for final approval by the Senate and Assembly.

Hintz and Shared Revenue

2007-06-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Rep. Hintz to hold Budget Forum on Shared Revenue

OSHKOSH– Representative Gordon Hintz will be hosting a forum to discuss the 2007-2009 State Budget’s impact on city and county government focusing on the shared revenue program. This is the fifth of six forums being held on the five largest general fund programs in the biennial budget. (The forum is scheduled for June 4, 6:30-8:30PM at Oshkosh City Hall-Room 406.)

The forum will be open to the public. City of Oshkosh and Winnebago County officials have been invited. Questions and discussion are encouraged. People with questions or comments about the hearings are encouraged to contact the office of Representative Hintz toll-free at 888-534-0054 or via e-mail at rep.hintz@legis.state.wi.us.

The final budget forum will be June 11 from 6:30-8:30PM at the Oshkosh Public Library and will focus on Corrections. .

Kaufert and Emergency Contraception

2007-05-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Although none of the 4 representatives seem too interested in publicly sharing their positions with non-main stream media and none of them provided their position on Emergency Contraception when asked (see a previous post which was followed by email request), Dean Kaufert is now listed as a co-sponsor of the Assembly Bill, as is Gordon Hintz.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal on 5/27:

Three Assembly Republican have signed on as co-sponsors and two key anti-abortion groups are officially neutral on the legislation -- a factor that led to the wide margin of support in the Senate.

"This is going to put more pressure on the Assembly leadership now that there's at least three Republicans supporting it," said Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, one of the GOP co-sponsors. "It's different from the whole abortion discussion because we're talking about rape."

Hintz and Tax Levies

2007-05-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

A proposal in the legislature would raise the maximum local tax levies to 4% from 2%. The proposal is supported by most local officials but opposed by many businesses, developers / realitors, and Republican officials.

According to the Oshkosh Northwestern:

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, opposes levy caps, but said a 4 percent cap would at least give local governments more flexibility.

"I have been critical about the state imposing arbitrary limits in the past. The state instead of imposing itself on local government should look at how they've under-funded shared revenues and the mandates they've put on local government," Hintz said.

Owens on Budget

2007-05-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Rep Carol Owens, Sen Carol Roessler, and other state officials recently participated in a Fond du Lac County meeting discussing the state budget and state issues.

According to the Fond du Lac Reporter:
While an increase in the cigarette tax received mostly favorable reviews from legislators at the county meeting, taxes on hospitals and oil drew grumbles.

State Sen. Carol Roessler, R-Oshkosh, and Olsen agreed the hospital tax would only hurt hospitals and patients. "It's a sick tax," Roessler said. "The sick people are going to pay for it."

Officials also aren't pleased with a tax on oil companies. Doyle has said oil companies would be prohibited from passing the expense on to consumers. Roessler said she doesn't believe the governor's claims.

A tax on big oil would only hurt Wisconsin, Roessler said. If an oil shortage occurred, providers wouldn't sell to Wisconsin. Instead, they would sell to other states that don't have taxes.

Due to the proposed taxes, legislators have a rocky road ahead of them, said State Rep. Carol Owens, R-Oshkosh. "It's not going to be pretty," she said. "That's what I see through my fuzzy, fuzzy crystal ball."

Kaufert and Autism Coverage

2007-05-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dean Kaufert is one a two Republicans to co-sponsor a bill to require insurance companies to cover children with autism.

According to a Capital Times article on 5/15/07, "most insurance companies do not cover treatment for autism because they classify autism as an emotional disorder rather than a neurological medical condition".

The main advocate for the bill is the Wisconsin Early Autism Project - http://www.wiautism.com/.

Kaufert and Lake Winnebago system

2007-05-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

Press Release from Dean Kaufert on MAY 14, 2007:

MADISON….. State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) is urging the Department of Natural Resources to take immediate action to protect the Lake Winnebago system and Fox River fisheries from the deadly viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus discovered in Little Lake Butte des Morts.

“I’m glad the DNR closed down the Menasha lock to try and contain this. But until we get a handle on how widespread the virus is we need to have greater diligence,” said Kaufert. “These lakes are world-class fisheries and we need to do everything in our power to protect them.”

Kaufert is asking Governor Doyle to create a task force to consider short-term options while the severity of the virus is studied as well as review long-term plans to open all the Fox River locks to the mouth of the river in Green Bay.

“This virus adds a new dilemma to the decision to open all the Fox River locks,” said Kaufert. “If it can truly wipe-out a fishery as suspected, it would be devastating to our ecosystem and the tourism industry in which sport fishing supports.”

Kaufert, Chairman of the Assembly Tourism committee, is considering holding an informational hearing on this issue. Sport fishing is a $2.3 billion industry in Wisconsin.

Rep Kaufert at desk pic from Milwaukee JS by Michael Speers.

Assembly and Emergency Contraception

2007-05-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, the State Senate passed a resolution (SB129) that would require hospitals to provide information about and access to emergency contraception for rape victims. The bill passed 27-6, including support from Sen Ellis and Sen Roessler.

According to the Women's Alliance for Women's Health, "Emergency contraception (EC) is an FDA approved form of contraception that is also known as the “morning after pill.” It is an extremely time sensitive drug that works for up to 120 hours, but is most effective if used within the first 12 to 24 hours
following unprotected sex, birth control failure or sexual assault. EC does not affect an existing pregnancy, and should not be confused with the “abortion pill,” also known as RU486. "

For a detailed review of emergency contraception, read this report from staff at Princeton.

According to Planned Parenthood Wisconsin, "A 2006 study found that 66% of Wisconsin emergency rooms fail to provide access to EC to rape victims."

The only group to lobby against EC was Pro-Life Wisconsin. According to director Peggy Hamill, “The Wisconsin Senate has shamefully ignored the fate of embryonic children by forcing Wisconsin hospitals to dispense a known abortion-causing drug to vulnerable women. In so doing, they have trampled upon the conscience rights of hospitals in blatant disregard of our federal and state constitutions which guarantee freedom of religious expression and liberty of conscience.”

I will send the following questions to our 4 Assembly Representatives to assist them in distributing their public opinions, support, and/or opposition to this.

Dear Representative,

Please answer the following questions regarding the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims bill.

1. What are the positive points of the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims bill?

2. What are the negative points of the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims bill?

3. Without access to EC, what other avenues for support and assistance do you believe are available to rape victims that adequately address the situation?

4. Do you support a proposal similar to SB129? Why or Why not?

Wisconsin Eye now Open

2007-05-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Eye, the C-Span type coverage of state politics, has now officially launched its coverage of Wisconsin state assembly and senate sessions and committee meetings.

You can access live video of sessions, and you can access archived video of past sessions.

Visit http://www.wiseye.org/.

This is a great step in the state of Wisconsin to increasing government accountability, openness, and accessibility.

Congratulations to the recent UW Oshkosh grad working on the Wisconsin Eye Team.

Hintz holds budget forum in Oshkosh

2007-05-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

Gordon Hintz held a forum on the state education budget Monday night. The Oshkosh Area School District is depending on the state budget to pass before it passes its own 2007-08 budget later this year.

Hintz on Budget and UW System

2007-05-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

AT reporter Jessica Koehler covered a recent budget session by Gordon Hintz at UW Oshkosh on 4/30/07. You can read the entire story from 5/3 here. Coverage of Hintz included the following:

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, said the open forum was meant to show the public where the state’s dollars have gone in the past, what the current budget proposal is for 2007-09, and how those changes affect students and faculty at UW-Oshkosh. “I’ve largely believed that we ask people to participate in elections, but rarely are decisions being made as they are affecting us,” Hintz said. “My goal is to put everybody in the decision-making seat.”

Hintz said the UW System is one of the top five general-purpose revenue programs funded by the states budget, but due to declining state support, students and staff at UW-Oshkosh have been negatively affected over the past few years. Hintz showed that during the 1992-93 school year, the state spent 11.1 percent of the budget on the University of Wisconsin. In 2006-07, the state spent only 8.0 percent of the budget on the UW System. Since 1991, tuition prices for the UW System, excluding UW-Madison, have gone up almost $3,000, and during the 2006-07 school year, students were paying more than half of their tuition on their own.

However, Hintz added that the budget proposal for 2007-09 includes additional funding for UW-Oshkosh for the first time several years. Hintz said the new budget proposal addresses the problems the campus and the city are facing. One goal of the proposal is called the UW-Oshkosh Growth Initiative, which allocates $2.6 million to raise the number of graduates in higher demanding programs at the university, such as biology, microbiology, medical technology, psychology and business.

Hintz said the initiative should aid in planning the budget and help the university to adapt to the way Wisconsin has evolved.“We’ve never been good at making long-term budget plans at the state level,” Hintz said. “Our revenue and tax system is built for an outdated economy. We’re moving toward a service economy. The global economy will require more graduates with bachelor degrees to keep up with the high-skilled jobs.”

Another goal of the UW-Oshkosh Growth Initiative is to increase the number of students on campus by 480 by the end of 2009, to help increase the number of adults with college degrees in Wisconsin. Hintz explained that Oshkosh would have to increase its annual degree production by 36.1 percent by 2025 to match some of the best-performing schools in the country. “Wisconsin lags in bachelor degree holders and that’s something that these budget proposals are aimed at,” Hintz said. “This is something we need to put in our goals of what higher education should provide. The state needs higher education to play a bigger role in increasing the skills of our citizens.”

Kaufert and Roth to hold Budget Listening Session

2007-05-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

Press Release From Rep Dean Kaufert:

May 7, 2007

For further information, contact:

Michael Ellis (608) 266-0718
Dean Kaufert (608) 266-5719
Roger Roth (608) 266-7500
Steve Wieckert (608) 266-3070

19th Senate District Legislators to Host Budget Listening Session

Madison... State Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) along with Representatives Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah), Roger Roth (R-Grand Chute ) and Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) today announced a State Budget Listening Session that will be held Thursday, May 10, 2007 at the Town of Menasha Town Hall from 6 pm to 8 pm. The listening session will allow local citizens the ability to directly address local legislators on the state budget.

“Citizen participation is vital to our form of government and this listening session will provide an excellent chance for people to offer their opinions and have questions answered about specific issues in the budget,” said Roth.

“It is important to schedule events like this in the district and do it in the evening because not everyone can make it to Madison, and it is often difficult to get away from work during the day,” said Kaufert.

The Joint Finance Committee recently finished a number of public hearings around the state and began voting on the $60 billion biennial budget last week. Legislative Fiscal Bureau Director, Bob Lang or a representative from his office will also be in attendance to give a brief overview of the biennial budget and to answer any fiscal questions that arise during the session.

“I hope this listening session will further my understanding of the priorities that Fox Valley residents see as the most important in this budget,” Wieckert said.

“This budget is critical for the State of Wisconsin and it is important to know how this budget is going to affect the residents of the 19th Senate District,” Ellis said.
State Budget Listening Session

May 10, 2007

Town of Menasha Town Hall
2000 Municipal Dr.
Neenah, WI 54956

6 pm to 8 pm

Confirmed Participants: Senator Mike Ellis, Rep. Steve Wieckert, Rep. Roger Roth, Rep. Dean Kaufert and Bob Lang or an analyst from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau

Rep. Kaufert and library record law

2007-04-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

From a Press Release on WisPolitics:

State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) and Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) will introduce legislation that will allow libraries to turn over surveillance tapes to law enforcement agencies without a court order. An incident recently at the Neenah Public Library highlighted the need for changing the law.

“The Neenah incident really highlights the need for the language change,” Kaufert said. “The last thing we want to do is create an environment that allows certain individuals to commit a crime knowing that it could be sometime before law enforcement will be able to identify them because they can’t get a hold of the evidence.”

Under current state law, no public library records can be released to identify a library user unless there is a court order. The State Attorney General’s Office last year in an opinion stated that because surveillance tapes reveal the identity of a library user the only way to receive those tapes is through a court order.

“Clearly, the law needs to be changed,” Ellis said. “The right to privacy is important, but it should not trump the right of the public to be protected. “What if some seven- or eight-year-old child had walked down that aisle and witnessed that disgusting act. Don’t they have rights, too?”

Kaufert and Ellis plan to work with the Wisconsin Library Association, Law Enforcement Groups, and Local Government leaders to make sure the language is clear and direct so this problem doesn’t happen in the future.

________________________________________

Additional coverage of this issue can be found at the American Library Association:

A police investigation into whether a crime occurred April 2 at the Neenah (Wis.) Public Library has intensified efforts already underway by the Wisconsin Library Association and state legislators to enable librarians to share surveillance tapes with law enforcement in criminal cases without a subpoena. The investigation involves a patron’s report that a man was masturbating in a second-floor book aisle; by the time police arrived the suspect was gone.

Although Neenah Public Library Director Stephen Proces preferred to give police the pertinent surveillance tape immediately, he had to decline until he was served with a subpoena April 18 due to an informal opinion in November 2006 from the Wisconsin Attorney General’s office. The request stemmed from several thwarted investigations, including one in which the Sun Prairie Public Library wished to share with police a surveillance tape that might help identify who had stolen SPL’s donation box during library hours, according to the Wisconsin Library Association.

WLA is seeking a “new narrow exception to the court order requirement for release of library records for library administrative purposes including collection of fines and penalties, and the protection of library staff, library users, and library property.” State Sen. Michael Ellis (R-Neenah) and Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) announced April 17 that they would introduce such an amendment. “The right to privacy is important, but it should not trump the right of the public to be protected,” Ellis said in the April 17 Appleton Post-Crescent. Assistant Attorney General Alan Lee, who wrote the opinion, told the newspaper that he backs the amendment.

Ironically, neither police nor library officials were able to identify the suspect from the subpoenaed video, from which several still photos were made. “We had 33 employees look at the video, and no one recognized this person,” Proces told American Libraries.
Posted April 20, 2007.

_______________________

According to Kaufert in a piece in the Post Crescent:

"It's another example where some bureaucrat is interpreting the law way too broadly," he said. "I don't want to see the police department have to jump through hoops just to do an investigation."

Kaufert said his staff would work with the state Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Library Association, which already have drafted a narrow exception to the law that would allow libraries to share surveillance video with police when criminal activity is suspected.

"We will send it around for co-sponsors in the next week," Kaufert said. "Then we will introduce it as a bill."

Owens & Roth: Pension income tax credit

2007-04-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Both Roth and Owens are coauthors of AB28, which creates an individual income tax credit for retirement plan income.

According to the Legislative Reference Bureau:

This bill creates a nonrefundable individual income tax credit that is calculated by multiplying the claimant's marginal tax rate by the amount of pension income received by the claimant each year from a qualified retirement plan under the Internal Revenue Code, except that the credit may not be based on pension income hat is already exempt from taxation.

The bill first applies to taxable year 2008, and limits the maximum amount of pension income on which the credit may be calculated. For taxable year 2008, the maximum allowable pension income is $2,500. The maximum amount of pension income increases each year from $2,500 to $5,000 in 2009, $10,000 in 2010, $15,000 in 2011, and $20,000 in 2012 and thereafter.

Roth and Kaufert on Hwy Projects

2007-04-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

The current 41/441 hwy set up has been questioned by local residents for lack of safety and inadequacies. Reps Roth and Kaufert have joined the call for changes. The Appleton PC posted a story on April 17 on this, including the following:

“There (are) too many projects in the pipeline and not enough money to fund it,” Kaufert said. As it stands, he said, the “earliest” the interchange could be completed would be 2012.Roth said the interchange project “is very, very important for economic development of our communities.”
Unfortunately, Kaufert said, Gov. Jim Doyle does not share the same urgency view and has directed spending on the “Zoo interchange” and other projects in southeastern Wisconsin to the detriment of the 41-10/441 project.“This is a vital economic and safety issue for this area,” said Kaufert, who noted that the transportation fund in the next biennium budget is “in trouble” and likely facing a deficit.

Click here to review a study of the DOT Study and Plan of the 41/441 expansion.

Hintz and Budget Forums

2007-04-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

According to this blogger:

State Representative Gordon Hintz has scheduled five state budget workshops, each focusing on one of the "big five" state programs.

The schedule is listed below.

UW System April 30, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Reeve Memorial Union 227 A&B

K-12 Education May 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oshkosh Area School District Administration Building

Medicaid May 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Oshkosh Senior Center-Willow Room

Shared Revenue June 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location TBA

Corrections June 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oshkosh Public Library

Hintz on Financial Aid Loan Issue

2007-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Below is a letter sent by Rep Hintz to the chair of the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities:

Dear Representative Nass,

Recently a number of colleges and universities across the country have had their student loan operations fall under a cloud of suspicion due to a wide range of apparent conflicts of interest. Unfortunately, several schools in our own University of Wisconsin system are now facing similar scrutiny. I am writing to request that the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities convene a hearing to investigate this matter further and to ensure that hardworking Wisconsin students and their families are receiving fair student aid guidance from the schools they attend.

According to numerous published reports, student lending companies have employed a variety of methods to promote their services, including:
· Offering university administrators lucrative “consulting” fees in return for nebulous services.
· Giving schools money in exchange for leaving the federal government’s loan program.
· Supplying financial aide officers with lender-funded training.
· Paying universities an annual fee for being granted “preferred lender” status.

While the first two of these examples have yet to be reported in Wisconsin, evidence of their existence elsewhere should lead us to inquire if they are practiced here. The second pair of examples has occurred within the UW system; and while neither are perhaps technically violations of the conflict of interest guidelines in state statutes, each raises ethical questions with regards to lending.

When schools and lenders adopt such practices competition in the lending market is stifled and results in the appearance of collusion against the best financial interests of the student. It is incumbent on the members of our committee to find out which schools in the UW system are using such methods and to assess the impact on the students of our state. With the cost of tuition increasing and more Americans carrying debt, we owe it to the students of Wisconsin to ensure that they have an affordable and fair method to help them provide for their education.

Sincerely,
Gordon Hintz

_____________

The Milwaukee JS also covered the story here, including a breakdown of issues in Wisconsin including:

"• A student loan company called Education Finance Partners paid UW-Oshkosh a cut of its student loan volume in exchange for being placed on the university's preferred lender list for private loans.
• The director of financial aid at UW-Eau Claire owns stock in the parent company of Citibank, one of the university's preferred lenders.
• Wells Fargo, a preferred lender at UW-Green Bay and UW-La Crosse, paid for financial aid officials from those universities to attend out-of-state training.
• The director of financial aid at UW-Milwaukee served on the advisory council of Student Loan Xpress, a company that does more business at UWM than at any other university in the country. She has since resigned from the council."

The Oshkosh Northwestern covered the story here, including the following statement by UWO professor Kevin McGee:

"I would feel the same concern about any financial arrangement where the university is benefiting from any kind of financial transaction involving our students," McGee said. "I think it's appropriate that we have an educational role in when it's smart to borrow money and when it's not, but when the university starts to make a profit out of it, is there a temptation to become morally compromised."

Hintz on Hospital Tax

2007-04-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

According to a piece by the Oshkosh Northwestern on April 10 discussing Rep Hintz and Sen Roessler's positions on the hospital tax:
The state needs to investigate ways to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate to help provide more health coverage for the uninsured, said Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh.

"We have the challenge right now where we have a lot of programs that the state provides funding for and low reimbursement rates that are impacting everybody's health coverage. We, as a state, need to have a discussion about the best way to preserve funding and address the low reimbursement rate," Hintz said.

Recall a recent post on Rep Kaufert's position.

Hintz, Wells, and Building

2007-04-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

UWO received the approval of the regents for several UWO building projects totaling $97 Million.

The Oshkosh Northwestern today posts that the additions include:

What taxpayers will be paying for:
-- Academic Building - $40 million
-- Student support and Development Center- $8.5 million
-- Acquisition of Cub Food lot for Facilities Management- $5.9 million
What UWO pays for:
-- Academic building – $8 million
-- Residence hall- $34 million
-- Cub food acquisition - $350,000
-- Softball stadium- $500,000

The article also included the following information regarding Rep Hintz:
Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, said the biggest hurdle UWO faced was getting approval from the building commission. Hintz said he knows that the chancellor has spent considerable time at that commission.

"One of the reasons why I believe this plan will be successful and will have the support of the legislature is because UWO and Chancellor Wells have done a good job planning it," Hintz said.

Kaufert on Hospital Tax

2007-04-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

In a March 14 press release, Rep Dean Kaufert and State Sen Mike Ellis critize the proposed Hospital Tax. According to the release:

“The governor has called this tax a “win-win,” and he has even alleged that four hospitals in Neenah and Appleton will collectively gain $12.6 million more in revenues than they will pay in under the new tax,” Kaufert said...

Kaufert said the governor’s numbers were based on an unrealistic best-case scenario that ignored numerous federal rules governing medical assistance. Federal rules, for example, impose reimbursement limits, forbid “hold-harmless” clauses and require some reimbursement dollars to pass through HMOs. When those rules are applied, the numbers are vastly altered, he said...

“The governor is proposing to take more than $11 million out of the Fox Cities with just this tax alone, to say nothing of the proposed increases in cigarette taxes, gas taxes, drivers licenses and a whole host of fees and taxes,” said Kaufert. “This is a sick tax that is unhealthy for the Fox Cities.”

...Kaufert and Ellis said the tax is even more odious because it is absolutely unnecessary to fund our current medical assistance programs. Under the governor’s proposal, the new hospital tax, along with the increased cigarette tax and a raid on the Patients’ Compensation Fund is simply being used to replace more than $800 million in current spending over two years.

According to an article on the hospital tax in the Milwaukee JS on February 16:

Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to increase federal funding for state health programs through a tax on hospitals would shift some of the cost of providing care for the poor and the uninsured to many of the state's most profitable hospitals. For this reason, the proposed tax would produce some clear losers and clear winners.

The losers overall would be hospitals in affluent, suburban communities such as Waukesha, Brookfield and Mequon. The winners would be hospitals near poor neighborhoods, such as Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-St. Joseph, both in Milwaukee.

The governor has proposed using some - though not all - of the revenue to pay hospitals more to care for people in state health programs such as Medicaid and BadgerCare.

State Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch discusses the hospital tax here. Pic below of Huebsch from his legislator website.

Hintz statement on Budget

2007-04-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Rep Hintz has issued the following piece on the budget. I strongly encourage a critique and suggestions for additional priorities and critical assessments of the budget, as much of the content below relies heavily on Democratic party talking points. In addition, I also encourage reference to past budget activity and legislative priorities.

I will again request a statement on the budget from Reps Roth, Kaufert, and Owens, and will quickly post their statements if I receive a response.

From Rep Hintz (Verbatim):
__________________________________

State Budget Process Needs Your Input

In my first two months in the legislature, I have met with many individuals and organizations. Although there are many issues confronting the legislature, our primary challenge is adopting the 2007-2009 state budget.

Every two years the Governor proposes a budget to fund our state government for the next two years. This is the beginning of the budget process. Over the next few months, the legislature will consider what programs are worth funding, how much should be spent, and where that money should come from. By now you have seen headlines and heard radio and TV spots highlighting the programs, costs, and potential impacts of the proposed budget. The size and complexity of the state budget can be overwhelming. But the decisions and programs included in the budget affect all of us and it is important to understand what is being proposed.

During the campaign, the issues I heard most about were often local (garbage fee) or national (the Iraq War). Yet over the next two years Wisconsin is budgeted to spend more than $27 billion of our general fund tax dollars on programs, many of which impact us directly. Over the next few months, I will be soliticiting your input. After all, this is your state budget.

Some of the decisions we need to make as a state include:

Can we afford to provide health care to all children and the uninsured? The Governor has made an ambitious proposal to cover all children and increase eligibility for childless adults. The funding for this proposal comes from an increased assessment on hospitals, a tax on tobacco, and increased federal matching funding.

How much should the state spend on K-12 education and what is proposed budget’s impact on the Oshkosh Area School District? Many of the challenges our school district faces on spending, closing schools, and revenue caps are affected by decisions made by the legislature. Is the proposed funding for K-12 education in Wisconsin enough to provide quality education in Oshkosh and to keep property taxes under control?

How much should the University System and UW Oshkosh receive? For the first time in several budgets, there is a significant increase in funding for the UW system, including money to support UW-Oshkosh’s Growth Agenda and increased financial aid.

What is the cost of tracking sex offenders and hiring additional DNA crime lab analysts and how much should we spend? There has been increased attention on how to effectively deal with sex offenders as well as the need for additional DNA analysts in our state crime labs. This budget includes increased funding for both of these.

How should we pay for highways? For years, Wisconsin’s gas tax automatically increased with inflation, leading to steady funding for a quality transportation system, but it also created the second highest gas tax in the U.S. The legislature repealed the automatic increase last year and the Governor has proposed taxing oil company profits to pay for the additional highway infrastructure.

What is the best way to pay for state services and what can we afford? The Governor’s budget does not increase the income or sales tax, but does increase fees and other taxes on cigarettes, hospital and oil company profits, while providing a number of targeted tax cuts and exemptions.

Decisions on what programs to fund and whether we can afford them will require more than the opinion’s of legislators. It will require the feedback of people such as you. I will be hosting several public forums to discuss the state budget and I really hope that people will attend to ask questions and provide comments. If you cannot attend, you are always welcome to contact me directly.

The first forum will be held on April 5, from 7pm to 9pm at the Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Avenue in Room A & B.

__________________________________

Kaufert and Term Limits

2007-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Rep Kaufert and several colleagues have proposed a constitutional amendment (AJR13) which calls for term limits on the following elected positions in Wisconsin: the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and members of the legislature. The proposal limits terms to 12 consecutive years of service in the same office.

According to this blog: "In 1995 there were 23 sponsors of a resolution to put 12-year term limits on those in the state legislature. A resolution was again introduced in 1997 but only had 13 sponsors. 1999's resolution had ten sponsors, 2001's resolution had six sponsors, and 2003 had only two lonely sponsors."

Rep Kaufert was first elected in 1990.

See the bill here.

Cable Competition and Community Access

2007-04-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

There has been lots of discussion regarding Assembly Bill 207, named the Wisconsin Cable Bill or Video Competition Act. Supporters state that the bill, which is being heavily lobbied by AT&T, will increase competition in Wisconsin's Cable market, therefore increasing quality and lowering prices. Opponents state that this bill will lower consumer safeguards and dramatically hurt local Cable Access broadcasting networks.

While there is much more detail available from both sides of the proposal, it does seem that if all parties are willing to work together, Wisconsin can have increased cable competition while protecting consumers and local cable access stations. This is a complex bill to understand though, and confusion can lead to poor choices.

See the Bill here.

Some of the news:

From Oshkosh Community Access Television Director Jon Urban:

"OCAT's existence is in jeopardy and we need your help. A bill was proposed last week by state Rep. Phil Montgomery, R-Green Bay, that will strip the authority of local municipalities to manage local cable franchise agreements and replace it with a one-size-fits-all franchise agreement process managed by the state. The bill has been titled Proposed Video Franchising Legislation LRB 1914/3.

The proposed bill has raised "significant concerns" by both local governments and Wisconsin PEG (public, educational and government) access channels like OCAT. The League of Wisconsin Municipalities, the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities and the Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels have been working together for several months to communicate to the bill authors that local control of the franchise process is essential. Local control, through local franchise agreements, allows municipalities to ensure fair compensation for the private use of the public rights-of-way; video services for all residents, not just a select few; proper repair of streets and roadways that get damaged by telecom providers; protection of consumer rights and continued availability and funding of PEG access channels and facilities. Unfortunately, the proposed bill does not have adequate language addressing these key issues.

Most concerning to OCAT is that the bill will prohibit municipalities from requiring video service providers to provide funds, services, programming, facilities or equipment in support of PEG channels. Without specific language protecting current PEG channels and funding, this bill will cripple, if not eliminate the OCAT operation."

From the Oshkosh Northwestern on April 2:

Opposition - "If it would pass … it could have some devastating impacts on local governments across the state," said Oshkosh City Manager Richard Wollangk... Combined with the loss of other funds for capital equipment and having to possibly pay for expenses like transmitting the signal that Time Warner currently provides for the city's community access television stations, the city could see a financial impact of $2.8 million to $3.5 million during the nine years remaining in the current contract, Wollangk said."

Support - "We're not trying to kill the channels," Raschka said. "It's all about competition. Consumers haven't had a true choice in video." According to Jeff Bentoff, spokesman for AT&T, the cable competition bill is a "pocketbook issue" for many consumers. Cable rates in the Green Bay market, Bentoff said, have risen 24 percent from 2000 to 2006. Competition, he said, will drive down prices for consumers."

Our Representatives: "If we're going to open up competition we're not going to do so at the expense of consumer protection or local government," (Gordon) Hintz said."

From the Oshkosh Northwestern Editorial on April 3:

"The good: Wisconsin can and should keep an open mind and open door to competition, especially if it means cable TV costs can decrease.

The bad: The legislature needs to ensure that, if the bill passes, it contains a strong provision requiring any new state cable provider to either provide or work with municipalities to ensure an "eye-on-government" channel. Does Oshkosh need two or three local government and public access channels? No. But it does need that one, CSPAN-like eagle's eye on local government boards and councils."

One of the best articles criticizing the bill can be found on OnMilwaukee.com by "jfoust":

"AT&T and its sock puppets spin this as "video competition." I think that’s bull. Look at the facts. Since 1984, the FCC has prohibited cities from granting exclusive franchise agreements. If you have Time-Warner Cable, there’s nothing to prevent Charter or AT&T from entering your neighborhood. All they need to do is work with your city to create a franchise agreement. FCC rulings already require cities to give every provider the same terms."

From the Wisconsin State Journal on March 24:

Opposition - "Wisconsin residents would lose their rights to cable television repairs within 72 hours, credit for service interruptions and advance notice of rate increases, under a bill on the fast track in the state Legislature."

Support - "Consumer costs for video service have dropped 23 percent in markets where phone companies offer competition, Montgomery said, citing a General Accounting Office study. And in a report out this week, the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute said each Madison customer could save up to $138 annually through video competition."

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal on March 27:

Support - "Scott T. VanderSanden, the president of AT&T Wisconsin, told the committee that when AT&T enters a cable market "prices go down and service goes up."
"I suspect you might be asking, 'Why is AT&T so concerned with video?' Simply put, studies show that consumers want an alternative to cable and we want to provide that alternative," VanderSanden said.

He said AT&T operates in 438 communities in Wisconsin, and that if the company were required to negotiate TV franchise agreements with each one, consumers would have to wait years to get AT&T's video products. "Under this bill, local governments get major benefits of revenue sharing and consumers see benefits of competition much sooner," VanderSanden said."

Opposition - "Janet Jenkins, the state's top consumer advocate, said the bill, called the Video Competition Act, would weaken existing standards in a variety of ways. She said, for instance, it would no longer ensure 30-day notice of rate increases to customers.

At the same time, she said, it would end the right to have service repaired within 72 hours and would not require credit be given on consumers' bills when a service interruption of four hours or longer occurs. "We have significant concerns about the total lack of consumer protections in the legislation," said Jenkins, administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection."

From the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign's Big Money Blog:

"Montgomery is one the bill's lead sponsors and the measure must have Huebsch's OK to pass the Assembly. Huebsch and his Republican colleagues control the Assembly 52-47. Turns out AT&T barely knew Montgomery and Huebsch existed until last year. From 1998 through 2005, AT&T employees or political action committees had contributed only $300 to Montgomery and $800 to Huebsch.

In 2006 when the proposal was being developed, AT&T contributed $2,250 to Montgomery's campaign and $1,225 to Huebsch, and a few months later out pops the bill AT&T wants. It also turns out Montgomery's proposal is not exactly homegrown. It comes from a group called ALEC, which stands for American Legislative Exchange Council. This Washington-based conservative think tank is a bill mill, penning numerous anti-regulatory, anti-tax and pro-business proposals and encouraging state legislators around the country to offer them up at home."

From the Legislative Reference Bureau (broken into several different parts):

"Current federal law generally prohibits a person from providing cable service without a cable franchise. "

"Current federal law allows either states or municipalities to grant cable franchises to persons who provide cable service, which are referred to as "cable operators." Under current state law, municipalities (i.e., cities, villages, and towns) grant or revoke franchises. In addition, current state law allows a municipality to require a cable operator to pay a franchise fee to the municipality that is based on the operator's income or gross revenues."

"This bill repeals state law authorizing municipalities to grant cable franchises to cable operators. Instead, the bill requires a person who provides "video service" to obtain a video service franchise from the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)."

"Under the bill, if a person has not been issued a cable franchise under current law, the person may not provide video service unless DFI issues a video service franchise to the person. The bill allows a cable operator who has been issued a cable franchise under current law to provide cable service under the cable franchise until the cable franchise expires, or apply to DFI for a video service franchise. "

"A video service franchise under the bill authorizes a video service provider to occupy public rights-of-way and construct, operate, maintain, and repair a video service network in the video franchise area. A video service franchise does not expire, unless a video service provider gives 30 days' advance notice to DFI that the video service provider intends to terminate the video service franchise. A video service provider may transfer a video service franchise to any successor-in-interest, including a successor-in-interest that arises through merger, sale, assignment, restructuring, change of control, or any other transaction. A video service provider and a transferee must notify DFI and affected municipalities about the transfer, but the bill prohibits DFI and municipalities from reviewing or approving the transfer."

"The bill prohibits a video service provider or municipality from bringing an action in court regarding the amount of a video service provider fee until the parties have completed good faith settlement negotiations. In addition, an action regarding a dispute over such an amount must be commenced within three years following the calendar quarter to which the disputed amount relates, or is barred, unless the parties agree to an extension of time."

"the bill prohibits municipalities from requiring video service providers and interim cable operators from providing funds, services, programming, facilities, or equipment related to public, educational, or governmental use of channel capacity;"

"The bill prohibits DFI and municipalities from regulating video or cable service rates of video service providers or interim cable operators that provide service in a municipality if at least one other unaffiliated video service provider or interim cable operator serves the municipality"

"if a video service provider pays video service provider fees to a municipality as required under the bill, the municipality may not require the video service provider to pay any compensation allowed under current law for obstructions or excavations, or pay any permit fee, encroachment fee, degradation fee, or any other fee, for the occupation of or work within public rights-of-way."

"The bill repeals requirements enforced by DATCP and district attorneys regarding cable television subscriber rights regarding service interruptions and disconnections, repairs, program service deletions, and rate increases."

Call for Budget Hearings

2007-04-02T20:09:00.000-07:00

Rep Hintz has announced a Budget Session in the Oshkosh community in which he will,

"inform and involve the public as to how the budget affects them and how state government is spending taxpayer money. Decisions on the budget require the feedback of citizens"

The budget discussion will take place on Thursday April 5th from 7-9pm at the Oshkosh Public Library, 106 Washington Ave, Room A&B.

Back in February, we recommended that Hintz, Owens, Kaufert, and Roth all hold public forums on the budget:

"Hopefully, as this advances, our state Assembly Reps and Senators will hold several informational and idea sessions. That will be a challenge, as that would mean that they would need to have a basic understanding of a 1700+ page document, and be able to discuss this document. The least that they can do is hold a forum where they bring someone who does know what the budget entails. But then again, if our representatives don't understand the budget they are to vote on, what are they doing?

The important thing is to see which representatives are going to follow through with their job - to be a voice for the citizens of the district that they represent. How do they do this? By holding these informational and listening sessions with citizens back home, talking about what the budget proposal means, and bringing citizen concerns and ideas back to Madison."

We commend Rep Hintz for hosting this forum on the Budget, and we strongly encourage the other local representatives to host similar forums (if others have organized similar forums, please let us know). If representatives are not holding these types of forums, then the citizens of that district need to contact their representatives and demand to be a part of the process.

We again call out to Reps Kaufert, Owens, and Roth to hold public hearings on the state's budget. I will send them an email to see if they are planning any upcoming budger forums.

Kaufert, Owens, & a WI Death Penalty

2007-04-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

From the Milwaukee JS on 3/28/07 regarding the reintroduction of the death penalty in Wisconsin:

"Republican Sen. Alan Lasee (R-DePere), who as president of the Senate over the last two years made sure the advisory vote was on the Nov. 7 ballot, is the chief Senate sponsor of the bill; the Assembly lead sponsor is Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah)."

It seems there is a strong push for death up here in Winnebago: Introduced by Senators A. Lasee and Roessler; cosponsored by Representatives Kaufert, F. Lasee, LeMahieu, Owens and Gunderson.

The killing would take place by lethal injection (see here too).

See the bill here.

Sort-of Waste Treatment Tax Exemption

2007-03-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

The Oshkosh Northwestern reported on March 24 that an issue is being raised by Winnebago County officials and state reps surrounding tax breaks for waste treatment and equipment storage facilities. According to the article:

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers on Thursday introduced a bill designed to block manufacturers that convert waste into sellable products, such as paper mills, from claiming the exemption. reworking state law so only a facility or equipment that exclusively and directly treats waste would qualify for the exemption.

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, one of the bill's co-sponsors, said closing the loophole is not just a Fox Valley issue, but of concern statewide because of how state funding for public schools and shared revenue works.

"It does have statewide impact. Its not just Winnebago County or Outagamie County or Brown County. There's going to be a ripple effect on this," Hintz said.

One of the bill's authors, Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, accused manufacturers of trying to exploit a loophole that the tax commission's ruling created.

"The decision was not fair to the property taxpayers of this state," Hansen said.

The article was written by: Bethany K. Warner of the ONW and Michael King of the Appleton Post-Crescent and The Associated Press.

Hintz: Regulate political ads

2007-03-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Rep. Gordon Hintz is part of a task force that is working to make ads from special interest groups more transparent.

State Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) says the often negative ads distort the facts and mislead voters. He says candidates can choose to ignore the ads, but the public may have a hard time distinguishing between serious political messages and attack ads. The Oshkosh Democrat says the ads have no place in Wisconsin's political system.

I suppose this wouldn't have anything to do with the nasty ads leveled at Hintz during his campaign...

Doyle's Health Fund Transfer

2007-03-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Oshkosh Northwestern and The Associated Press reported on March 23 that State Senator Carol Roessler and Rep Gordon Hintz have concerns about a proposed transfer of funds from a medical malpractice fund to pay for other medical initiatives, such as incentives for providers to switch to electronic records and to "pay Medicaid costs and increase provider reimbursement rates."

According to the article, "Representative Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, said he is concerned about how using the fund could impact future budgets. He said most of the time money in segregated funds should be used for orignal purposes and that a plan such as this will not make for a longterm solution.."

See the Oshkosh Northwestern article here.

A similar measure was killed in 2005. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal covered the story here. According to that article, "Committee co-chairman Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) said the committee needed to protect the state's Patients Compensation Fund, which is credited with creating a physician-friendly business environment and contributing to quality health care in Wisconsin. Physicians pay into the fund, which is used to cover liability claims from injured patients."

According to reporting by Shamane Mills on the Wisconsin Public Radio website from Friday, March 23, 2007:

The Legislative Audit Bureau says the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund is financially sound. It has a balance of nearly 60 million dollars; money set aside for malpractice claims not covered by doctors’ insurance. Yet Legislative Audit Committee co-chair Suzanne Jeskewitz is uneasy about planned and unplanned withdrawals from the fund. She says it looks like there’s lot of money in that fund and there is, but what’s unknown is future liability.

The audit bureau report says estimating the fund’s liabilities is challenging because claims can be filed years after they happen, and some of those injuries might have occurred when the state Supreme Court lifted limits on pain and suffering. A $750,000 cap was later put into law, but Mark Grapentine from the Wisconsin Medical Society notes it’s only been on the books since 2005 and hasn’t been tested in the courts yet. He says it’s wiser to leave fund as is.

Kaufert and Health Savings Accounts

2007-03-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

Assembly Bill 47, introduced by Rep Kaufert, creates a non-refundable state income tax credit for contributions to health savings accounts.

According to the Legislative Reference Bureau:

Under current federal law, certain individuals may make tax-deductible contributions to health savings accounts and withdraw the money tax-free when needed to cover routine and preventive medical care.

Under this bill, an individual who makes contributions to such an account may claim a nonrefundable income tax credit for 6.5 percent of the allowable amount that the individual claims as a federal tax deduction for a contribution to a health savings account (HSA) or 6.5 percent of the federal tax-exempt earnings relating to an HSA, or both.

According to legislative fiscal estimates:

It is estimated that the revenue loss associated with this bill for fiscal year 2008 is $8.4 million. The estimated loss increases to $13.1 million in fiscal year 2009 and $17.6 million in fiscal year 2010

Questions: I am interested in what percentage of the public this bill would affect (or what percentage of the public has health savings accounts). Also, I am curious what this population's average annual income is. Finally, I am curious what percentage of this population currently does not have health coverage.

Open Caucuses to Public View

2007-03-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

By state Rep. Cory Mason, Freshman Assembly Democrat-Racine

From the Racine Journal Times on 3/14/07

Open Government. Everyone says they are for it. As Justice Brandeis put it in 1933, “Sunshine is the best disinfectant” for corruption in government. This week is Sunshine Week, where we acknowledge the virtue of open government in our democracy.

Ironically, I am writing this during one part of our state government that is closed to the public: the “closed caucuses,” meetings which both political parties engage in during days the Legislature is in session.

I’ve only been in office for two months, but so far, session days in the state Assembly have three steps. First we meet in the Assembly chambers, take roll, and pass well-deserved and heartfelt resolutions honoring the memory of former legislators who have died and fallen soldiers who have given their lives for their country.

Next, the Assembly adjourns to split into two groups. The Republicans go into one room and the Democrats to another. These meetings are usually “closed” shortly after we start. In other words the public, the press, legislative staff, and anyone who is not a state representative has to leave the room. This is the longest part of the session day where the respective parties review each bill that will be addressed.

In these closed meetings the legislators in their respective parties devise strategy, debate the merits of the day’s bills, and employ shuttle diplomacy between the closed meetings to see if the two parties can reach consensus. Finally, after both political parties are done meeting, the Assembly comes back to order and votes on the issues of the day. This process goes much more quickly than the closed meetings – not surprising since the real debate has already taken place behind closed doors.

On Tuesday of this week, Legislators met for five hours in closed meetings before both parties were done. Our legislative activity on the floor took less than an hour with very little debate.It seems to me that if we are really committed to open government, we ought to open our respective meetings to the public.

So in recognition of Sunshine Week, I am announcing a bill that will be introduced to open these closed meetings to the bright light of public scrutiny. Some legislators argue that there are real advantages to the closed meetings: members can ask questions they are not comfortable asking in public, strategies are developed that help the parties operate more effectively, and legislators have a space to vent their frustrations and practice their speeches.

However, none of the advantages to these closed meetings are a reasonable trump to the public’s right to have access to the Legislature’s entire debate.The Legislature has agreed to have its deliberations televised by Wisconsin Eye, sort of a C-SPAN for the Wisconsin Legislature. But that investment could be a cruel hoax on citizens if the real debate occurs behind closed doors.I hope my colleagues will embrace Justice Brandies’ words about sunshine and join me in support of opening all of the Legislature’s deliberations to the public.

Cory Mason is a Democratic state Representative from Racine. He took office two months ago in January, 2007.

Cory Mason, pic from www.mason4assembly.com

Supreme Court Campaign Finance Reform Bill

2007-03-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Reps. Hintz & Hilgenberg to Introduce Supreme Court Campaign Finance Reform Bill

www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/Mar07/mar19/0319hintzscourt.pdf

MADISON – Representatives Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) and Steven Hilgenberg (D-Dodgeville) announced today their plans to introduce a bill to allow for public financing for all Wisconsin State Supreme Court races. Wisconsin is currently in the midst of a Supreme Court race that may turn out to be the most expensive in state history.

"It’s time that we ensure that these Supreme Court races are decided by the people of Wisconsin, and not those individuals or special interests groups with the largest pocketbook,” said Rep. Hintz. “The candidates for this year’s Supreme Court race have already raised and spent nearly a million dollars combined, and outside special interests will undoubtedly spend even more. When a non-partisan race for a position requiring impartiality is heavily influenced by big money, the public trust is eroded. The best way to restore trust is to take money out of the equation. Enacting a public financing system for Supreme Court races will accomplish that goal.”

“This is not a new idea,” added Rep. Hilgenberg. “This legislation has received bipartisan support in the past. People are tired of outside money and interest groups dominating elections, and are left with the perception of pay for play. The legislature talks about addressing campaign finance concerns, but fails to act as yet another election is dominated by big money. The time is now for action on campaign finance reform.”

The bill would create a “democracy trust fund” for financing Supreme Court candidates and limit the amount of public financing benefits available to a candidate to $100,000 in the primary election and $300,000 in the spring election. The “democracy trust fund” would be funded with general purpose revenues.

The legislation would also greatly reduce the maximum amount that an individual or a committee could give to a candidate by establishing a $1,000 contribution limit. Currently individuals can give up to $10,000 and committees can contribute up to $8,625.

“By passing this legislation we can take another step toward restoring confidence in our electoral system. I am proud to work with my friend, Representative Hintz, to provide what’s necessary to get the ball rolling and moving FORWARD on this important task we have before us,” added Rep. Hilgenberg.

“This is the best way to demonstrate the positive attributes of public financing and maintain impartiality and integrity in our Supreme Court,” added Rep. Hintz. “We have an opportunity to take a big first step in fixing Wisconsin’s broken electoral system and we’re urging our colleagues in the State Legislature to join us to ensure that Wisconsin elections are decided by the many, not the privileged few.”

--------------------------------------------

Why stop there?

Governor's race? -- It’s time that we ensure that these Governor races are decided by the people of Wisconsin, and not those individuals or special interests groups with the largest pocketbook,

54th Assembly race? -- It’s time that we ensure that these Assembly races are decided by the people of Wisconsin, and not those individuals or special interests groups with the largest pocketbook,

Indeed, the "public trust is eroded". This may be a good first step. I'm interested in the Republican Party response, as their platform explicitly states No public funding of campaigns!

Rep Owens and Online Notices

2007-03-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

Rep Owens Press Release from WisPolitics.Com

Rep. Owens: Legal Notices Online are Effective

3/16/2007 Contact: Rep. Carol Owens (888) 534-0053

(MADISON) -- I would like to respond to the March 16th editorial published in your paper. The purpose of my legislation is to give another option to reach our constituents regarding legal notice publications.

It is critical for the public to know what is going on in the area. Government has the obligation to inform the public, the more ways we can do that the better. I want the maximum number of people to have this knowledge. This legislation does not forbid the publication of legal notices in newspapers, but gives another option to municipalities to inform their residents of the 53rd District and of this state.

Electronic communications are the future. Computers, iPods, and blackberries are all options for people today to get their information. I admit, I am not the most computer savvy person but I realize that my constituents receive their government related news from different sources such as the Internet, television, radio, and newspapers to name a few. My constituents are catching onto the changing time, which includes using the Internet.

This legislation eliminates the government mandate to publish legal notice in the newspapers. As a public official, I am always hearing from constituents who are fed up with government mandates. Well, this is a way to eliminate one of many mandates. Legal notices are to be published in local newspapers according to current law. The one that is benefiting from this publication financially is the local newspaper. This is giving an additional option to the municipality to save money and still publish the legal notice online. More importantly, the Internet gives another option to make sure that the public has access to this information.

The Northwestern itself publishes the newspaper online. I truly believe that as we move forward in this information era, we must use every practical means to get news and notices to the public. My bill is about open government and public access.

------------------------------------------

See the Oshkosh Northwestern's editorial today criticizing the proposal. Maybe the Northwestern and other state newspapers will provide a community service and print the notices for free.

Hintz and Voter ID

2007-03-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Following a previous post on Voter ID legislation, I asked our 4 assembly reps (by email) what their position on the Voter ID bill is, and why they either support or oppose it.

Too often our representatives fail to offer any rationale for their support or opposition of legislation. We believe it is important for our elected officials to lead with openness and to make their positions publicly known. Publicly articulating their position on an issue will result in greater accountability, a greater informed citizenry, and a better democracy.

Both Carol Owens and the office of Roger Roth responded stating that they require a mailing address to respond to if they are to offer their positions. I again requested that they provide the public with their reasons and positions, but have not received a reply. Dean Kaufert did not reply to two requests.

Gordon Hintz replied on March 8 with the following (note - We commend Rep Hintz for providing the citizens of Winnebago County with his position on this bill. I again strongly encourage Reps Carol Owens, Roger Roth, and Dean Kaufert to recognize their public stature and provide the public with articulations of their positions) :

(verbatim) Assembly Joint Resolution 17 (AJR 17) proposes an amendment to the Wisconsin State Constitution that would make it a requirement to provide a photo identification in order for people to vote or to register at the poll on election day.

We have a responsibility to everyone in Wisconsin to conduct fair, honest elections that are truly representative of the will of the people. Supporters of this constitutional amendment feel that photo identification is a necessary requirement to protect against fraud. Investigations into claims of election fraud have shown almost no cases of individuals impersonating someone else at the polls, the only type of fraud identification at the polls prevents. However, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has shown that identification requirements do serve as a barrier to voting for groups, especially minorities.

A UW-Milwaukee study found that approximately 23 percent of Wisconsin residents aged 65 or older do not have driver’s licenses or photo identification and that less than half of African-American and Hispanic adults living in Milwaukee County have valid driver’s licenses. I feel that such a requirement would not only disenfranchise certain groups, but would also greatly decrease voter turnout at a time when participation in our electoral process is already incredibly low.

Creating this obstacle to voting as proposed is not simply a matter of passing a bill and signing it into law. This measure requires an amendment of our Wisconsin State Constitution. Our Constitution is a document that should be respected and honored, and not changed to satisfy the whims of a small number of politicians. Public policy
should be created to address problems or challenges and increase opportunities for our citizens. This bill does neither.

Thanks again for contacting me. Below is some additional information from the National Campaign for Fair Elections, including a summary of the fraud charges in 2004 that contradicts the perception many of my colleagues seem to have.

Best,

Gordon Hintz
State Representative, 54th District

According to the National Campaign for Fair Elections:
Implementation of restrictive polling place ID requirements creates added burdens for already harried poll workers, for miniscule gain. Data from the U.S. Department of Justice shows that while 196,139,871 votes have been cast in federal elections since October 2002, only 52 individuals have been convicted of federal voter fraud. Most of these convictions were for vote buying or for voter registration fraud, neither of which would be prevented by restrictive ID requirements at the polls.

A far-ranging federal probe into allegations of fraud in Wisconsin uncovered no evidence of a conspiracy to influence the 2004 presidential election. U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic's investigation resulted in charges against 10 formerly incarcerated individuals for voting illegally and against four others for voting twice. Of those four, three cases have been dispensed with without conviction; the forth prosecution is still court pending. By way of comparison, 2,997,007 votes were cast statewide in Wisconsin in 2004. (Steve Schultze, No Vote Fraud Plot Found, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL, Dec. 5, 2005 )

State Boards, Councils, & Commission

2007-03-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

Click on the following link below for current boards, councils, and commissions, along with openings and instructions on applying.

www.wisgov.state.wi.us/appointments.asp?locid=19

Assembly Bill 36 - Urban Forests

2007-03-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Current law requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to administer a program under which counties, cities, villages, towns, and nonprofit organizations receive grants of up to 50 percent of the cost for certain projects relating to tree management such as development of ordinances and tree inventories.

Under this bill, in addition to the grants under existing law, DNR may award grants to any of these entities, plus Indian tribes, for the costs of saving, removing, or replacing trees damaged in a catastrophic storm event in an urban area for which the governor has declared a state of emergency. This type of grant does not require that the recipient contribute to the costs of saving, removing, or replacing the trees. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

See AB 36 here.

Sick Leave Information

2007-03-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Additional information on the sick leave bill (AB 31) is available in an Amendment Memo from the Wisconsin Legislative Council.

Click here for the additional information.

Assembly Bill 27

2007-03-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Currently, a registrant under the campaign finance law who is not exempted from reporting requirements must file regular reports with the appropriate filing officer or agency that include the name and address of each contributor whose cumulative contributions within a calendar year exceed $20, the date and amount of each contribution made by such a contributor, and the cumulative total contributions made by the contributor within the calendar year. In addition, a registrant must report the occupation and principal place of employment, if any, of each contributor whose cumulative contributions for the calendar year exceed $100. A registrant must keep a record of each contribution received by the registrant that exceeds $10 and must make a good faith effort to obtain all information that is required to be reported.

This bill prohibits the Elections Board from promulgating any rule:

1) which rovides that a registrant under the campaign finance law is considered to have complied in good faith with reporting requirements concerning identification of names and addresses of contributors, dates and cumulative amounts of contributions, and the occupation and principal place of employment of certain contributors if the registrant fails to provide the information required to be reported at the times that reports are required to be filed under the campaign finance law; or

2) that requires divestiture of any contributions with respect to which required information is not reported at the times required under the campaign finance law.

This bill is introduced as required by s. 227.19 (5) (e), stats., in support of the objection of the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules to the promulgation of proposed s. ElBd 1.46, Wis. Adm. Code, by the Elections Board.

The proposed rule accorded registrants 60 days in which to report required information relating to a contribution received that is required to be reported by law or to divest the contribution. The proposed rule also provided that a registrant that does not report the required information within 60 days of the date that it is required to be reported and does not divest the contribution within that period is considered not to have complied with the requirement to make a good faith effort to obtain the required information and required divestiture of any such contribution exceeding $250. In addition, the proposed rule provided that, if a registrant provides the required information within 60 days of the date that the information is required to be reported, the registrant is not considered to have violated filing requirements.

See the bill here.

Hintz and Air Guitar Nation Preview

2007-03-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Visit here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EW5ushVqEM

Additional Budget Information

2007-03-05T17:39:00.000-08:00

Click on the following DOA link to view an agency breakdown of the Wisconsin 07-09 budget proposal:

www.doa.state.wi.us/debf/execbudget.asp

Click on the following link to view Assembly Bill 72 (Budget Adjustment Bill, which proposes adjustments to the 06-07 budget)

www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/AB-72.pdf

Click on the following link to view the Legislative Fiscal Bureau summary of the bill:

www.legis.state.wi.us/lfb/2007-09Bills/021907_SB39_AB72.pdf

Also visit a previous post on the budget proposal and analysis here.

AJR 17 - Voter Photo ID

2007-03-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

AJR 17 states the following:

To create section 1m of article III of the constitution; relating to: requiring a photographic identification to vote, or register to vote, at the polls on election day (second consideration).

The Legislative Reference Bureau states the following:

EXPLANATION OF PROPOSAL: This proposed constitutional amendment, to be given second consideration by the 2007 legislature for submittal to the voters in November 2008, was first considered by the 2005 legislature in 2005 Assembly Joint Resolution 36, which became 2005 Enrolled Joint Resolution 39.

It provides a qualified elector may not vote, or register to vote, at the polls on election day unless the elector presents a photographic identification issued by this state or by the federal government. After the date of ratification, the legislature, bylaw, with the concurrence of two−thirds of all the members present, may exempt any class of electors from these requirements.

Thank you to Tony Palmeri for linking several informative resources on the effects of voter identification requirements. See the post here. Most interesting from the New York Times article that Palmeri linked was the following:

"States that imposed identification requirements on voters reduced turnout at the polls in the 2004 presidential election by about 3 percent, and by two to three times as much for minorities, new research suggests."

The Capital Times enters a voice of opposition to the Voter Photo ID proposal here, in which Dave Zwiefel writes that:

"...in states where voters were required to sign their names or show an identifying document, blacks were 5.7 percent less likely to vote than in states where voters simply had to say their names. For Hispanics, the impact was closer to 10 percent. Those figures compared to a 2.7 percent combined rate for all races. And that, of course, is exactly what's behind initiatives in several states, including Wisconsin, to change existing laws to make it tougher for folks to vote in an election."

According to this site from Morwitz College of Law in Ohio:

"The exclusionary effect of some ID laws arises from the fact that a significant number of citizens don't have government-issued photo ID. Previous research suggests that some groups of voters -- including people of color, poor voters, and elderly voters -- are likely to be disproportionately affected, since they're less likely to have driver's licenses."

The Republican Party has the following to say about Voter Photo ID:

“The photo ID requirement is vital to the integrity of our elections in Wisconsin,” said Brad Courtney, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. “From healthcare and social security reform to homeland security, Americans face important issues today and voters deserve to know their elected officials got
there fairly.”

In searching for the justification of this inevitable reduction of citizens participating in the democratic process, I found this and this from the Wisconsin Republican Party in 2005:

At least 278 felons illegally voted (and) 100 cases have been found of people voting twice or using fake names and addresses.

and

"an ongoing federal-local investigation into the Milwaukee 2004 elections found hundreds of felon and double voters and thousands more ballots cast than voters recorded as having voted in the city. Yesterday, RPW handed the results of their own investigation over to federal authorities that show highly suspect cases of people voting twice--once in Milwaukee and once in the city to which they filed a change of address"

To view the Milwaukee voter fraud issue - click here for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Archive. What stands out is that many of these claims are invalid, that the issues have nothing to do with a photo ID, and that a photo ID would not prevent these issues.

I did come across an interesting review of Voter Registration in the state of Wisconsin by the Legislative Audit Bureau

Conclusion: The requirement of a government-issued photo identification to participate in the right to vote would clearly be detrimental to our democracy. The benefits of such a requirement have not been articulated well by the supporting party, while the negative effects that this bill has on the effects of voter participation have begun to be clearly documented. Our representatives in favor of a strong democracy should not support this bill. We will see what is more important to our representatives: a democracy which enables Wisconsin citizens to participate, or partisan pressure.

I will email the representatives and allow them an opportunity to explain their positions. They will likely (hopefully) be able to better articulate the pros and cons of this proposal.

Suspending the Rules

2007-03-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

For the second time in consecutive Assembly meetings, Republican Assembly Representatives have attempted to suspend procedural rules by eliminating the third reading of a proposed resolution. See here and here.

The rule (Assembly Rule 40 - 1) states that:

Every assembly bill, and every senate bill received by the assembly for consideration, shall receive a reading on each of 3 separate and nonconsecutive legislative days under the appropriate order of business designated in rule 31 (general procedures).

This rule is in place to ensure thorough discussion and evaluation of proposals, both by the legislature and by the public. If there is a certain urgency that exists that warrants by-passing this rule, neither of these two cases meet it.

Let us all just follow the rules.

Assembly Bill 31

2007-02-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

This proposal was debated on the Assembly floor on 2/20 during a regular Assembly session:

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Under current law, a state employee in a position that is covered under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) is entitled to receive paid sick leave credits as part of his or her compensation under the state compensation plan, at the election of the employer, or pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. If a state employee does not use all of his or her sick leave credits during a calendar year, he or she may accumulate this unused sick leave from year to year in a sick leave account.

Generally, if a state employee terminates covered employment under the WRS and meets certain conditions related to age or years of employment, the employee’s accumulated unused sick leave may be converted, at his or her highest basic pay rate, to credits for the payment of postretirement health insurance premiums under a health insurance plan administered by the Group Insurance Board.

This bill provides that:

1. No member of the legislature may accumulate unused sick leave from year to year in his or her sick leave account for work performed as a member of the legislature during any term of office that begins after the bill’s effective date.

2. No supreme court justice, court of appeals judge, or circuit court judge may accumulate unused sick leave from year to year in his or her sick leave account for work performed as a supreme court justice, court of appeals judge, or circuit court judge during any term of office that begins after the bill’s effective date.

3. No other state elected official, including a district attorney, may accumulate unused sick leave from year to year in his or her sick leave account for work performed during any term of office that begins after the bill’s effective date.

See the Bill Here

Hintz, Doyle and Budget

2007-02-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

From the UW Oshkosh Advance Titan 2/19/07:

Governor shares budget with community leaders

Gov. Jim Doyle touted funding for education, economic growth and health care during a visit to Oshkosh on Friday. Doyle spoke to a crowd of about 70 invited guests — including Appleton mayor Tim Hanna, Oshkosh mayor William Castle, Rep. Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) and UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Richard Wells — at C.R. Meyers and Sons, Co. and elaborated on some points in his 2007-09 biennial budget, which he proposed last Tuesday.

“Aside from all the numbers, (the budget) is really a statement of our values,” Doyle said.

The governor reaffirmed his “No. 1 priority” of education by outlining his plans for K-12 school programs and praised the quality of Wisconsin’s universities, which, in comparison, he said, are more affordable than some other Midwestern schools. But he also added that paying for tuition was a very tough expense.

“(The spike in tuition) is a phenomenon that has happened all across the United States,” he said. “Comparatively, we’re doing OK. We’re trying to make college more affordable.”

Doyle commended Wells for his efforts on an agenda to allow the most access and opportunities for young people. “Depending on what the Regents do with faculty salaries, the increase in tuition this year will probably be about 4 percent,” Doyle said. “But this budget calls for $44 million additional in financial aid — which will triple the amount of money we have in financial aid.”

Doyle also explained his plan for Wisconsin Covenant, which would make a promise to any eighth grader by the end of this school year to guarantee them a spot in a UW school with a financial package that their family can afford — if he or she maintains a B average throughout high school, participate in their community and take all the necessary courses needed for entry into higher education institutions.

“This is the beginning of higher education truly being linked with economic development,” Hintz said. Hintz gave credit to Doyle for coming up with ideas of funding. He also shared his own views on the increases in college tuition.

“When university students ask me why tuition went up, I say, ‘Your tuition went up because of Medicaid,’” Hintz said. “Low-income seniors apparently out-trump students, and we’re one of five states that fully funds Medicaid. The decision was made where they weren’t going to cut poor people out of the budget, so they put (the expenses) on the backs of students.”

The budget also has a $20 increase for vehicle registration and pledges health insurance to children through the BadgerCare program for $10 a month. Doyle said his budget was something that tobacco and oil companies wouldn’t like, but hard-working families would. He outlined his proposal for a tax increase for all non-ethanol fuel that enters Wisconsin and for tax increases on packs of cigarettes.

“My biggest reservation about (the cigarette tax) is that we’re dedicating revenue towards something that will decline in future years,” Hintz said. “And that’s how the state got itself in trouble in the ‘90s. What happens when you have a cigarette tax is you get additional revenue and a pretty accurate forecast for this year, and maybe it’ll stay for two to four years, but eventually it’ll decline if we invest some of that money into smoking cessation programs.”

See article here, by Adam Dziewiontkoski

See additional commentary on this story at www.foxpolitics.net by Jo Egelhoff by CLICKING HERE.

Our Reps and Our Budget

2007-02-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

With the unveiling of the Joint Committee on Finance's $57.7 BILLION two year budget proposal, the JCF will be holding public hearings on the state budget in these six Wisconsin cities: Milwaukee, Green Bay, Rhinelander, DeForest, Prairie du Chien, and Chippewa Falls.

No Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh, or Fond du Lac.

Hopefully, as this advances, our state Assembly Reps and Senators will hold several informational and idea sessions. That will be challenge, as that would mean that they would need to have a basic understanding of a 1700+ page document, and be able to discuss this document. The least that they can do is hold a forum where they bring someone who does know what the budget entails.

But then again, if our representatives don't understand the budget they are to vote on, what are they doing?

The important thing is to see which representatives are going to follow through with their job - to be a voice for the citizens of the district that they represent.

How do they do this? By holding these informational and listening sessions with citizens back home, talking about what the budget proposal means, and bringing citizen concerns and ideas back to Madison.

For more information on the budget proposal, go here.

Kaufert and the Dental Clinic

2007-02-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Apparently according to the Appleton Post Crescent, Rep Dean Kaufert has "secured a grant of $75,000 for the Tri-County Dental Clinic".

I am curious what role Kaufert himself played, if any, as I would imagine the clinic applied for these services and was awarded a grant from a special one-time fund available for low-income dental services - of which Kaufert had little to do with.

$75,000 is always a nice addition to any service provider, and the Tri-County Dental Clinic is a great service to residents of the Fox Valley.

Here is what Kaufert had to say:

"There is strong demand for access to dental services in the Fox Valley and the Tri-County Dental Clinic does a superb job of meeting that need,” said Kaufert. “Good dental care upfront saves our health care system so much money down the road. This is a wise use of surplus funds.”The grant is designed to enhance dental access to low-income or uninsured residents of Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties.“I receive many calls from constituents searching for dental services in our area”, said Kaufert. “I make so many referrals to this clinic that I was glad I could secure some funding for their efforts.” see article here

What wasn't mentioned in the story was why the funds were available, and why Kaufert might be receiving so many phone calls.

The funds were made available to provide support to the extremely over-worked low-cost / free dental clinics throughout the state. These clinics provide care to low-income individuals unable to obtain care elsewhere.

Why is Kaufert receiving so many calls? Because these clinics are the only dental care option to everyone without insurance, and everyone with state or federal insurance (BadgerCare, etc). It is impossible to find a dentist that accepts state or federal insurance, which is a serious issue that Kaufert and the legislature fail to discuss.

Because of the great demand, these low-income clinics often have long waiting lists, and are only able to provide limited services - or in other words, they are not able to provide the full dental care needed by Wisconsin's low-income children and families.

The state either needs to greatly expand their funding for these programs and expand the number of these facilities, or they need to address the inadequacies of their dental care insurance program. With no low-income dental clinic and very limited options in Oshkosh, Gordon Hintz and Carol Owens should work hard to address this huge gap in government service.

Redistricting in 2010

2007-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

Linked here is an informative (and short) piece from the Legislative Reference Bureau by Michael Keane on the redistricting process in Wisconsin and the US. Most notibly are the following:

-- Compactness. It is generally considered desirable for districts to be as compact as possible, that is, centered on an area, rather than made in irregular shapes that bring far-flung interests together in the same district.
This is interesting when looking at Carol Owen's 53rd Assembly District, which reaches North of Oshkosh, West past Omro, and down South to Waupan and East past Fond du Lac to the Far Side of Lake Winnebago. See her district here.

and...

-- The increasingly partisan atmosphere surrounding redistricting— and the charge of "partisan gerrymandering" creating districts that do not produce competitive elections—has resulted in calls for the redistricting task to be taken over by nonpartisan commissions. Two states, California and Ohio, have recently scheduled referenda on the subject.

If Wisconsin implemented nonpartisan commissions for redistricting, it could be for the state and federal seats. While it could be said that Wisconsin is not so bad, removing the responsibility from partisan officials and politicians, an opportunity is provided to engage citizens in civic participation in the government, as well as creating / maintaining districts that make sense and don't attempt to avoid political discourse.

Doyle 2007 Budget Address

2007-02-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

-- View Budget Address Video Here

-- Proposed Fee Increases and Tax Cuts

-- Audio Reactions to Budget Address

-- View Budget in Brief (93 pages)

-- Excellent Wisconsin Public Radio Recap by Shawn Johnson

Kaufert and UW Admissions

2007-02-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

Diverse Reactions to U.W. Regents' Decision on Race and Income
Feb 12, 2007

From WBAY 2

State universities in Wisconsin will now have to consider race and income when deciding who to admit to their school. That was the unanimous decision Friday of the U.W. Board of Regents.

While the board of regents hopes to change the face of U.W. campuses across the state, apparently its decision won't do much at U.W.-Oshkosh, where race and income have been factors in the school's admission policy for several years.

"It's important for our students to be in a diverse environment, because when they leave this institution they'll be working in diverse workplaces," Petra Roter, U.W.-Oshkosh vice chancellor, said.

The only difference now is that all the public universities across the state will have to focus on diversity.

It's a factor that the board of regents says will come at the end after considering grades, test scores, difficult coursework, and community activities.

Opponents say making race a factor will only result in reverse discrimination.

"There's only so many slots, and when you give certain students unfair advantages over other students, that's going to leave someone out," State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) said.

The Republican Assemblyman expects a fight -- even a push for a law banning consideration of race -- but as it stands now, the color of a student's skin and financial background matter to the university system.

Dean Kaufert on 4 yr old Kindergarten

2007-02-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

Dean Kaufert on 4 yr old Kindergarten in the Milwaukee JS:

Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah), co-chairman of the (Senate Budget) committee, said he supported cuts to 4-year-old kindergarten. "I just worry about it being subsidized day care for certain children," he said

Analysis: Kaufert is attempting to align with the party talk that this is an un-needed taxpayer expense. This position likely comes from the idea that there is no immediate ascertainable benefits to business owners and those that fund election campaigns and hold influential community positions.

The 4 year old kindergarten program should be supported in Madison. This program is widely supported by teachers and school administrators, and those that work in the social service industry. The 4 year old kindergarten program provides educational and developmental programs to young children who may be in great need of these services to prepare them for the K-8 school day. Many children who participate will show gains in social behavior and educational success, as well as an improved school integration.

In many cases, the state can either provide the initial support needed to many children to prepare them for effective learning and participation in our society, or the state can pay for many of these students at a later date.

There is also discussion about this topic here.

Oshkosh News Cites 53-56

2007-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

From community news service Oshkosh News and UW Oshkosh faculty member Miles Maguire:

Our primary emphasis remains local news, however, and so we have added a feed from a blog that focuses on the how Winnebago County is represented in the Wisconsin State Assembly. I'm not entirely sure of who the author of the blog is, but it is chockfull of useful information. Keep up the good work, whoever you are!

Are intestines and bones enough?

2007-02-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

If Rep Carol Owens is seriously going to pursue her cell phone penalty bill, then she might as well seriously consider adding MP3 players:

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) - February 10, 2007 - About 40 tons of cow intestines and bones spilled onto a major highway after a truck driver became distracted by his digital music player and his semitrailer tipped over, officials said

Authorities closed parts of Interstate 43 for about two hours Thursday while the beef byproduct was cleaned up, said sheriff's Sgt. Blaine Spicer. The accident happened in the town of Mosel when 25-year-old Ryan Engle's truck veered off the road as he adjusted his MP3 player, Spicer said.

Engle, of Kenosha, was cited for inattentive driving and taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Spicer said.

The Oshkosh Neighbor Game

2007-02-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

Who is the lucky winner?

Who's neighbors gave the most to the 54th Assembly race? See the following campaign contributor lists (Sch 1-A)

For Gordon Hintz, Visit the following:

1. Contributions from 10/24/06 - 12/15/06

2. Contributions from 8/29/06 - 10/23/06

3. Contributions from 7/1/06 - 8/28/06

4. Contributions prior to 7/1/06 (in 2006)

For Julie Pung Leshke, Visit the following:

1. Contributions from 10/24/06 - 12/15/06

2. Contributions from 8/29/06 - 10/23/06

3. Contributions from 7/1/06 - 8/28/06

4. Contributions prior to 7/1/06

To the winner......

Owen's St David's Day

2007-02-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

From the Wisconsin State Journal:

Let the frivolous legislation begin

...St. David's Day. Never heard of it? You will if Assembly Joint Resolution 9, sponsored by Rep. Carol Owens, R-Oshkosh, makes it to the governor's desk. It turns out that like their Celtic cousins in Ireland, the Welsh love to sing and carouse a bit on the day of their patron saint, David. The day is celebrated by eating leek soup and remembering St. David's final words: "Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed. Do the little things that you have seen me do."

See the bill here. This joint resolution calls for the Wisconsin Legislature to join with all Wisconsinites who revere their Welsh heritage in celebrating St. David's Day on March 1, 2007.

Welsh Doll pic from here

54th Spending Tops $225,000

2007-02-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

From the Oshkosh Northwestern

Posted February 4, 2007

Campaign spending tops $225K in 54th district
By Bethany K. Warner of The Northwestern

More than $350,000 was spent this fall in the race to represent Oshkosh in the state Assembly, a number that was three times that of the next most expensive contest for the 54th Assembly District and likely offers a preview of things to come in 2008.

The candidates, Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, and Republican challenger Julie Pung Leschke spent more than $225,000, combined, in their election efforts, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state last week.

That amount doesn't include a barrage of advertisements and mailings by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, All Children Matter and other third party groups. Based on how much it cost him to do direct mail to voters, Hintz estimates that third party spending on Pung Leschke's behalf was close to $150,000, bringing the total cost of the campaign to nearly $375,000.

Third party groups that advertise on behalf of a candidate without endorsing the candidate — often in the form of attack ads — are not required to publicly disclose how much they spent on state races or how they are funded.

In 2004, when Hintz made an unsuccessful bid for the seat against Republican incumbent Gregg Underheim, spending in the race was just under $70,000 between the two of them. Green Party candidate Tony Palmeri spent just $1,285 that year.

The key force driving the increased spending by both the candidates and the outside groups was that the district, which represents most of Oshkosh, was one of only a few open seats in the state, said Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and because spending increases are a trend in politics.

"Political campaigns have an inflation rate all of their own. Whatever the inflation rate is for the rest of our economy, that bears no relationship to the inflation in politics," McCabe said. "We have a political arms race that's completely out of control. It's a very vivid illustration that shows why we need campaign finance reform."

Both Hintz and McCabe have advocated for full disclosure of who is paying for the third-party independent expenditures as one reform.

The amount of spending in the race wasn't surprising to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh political science professor Jim Simmons.

"I think this is just a long-term trend where parties raise and spend money and micro-target races," Simmons said.

McCabe, Simmons and Hintz agree that spending could be a big factor in the 2008 election as well.

"After an open seat, the second in line for a lot of resources who is someone defending their seat for the first time. The other side's probably going to throw a lot of money at it," Hintz said.

Additionally, Simmons said since 2008 is a presidential election year and the Fox Valley region will be contested, it could lead to more money being spent in this region as both parties try to propel their candidates to the statehouse and the White House.

Bethany K. Warner: (920) 426-6668 or bwarner@thenorthwestern.com.

Affordable Seat

2007-02-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Over $32 million was spent electing a governor in Wisconsin in 2006.

Ethics Reform Legislation

2007-02-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

Sen. Lassa, Rep. Black: Announce New Bills to Block the "Revolving Door"

2/6/2007

Contact: Senator Julie Lassa (608) 266-3123

Representative Spencer Black (608) 266-7521

Madison–Legislation introduced today by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) and Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) would create stiff penalties for Wisconsin lawmakers and PSC commissioners who take jobs with special interests after leaving office.

The bills address the “revolving door” between government and special interests, which critics have decried as a major factor in government corruption.

“When legislators and regulators know they can count on receiving cushy jobs from the same corporations and groups they are supposed to oversee, people start to wonder whose interests they really represent,” Lassa said. “These bills send a clear message: When you do the people’s business, you need to serve the people’s interests.”

"Current state law places a one year waiting period on most former state officials who wish to become lobbyists,” Black said. “The law, however, exempts legislators. It shouldn't. It is wrong to have a person who is a legislator one day come back the next lobbying his or her former colleagues on behalf of a special interest."

The first of two companion bills prohibits any legislator from accepting a job as a lobbyist for 12 months after leaving office. Any position that involves communicating with the legislature or a regulatory body five or more days in any six month period for the purpose of influencing laws or regulations would be off limits. The bill establishes fines of up to $5,000 per offense and up to six months imprisonment.

The second bill prohibits members of the state Public Service Commission from being employed by any person or group subject to PSC regulation for a year after leaving the commission. Along with PSC commissioners, executive assistants and division administrators would be subject to the law, which carries fines of $5,000 per offense and up to six months in prison.

"The Legislature just took a big step to strengthen our ethics law. This bill would further improve efforts to reclaim our once proud Wisconsin tradition of good government," Black said.

"Last November, the voters made it very clear that they’re tired of special interests having a stranglehold on their government, and they want something done about it,” Lassa said. “I hope my colleagues from both parties will answer that call and support these two important provisions.”

From Wispolitics

pic from WI Legislature Site

WPR State Legislature Review

2007-02-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Monday, February 5 review of Wisconsin politics on Wisconsin Public Radio with Joy Cardin. Click here for audio. Program is approximately 55 minutes.

To download program, visit www.wpr.org/cardin/

Joy Cardin, pic from here

No need for Rep Owen's DWT law

2007-02-05T19:49:00.000-08:00

JS Online Editorial: No need for DWT law - driving while talking

Driving and talking on a cell phone can be risky. But given other distractions and the benefits of cell phones on the road, it doesn't make sense to ban them or single them out for special enforcement. From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Posted: Feb. 3, 2007

When Dennis Hughes climbs behind the wheel, he makes sure his cell phone is off. And it stays off until he gets to where he's going. That makes sense, right? After all, just the other day, there was that guy in the blue SUV ahead of you, his cell phone pressed to his ear, blabbing away, not paying attention to his driving. At least that's how it seemed.

There oughta be a law, you say?

Well, not so fast. First off, you should know that Hughes is the chief of safety policy analysis for the state Department of Transportation. But you should also know that despite his job title and his personal feelings about cell phones, Hughes does not think people should be prohibited from using them while driving.

And neither do we. At least not without a lot more information and further studies conclusively showing that cell phones are causing more accidents than other distractions.

As Hughes notes, talking on cell phones is only one of many things distracting drivers, and, so far, he has not seen any "good data" to suggest that phones pose more of a problem on Wisconsin roads than other distractions to warrant a ban or other regulations. In fact, he and others say other distractions are more common.

What's more, there already is a state law against inattentive driving, whether the driver is weaving across lanes or, worse, the center line because he or she is talking on a cell phone, reading a book, eating a cheeseburger or, yes, shaving or applying makeup.

We do believe that inexperienced young drivers should not be allowed to talk on cell phones while driving, and we have supported a proposal by Rep. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) to ban drivers younger than 18 from doing so. Statistics show that inexperienced younger drivers are more susceptible to distractions, which is why the state already imposes restrictions on them.

After trying unsuccessfully in the past to get a statewide ban on cell phone use by all drivers, Rep. Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh) is proposing a law to create penalties for using a cell phone if it contributes to an accident. Last year, Glendale directed police officers to ticket drivers talking on cell phones if they are involved in an accident or stopped for another violation.

We supported that measure because we thought it would provide a useful test. City Attorney John Fuchs says no such tickets have been issued yet, adding that the ordinance is very new. At the very least, Owens should wait and see how this law works.

Based on comments from State Patrol officers, we believe the law Owens proposes would be impractical to enforce because it can be difficult to determine beyond a doubt that use of the phone contributed to the accident or whether the driver was even on the phone at the moment he or she lost control of the vehicle.

A far better alternative would be to update the current law on inattentive driving to address the many distractions now posed by changing technology.

Other law enforcement officials - including two members of the State Patrol with whom we spoke, Maj. Dennis Lonsdorf, state director of transportation safety, and Casey Perry, executive director of the Wisconsin Troopers Association - don't think it's a good idea to single out cell phones.

They point out that while some drivers abuse cell phones - troopers annually issue about 9,600 violations for all forms of inattentive driving - cell phones also make roads safer by allowing responsible motorists to quickly alert law enforcement to emergencies and traffic hazards. That includes everything from drunken and reckless drivers to accidents, stranded motorists and debris in the road.

In fact, Perry and Lonsdorf say that when drivers using cell phones alert law enforcement to a drunken driver, oftentimes the dispatcher will suggest the drivers stay on their cell phones behind the vehicle to help a state trooper or sheriff's deputy pinpoint the location.

In short, both said the advantages of cell phones for drivers outweigh the disadvantages, a position we have long taken on this admittedly controversial issue.

Some safety experts say that if drivers have to use their phone for something important, such as reporting an accident, they should pull over to the side of the road. But Lonsdorf says the State Patrol doesn't recommend doing that on busy highways or freeways because that can pose an even greater risk

This, of course, does not mean that talking on a cell phone does not take at least some of a driver's concentration off the road. Common sense tells us yes, and most studies back that up. And we would certainly agree that as cell phones become more common, they are undoubtedly being abused by a growing number of drivers who use the phones for prolonged, clearly non-critical conversations. Some firms have even told their employees not to conduct business on their cell phones while driving.

Four states - New York was the first - and the District of Columbia have banned the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. The results have been mixed. After the first year in New York, many drivers went back to using hand-held phones. Some studies indicate that talking on a hands-free phone is just as risky because the driver is concentrating on the conversation rather than the road.

Furthermore, some research shows that talking on a phone is not even the most dangerous distraction. A study last year, conducted in part by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, found that cell phones were the most common distraction but by no means the most dangerous.

Reaching for a moving object increased the risk of a crash nine times while talking on a cell phone increased the risk only three times. Eating, drinking, grooming, adjusting music or audio controls and reading all were riskier than talking on a phone.

All the more reason not to single out cell phones. Rather, update the existing inattentive driving law to, among other things, identify which electronic devices are safe to use in a car. Legislators are attempting to do that, and it should be the priority.

For more information, go to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Web site at www.aaafoundation.org and the Federal Highway Administration Web site at www.fhwa.dot.gov

Student Speech Protection

2007-02-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Hintz Should Initiate Student Speech Protection
- from http://talktotony.blogspot.com/

In 2006 the US Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of the Seventh Circuit's decision in Hosty vs. Carter, meaning that college administrators in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana can legally censor student speech.

Six state legislatures have responded by passing laws protecting college student speech; Wisconsin is not one of them.

The latest move to protect student speech is in the state of Washington, where Democratic Rep. Dave Upthegrove has brought forward House Bill 1307. The Bill would protect college and high school students against censorship, and would make it illegal for administrations to fire a media adviser who refused to censor students.

A spokesperson for the Student Press Law Center told the Associated Press that Upthegrove's bill "would be the most comprehensive student-press bill in the country at this point."

Recently elected 54th district state representative Gordon Hintz was appointed to the Assembly's Committee on Colleges and Universities. Especially since he represents a university town and received substantial student support in the 2006 elections, Hintz is in a great position to initiate legislation to protect student speech and restore Wisconsin's reputation for guarding civil liberties. Gordon can be emailed at Rep.Hintz@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Tony Palmeri and Rep Spencer Black - pic from here

See original post here

Teaching Hmong History in Schools

2007-02-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

From the Oshkosh Northwestern, Jan 26, 2007

Lawmakers propose requirement to teach about Hmong (Northwestern staff & wire services)

State lawmakers on Thursday proposed requiring schools to teach about the Hmong people, saying suspicion of the new immigrants could be eased by an understanding of their past as U.S. allies in the Vietnam War. The bill, backed by a group of Assembly Democrats, is identical to one proposed in April 2005 that died when lawmakers adjourned last year. Sponsors said racial tensions rekindled by this month's homicide of a Hmong hunter could build support for passage this year.

More than 600 Hmong residents packed into the Assembly parlor to support the bill, having arrived in eight busloads from as far Oshkosh, Green Bay, Eau Claire and other communities. The plan would require school boards to come up with programs to teach about the Hmong in history classes, including their role as allies of the United States in the Vietnam War and why they left Southeast Asia. It would be up to school officials to determine how extensive the education would be.

Chiaxah Vang, refugee employment specialist at Advocap Inc. in Oshkosh, said the act would help the public learn more about Hmong history and the Hmong culture and how the Hmong helped the United States. Vang said there is a history of misunderstanding about Hmong history and culture.

"The Hmong people are not immigrants," Vang said. "We are refugees because we were oppressed by the Communists after the war and had to flee our land. That's why we are here and not because we saw America as a land of opportunity."...

State Sen. Carol Roessler, R-Oshkosh, said she supports the act and the recognition of the sacrifices Hmong fighters made to support American troops during the Vietnam War.

"I really do believe there needs to be education about these people who have integrated into our culture," Roessler said. "They fought communism and they were our helpers, friends and comrades. We have welcomed them in … and offered them a nation and community without the daily threat of pain and death."

Wisconsin, Minnesota and California are home to the largest populations of Hmong, an ethnic minority from Southeast Asia. Many Hmong fought alongside the U.S. in a so-called secret war against communists in Laos during the Vietnam War and later fled to avoid government persecution. Lawmakers said 50,000 Hmong live in Wisconsin.

Lawmakers said the death of Cha Vang, whose body was found Jan. 6 in a wildlife refuge near Green Bay, raised concerns among some in the Hmong community that the killing was retaliation for earlier hunting-related incidents. Two years ago, a Hmong deer hunter shot six white hunters to death after being accused of trespassing in the Wisconsin woods. He said the whites shouted racial epithets at him and opened fire first. He is serving life sentences. A white hunter was charged last week for Cha Vang's death.

"We felt this issue now has some urgency," said Rep. Fred Kessler, D-Milwaukee. "The fear and apprehension felt by our fellow Hmong citizens makes it important that we retell the important role they played in the Vietnam War."

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, said the bill could help foster more appreciation for the Hmong people and that it will get his support. "The contributions of the Hmong people to the United States during the Vietnam War have long gone unrecognized, and this legislation will give children the opportunity to learn about this rich history," Hintz said in a statement.

Rep. Donna Seidel, D-Wausau and the bill's lead sponsor, said the conflict has undermined Wisconsin's tradition of tolerance. "There are still some who view the Hmong community with suspicion," she said. "We can change this with education."

The bill faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Assembly, where some oppose state mandates on schools. It would also need approval in the Democratic-controlled Senate and by Gov. Jim Doyle to become law.

Northwestern reporters Aldrich M. Tan and Jeff Bollier contributed to this story. Click here to go to the story at the Northwestern.

Analysis - This should be included in a history discussion about Vietnam, at the very least once in a K-12 education. I am uncertain if the process necessitates a law.

Couldn't DPI introduce a requirement that all 6th grade History classes include a section on Hmong history? Couldn't DPI require the local districts develop their own plan to incorporate Hmong history into their curriculum?

DPI (Department of Public Instruction) would seem to be the office that addresses educational issues. I am not sure what process would occur if a law were passed in the legislature. Would they simply pass it over to DPI anyway?

Regardless of which route is taken, it is an important issue to address. It is equally important to include the Hmong community in the decision-making process. Schools and local Hmong Service agencies should take the lead and initiate an educational partnership, taking advantage of existing resources - such as bringing the Hmong new year celebration to the schools and using this as an avenue for teaching Hmong history.

17 Year Olds to Vote Proposal

2007-02-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

From the Wisconsin State Journal, Monday, FEB 5, 2007

Wisconsin would become one of a handful of states allowing some 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections, under a bill introduced by a Madison lawmaker. The proposal would allow 17-year-olds who would turn 18 by the date of the general election to vote in the primary. If passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Jim Doyle, the bill would go to a statewide referendum in November 2008. Ratification by voters would make the bill law on Jan. 1, 2009.

"It's good public policy," said Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, the bill's sponsor. "It gives those young people participating in the process a chance to participate in the entire election cycle."

But Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, called the idea "ridiculous."
"I think it's crazy. It's ridiculous. Seventeen-year-olds are juveniles," Fitzgerald said. "The premise is flawed, and it makes absolutely no sense to me."

The bill is scheduled for a hearing Feb. 13 before the Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee. Rep. Terry Musser, R-Black River Falls, said he expects to sponsor the bill in the Assembly.

"If there's a 17-year-old who's that interested in voting, why not?" Musser said.

It's unclear exactly how many potential voters the bill would affect, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau. But according to the U.S. Census Bureau there were 81,270 17-year-olds in Wisconsin in 2005.

Because Wisconsin's fall statewide primary is held in September, just weeks before the general election, bill sponsors said only a portion of the state's 17-year-olds would be affected during each election cycle.

Eight states currently have such laws, she said: Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio and Virginia. Others, including California, Kansas, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Connecticut, Illinois, Oregon and Hawaii have considered similar legislation since 2001 but rejected it...

MARK PITSCH 608-252-6145 mpitsch@madison.com Article can be found here.

Analysis -- Any reasonable effort to increase participation in our democracy is great. This effort is reasonable. This population suggested already votes in the general, and expanding this to the primary allows them to take ownership in the entire election process. We should be tearing down roadblocks, and this is one small piece. I will note that I support allowing all 17 year olds the vote. Congratulations to any young adult interested in politics enough to vote.

The statement that this population should not vote because, "Seventeen-year-olds are juveniles" means nothing. Was Fitzgerald suggesting that this population is uninformed or not mature enough to vote? If these were criteria, then he better be prepared to eliminate a huge population of the current voting population.

Fred Risser, Photo from WI State Legistlature Website

Note - this is currently a Senate proposal, but likely that a similar Assembly Bill would follow

Assembly passes partial veto limits

2007-02-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

All Winnebago Cty Reps joined in the passing of AJR1 - a proposed constitutional amendment that limits the governor's partial veto authority. Currently, a governor is able to create new sentences by combining parts of two or more sentences of an enrolled bill when exercising his or her partial veto authority. This amendment removes this authority.

Congratulations to our representatives for supporting this, as the current process allows a governor to essentially create entirely different meanings of bills that he or she is altering.

Unfortunately, Senate Democrats are playing games and saying the following: "We shouldn't change things in the middle of a governor's term." This is a poor reasoning to avoid relinquishing inappropriate authority. Rules change all of the time: in schools, in government, in places of employment. If a current rule allows for an unchecked and inappropriate authority not originally intended, then we need to move as fast as possible to fix the problem.

I agree with Senate Republican Sheila Harsdorf when she said, "No governor should be able to write laws that haven't passed the Legislature." Of course, this is something that the Republicans could have pursued when the issue originated - with Tommy Thompson in the early '90s.

Take a look at AJR1 Here. If the Senate passes this amendment, it would then go to state-wide referendum vote.

Contact Senate Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) to let her know that you support immediate implementation of AJR1 - Sen.Robson@legis.wisconsin.gov

You can also contact Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh) to voice your support - Sen.Roessler@legis.wisconsin.gov

Judy Robson, Senate Majority Leader (Pic from Here)

AB7 - Access to State Telephone Numbers

2007-02-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

AB7 directs the Department of Administration to ensure that each state agency and authority that maintains a site on the Internet includes on the home page of that site at least one telephone number clearly shown in bold type at which the agency or authority may be contacted for general information, as well as a link that enables a visitor to the site to access the telephone numbers for other functional subunits of the agency or authority and the telephone number of each officer and employee of the agency or authority who is assigned to a work station equipped with a telephone, unless the agency or authority can demonstrate that the public interest requires that the name and telephone number of an employee be withheld from disclosure.

All Winnebago Assembly Reps should vote for this, as public access to contact information of public employees is an essential part to citizen involvement and accountability in government.

See the bill here.

State of State address local responses

2007-02-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Doyle focuses on education, health care in State of State address

By Aldrich M. Tan of The Northwestern

In his fifth State of the State address, Gov. Jim Doyle Tuesday called on lawmakers to "seize the opportunities of our time" and provide health insurance to all children in the state, increase funding for education, improve the environment and ban smoking in public places.

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, said he was especially encouraged by Doyle's proposed investment in the university system. In his speech, Doyle announced that the state would increase funding for the University of Wisconsin System by $225 million.

"I think that to compete in the global economy, it is important to increase our investment in higher education and our access to higher education," Hintz said.

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh Chancellor Richard Wells said he is pleased with the governor's efforts to increase UW funding. Wells said he would be attending the governor's budget speech Feb. 13 in Madison.

"It's going to impact UWO's ability to give greater access to more students and better serve the needs of the region," Wells said. "We will be able to hire more tenure-track faculty, depending on how much funding the governor is able to put towards our growth agenda, but that could be between a dozen and 18 more faculty to serve an estimated 350 more students in high-demand areas."

Sen. Carol Roessler, R-Oshkosh, said she applauded Doyle's health care initiatives. As previously announced, Doyle proposed expanding the state's health insurance program to cover all children, regardless of their families' income, as well as adding more than 71,000 adults. He said the children's insurance would start at $10 a month.

"We want Wisconsin to be a leader in health care and find a way for health care to be affordable for all Wisconsinites," Roessler said. "There is much to be applauded in reducing bureaucracy and structuring some of our programs that can improve more access to health care coverage. That's excellent."

Doyle said the plan would ensure that at least 98 percent of the state's residents have access to health care coverage, which would be more than any other state.

"No family will be denied coverage for their child just because their income goes up," Doyle said. He also promised to streamline the eligibility process under the BadgerCare program and to partner with private organizations to identify eligible children and get them signed up.

A purchasing pool to help businesses afford catastrophic health insurance for employees also will be created, he said.

Doyle also reiterated his support for the Wisconsin Covenant program, which guarantees eighth-graders who sign a pledge to meet certain academic and citizenship benchmarks will have access to a Wisconsin college or university.

He said he would propose a major increase in financial aid in his budget to pay for the program and also create an Office of the Wisconsin Covenant. Three eighth-graders from Franklin Middle School in Green Bay who attended the speech will be among the first to sign the covenant, Doyle said.

Doyle promised to deliver a budget in two weeks that will cut waste and lower taxes for Wisconsin families, but he provided no details.

More details about how Doyle will pay for his promises, and deal with a $1.6 billion budget shortfall, likely won't come until he releases his two-year budget to the Legislature Feb. 13.

Roessler said she has earnest questions on how all of Doyle's initiatives will be funded.

"We are going to have to look at our state budget and that is going to put these lofty proposals and ideals in the realm of reality," Roessler said.

Hintz agreed that Doyle proposed a lot Tuesday night.

"I think we are going to have to see where the numbers fit in," Hintz said. "The devil is going to be in the details and I look forward to reviewing how we can meet the needs of our program and the state. But in terms of a blueprint, the governor has a solid idea of where we need to go as a state."

As Doyle pushes his agenda this year, he will find more friendly faces in the Legislature than during his first term. Democrats now control the Senate. While Republicans maintained a majority in the Assembly, their numbers dropped by eight after the November election.

Aldrich M. Tan: (920) 426-6663 or atan@thenorthwestern.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/OSH0101/701310513/1987

Posted January 31, 2007

The political air guitarist

2007-02-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Documentary 'Air Guitar Nation' showcases Hintz's other talent

By Jeff Bollier of The Northwestern

Krye Tuff has traded in his spandex pants, armbands, dark wig and Adidas high-tops for the more formal attire now demanded for work in the stately capitol building in Madison.

But that doesn't mean the legend of Krye Tuff is fading. Indeed, the air guitar champion's story is set to reach new heights when it premieres as part of a documentary film in New York City in March.

For some, the clash of heavy metal and heavy duty politics might be an uncomfortable mix, but not for Krye Tuff and his alter ego. He's traded in guitar licks and crazy costumes for button downed shirts and serious policy discussions, but he's not ditching talk of his colorful past screeching out "Talk Dirty to Me."

Krye Tuff may be more easily recognized by Oshkosh residents by his name for his admittedly more serious day job, Gordon Hintz, who was elected in November to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

"It's a hilarious story," he said. "I don't have any regrets. When one of your friends introduces you to someone as a former air guitar champion you have to just smile."

In June 2003, when he was a budget analyst for the city of Long Beach, Calif., Hintz earned the title West Coast U.S. Air Guitar Champion with blistering air guitar routines to Poison's "Talk Dirty to Me" and Motorhead's "Ace of Spades."

His victory and subsequent loss the same night to 2003 U.S. Air Guitar Champion David "C-Diddy" Jung set the stage for the documentary "Air Guitar Nation," which will premier in New York City March 23.

"I was nervous before I saw the movie about how they would pull it off, but it's really funny," Hintz said. "It's like the 'Rocky' of air guitar. It involved all the emotions in a way: Triumph, solidarity, commitment, competition."

The documentary captures a time in Hintz's life that other elected leaders might rather forget. But Hintz embraces the honor air guitar fans and judges gave him that night — so much so that he adapted an image of Tuff wailing on his air guitar for a campaign sticker in his unsuccessful 2004 campaign to unseat then-incumbent Rep. Gregg Underheim.

He also remains in contact with Jung, the eventual world air guitar champion, air guitarist Dan "Bjorn Toroque" Crane and "Air Guitar Nation" director Alexandra Lipsitz.

"Krye Tuff, I think, his style could be summed up as the ultimate in glammed-out Sunset Strip, 80s Poison-infused rockingness," said Crane, who lost to Hintz in 2003. "It was an L.A. crowd and he was able to totally channel their spirit. But he needed better hair — he should've had longer hair."

Hintz said Lispitz, Crane and Jung all donated to his 2006 political campaign. Lipsitz also made a trip to Oshkosh to get extra footage for the documentary. Her assessment of Hintz could apply as easily to his political efforts as his air guitar career.

"He's so well spoken. He's really smart and he really cares about it," Lipsitz said. "People think air guitar is something someone drunk and stupid does. And yeah, you can do it that way, but you can also be a thoughtful, smart and caring individual who just cares about the world."

Film well received
Competitive air guitar differs very little from its recreational ancestor practiced and honed by children everywhere. Aside from more elaborate costumes and routines, it requires little more than a love of music and a desire to have fun.

"I think it's something that everybody does," Lipsitz said. "Everybody can relate to it. Even if you've never picked up your air guitar, you've enjoyed music and tapped your along with your foot. And Gordon, he's a true believer in the power of air guitar. I think it's cool. Hopefully it will get out there and show people this thing exists and they can have a good time doing it."

Lipsitz said reaction to the film has been nothing but positive. "Air Guitar Nation" received the Audience Award at the 2006 South By Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, and it earned a second screening at Michael Moore's Traverse City Film Festival last year when the first one sold out quickly.

An image of Hintz in the heat of competition can be found on the movie's promotional poster and video of Krye Tuff's performance is sprinkled in the film's theatrical trailer.

"I think people are pleasantly surprised. They go in thinking it's a joke and not knowing what to expect and then they come out feeling elated," Lipsitz said. "It's rare we come out of the theater and not feel joy. I think we've won just in the reception we get from our audiences."

"Air Guitar Nation" originally was intended to be a reality show, "an anti-'American Idol'" that was picked up by VH-1 but then dropped.

Left with a lot of footage, Lipsitz went to a production company she worked with on reality TV shows like "Project Runway" and "Last Comic Standing" and pitched a documentary about the inaugural competition in 2003.

The film has already become a hit in Japan, Portugal and Australia, while screenings in Scotland and Greece have continued to spread the air-guitar gospel.

Competitive air guitar continues to gain popularity. The 2003 U.S. competition featured two regional qualifiers and that grew to five in 2004 and seven in 2005.

"This year, we're going to be doing a 15-city tour, so it's really going to expand this year," Crane said. "It doesn't surprise me at all that air guitar has grown exponentially in the past few years. It's one of those things that once you go to a competition, the air guitar gets in your bloodstream and you can't let go of it."

Krye Tuff on hiatus
Crane still believes Hintz should've never set down his air guitar and many within the community feel the same way.

"I think he had to make a hard choice in '04 because he was running (for the Assembly)," Crane said. "It was his first run and I think he had to choose between air guitar and politics. I think he made the wrong choice, but we all have to choose our battles."

While the air guitar nation continues to call for his return, Hintz said Krye Tuff has taken a long-term hiatus.

"Krye Tuff is definitely put away for the time being and I'm living vicariously through them as they continue to rock with the air guitar gods. I wish them nothing but the best," Hintz said. "A whole new batch of people follow it and are now aware of where Oshkosh, Wisconsin is. I had no expectations for this at all, but I'm really happy."

Crane said the same things that made Hintz a great air guitarist – many involved with the documentary still want him to bring Krye Tuff back – will make him a good elected leader.

"If you're holding an air guitar, you can't be holding a gun at the same time. The roots of the international movement are in fostering world peace," Crane said. "This is what makes Krye Tuff a great air guitarist, it's what makes Gordon Hintz a good politician: Deep in his heart, he wants a better world for all of us."

Hintz, for his part, feels like he has blazed a unique trail from entertainment to politics.

"I may be the first person ever to go from air guitar champion to elected office," he said. "But that being said, I don't think anyone ever thought I was less than totally serious about what I've been doing (in politics). I've always felt I take my job seriously, but I don't take myself very seriously."

Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@thenorthwestern.com
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/OSH0101/701280515/2025

Posted January 28, 2007

Assembly passes TIF Dist Bill

2007-02-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Voting 96-0, the Assembly passed AB19 related to the timeframe of processing TIF District applications and documents. This bill was specifically focused on the village of Edgar.

- Under the current tax incremental financing program, a city or village may create a tax incremental district (TID) in part of its territory to foster development if at least 50 percent of the area to be included in the TID is blighted, in need of rehabilitation or conservation, suitable for industrial sites, or suitable for mixed−use development. Before a city or village may create a TID, several steps and plans are required.

These steps and plans include public hearings on the proposed TID within specified time frames, preparation and adoption by the local planning commission of a proposed project plan for the TID, approval of the proposed project plan by the common council or village board, and adoption of a resolution by the common council or village board that creates the TID as of a date provided in the resolution.

Once these steps are accomplished, the city clerk is required to complete certain forms and an application and submit the documents to the Department of Revenue (DOR) on or before December 31 of the year in which the TID is created. Upon receipt of the application, DOR is required to certify the full aggregate value of the taxable property in the city, which constitutes the tax incremental base of the TID. - Legislative Reference Bureau -

See the AB19 here.

Assembly praises PAAWS

2007-02-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Co-sponsored by Reps Kaufert, Hintz, and others, the Assembly voted 92-0 in support of Senate Joint Resolution 6, congratulating "PAAW on its “Stars of Life” program and their
colleagues who will receive this award for their hard work and dedication to their jobs
and patients and to their communities"

See the SJR6 here.

Assembly Passes Gerald Ford Day

2007-02-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

Introduced by Reps Roth, Owens, and several others, the assembly approved 96-0 to adopt the resolution naming July 14, 2007 as Gerald Ford Day.

See the resolution (AJR 11) here.

http://www.medaloffreedom.com/GeraldFord_BillClinton.jpg

Ethics Bill passes Legislature

2007-01-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

The Wisconsin Legislature today overwhelmingly passed the ethics reform bill that was the subject of a special legislative session.

The Assembly approved the measure by a vote of 97-2 (no votes from BOYLE (D) and SCHNEIDER (D)). The Senate unanimously passed the legislation without amendment

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee unanimously approved the bill this morning.

Governor Doyle will sign the bill in the coming days.

No comments have been issued from Winnebago area assembly reps, but they all voted for the measure.

This was a good vote for all of them, and likely a rarity of agreement between them.

Click here for the Bill and a summary - note that there may have been several changes and amendments.

Also, see the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign for a statement on the Bill.

Owens Proposes Cell-Phone Use Fine

2007-01-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

Lawmaker's Bill Imposes Fine for Dialing and Driving -- and Crashing
By Isabelle Kallie

A local lawmaker is proposing a bill this week calling for a $100 fine if you end up in a traffic accident while using your cell phone. Oshkosh Representative Carol Owens says there needs to be more accountability for drivers who aren't paying attention while they talk.

Owens says drivers think, "'It's not going to happen to me. I can talk on the phone and drive and do whatever.'" "There are other distractions besides the phone, granted, but it seems that the phone has become so prevalent," Owens says.

We wanted to know how much of a role cell phones play in crashes but officers couldn't give us an answer, and they say enforcing this proposed law would be difficult. Police say right now the only way they can cite a driver distracted by a cell phone during an accident is to ticket them for inattentive driving. A typical accident report gives no room to note whether a driver using a cell phone contributed to the crash.

Tracking the information on the report form by adding another box will provide some data that will help us make decisions on in the future. I don't think anything bad could come from tracking that information," Captain Mike Jobe, Outagamie County Sheriff's Department, said.

Police say if they can track the drivers using a cell phone during an accident, it'll bring to light how imperative it is to not take any calls when driving. Law enforcers note that cell phone use isn't the only cause of inattentive driving. They also cite:
Changing the radio or CD player
Talking with other passengers
Adjusting the climate controls
Eating, drinking, or smoking

Still, officers say the motivation behind the proposal is a good one. "I think anything that draws attention to the number of accidents that occur because people aren't paying attention will eventually led to fewer accidents, and there's nothing bad about that at all," Jobe says.

Jan 18, 2007 05:10 PM CST - WBAY-TV

The Journal Sentinal commented on the futility of a similar proposal in '03:

"People yakety-yak-yak on cell phones all the time, and once in a while someone yaks right through a stop sign or a red light. Surely, a cell phone ban will be worth it if we can save just one life.But why stop at one?Thirty percent of drivers in one recent study talked on cell phones. But 71% ate, drank or spilled food and beverages. A full 86% experienced some sort of "external distraction."

I hereby propose a ban on tube tops.

And one other thing. The new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of North Carolina proves that the distraction of talking on a cell phone is nothing compared to the distraction of kids.Kids - let's face it - are frighteningly dangerous.Babies alone distract your average parent-cum-driver 8.4 times per hour, according to the new study."
http://winassem.blogspot.com/2006/12/carol-owens-and-cell-phones.html

Here is another related topic to Owens and Cell Phones:

One funny thing that did occur, however, was when I stood up to ask which anonymous Republican member of the assembly objected to funding for a position in the Dane County District Attorney’s office. While I was speaking, my cell phone went off. Dumb.

But State Rep. Carol Owens, one of the more conservative members of the GOP caucus, saw it as an opportunity to bash me. Carol, ah, doesn’t apparently like “gay” people. And to her, I’m one big homo. Carol won’t even ride the elevator with me. Too bad for Carol.

But she demanded an apology for the ringing of the cell phone, and asked that it be taken away from me while I’m on the floor. As she ranted and raved, I went to her desk and gave her my cell phone. Problem solved? Nope, instead she asked the Sergeants’ office staff to come and get the “gadget” from her desk. Gadget. You know you’re out of touch with your constituents and for that matter the 21st century, when a cell phone is a “gadget”. I have to wonder what she calls her computer.

Addendum: A few hours later GOP Rep. Phil Montgomery's cell phone went off on the Assembly floor. Owens was silent on the ringing of the gadget. At the very end of session, so did Democratic Rep. Jim Kreuser. Again, nothing from Owens.
http://markpocan.blogspot.com/2006/05/assembly-in-session-today-to-create.html

Owens - Cell phones and driving

2007-01-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

According to the Milwaukee JS, Rep. Carol Owens (R-Oshkosh) will introduce a bill that would create penalties for cell phone use that contributes to accidents.

This comes along with several ideas being discussed including prohibiting young drivers from using the cell phone while driving and restricting use altogether.

Read the story here