The state Senate is considering legislation to devise a system to replace state lawmakers killed or incapacitated due to a terrorist attack or pandemic. Because I have concerns about the proposed legislation, Senate Bill 227 (SB 227), I wrote in a previous column, “During emergencies, cooler heads need to prevail. The same holds true during non-emergencies.”

I am happy to report that cooler heads, for the moment, have succeeded as SB 227 has temporarily been referred by the Senate back to committee. Hopefully, the bill will be permanently shelved.

Here is why I find SB 227 problematic. If disaster should strike the state Capitol and require replacements, I strongly believe voters should decide the successors.

SB 227 requires that a legislator, as soon as  feasible after the Legislature reconvenes every two years, must file with the chief clerk for the legislator’s house a list of not less than three nor more than seven emergency interim successors. The list would be secret and not subject to inspection or copying under the open records law.

If more than nine vacancies in the state Senate or more than 25 vacancies in the state Assembly are created because of some disaster, interim successors chosen by legislators on their secret lists would be appointed by the presiding officer or his or her designee in the appropriate house of the Legislature to fill the vacancies. The emergency successor would exercise the powers and duties of the office until an election is held or the emergency is over. All votes taken by interim successors would be valid.

Such a system removes electoral power from voters and would place expansive taxing and spending powers in the hands of unelected, unaccountable individuals chosen secretly.

During the September 22, 2009 state Senate floor session, I was prepared to offer an amendment to SB 227 to address my chief concern that the right to vote was being stripped from the electorate. My amendment outlined specific guidelines for emergency elections to he held quickly in the event of a disaster so that seats could be filled as soon as possible and citizens would continue to have elected representation.

Under my amendment, the state would use the procedures already in place for special elections and allow the current process to move forward during a terrorist attack or pandemic.   A special election takes place 62 to 77 days after the order is given by the governor. Primaries, if necessary, are held four weeks prior to the special election. An emergency election would collapse the process down to a much shorter time line. 

My amendment likely had enough votes to be approved by the state Senate and that, along with a desire to reconsider the legislation, persuaded Senate Democrats to send SB 227 back to the senate’s scheduling committee, putting the measure on hold temporarily.

I question whether the state even needs to establish a system for interim successors as proposed by SB 227. The governor has emergency powers and Wisconsin has a Homeland Security Council with a specified Homeland Security strategy in place. Following a disaster, it seems a wiser approach would be to execute traditional special elections as quickly as possible instead of relying on an undemocratic process of picking names out of sealed envelopes.

Legislation to create a system of selecting an unelected successor from a handpicked list should simply be forgotten. Recall the price tag on the Illinois replacement to former Senator Obama. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, now facing federal fraud and racketeering charges, made the controversial appointment of Roland Burris as the successor to then president-elect Barack Obama. Blagojevich was impeached by the Illinois House and removed from office by the Illinois senate.

The state of Wisconsin should allow citizens to maintain their voting rights and choose their representatives.

David Vogt of Milwaukee made that comment to Steve Walters of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel seven months ago. Vogt was expressing his frustration about an extension of the state sales tax  to digital downloads that goes into effect today, October 1, 2009. 

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (Page 16) reports:

“Effective October 1, 2009, state, county, and stadium sales taxes and the premier resort area tax are imposed on the sale, lease, license, or rental of specified digital goods and additional digital goods at retail.

Effective October 1, 2009, state, county, and stadium use taxes are imposed on the storage, use, or other consumption of specified digital goods and additional digital goods purchased from any retailer, if the purchaser has the right to use the specified digital goods or additional digital goods on a permanent or less than permanent basis and regardless of whether the purchaser is required to make continued payments for such right.

‘Specified digital goods’ means digital audio works, digital audiovisual works, and digital books.

‘Additional digital goods’ means all of the following, if they are transferred electronically: greeting cards;  finished artwork;  periodicals; and video or electronic games.

‘Digital audio works’ means works that result from the fixation of a series of musical, spoken, or other sounds that are transferred electronically, including prerecorded or live music, prerecorded or live readings of books or other written materials, prerecorded or live speeches, ringtones, or other sound recordings but not including audio greeting cards sent by electronic mail.

‘Digital audiovisual works’ means a series of related images that, when shown in succession, impart an impression of motion, along with accompanying sounds, if any, and that are transferred electronically.

‘Digital audiovisual works’ includes motion pictures, musical videos, news and entertainment programs, and live events, but does not include video greeting cards or video or electronic games.

‘Digital book’ means works that are generally recognized in the ordinary and usual sense as books and are transferred electronically. ‘Digital books’ includes any literary work, other than a digital audio work or digital audiovisual work, that is expressed in words, numbers, or other verbal or numerical symbols or indicia, if the literary work is generally recognized in the ordinary and usual sense as a book, work of fiction or nonfiction, or a short story, but does not include newspapers or other news or information products, periodicals, chat room discussions, or blogs.”

In other words, from now on, think before you click.

I invite you to attend a state Assembly committee hearing on campaign finance reform this month in Franklin.

The state Assembly’s Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform will hold an informational hearing seeking testimony and input from the public on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Franklin City Hall in the Common Council Chambers located at 9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and the Department of Justice are holding seminars around the state on Wisconsin public records and open meetings laws. The seminars are free. Advance registration is required. One of the seminars will be held in Milwaukee.

Here are more details.

The Wisconsin State Journal recently editorialized this warning to the Wisconsin Legislature:

“When lawmakers built the 2009-2011 state budget, they aimed to preserve business as usual. They used one-time federal stimulus money to increase spending from all sources by 9.4 percent, even though state tax dollar spending declined by a fraction.

They are now counting on a recovery to bail them out when the federal spigot is turned off.

Their risky bet fits a pattern. State lawmakers in recent years have lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis as they try to use short-term gimmicks, accounting maneuvers and optimistic hopes to avoid the bold restructuring decisions required to set the state's fiscal house in order.

Lawmakers should stop avoiding fiscal responsibility.”

Every member of the state Senate and state Assembly should read the editorial and then take its serious advice to heart.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), during 2008, 10 people died in 10 fatal motor vehicle-deer crashes, 99 people suffered incapacitating injuries, 243 people suffered less serious injuries, and 183 people were possibly injured. 

Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation for the likelihood of vehicles crashing with deer. October and November are deadly months for deer crashes. The deer are quite active due to their mating season.

Here are safety tips from the DOT for avoiding deer collisions:

• Be vigilant in early morning and evening hours, the most active time for deer.
• Drive cautiously at all times.
• Heed deer crossing signs and speed limits.
• Always wear your safety belt—there are fewer and less severe injuries in vehicle vs. deer crashes when safety belts are worn.
• If you see a deer by the side of the road, slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
• When you see one deer, look for another one—deer seldom run alone.
• If you find a deer looming in your headlights, don't expect the deer to move away.
• Headlights can confuse a deer and cause the animal to freeze.
• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path.
• Do not swerve. It can confuse the deer as to where to run.
• It can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
• The one exception is if you are riding a motorcycle. In this case, you should slow down, brake firmly and then swerve if you need to in order to avoid hitting the deer. When swerving on a motorcycle, always try to stay within the lane, if possible, to avoid hitting other objects.
• If your vehicle strikes a deer, stay in your vehicle and do not touch the animal if it is still alive.
• The injured deer, in attempting to move, could hurt you or itself.
• Walking or stopping on the highway is very dangerous – you could be hit by an oncoming vehicle if you get out of your car.
• The best advice is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call law enforcement.

Some very alarming news comes from the Wall Street Journal by way of new data from the US Census Bureau about tax collections during the second quarter of 2009. The newspaper reports:

“States across the country saw big declines in personal income taxes, the largest single source of state funding, representing about a third of states' overall revenues. Eleven states -- including California, New York and Wisconsin -- saw personal income taxes fall more than 30%.”

The recession has resulted in lost jobs and salary cuts meaning less revenue flowing into state government coffers. I have blogged extensively that a slumping economy is the worst time to raise taxes. And yet some Democrats in the state Legislature after proposing and approving the 2009-11 state budget loaded with tax and fee increases are still talking publicly about raising income taxes for some Wisconsin residents.

When revenues are down, the key to reversing the trend is job creation made possible by improving our woeful state business climate. Increasing taxes, especially now would be disastrous.

Read more in the Wall Street Journal. 

Under a government health care plan being debated in Washington D.C.:

1) You must purchase health insurance.

2) Failure to purchase health insurance results in a penalty.

3) Failure to pay the penalty results in jail time. 

Such government heavy handedness is simply too much for lawmakers in several states now considering constitutional amendments to prohibit the requirement that most citizens purchase health insurance under the threat of penalties.

Approval of the constitutional amendments could set up a huge battle pitting the states against the nation’s capital over states’ rights.

Ten states have introduced the Freedom of Choice in Health Care Act (Wisconsin is not one of them) that prohibits penalties imposed on patients for refusing to enroll in a specific health plan.

The New York Times reports that opponents of the constitutional amendments “acknowledge that the measures could create legal collisions that would be both expensive and cause delays to health care changes, and could be a rallying point for opponents (of government health care) in the increasingly tense debate.”

A constitutional amendment to protect the rights of patients is a great idea. However, given the current political landscape in Madison, even if proposed, the amendment would go nowhere.

Read more in the New York Times.

Earlier this week, I received the following e-mail from Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake about the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan.

Good morning:

I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you a major announcement that Governor Jim Doyle will be making regarding the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan.

A little more than three months ago we expanded BadgerCare Plus to low-income adults without dependent children. This plan offers basic health care to Wisconsin residents, many of whom have gone years without coverage or who have lost their coverage due to job loss.  The BadgerCare Plus Core Plan, while it has provided health care to many, does have to be budget neutral. This means there is a limit of the number of people that can be on the plan.  Since June 15th, we've received 500-600 applications for this plan every day, which means we will be reaching our budget neutrality limit very quickly.

Therefore, on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) we are suspending the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan enrollment process.  We will no longer be enrolling new members in the Core Plan after 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2009 because the total number of applications we have received is greater than the number of slots available. We will process all applications that were submitted by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2009. 

Effective at 12:00 p.m. on October 9, 2009 we will create a waiting list for the Core Plan and people on the waitlist will be able to enroll in the Core Plan as space becomes available. Individuals will not have to pay the $60 non-refundable application processing fee to be placed on the waitlist.  We will have more information regarding when individuals will be able to move off the waiting list and enroll in the Core Plan once we have processed all pending applications over the next several months.  

This change does not affect those individuals who wish to apply for FoodShare benefits and Family Planning services.  Those individuals should continue to apply online at www.Access.wi.gov  or by calling 1-800-291-2002. 

Governor Doyle has directed the Department to design a low-premium health care plan to help those on the Core Plan waiting list to have some minimal form of coverage while they wait for space to become available in the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan.  Details will be presented to the Governor in the coming months.

We anticipate that many individuals will try to apply for the Core Plan between today and Oct. 9^th.  We expect that the hold times on the phone will be very long so we encourage individuals to apply online through ACCESS or through a community partner.

You may receive calls to your offices regarding this issue. If a constituent calls your office about the status of their application, please know that given the high case volume we are expecting this week, DHS will not be able to check on the status of applications as our priority will be to take new applications through the week. Application processing is currently taking between 30-60 days.

Please encourage your constituents to apply online through ACCESS or through a community partner and follow-up regarding the status of their applications by calling 1-800-291-2002.

Attached is a copy of a fact sheet and an FAQ document to assist in answering constituent calls.

I appreciate your ongoing assistance and commitment to serving the residents of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Karen E. Timberlake

Secretary

BADGERCARE +
Core Plan – Health Care For Adults With No Dependent Children

WAITLIST At 12:00 P.M. (noon) on October 9, 2009, we will suspend the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan enrollment process. We will no longer be enrolling new members in the Core Plan after 12:00 P.M. (noon) October 9, 2009 because the total number of applications we have received is greater than the number of slots available. We will create a waitlist and people on the waitlist will be able to enroll in the Core Plan as space becomes available.

After that deadline, we will still accept applications for the FoodShare and Family Planning Waiver programs and we encourage you to apply for these programs.

If you do not apply for the Core Plan before 12:00 P.M (noon), October 9, 2009 and wish to enroll as space becomes available, go to ACCESS.wi.gov or call the Enrollment Services Center at 1-800-291-2002. We will ask you to answer some questions to see if you may be eligible for the Core Plan before putting you on the waitlist. You will not be asked to pay the $60 application fee until you are able to enroll in the Core Plan.

If your name is added to the Core Plan waitlist, we will let you know when there is an opening and tell you what you have to do to get signed up. While you are on the waitlist, you should let us know if you have any changes in your contact information such as address and phone number so that we can reach you when there is an opening in the program.

State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services

If your name is added to the waitlist, please contact the Enrollment Services Center if you:

• Become disabled,

• Turn age 65,

• Move out of Wisconsin,

• Become eligible for Medicare or Medicaid,

• Obtain health insurance,

• Start a job that offers health insurance coverage, or

• Have a related child under age 19 move into your home

If one of these things changes, you may be eligible for another health care plan that does not have a waitlist.

For people who apply for the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan before 12:00 P.M. (noon) October 9, 2009:

• If you submit an application and pay your fee before 12:00 P.M. (noon) October 9, 2009, your application will be processed and you will be enrolled if you meet the program rules.

• If you submit your application before 12:00 P.M. (noon) October 9, 2009, but you have not yet paid your fee, you must pay it within 30 days from the date you applied. If your fee is not paid on time, your application will expire and you will have to add your name to the waitlist.

For more information about the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan or to find a list of free or low cost clinics, visit: www.badgercareplus.org

A. You have 30 days from the date you apply to pay the $60 application processing fee. If you do not pay it within that time, your application will expire and you will have to add your name to the waitlist.

Q. What if I paid my $60 fee, but it was late?

A. If you apply before 12:00 P.M. (noon) October 9, 2009, but pay your fee late, your application will expire and you will need to add your name to the wait list. We will refund your $60 fee.

WAITLIST

Q. After 12:00 P.M. (noon) October 9, 2009 how do I get on the waitlist?

A. To add your name to the waitlist, go to ACCESS.wi.gov. You will need to answer most of the questions on the application (online or by phone) to make sure you meet the program rules for Core Plan. If you do, you will be added to the waitlist for the Core Plan. You will not be asked to pay the $60 application fee until you are able to enroll. FoodShare, the Family Planning Waiver and BadgerCare Plus for children and families are still accepting new members. You can still apply for those programs online or by phone.

Q. How long will I be on the waitlist?

A. We don’t know at this time when slots will become available. Once we have processed all the applications received before 12:00 p.m. October 9, we will have a better idea. As space becomes available, people on the waitlist will be invited to apply.

Q. What will happen once space opens up and I am able to apply?

A. You will get a letter with your security code. The letter will tell you to go online or call to complete a new application using the security code. You will have to apply using the code within 30 days or after that, the code will expire and you will need to add your name to the waitlist again.

Q. Will I have to apply over the phone or can I apply at home or with a community partner?

A. You can apply over the phone, at home online or with a community partner.

Q. What are my options while I’m on the waiting list (I need to go to the doctor now!)

A. A list of free or low cost clinics can be found at: BadgerCarePlus.org.

Governor Doyle has directed the Department of Health Services to design a low-premium health care plan to help those on the Core Plan waiting list to have some minimal form of coverage while they wait for space to become available in the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan. The program would require enrollees to pay for premiums on their own, but it would be coverage that individuals can choose to take while they wait.

Within the next 45 days the Department will present to the Governor and to the legislature a plan to provide you with a health insurance coverage option.

Q. I tried to apply for the Core Plan, but was told I needed to wait 12 months since I had coverage in the last year. Can I get on the waitlist while I am waiting for the 12 months to pass.

A. If you are in a 12-month waiting period because you had health insurance coverage, you need to wait until the end of that waiting period before applying to get your name on the waitlist.

During the 2005 legislative session, I authored an abstinence bill that was approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Doyle. Under the law, school boards that choose to provide sex education are required to present abstinence as the preferred choice of behavior.

The law is now under attack and in jeopardy.

According to Wisconsin Family Action, “Assembly Bill 458/Senate Bill 324 does away with the current requirement that abstinence must be presented as the very best behavior choice for unmarried students.”

Blogger Randy Melchert has posted an entry about Tuesday’s Assembly hearing on the legislation that got quite heated. Melchert’s blog includes YouTube videos of testimony in opposition to the legislation by Julaine Appling of Wisconsin Family Action and Matt Sande of Pro Life Wisconsin.

AB458/SB324 is dangerous legislation that must be rejected.

It is difficult to keep up with the tax and fee increases that were contained in the Democrats’ approved 2009-11 state budget, there were so many.

One of the new fees goes into effect for many Wisconsin residents this week that could go unnoticed. A new tax will appear on electric bills with the additional revenue going toward salaries and benefits for district attorneys across Wisconsin.

The spin by the tax increasers, if you watch this WBAY-TV news report , is that the tax is minimal and a public benefit. Besides, the people who raised taxes claim they didn’t raise taxes.

The Oshkosh Northwestern Editorial Board isn’t buying that argument.

This Monday, October 12, 2009 is one of four designated  furlough days during the fiscal year that state offices will be closed.

This memo has details and the exceptions noted for October 12, 2009.

An old saying in politics says, “The devil is the details.” The axiom is especially true in the current debate in Washington D.C. about government health care.

Montana Democrat Max Baucus chairs the U.S. Senate Health Committee that is working on a federal overhaul of America’s health care system. Last month, Baucus suggested a proposed tax on medical equipment manufacturers include condoms. Baucus’ idea was met with howls, leading him to backtrack and exempt condoms from the tax. 

A condom, classified as a class I medical device by the Food and Drug Administration is, at this point, tax-free. However, government health care proponents have to find ways to pay for their takeover. Since class I medical devices are exempted, class II medical devices are still covered.

That means powered breast pumps used to bottle milk for babies will be subject to the new tax that Washington Times columnist Amanda Carpenter calls, “the new mommy tax.”

The national political blog, Hot Air analyzed the medical devices that would be taxed to fund government health plan. The list includes:

• Dentures, both partial and full
• Fetal cell-screening kit
• Female condoms, single use
• Treponemal syphilis test
• HIV saliva test kit
• Patient data storage and transmission software
• Stair-climbing wheelchair
• Inflatable penis prosthetic  
• Hip, knee, ankle, breast prosthetics  
• Soft contact lenses, extended wear
• IUDs
• Dialysis catheters  
• Dental X-rays
• Sickle-cell anemia tests  
• Mammograms

I guess free government health care isn’t free.

The state Department of Health Services (DHS) reports influenza activity is on the rise:

“Currently, Wisconsin is experiencing elevated flu activity in most areas of the state, with cases reported from 48 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. 99% of all the circulating influenza viruses have been confirmed as H1N1. Flu activity is currently higher than what is normally seen at this time of the year.”

DHS recommends good hygiene to prevent the spread of influenza.

Five schools in the Wisconsin Dells district are closed until this Monday due to an influenza increase.

Here are more details from DHS.

Here’s a big surprise. From the Reuters news agency:

“The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation reported the (government health care) bill would raise $121 billion in fees on drug companies, health insurers and the makers of medical devices, up from the $92 billion it reported last month.” 

This revelation is one of the reasons there could be more delays in Congressional action on government health care legislation.

Suddenly, the federal overhaul of America’s health care system that was once on the fast track has run into roadblocks, and that is good news.

During January 2009, I blogged that the nearly $1 trillion in federal stimulus funding would not be the cure all for states suffering huge budget deficits.

All but $1 billion of the $49 billion in stimulus funding for fiscal year 2009 has been dished out by Washington, and states, according to the Government Accountability Office, “continue to be fiscally strained.” New, stringent reporting requirements states must follow to account for their spending raise the possibility of faulty data.

Most of the money used by the states is going toward Medicaid and protecting layoffs of positions like police, fire, and teachers.

A question I have raised on my blog in the past is now of concern to state officials seeing money pouring in from the nation’s capital with budget deficits that refuse to go away: What happens when the stimulus spigot shuts off January 2011?

Read more from Stateline. 

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board wants public input about a proposal to extend the deer gun hunting season from the current 9-day hunt to 16 days. The season would begin one week earlier.

The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is searching for new ideas to reduce Wisconsin’s whitetail herd since DNR Secretary Matt Frank announced during April 2009 that a one-year moratorium on the controversial Earn-a-Buck program would be imposed outside the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) zone during the 2009 deer hunting season.

Deer populations were lower than anticipated during the fall of 2008 due to a rough winter and a late, cool spring. The deer kill was down 19 percent during 2008, and hunters generally opposed to the Earn-a-Buck program blamed the DNR for its projections of the deer population that were too high. The Earn-a-Buck program was quite unpopular.

During January 2009, the Wisconsin Outdoor News reported, “The Earn-a-Buck program forces hunters to shoot antlerless deer before taking a buck. It’s designed as a population-control measure, but many hunters despise it because it forces them to pass up trophy kills.”

The Earn-a-Buck program has been scrapped, and the DNR believes a new method to thin the herd would be an extended season. Thus far, reaction has been as chilly as deer hunting weather

Jon Gafner, owner of Jon's Sport Shop in Oshkosh, told the Oshkosh Northwestern he has yet to hear a positive comment from his customers about a 16-day hunt. Russ Ref told the newspaper, “I think the deer herd has already been decimated by the Earn-a Buck and antlerless deer seasons. I'm opposed to any change that is going to reduce the herd more."

Several public hearings are planned. The closest location to Senate District 28 that I represent is a hearing October 28, 2009 at Pewaukee. Here is the complete schedule of public hearings that all begin at 6:30 p.m. with an informational presentation about the proposed rule followed by public comment at 7:00 p.m.:

• October 14, Crivitz - Crivitz Village Hall, 800 Henriette Ave.
• October 15, Onalaska - Onalaska High School Field house, 700 Hilltopper Place.
• October 21, Madison - Lussier Family Heritage Center - Main Level, 3101 Lake Farm Road.
• October 21, Rhinelander - James Williams Middle School, 915 Acacia Lane.
• October 21, Ashland - Ashland AmericInn Conference Center, 3009 Lakeshore Drive E.
• October 26, Appleton - Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton Campus, Room C190, 1825 North Bluemound Drive.
• October 26, Eau Claire - Chippewa Valley Technical College auditorium, Room M103, 620 W. Clairemont Ave.
• October 27, Sturtevant - Natural Resources office building, 9531 Rayne Road, Suite 4.
• October 28, Pewaukee - Waukesha County Technical College, Room C051/C057, 800 Main St.
• October 28, Spooner - Spooner High School Auditorium, 801 County A.
• November 3, Stevens Point - Portage County Courthouse Annex, Conference Room 1, 1462 Strongs Ave.

Written comments can be submitted until November 3, 2009 to:

Keith Warnke
Bureau of Wildlife Management
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI  53707

Here is more information about the proposed rule.

Here is an update from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) for the I-94 NORTH-SOUTH freeway project:

Construction activities are scheduled to close I-94 EAST (SB) at Layton, I-94 WEST (NB) at Rawson on Monday, October 12th between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Contractors will be continuing demolition at the Airport Spur. Listed below are all associated closures scheduled for Monday night: 

Full Closures and System Ramps

I-94 EAST (SB) at Layton Avenue 10pm - 5am
I-94 WEST (NB) at Rawson Ave 10pm - 5am

Entrance and Exit Ramp Closures

Rawson Ave entrance ramps to I-94 WEST (NB) 9:30pm-5:30am Airport Spur exit and entrance ramps to/from I-94 EAST (SB) and WEST (NB)9:30pm-5:30am
Airport Spur WB entrance ramps from Grange Ave and Howell Ave 9:30pm-5:30am
I-94 EAST (SB) Layton entrance ramp 9:30pm-5:30am 20th Street from Layton Avenue SB exit ramp 9:30pm-5:30am

Lane Closures

Single Lane Closure on 27th St from Whitaker to Layton Ave. 6am-7pm

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

Alternate Routes for I-94 WEST (NB): 

-To access I-94/43 NB, traffic should exit I-94 WEST (NB) at Rawson Ave. Turn right at the end of the ramp to Howell Ave (WIS 38) to Layton Ave. Turn left on Layton Ave to the I-94/43 NB entrance ramp. 

-To access I-894/43 WB, traffic should exit I-94 WEST (NB) at Rawson Ave. Turn left at the end of the ramp to 27th St. Turn right on 27th St to Layton Ave. Turn left on Layton Ave to Loomis Rd. Turn right on Loomis Rd to the I-894/43 WB entrance ramp. 

Alternate Routes for I-94 EAST (SB): 

-To access I-94 SB, traffic should exit I-94 EAST (SB) at Layton Ave. Follow ramp to Layton Ave East. Continue on Layton Ave to Howell Ave. (WIS 38). Turn right on Howell Ave to Rawson Ave. Turn right on Rawson Ave to the I-94 SB entrance ramp. 

- To access the Airport from I-94/43 SB traffic should exit I-94 EAST (SB) at Layton Ave. Follow ramp to Layton Ave East. Continue on Layton Ave to Howell Ave. Turn right on Howell Ave to the Airport. 

- To access I-43/94 NB from the Airport, traffic should use Howell Ave (WIS 38) NB to Layton Ave. Turn left on Layton Ave to the entrance ramp to I-43/94 NB. 

- To access I-894/43 WB from the Airport, traffic should use Howell Ave (WIS 38) NB to Layton Ave. Turn left on Layton Ave (3 miles) to Loomis Rd. Turn right on Loomis Rd to the entrance ramp to I-894/43 WB. 

- To access I-94 EAST (SB) from the Airport, traffic should use Howell Ave (WIS 38) SB (2 miles) to Rawson Ave. Turn right on Rawson Ave to the entrance ramp to I-94 EAST (SB). 

Alternate Routes for Airport traffic: 

- To access the Airport from I-94/43 SB traffic should exit I-94 EAST (SB) at Layton Ave. Follow ramp to Layton Ave East. Continue on Layton Ave to Howell Ave. Turn right on Howell Ave to the Airport. 

- To access the Airport from I-94 WEST (NB) traffic should exit I-94 WEST (NB) at Rawson Ave. Turn right on Rawson Ave to Howell Ave. Turn left on Howell Ave to the Airport. 

- To access I-43/94 NB from the Airport, traffic should use Howell Ave (WIS 38) NB to Layton Ave. Turn left on Layton Ave to the entrance ramp to I-43/94 NB. 

- To access I-894/43 WB from the Airport, traffic should use Howell Ave (WIS 38) NB to Layton Ave. Turn left on Layton Ave (3 miles) to Loomis Rd. Turn right on Loomis Rd to the entrance ramp to I-894/43 WB. 

- To access I-94 EAST (SB) from the Airport, traffic should use Howell Ave (WIS 38) SB (2 miles) to Rawson Ave. Turn right on Rawson Ave to the entrance ramp to I-94 EAST (SB).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
All closures are weather-dependent and subject to change.

A powerful new documentary to be released soon focuses on the huge money-making abortion industry. “Blood Money” features interviews with pro-life leaders, women who have had abortions, and former abortion administrators.

Watch the film’s trailer....

I invite you to attend a state Assembly committee hearing on campaign finance reform this week in Franklin.

The state Assembly’s Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform will hold an informational hearing seeking testimony and input from the public on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Franklin City Hall in the Common Council Chambers located at 9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin.

Your attendance, testimony, and input are strongly encouraged to help shape and secure our valued voting system. This public hearing is your opportunity to inform state legislators how you want your tax dollars spent on the election process.

Should elections be publicly financed? Should your tax dollars be forwarded to candidates you may not necessarily support? Or should more effort be placed on restoring voter confidence by strengthening the credibility of elections through measures like a strong photo ID requirement?

If you, as I do, support significant, effective reforms, please plan on attending this important hearing to voice your views as a concerned taxpayer and voter.

Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform 

INFORMATIONAL HEARING 

The committee will hold an informational hearing on the following items at the time specified below: 

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
2:00 PM
Franklin City Hall
Common Council Chambers
9229 West Loomis Road
Franklin, WI 53132

Clean Elections Tour

The Elections and Campaign Reform Committee will seek testimony and input from the public on campaign finance reform.

UPDATE: Legislative Democrats reject photo ID……again! 

Wisconsin Congressman James Sensenbrenner is accepting applications for individuals wishing to enter any of the United States Service Academies during summer 2010.

This Thursday is the deadline.

Here is more information.

Plymouth Ambulance personnel assist a motorist following an accident between a car and motorcycle Wednesday Sept. 9, 2009 at state Highway 67 and county Highway PP in Plymouth. Photo by Bruce Halmo/The Sheboygan Press


The good news is that over many years, the number of road fatalities has been consistently declining.

The bad news is the same can’t be said for motorcyclists. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports that approximately 5,300 motorcycle riders died in roadway crashes during 2008 accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, with about 96,000 injured.

Nationwide from 1997 through 2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased from 2,116 to 5,290, a 150 percent increase. Last year, as motorcycle fatalities increased, all other vehicle types saw reductions in fatalities.

For the first time in three decades, the FHA will conduct a major study to better understand the causes of motorcycle crashes. 

As a motorcycle enthusiast, I welcome this federal effort.

Numbers provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for state motorcycle crashes mirror what is happening at the national level. The DOT reports:

“Using a five-year rolling average, 87 people die and 638 people are seriously injured in motorcycle crashes in Wisconsin. In 2007, 773 persons were seriously injured and 106 were killed in 2,788 reported motorcycle crashes. If you were in a motorcycle crash in 2007, you were most likely injured – only 160 cycle crashes did not result in injury. The chart above shows that 67% of the motorcycle fatalities and incapacitating injuries occur to individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 years old.”

As mentioned above, in the United States, motorcycle riders account for 14 percent of all vehicle fatalities. The DOT reports, “Motorcycle fatalities accounted for 14% of total fatalities on Wisconsin roads in 2007.”

The federal study and its findings will surely bolster Wisconsin’s successful Motorcycle Rider Education Program. 

The headline of a news release issued out of East Troy reads:

BUELL OFFICIALS THANK CUSTOMERS, DEALERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR UNFORGETTABLE RIDE

Harley Davidson announced that it will no longer manufacture the Buell product line. Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger says a limited number of new Buell motorcycles are still available for sale through authorized dealerships. Production of the Buell brand is expected to end by the end of this month. and production will wind down by October 30,

The move comes the same day Harley-Davidson is announcing decreases in revenue, net income and earnings per share for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period one year ago.

Harley-Davidson’s new long-term business strategy will focus on the Harley-Davidson brand. The “go-forward” business strategy means the discontinuation of Buell that will result in the loss of about 180 jobs.

“I want to personally thank all our past and present Buell employees, dealers and suppliers for their efforts. I also want to thank Buell motorcycle owners for their support and passion for the brand,” said Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger in a news release.

“I will always be proud of what we have accomplished. It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we’ve produced some of the best-handling bikes of all time,” said Buell Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. “I have also had the great fortune to meet and get to know many Buell riders over the years, and they are an amazing and interesting group of free thinkers. May you ride with pride into the future. And may your roads ahead be as adventuresome and rewarding as mine have been for the last 26 years.”

The Buell Motorcycle Company has been an outstanding business and jobs-provider in Senate District 28. Founded in 1983, the company has produced more than 135,000 motorcycles and has won many design awards, races and championships around the world, including the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike championship this year.

This is a sad day for East Troy and the entire state of Wisconsin. I wish everyone associated with Buell the very best and I congratulate them for their 26 years of outstanding service.

Here is more from WUWM-FM, Milwaukee Public Radio.

Southeast Wisconsin Region office – Weekly construction update

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is providing a weekly update on southeast Wisconsin road construction impacting traffic in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties.

To avoid delays, motorists are encouraged to seek information about work zones and detours from the following sources:

• For interstate/freeway lane and ramp closures, travel times and camera images in southeast Wisconsin, visit www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/milwaukee/index.htm
• For statewide-recorded road construction information 24 hours a day, call 1-800-ROAD-WIS (762-3947).
• For statewide road construction information on the Web, visit www.dot.wisconsin.gov

All closures on this report are subject to change and are weather-dependant.

* All changes/ Updates are listed in Red

Kenosha County

WIS 31 (Green Bay Road)

Location: WIS 50 (75th Street) intersection, WIS 158 (52^nd Street) intersection and 45^th Street intersection

Schedule: July 27 - Nov. 24

Length: 0.62 miles

Cost: $1.9 million

Type of work: Convert the WIS 31 existing two through-lanes with mandatory right turn-only lanes at its WIS 50 and WIS 158 intersections to three continuous northbound and southbound thru-lanes.  Reconfigure the existing WIS 31 left turn lanes at these intersections and at other nearby median openings for reducing collisions. Project improvements include:

·                     Replacing existing traffic signals with temporary and new permanent signals at the WIS 50 and WIS 158 intersections,

·                     Installing a new traffic signal at the 45^th Street intersection,

·                     Modifying existing storm sewer system,

·                     Extending and reconfiguring turn lanes within the existing highway right-of-way,

·                     New signing/striping.

Traffic impacts: All intersection approaches will remain open to traffic during construction. 

1. August – October, northbound and southbound WIS 31 will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes while the existing right turn lanes and outer corners are reconstructed at these three intersections. Truck detour routes will be posted in the project vicinity with right turns by trucks prohibited at these intersections.  This construction stage is complete at the WIS 50 (75th Street) intersection and is currently anticipated to be completed by Saturday, Oct. 24 at the WIS 158 (52^nd Street) intersection and 45^th Street intersection.    WIS 31 could be reduced occasionally during nighttime hours to one lane in each direction.  The WIS 50 eastbound outside through lane (Lane #2) will be closed for repaving from 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.  If weather conditions require, then this closure might be rescheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday Oct. 3 to 10 a.m. Sunday Oct. 4.

October - November, the three northbound and southbound WIS 31 lanes will remain reduced at two lanes for median work in the vicinities of the three intersections. The intersections’ new right turn lanes will remain open to traffic.   Left turn lanes must be shortened temporarily while existing left turn lanes and WIS 31 median areas are reconstructed.   This construction stage is in effect at the WIS 50 (75th Street) intersection and is currently anticipated to begin by Saturday, Oct. 24 at the WIS 158 (52^nd Street) intersection and 45^th Street intersection.

• The WIS 31 southbound inside through lane (Lane #1) approach to WIS 50 will be closed for repaving Thursday Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 24.  During this lane closure period one southbound left turn lane to eastbound WIS 50 and one southbound through lane will remain open to traffic.  If required by weather conditions, then this lane closure may be rescheduled for  Friday Oct. 23 through Sunday Oct. 25.
• The WIS 50 eastbound inside through lane (Lane #1) approach to WIS 31 will be closed for repaving from 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.  During this lane closure one of the two new WIS 50 eastbound left turn lanes will be open to traffic.  If required by weather conditions, then this lane closure may be rescheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday Oct. 24 to 10 a.m. Sunday Oct. 25.   

WIS 50 (75^th Street)

Location: Intersection of County B

Schedule: July 20 - November

Length: 0.24 miles

Cost: $1.7 million

Type of work: Project Improvement Include:

• Improved Left turn lanes on both WIS 50 and County B
• Traffic Signal and Intersection Lighting
• Pavement Markings and Traffic Signs

Traffic impacts: WIS 50 will be open to traffic during construction.  One lane of traffic in each direction will be kept open at all times.

July - September:  Median and left lanes on WIS 50 will be closed. Right turns only will be allowed for traffic on County B.

September – November: Right lanes on WIS 50 will be closed. County B will be closed to all traffic south of WIS 50. County B between WIS 50 and 73^rd Place will be closed to all traffic.   Access to County B north of WIS 50 will be from County K.

Milwaukee County

WIS 18 (West Bluemound Road)

Location: North Mayfair Road to Zoo Freeway

Schedule: September - Oct. 31

Length: 0.6 mile

Cost: $1.0 million

Type of Work: Mill and overlay with pavement marking and signing

Traffic: Staged construction and one lane will be kept open in each direction during construction

WIS 241 (S. 27^th St.)  

Location: Drexel Avenue south to Milwaukee County line

Schedule: July 27, 2009 - Nov. 15

Length: 3.912 miles

Cost: $4,398,011

Type of work: Mill and resurface S. 27^th Street. Apply a thin epoxy overlay on bridge over the Root River. Improvements to signal loops at W. Puetz Road and W. Ryan Road. Driveway and median opening removals will occur for safety improvements.  New signing and beam guard end treatments.

Traffic impacts: The roadway will remain open during construction; however, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction

WIS 24 (Forest Home Avenue)

Location: US 45 to 45^th Street 

Schedule: June 22, 2009 - Dec 1, 2009; May 1, 2010 - June 25, 2010

Length: 5.288 miles

Cost: $14,755,162

Type of work: Mill and resurface Forest Home Avenue. Replace the seven existing signals with new signals; minor intersection upgrades to turn lanes. Overlay the Root River Bridge and Honey Creek Bridge. Redeck the three structures over I-894/I-43.

Traffic impacts: Forest Home Avenue will be constructed under traffic in stages.  One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Off peak lane closures will be taken on I-894/I-43 during the bridge re-decks. The I-894/I-43 westbound off ramp will be detoured during stage one construction. 

WIS 24

Location: West Forest Home Avenue Bridge (over the KK River)

Schedule: Late May - November

Length: 1.76 miles

Cost: $2.1 million

Type of work: Bridge replacement

Traffic impacts: Two-way traffic in each direction will be opened during construction.

WIS 145
Location: WIS 145 intersection with Fond du Lac Avenue
Schedule: July - October
Length: 0.29 miles
Cost: $0.4 million
Type of Work: Intersection improvements including: replacing traffic signals and lighting, additional left turn lane, storm sewer, signs, pavement marking and landscaping.    
Traffic impacts: Drivers are encouraged to watch for changes during signal work. WIS 145 will remain open to traffic at all times with lane closures. Northbound left turn lane to Fond du Lac Avenue is now closed. Follow detour from the Fond du Lac Avenue/Hampton Avenue intersection west to the Hampton Avenue/76^th Street intersection, turn right onto northbound 76^th Avenue to the intersection of Fond du Lac Avenue/76^th Street.

US 45

Location: Hampton Avenue over US 45    

Schedule: Aug.17, 2009 - mid-November

Length: under one mile

Cost: $1,325,866

Type of work: Painting and overlay of bridge on Hampton Avenue over US 45.Traffic signal replacement at northbound US 45 ramps and Hampton Avenue.  

Traffic impacts: 

-Hampton Avenue single lane closure for duration of project. 

-Northbound off ramp from US 45 left turn lanes will be reduced to one lane for duration of project.

-US 45 single lane closure allowed 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Saturday-Sunday. US 45 two-lane closure allowed, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Friday and Saturday.

WIS 57 (North Green Bay Avenue)

Location: Marne Drive to Good Hope Road

Schedule: June - November

Length: 1.9 miles

Cost: $2.9 million

Type of work: Pavement milling and resurfacing, intersection improvements, sewer structures, concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk, pavement marking, signs, lighting, and traffic signals.

Traffic impacts: One lane of traffic in each direction will be open during construction. Drivers are encouraged to watch for changing traffic patterns and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes when possible.

WIS 100 (Mayfair Road)

Location: Watertown Plank Road to Walnut Road

Schedule: July 20 - June 30, 2010

Length:  0.45 miles

Cost: $5.1 million

Type of work: The Mayfair Road Bridge project consists of milling and replacing asphalt pavement, storm sewer, erosion control, pavement marking, signing, lighting, traffic control and various rehabilitation items of the bridge including concrete pavement repair and structure repainting.

Traffic impacts: Stage 1, with completion in late November, will provide two lanes for south bound traffic and one lane for north bound traffic on the south bound bridge. There will a signed alternate route provided for north bound traffic.  Stage 2 will commence in Spring 2010 and  will provide two lanes for south bound traffic and one lane for north bound traffic on the north bound bridge. Stage 3 will provide two lanes for north and south bound traffic from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Possible night work could be expected during this stage. Access to commercial entrances will be provided throughout the duration of the project.

WIS 100 (Brown Deer Road)

Location: WIS 57 (Green Bay Road)-I-43

Schedule: April 6 - Nov. 24

Length: 2.02 miles

Cost: $5.7 million

Type of work: Remove and reconstruct existing concrete pavement. This reconstructed six-lane highway will include new on-road bike accommodations along its outside lanes in both directions. Project improvements include:

• Replacing existing traffic signals with temporary and new permanent signals at the Kildeer Court and Range Line Road intersections,
• Modifying existing storm sewer system,
• Reconfiguring turn lanes within the existing highway right-of-way,
• Adding decorative pavement and sidewalks at the Kildeer Court intersection,
• Installing new freeway traffic monitoring equipment at the I-43/Brown Deer Road interchange
• New signing/striping.

Traffic impacts: WIS 100 will remain open to two-way traffic between WIS 57 and I-43 during construction, but motorists are advised to seek alternative routes. All two-way traffic will be directed onto one side of WIS 100 while its other side is reconstructed. Eastbound and westbound WIS 100 traffic will each have one lane with left turns accommodated in a middle lane at intersections. WIS 100 will continue to accommodate trucks during construction. Cross-streets will remain open to traffic with short-term intermittent closures at WIS 100 intersections when required. Message board signs will announce these short-term closures in advance.

August - October: The south side of WIS 100 is closed for reconstruction with two-way traffic diverted onto its new north side pavement until about Wednesday, Oct. 28.  The southbound and northbound I-43 outside lanes will be closed to traffic near the Good Hope Road interchange on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 15 to prepare the shoulder for 2010 reconstruction of the Green Tree Road and Good Hope Road bridges.

November: Traffic is returned to the WIS 100 eastbound and westbound lanes with localized closures of WIS 100 two lanes open to traffic in each direction.  WIS 100 lane closures will be scheduled at the I-43 interchange to prepare the interchange bridge area for 2010 reconstruction.

WIS 181 (North 76th Street)

Location: West Center Street to West Appleton Avenue

Schedule: Late May - November

Length: 1.76 miles

Cost: $4.5 million

Type of work: Construction of concrete pavement, storm sewer structure, curb and gutter, sidewalk and pavement marking

Traffic impacts: Two-way traffic in each direction will be opened during construction.

WIS 38 (Chase Avenue)

Location: East Howard Ave. to East Ohio Avenue

Schedule: June - November

Length: one mile

Cost: $2 million

Type of work: Pavement removal, grading, concrete pavement, sewer structures, concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk and pavement marking

Traffic impacts: Two-way traffic in each direction will be opened during construction.

Ozaukee County

WIS 167
Location: Mequon Road Intersection with Wausaukee Road
Schedule: June 29 - Nov. 25
Length: 0.50 miles
Cost: $1.5 million
Type of Work: Intersection reconstruction, adding new traffic signals, left turn lanes, storm sewer, signs, pavement marking and landscaping (topsoil, seed and fertilizer).    
Traffic impacts: WIS 167 will remain open to traffic; the north and south sides will be built half at a time.  Wausaukee Road will be closed periodically, first the north half and then the south half, each time for approximately six to eight weeks, with a local detour. Changeable message boards (CMSs) will notify the traveling public of upcoming closures of Wausaukee Road.

Racine County

WIS 20/32 (Sixth Street)

Location: Grand Avenue to Main Street

Schedule: April 13 - Oct. 31

Length of Project: 0.25 miles

Cost: $1.9 million

Type of work:  Reconstruction of concrete pavement, brick paver sidewalk and street enhancements.

Traffic impacts: WIS 20/32 limited to one westbound lane (one westbound lane closed). Westbound Trucks restricted to truck detour on WIS 38 to Marquette Street.

West Half of the Burlington Bypass (south and west of City of Burlington)

Location: WIS 36 and County P Interchanges with the Burlington Bypass

Schedule: March 23, 2009 - November 2009 (entire bypass scheduled to open in late fall 2010)

Length: 2.8 miles (entire bypass is 11 miles)

Cost: $13 million (entire bypass approximately $100 million in six separate contracts)

Type of work: Construct five new bridges (one over the White River, two at the County P interchange, and two at the WIS 36 interchange)

2.                  Remove the existing WIS 36 - White River bridge

3.                  Grading

4.                  Paving

5.                  Concrete curb and gutter

6.                   New signing and marking on County P and WIS 36

Traffic impacts: County P and WIS 36 will be closed while the interchanges are built from March 23rd to mid-October.

7.                  The signed County P detour is WIS 50 to WIS 83 to Market Street

8.                   The signed WIS 36 detour is WIS 11 to WIS 120

East Half of the Bypass is currently open to WIS 83 (Pine Street).

For more information and maps, please see the website:  http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/d2/burl/index.htm

WIS 11 (Durand Avenue)

Location: Union Pacific Railroad Structure and Retaining Wall Replacement at WIS 32 (Sheridan Road) in the Village of Mount Pleasant.

Schedule: May 2008 - November

Length: 0.142 miles

Cost: $7 million

Type of work: Construct new railroad bridge and retaining walls over WIS 11 west of WIS 32.

Traffic impacts: WIS 11 is closed from S. Memorial Drive to WIS 32. Signed detours on Chicory and DeKoven to S. Memorial Drive. WIS 32 (Sheridan Road) is open to traffic.

WIS 11 (State Street/Durand Avenue)

Location: Main Street to the Burlington Bypass

Schedule: May 2009 - November

Length: 2.4 miles

Cost: $3 million

Type of work: From Main Street to Capital Street, the asphalt roadway will be milled and overlaid. From Capital Street to the Burlington Bypass, the pavement will be replaced and a new signal will be installed at the County W/Chapel Terrace intersection.

Traffic impacts: WIS 11 is closed from Main Street to the Burlington Bypass. The detour will be signed on Main Street to the Burlington Bypass for through traffic. In the four-lane section of the roadway from Main Street to Larkspur Lane, construction will be staged so half the road is built at a time to allow one lane in each direction. Drivers are encouraged to watch for changing traffic patterns and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes when possible.

WIS 38 (Northwestern Avenue)

Location: Golf Avenue to Rapids Drive

Schedule: May 2009 - November

Length: 0.443 miles

Cost: $700,000

Type of work: Milling and overlaying pavement; replacing some curb and gutter, sidewalk and beam guard; installing new lighting; and landscaping any disturbed areas.

Traffic impacts: WIS 38 will be constructed in two stages under traffic. A signal lane of traffic is being maintained in both directions on WIS 38. 

In the first stage, the southbound Golf Avenue to eastbound WIS 38 movement will not be allowed. A detour will be posted using Rapids Drive. Traffic will be on existing outer lanes while the inner lanes are constructed. 

In the second stage, there will be no access to or from the Golf Avenue intersection. A detour will be posted using Rapids Drive. Traffic will be on the newly constructed inner lanes while the outer lanes are constructed.

Walworth County

US 12
Location: Whitewater to Elkhorn Road    
Schedule: June 25 - October

Length: Seven miles
Cost: $2.9 million
Type of Work: Resurface
Traffic impacts: Road open to local traffic only. Work is staged in two phases. Stage 1 was completed on Aug.  25, 2009.The second stage runs from County H to the intersection of WIS 20 and WIS 67. The detour for US 12 eastbound starts at intersection of WIS 20 and US 67/US 12, heading south along US 12/67, west on County A, and north on County H, reconnecting at County H and US 12. The detour for westbound US 12 starts at County H and US 12, heading south along County H, east on County A, reconnecting at County A and US 12. Stage 2 work to be completed by Oct. 6, 2009.

I-43

Location: Rock County line to US 12

Schedule: June 1 - Oct. 15

Length: 16 miles of I-43 and .5 mile on US 14

Cost: $8.5 million

Type of work: Concrete pavement diamond grinding; asphaltic shoulder milling; asphaltic shoulder pavement; County X and US 14 interchange ramp construction;  one bridge deck removal and reconstruction;  bridge deck overlay and slope paving on five bridge decks.

Traffic impacts: I-43 will experience moving lane closures, with a minimum of one, 12-foot lane available in each direction at all times. County X and US 14 northbound and southbound ramps will only be closed alternatively during construction to allow reasonable access to I-43 at all times. Local road and bridge closures will be posted and implemented in approximate times and places:

Closures

County O bridge out from June 1 to Aug. 24 (detoured via County X, County K and US 14);

Borg Road (Wright Street) bridge closed from Aug. 17 to Sept. 23.

Lawson School Road bridge closed from June 15 to July 17.

Old 89 (Peters Road) bridge closed from Aug. 31 to Oct. 8.

Ramps of County X and US 14 southbound and northbound will only be closed alternatively to maintain reasonable access to I-43 at all times.

Washington County

WIS 145

Location: US 41 to County P

Schedule: April - November

Length:  1.089 miles

Cost:  $8.2 million

Type of work: Reconstruct WIS 145 (Fond du Lac Avenue) from US 41 to County P, reconstruct freeway on/off ramps, re-deck WIS 145 bridges over both US 41 and US 45, and construct roundabouts at all ramp termini for US 41 and US 45, as well as at Cabela Way.

Traffic impacts: Drivers are encouraged to watch for changing traffic patterns and become familiar with driving roundabouts.  Information on driving roundabouts can be found at:  http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/motorist/roaddesign/roundabout-works.htm.  All roundabouts are expected to be operating by Oct. 9. Short term closures of WIS 145 are expected during two nights of the upcoming week.   Motorists will be directed to alternate routes around the work zone.  All lanes on US 41 and US 45 will remain open to traffic during peak hours. Watch for lane closures on US 41 and US 45 during off peak hours for bridge work. 

.

Waukesha County

WIS 67
Location: WIS 67 intersection with County B/Valley Road
Schedule: June 29 - Nov. 25
Length: 0.50 miles
Cost: $1.5 million
Type of Work: Intersection reconstruction, modifying existing traffic signals, left turn lanes, storm sewer, signs, pavement marking and landscaping (topsoil, seed and fertilizer).    
Traffic impacts: WIS 67 will remain open to traffic at all times, although single lanes may be closed. County B/Valley Road is closed between Corporate Center Drive and Pabst Farms Circle until November. Follow posted detour on Corporate Center Drive, Pabst Farms Boulevard, to Pabst Farms Circle. Changeable message boards (CMSs) will notify the traveling public of changes.

I-43 (Rock Freeway)

Location:  I-43 and County Y Interchange

Schedule:  May 11, 2009 - November

Length of Project: 1.023 miles

Cost: $6.25 million

Type of work: Reconstruct County Y (Racine Avenue) from W. College Avenue to Julius Heil Drive, reconstruct freeway on/off ramps, re-deck County Y bridge over I-43, and replace existing traffic signals at ramp termini on County Y with roundabouts. Project being done in conjunction with the Waukesha County project along County Y, from Julius Heil Drive to Pinewood Drive, including the County ES and County Y intersection.

Traffic impacts: Interchange will be closed to through traffic, but open to local traffic.  Closures will start at W. College Avenue.  Northbound and southbound I-43 off ramps will be closed for the duration of the project.  Northbound I-43 on ramp has been reconstructed and has been open to all traffic since June 22, 2009.  Southbound I-43 on ramp will only be open to local traffic, except when being reconstructed.  Reconstruction of the southbound I-43 on ramp began on Aug. 20 and the ramp was reopened to local traffic on Oct.1.  Local County Y traffic will always have one northbound and one southbound lane open at all times within project limits.   Construction on County Y will be staged in order to maintain local traffic.  I-43 will always be open to traffic.  During non-peak hours and weekends single lane closures will take place.  Detour route for WisDOT project will be WIS 164, Janesville Road (County L), and Moorland Road (County O).  Detour route for Waukesha County project will be WIS 164, Lawnsdale Road (County I), National Avenue (County ES), and Moorland Road (County O).

• Buckle up for safety. 
• Know where construction zones are located and allow extra time to get through them.
• Avoid the peak travel hours. 
• Watch for special messages on electronic message boards as you approach major construction zones. 
• Slow down, get into the correct lane early, and merge cautiously. 
• Stay alert for surprise slow-downs. 
• Take a scenic alternate route. 

###

A September 1, 2009 blog is just one of many entries I have blogged about Wisconsin incomes taxes that are some of the highest in the country. 

The word is out about our through the ceiling income taxes. First, the Wall Street Journal took notice. Now, the New York Times has picked up the story.

When two of the nation’s most widely-read and prestigious newspapers proclaim for all the world to see that Wisconsin has such high income taxes, it makes it that much more difficult to attract the best and the brightest and their expertise to relocate or stay here.

Read more from the Wisconsin Taxpayer Alliance.

Here is the calendar for the state Senate floor session scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.:

First Order.            Call of Roll.

Second Order.       Chief clerk's entries.

Third Order.           Introduction, first reading and reference of proposals.

Fourth Order.         Report of committees.

Fifth Order.            Petitions and communications.

Sixth Order.           Referrals and receipt of committee reports concerning proposed administrative rules.

Seventh Order.       Advice and consent of the Senate

QUESTION:      Shall the appointment be confirmed?

Armstrong, Stephanie, of De Forest, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2012

Bachhuber, Michele, of Marshfield, as a member of the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan Authority, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2012.

Basting, Thomas, of Madison, as a member of the Educational Communications Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2013.

Bronston, Carolyn, of Wausau, as a member of the Medical Examining Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2012.

Christman, Blane, of Ladysmith, as a member of the Rural Health Development Council, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2012.

Dallas, William, of Medford, as a member of the Professional Standards Council, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2011.

Everson, Diane, of Edgerton, as a member of the Educational Communications Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2013

Exo, Karen, of Portage, as a member of the Professional Standards Council, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2012.

Furness, Ian, of Fond du Lac, as a member of the Podiatrists Affiliated Credentialing Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013.

Gaier, John, of Neillsville, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2012.

Hase, Paula, of Wausau, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2012.

Heyning, Katy, of Whitewater, as a member of the Professional Standards Council, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2010.

Mulligan, Thomas, of Germantown, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2012.

Patterson, Leslie, of Greenfield, as a member of the Rural Health Development Council, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2011.

Rambo, Larry, of Waukesha, as a member of the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan Authority, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2011.

Severson, Deborah, of Eau Claire, as a member of the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan Authority, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2012.

Stroede, Jane, of Wisconsin Dells, as a member of the Physical Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013.

Swain, Katherine, of Beloit, as a member of the Professional Standards Council, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2011.

Thorman, Michele, of La Crosse, as a member of the Physical Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2011.

Timmons, Cecelia, of Madison, as a member of the Cemetery Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2012.

Eighth Order.         Messages from the Assembly.

QUESTION:            Shall the amendment be concurred in?

Senate Bill 107. Relating to: the sale, disposal, collection, and recycling of electronic devices, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing penalties.  Assembly Amendments 3 and 4 pending

Ninth Order.           Special Orders.

Tenth Order.           Consideration of motions, resolutions, and joint resolutions not requiring a third reading.

QUESTION:            Shall the joint resolution be adopted?

Senate Joint Resolution 47. Relating to: the second anniversary of WisconsinEye's commencement of broadcast operations. 

QUESTION:            Shall the joint resolution be concurred in?

Assembly Joint Resolution 72. Relating to: the life and public service of Edward Moore Kennedy. 

Assembly Joint Resolution 73. Relating to: honoring the life of Francisco Rodriguez. 

Senate Joint Resolution 47. Relating to: the second anniversary of WisconsinEye's commencement of broadcast operations

Assembly Joint Resolution 72. Relating to: the life and public service of Edward Moore Kennedy

Assembly Joint Resolution 73. Relating to: honoring the life of Francisco Rodriguez

Eleventh Order.      Second reading and amendments of senate joint resolutions and senate bills.

QUESTION:            Shall the bill be ordered to a third reading?

Senate Bill 17. Relating to: special distinguishing registration plates for certain vehicles owned by members of the national guard and making an appropriation. Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 41. Relating to: indoor environmental quality in public and private schools. (Report passage recommended by committee on Education, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 73. Relating to: the lifetime limit under the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (Report passage recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 74. Relating to: health insurance coverage denials for eligibility under the Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan. (Report passage recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 80. Relating to: the Volunteer Health Care Provider Program. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 7, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 7, Noes 0) Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 87. Relating to: increasing the maximum annual loan amount under the property tax deferral loan program of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. (Report passage recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 103. Relating to: restrictions on the operation of motor vehicles by persons using electronic text messaging devices and providing a penalty (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 2, Ayes 6, Noes 1, passage as amended recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 5, Noes 2) Senate Substitute Amendment 1 and Senate Amendment 2 pending

Senate Bill 121. Relating to: requiring the Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish a career conversations program.  (Report passage recommended by committee on Agriculture and Higher Education, Ayes 3, Noes 2)

Senate Bill 154. Relating to: school safety plans, pupil records, and school bullying. (Report passage recommended by committee on Education, Ayes 6, Noes 1)

Senate Bill 162. Relating to: requiring that personal flotation devices be worn by certain underage persons in certain boats. (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 5, Noes 2)

Senate Bill 163. Relating to: requiring health insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screening and granting rule-making authority (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 7, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 6, Noes 1) Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 182. Relating to: statute of limitations for intentional torts.   (Report passage recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 191. Relating to: podiatrist-patient privilege, immunity exemption for podiatrists providing emergency care at athletic events, allowing podiatrists to determine an illness or injury and complete forms for the purpose of granting assistance to needy veterans, allowing podiatrists to determine disability for the purpose of issuing certain hunting permits, cooperatives organized to provide sickness care, the Podiatrists Affiliated Credentialing Board, allowing podiatrists to certify driver school instructors' physical fitness, allowing Medical Assistance recipients to freely choose among podiatrists, and giving equal weight to certifications of disability by podiatrists for insurance purposes.  (Report passage recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 198. Relating to: donating drugs and dispensing donated drugs (Report passage recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 224. Relating to: notice of proposed vacation of certain highways.  (Report passage recommended by committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 252. Relating to: the duty to stop at the scene of, and to report, a motor vehicle accident (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 253. Relating to: traffic control devices used by school safety patrols.  (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 264. Relating to: trespass by operators of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and other off-road vehicles. (Report adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 7, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)            Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1, and Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 266. Relating to: creating a Nonmotorized Recreation and Transportation Trails Council. (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 278. Relating to: U-turns on highways and providing a penalty.  (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 280. Relating to: personal liability of officers, directors, and employees of child care providers. (Report passage recommended by committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 284. Relating to: designating and marking USH 63 as the Gaylord Nelson Highway. (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 6, Noes 1)

Senate Bill 288. Relating to: Indian child welfare. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Amendment 2, Ayes 5, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Amendment 3, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development, Ayes 5, Noes 0) Senate Amendments 1, 2 and 3 pending

Senate Bill 299. Relating to: public disclosure of certain information when child abuse or neglect results in death or serious injury or involves aggravated circumstances or when a child in an out-of-home placement commits suicide or is sexually abused by a caregiver. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Amendment 2, Ayes 5, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Amendment 3, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development, Ayes 5, Noes 0)Senate Amendments 1, 2 and 3 pending

Senate Bill 309. Relating to: ratification of the agreement negotiated between the state of Wisconsin and the Association of State Prosecutors for the 2007-09 biennium, covering employees in the assistant district attorneys collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds.

Senate Bill 310. Relating to: ratification of the agreement negotiated between the state of Wisconsin and the Professional Employees in Research, Statistics, and Analysis, WFT/AFT, AFL-CIO, for the 2007-09 biennium, covering employees in the professional research, statistics, and analysis collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds.

Senate Bill 311. Relating to: ratification of the agreement negotiated between the state of Wisconsin and the Teaching Assistants' Association, AFT, Local 3220, AFL-CIO, for the 2007-09 biennium, covering employees in the program, project, and teaching assistants of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Extension collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds.

Twelfth Order. Second reading and amendments of assembly joint resolutions and assembly bills.

Thirteenth Order.    Third reading of joint resolutions and bills.

Fourteenth Order.   Motions may be offered.

Fifteenth Order.      Announcements, adjournment honors, and remarks under special privilege.

Sixteenth Order.     Adjournment.

The news was grim for what many Wisconsin residents felt was a Black Monday, October 5, 2009.

Governor Doyle announced that a little more than three months after BadgerCare Plus was expanded to include low-income adults without dependent children, enrollment in the health care program was being suspended as of noon, October 9, 2009.

Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Karen Timberlake informed me in an e-mail, “The BadgerCare Plus Core Plan, while it has provided health care to many, does have to be budget neutral. This means there is a limit of the number of people that can be on the plan.  Since June 15th, we've received 500-600 applications for this plan every day, which means we will be reaching our budget neutrality limit very quickly.”

Because of the suspension of the enrollment process due to the number of applications exceeding the number of slots, the state has created a waiting list for people to enroll for coverage as space becomes available. Prospective enrollees assuredly had to be stunned.

Governor Doyle was quick to use the development to play politics. At a news conference at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Doyle told reporters, "There is no clearer demonstration of the need for national health-care reform - no clearer demonstration - than the overwhelming demand we have seen." What’s more, the governor revealed he would attempt to create a new program within 45 days that contains limits for those on the waiting list.

Fiscal and policy irresponsibility abounds. Some background is in order.

During October 2008, the state reached an agreement with the federal government allowing Wisconsin to become one of the few states in the country to provide health care coverage to low-income eligible adults without children. Wisconsin was, at the time, already making efforts to enroll eligible children in state health programs and allow insurance available to every child in the state. A slumping economy made coming up with the necessary funding problematic.

This summer, the 2009-11 state budget, crafted and approved by legislative Democrats and signed into law by Governor Doyle reduced funding for the state’s Medical Assistance (MA) program by close to $600 million.  Ironically, DHS was instructed to find the necessary savings. I am hearing from medically fragile MA constituents dreadfully concerned about the MA funding reductions and the health care rationing they are expecting as a result of the nearly $600 million funding cut.  Instead, BadgerCare Plus was expanded, and a few months later, enrollment was suspended.

Despite a massive cut to MA in the 2009-11 budget, the state, at the time, made the decision to maintain eligibility standards and benefits for Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus recipients at their current levels.

Follow the political gamesmanship. Governor Doyle promises to put a Rolls Royce under the Christmas tree on a Ford budget. He creates a tremendous demand for residents seeking health care and residents rush forward to enlist. The problem: The state can’t pay for the Rolls-Royce.   Governor Doyle and the democrats promise MA and BadgerCare Plus and cannot pay for either.  However, the Governor seems to believe the federal government can pay for it.  Since he can't keep his promises, he expects others to keep them for him. 

When interest surges far beyond what the state can affordably provide, the governor then pulls the rug out from underneath innocent and unsuspecting citizens. After offering false hope to thousands of health care seekers, what is the governor’s solution? The state will establish another program to offer limited coverage to people who, for now, have had the door shut in their faces and must keep their fingers crossed while on a waiting list. The governor makes another promise: the new program will be created without cost to taxpayers. Do you believe it?

Meanwhile, the governor utilizes this debacle to fuel his crusade for a federal takeover of our health care system. If the governor and legislative Democrats can’t fund state programs, how are Democrats going to pay for $1 trillion-plus national healthcare?

 
We Energies has made an application to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to increase its electric, natural gas and steam rates. Wisconsin Gas has applied for an increase in its natural gas rates. Consumers have an opportunity to voice opinions about the proposed rate increases at a PSC public hearing.

The hearing is scheduled Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Avenue in Milwaukee.

I urge customers to attend and express their views.

Remember during the 1980’s the Pentagon was paying $500 for a hammer and $1,000 for a toilet seat?

One would have hoped and thought that the federal government had learned its lesson. It may have outdone itself.

America’s landscape is dotted with red, white, blue, green and orange road signs at construction projects paid for by the exorbitant stimulus program. The self-congratulatory signs read, “PUTTING AMERICA TO WORK, Project Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”






If accuracy and straight forwardness was at stake, the signs would simply read, “You taxpayers paid a lot for this project and for this sign, too!”

Here comes the slap in the face to taxpayers. Depending on size and locations, the signs range in cost from a few hundred dollars, that is bad enough, to $4,000.
Talk about sticker shock!

What’s that? You say with all the extensive, widespread construction going on that you have yet to come across one of these signs?  You haven’t seen one and you won’t.

I am happy to learn that Wisconsin has not put up a single costly road sign bragging that a specific project was funded through stimulus funding. Chris Klein of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) reports the decision not to use the expensive signs was made very early during the stimulus process. Wisconsin had an opportunity to put up the signs; however, the state, I am very pleased to say rejected the idea immediately.

Klein says the DOT has been asked by some local municipalities to use the signs. The DOT has informed those communities they can erect the signs if they choose; however the locals must pay for them out of their own budgets. Not surprisingly, the DOT has yet to have anyone take them up on the offer.

Some states were not as fortunate and now have big bills to pay. The New York Times reports Georgia was putting up two signs at each stimulus project at an average cost of $1,200 per sign.  The state had 119 construction contracts awarded through September. Do the math. After paying $285,600 for signs, Georgia decided it had enough, that the signs were a waste. It intends to use the money saved from rejecting further signs for more construction projects. Georgia joins Texas, Virginia, Florida, and New York as states that have stopped using the signs because of the high cost.

An effort in Congress to halt the use of the signs failed on party lines. Republican Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire introduced an amendment to end the use of what he called, “signs to nowhere.” Only five Democrats joined the Senate's 40 Republicans in support of the amendment that was defeated, 52-45.Gregg was stunned by the vote.

“I just find it absurd that we're putting up all these signs all over the country with taxpayer money telling taxpayers we're spending their money. Most taxpayers can figure that out. We don't have to put up a sign and tell them we're spending their money,” Gregg told FOX News.

Gregg says the total cost of the “signs to nowhere” nationwide ranges from $6 million to $20 million. However, they have not seen the light of day in Wisconsin, and that’s a very good sign.

From the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT):

Lane closures scheduled on I-43/WIS 164 in Waukesha County

In preparation for reconstructing the northbound and southbound I-43 bridge structures over WIS 164 in 2010, some preliminary construction work will begin Monday, Oct. 26, weather permitting, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced.

The preliminary construction work, in the Village of Big Bend, will include removing and replacing existing I-43 asphalt shoulders along the median and outside shoulder within the interchange.  That is being done to strengthen the shoulders in order to support traffic loadings during the 2010 bridge reconstruction project, when traffic will be shifted onto the shoulders.  Also as part of the preliminary work this year, some deteriorated sections of the bridge deck surface will be removed and replaced, in order to eliminate existing potholes and to avoid further potholes during the upcoming winter months.

I-43 and the I-43/WIS 164 interchange ramps will be open at all times during the preliminary construction work.  Single lane closures along I-43 will be taking place during the course of project.  These closures will take place during both peak and non-peak hours.  Single lane closures along WIS 164 will also be taking place during peak and nonpeak hours when bridge deck repair operations are taking place.

Motorists should also anticipate delays and, if necessary, find an alternative route. The preliminary construction work will be completed before the Thanksgiving travel weekend. 

Those using the I-43/WIS 164 park and ride lot should be also aware that approximately 15-20 parking spots will be closed for use of construction equipment.

As with all construction work, please slow down and be aware of the potential for lane changes.  Remember that fines double in work zones.

LAZICH, GUNDRUM APPLAUD BUYSEASONS

Growing New Berlin business a true success story in a gloomy economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            CONTACT:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009                           Sen. Lazich-(608)266-5400                               
                                                                      Rep. Gundrum-(608) 266-5158


(NEW BERLIN) – State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) and state Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin) congratulated New Berlin-based BuySeasons, the largest online retailer of costumes and party supplies that is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.

Heading into its busiest season of the year, Halloween, BuySeasons can boast that it employs about 195 full-time associates, 60 part-time associates and 95 year-round seasonal associates. The Halloween period will result in additional jobs. Recently, BuySeasons hired its 2028^th associate, and has created more jobs this year than ever before.

“BuySeasons is a fascinating story of an excellent Wisconsin company enjoying success during a downturn in the economy. The entire state can be proud of BuySeasons,” said Senator Lazich.

"BuySeasons is a wonderful success story that can serve as an inspirational model for Wisconsin's business community during these challenging times," said Representative Gundrum.

BuySeasons Vice President David Karst believes the formula for success is simple. “We are proud of the work our staff does every day to ensure all of our customers receive fast and courteous service,” said Karst.

In an effort to help seasonal workers find year-round employment, BuySeasons has collaborated with other area business to form the Wisconsin Seasonal Workforce Coalition that provides services including resume writing and job interview assistance.

BuySeasons operates a state-of-the-art facility located at 5915 South Moorland Road, New Berlin, Wisconsin.

Here is an update from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) for the I-94 NORTH-SOUTH freeway project:

Monday, OCTOBER 26

Triple Lane Closure I-94 WEST (NB) Rawson to Edgerton 9:30pm – 5:30am

Double Lane Closure I-94 EAST (SB) Rawson to Edgerton 9:30pm – 5:30am

Tuesday, OCTOBER 27

Double Lane Closure I-94 WEST (NB) and I-94 EAST (SB) Rawson to Edgerton 9:30pm – 5:30am

Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) exit to Airport Spur 9:30pm – 5:30am

Wednesday, OCTOBER 28

Double Lane Closure I-94 WEST (NB) and I-94 EAST (SB) Rawson to Edgerton 9:30pm – 5:30am

Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) exit to Airport Spur 9:30pm – 5:30am

Full Closure of I-43/94 SB entrance ramp from Howard Ave 11:30pm – 3:30am

Full Closure of I-43/94 NB entrance ramp from Layton Ave 11:30pm – 3:30am

Rolling Full Freeway Closures I-43/94 NB and SB at 6th Street 11:30pm – 3:30am

Single Lane Closure I-43/94 NB at 6th Street 11:30pm – 3:30am

Thursday, OCTOBER 29

Double Lane Closure I-94 WEST (NB) and I-94 EAST (SB) Rawson to Edgerton 9:30pm – 5:30am

Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) exit to Airport Spur 9:30pm – 5:30am

Friday, OCTOBER 30

Double Lane Closure I-94 WEST (NB) and I-94 EAST (SB) Rawson to Edgerton 11pm-8am

Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) exit to Airport Spur 11pm-8am

Saturday, OCTOBER 31
Only long term closures in effect.

Sunday, NOVEMBER 1

Only long term closures in effect.

LONG TERM CLOSURES IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY
- Full closure of the Grange Ave Bridge over I-94 until December
- Single lane closures on NB and SB 27th St between Layton Ave. and Bottsford Ave; both directions of traffic will travel on the new 27th St NB Bridge over I-894/I-43 (two lanes in each direction) until December

- Full Closure of I-894/43 WB entrance ramp from SB 27th St until mid December

- Full Closure of I-894/43 EB entrance ramp from SB 27^th St SB until mid December

- Full Closure of I-894/43 EB exit ramp to 27^th St until mid December

- Access to 27th St from Bottsford closed. Access from 27th St to Bottsford open for NB right turn only until December

- Full Closure of College Ave from 15th St to 20th St until November
- Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) and I-94 WEST (NB) entrance and exit ramps at College Ave closed until November
- Full Closure of Southwest park and ride lot at College Ave closed until November
- Full Closure of Bolivar Ave between 5^th and 6^th St until October 30th at 5pm

- Double Lane Closures EB and WB on College Ave. from 27^th Street to Howell Ave. for the College Ave. Traffic Mitigation project until early November.

-Single Lane Closure WB Airport Spur from 6th St to I-94 ramps until November

RACINE AND KENOSHA COUNTIES

Monday, OCTOBER 26

Full Closure of West Frontage Road between County ML and WIS 165 7am – 5pm

Tuesday, OCTOBER 27

Only long term closures in effect.

Wednesday, OCTOBER 28

Only long term closures in effect.

Thursday, OCTOBER 29

Only long term closures in effect.

Friday, OCTOBER 30

Only long term closures in effect.

Saturday, OCTOBER 31

Only long term closures in effect.

Sunday, NOVEMBER 1

Only long term closures in effect.

LONG TERM CLOSURES IN RACINE AND KENOSHA COUNTIES

- Single lane closure I-94 WEST (NB) Russell Rd to Des Plaines River until December

- Double Lane Closure I-94 EAST (SB) Des Plaines River to WIS 50 (traffic crosses over to NB side of I-94) until December

- Single lane closure of WIS 50 entrance ramp to I-94 EAST (SB) until December

- Full Closure of West Frontage Road between WIS 50 and WIS 165 until December

- Single lane closure I-94 WEST (NB) at County G until December

- Double Lane Closure I-94 EAST (SB) at County G (traffic crosses over to NB side of I-94) until December

- Full Closure of I-94 WEST (NB) exit and entrance ramps at County G until August 2010

- Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) entrance and exit ramps at County G closed until December

- Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) exit ramp at County G Weigh Station until December

- Full Closure of County G west of I-94 until December

- Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) entrance and exit ramps at County C until December

- Full Closure of County C from 128th St to I-94 until December

- Full Closure of I-94 EAST (SB) entrance and exit ramps at WIS 158 until mid November

- Full Closure of West Frontage Rd between County K and County N until mid November

Here is the calendar that was released at about 4:00 this afternoon for the state Senate floor session scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.:

First Order.                  Call of Roll.

Second Order.             Chief clerk's entries.

Third Order.                 Introduction, first reading and reference of proposals.

Fourth Order.               Report of committees.

Fifth Order.                  Petitions and communications.

Sixth Order.                 Referrals and receipt of committee reports concerning proposed administrative rules.
|
Seventh Order.            Advice and consent of the Senate

Eighth Order.               Messages from the Assembly.

Ninth Order.                 Special Orders.

Tenth Order.                 Consideration of motions, resolutions, and joint resolutions not requiring a third reading.

QUESTION:            Shall the joint resolution be adopted?

Senate Joint Resolution 45. Relating to: calling on the Wisconsin congressional delegation to take action to grandfather preexisting highway weight limits upon the designation of USH 41 as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower system of interstate and defense highways.  (Report adoption recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Joint Resolution 48. Relating to: the life and military service of Lance Corporal Dean Opicka. 

Senate Joint Resolution 50. Relating to: the life and military service of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Dale Vrooman. 

Senate Joint Resolution 51. Relating to: proclaiming October 2009 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Senate Joint Resolution 52. Relating to: the life and public service of Ernest Paul Sobotta. 

Eleventh Order.            Second reading and amendments of senate joint resolutions and senate bills.

QUESTION:            Shall the bill be ordered to a third reading?

Senate Bill 93. Relating to: partially exempting an assessor and an assessor's staff from liability for trespassing, creating immunity from civil liability, and changing the notice requirements related to the revaluation of property by an assessor.   (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 4, Noes 1) Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1, and Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 132. Relating to: expanding the life of a tax incremental district in the city of Racine. (FE)  (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 7, Noes 0, passage recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 7, Noes 0) Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 147. Relating to: administration of grant funds under the county-tribal cooperative law enforcement program.  By Joint Legislative Council. (Report passage recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 148. Relating to: liability for actions of tribal law enforcement officers when enforcing state laws.  By Joint Legislative Council. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 4, Noes 1) Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 215. Relating to: a personal property tax exemption for snowmobile clubs. (FE)  (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 7, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Amendment 2, Ayes 7, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Amendment 3, Ayes 7, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue, Ayes 6, Noes 1) Senate Amendments 1, 2, 3, and Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 242. Relating to: creating separate regulatory requirements for certain future service contracts. (FE)  (Report passage recommended by committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 251. Relating to: costs of transporting by ferry an arrested person. (FE) (Report introduction and adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0) Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 262. Relating to: an exemption from recording for time-share licenses.  (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 264. Relating to: trespass by operators of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and other off-road vehicles.  (Report adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 7, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0) Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1, and Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 300. Relating to: certain areas of land subject to managed forest land orders that were part of a parcel of land under single ownership that exceeded 8,000 acres in size. (FE)   (Report adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 7, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0) Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 347. Relating to: requiring consultation with a child in determining and reviewing his or her permanency plan; requiring agencies, in making reasonable efforts to place a child in a permanent placement, to include efforts to place the child outside this state; requiring juvenile courts to take certain actions to expedite the interstate placement of children; requiring juvenile courts to give a child's out-of-home care provider the right to be heard in proceedings involving the child; requiring notice to relatives when a child is removed from the home; requiring reasonable efforts to place siblings together or to provide for visitation between siblings; requiring agencies to assist children in developing a plan for transition to independent living; requiring health care providers to report cases of infants with controlled substances in their bodily fluids to the agency responsible for investigating suspected child abuse or neglect; authorizing circuit court commissioners to conduct permanency plan reviews and hearings; specifying certain placements for purposes of calculating how long a child has been placed outside the home for purposes of filing a termination of parental rights petition; and permitting disclosure of information to a relative of a child for purposes of facilitating placement of the child with the relative or to a public or private agency in this state or any other state for purposes of investigating a proposed foster or adoptive placement. (FE)   (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development, Ayes 5, Noes 0) Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 361. Relating to: the monthly rates that are paid for foster care; the levels of care that a foster home may provide; licensing of kinship care relatives to operate foster homes and, subject to certain exceptions, time limits on the receipt of kinship care payments; and licensing of foster homes across county lines. (FE)  (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development, Ayes 5, Noes 0) Senate Amendment 1 pending


Twelfth Order.              Second reading and amendments of assembly joint resolutions and assembly bills.

QUESTION:            Shall the bill be ordered to a third reading?

Assembly Bill 8. Relating to: municipal quotas for retail intoxicating liquor licenses. (FE) 

Assembly Bill 153. Relating to: membership of the State Fair Park Board.  (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Assembly Bill 172. Relating to: requiring instruction in public schools on the history of organized labor in America and the collective bargaining process. (FE)   (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Education, Ayes 5, Noes 2)

Assembly Bill 281. Relating to: the restriction on the amount of phosphorus in certain cleaning agents.  (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Environment, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Thirteenth Order.          Third reading of joint resolutions and bills.

Fourteenth Order.         Motions may be offered.

Fifteenth Order.            Announcements, adjournment honors, and remarks under special privilege.

Sixteenth Order.           Adjournment.

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board wants public input about a proposal to extend the deer gun hunting season from the current 9-day hunt to 16 days. The season would begin one week earlier. 

The closest location to Senate District 28 that I represent is a hearing October 28, 2009 at Pewaukee that begins at 6:30 p.m. with an informational presentation about the proposed rule followed by public comment at 7:00 p.m.

Written comments can be submitted until November 3, 2009 to:

Keith Warnke
Bureau of Wildlife Management
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI  53707

Here is more information about the proposed rule.

Here are high school football teams from schools in state Senate District 28 that I represent that play tonight in the opening round of the WIAA state football playoffs:


Franklin


Greendale


Greendale Martin Luther


New Berlin West


New Berlin Eisenhower


Waterford


Whitnall


Good luck to all!

Earlier this month, I wrote about a new tax on electric bills that could go unnoticed by consumers.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has more, including this line:

“The utility bill surcharge for district attorneys is required by law to end on June 30, 2011.” 

History is new taxes are extended. Like so many new taxes, they do not sunset. They are extended and in some cases used for other purposes.  

I oppose the nanny state.

During May 2006, I wrote the following about a bill the governor signed into law that I voted against that forces parents to put their children under the age of eight in booster seats when they ride in motor vehicles.

“With a stroke of his pen, the Governor expanded the nanny state in Wisconsin by creating an enforcement and logistic nightmare. Under previous Wisconsin law, parents could decide whether their children between the ages of four and eight should be placed in booster seats or seat belts. That was plain old common sense. Under the new law there are several changes.

How are police supposed to enforce this? Will every officer and squad car now be equipped with a scale and a tape measure to determine whether Mom and Dad or Grandpa and Grandma are breaking the law? How are parents expected to know or remember the requirements? Will they have to keep a copy of the law in their glove compartment or tucked under the visor? What are large families to do? Baby seats and booster seats are rather bulky. Imagine trying to squeeze two, three, or four of them into one of the new smaller size cars or vans.”

I added the following in an August 2007 column:

“The many separate requirements by weight and height for each age category are confusing. Burdens are placed upon large families and carpoolers. Booster seats can be expensive and so can the fines for law violators.”

As New York Yankee Hall of Famer Yogi Berra once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”

The state Senate has approved Senate Bill 162 (SB 162) that would require children 10 years and younger on boats to wear flotation devices. The bill originally proposed covering children 12 and under. However, an amendment approved by the state Senate lowered the age requirement to 10 and under.

SB 162 stipulates that “a person may not operate a recreational boat that is less than 26 feet in length unless, during the time the boat is under way, every person on the boat who is 10 years old or younger is wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) or is in a cabin space or below the deck.”

What does “under way” mean? According to SB 162, “A recreational boat is under way if it is not aground, is not anchored or moored, and is not made fast to a structure or to the shore.” In other words, just about any time a youngster is on a boat, a life preserver must be worn.

There is more.

The state Senate approved Senate Amendment 1 to the bill that the Wisconsin Legislative Council writes, “provides a specific penalty for a violation of this PFD requirement by the operator of the specified recreational boat. Any person violating this mandatory PFD provision must be issued a warning notice instead of a violation for the first offense. Any person subsequently violating the mandatory PFD provision must forfeit not more than $50 for the second offense and must forfeit not more $100 upon conviction of a third or subsequent offense.”

SB 162 expands current law that simply requires each boat have on it a personal flotation device for each person riding in or on the boat.

Follow along to see if you have heard this song before. The government intervenes, assuming the role of big brother. New rules and regulations are established. Violators are subject to fines.

Do you see a pattern? It’s called booster seats for boats or, the nanny state strikes again.

Everyone supports child safety. However, the state once again takes on the role of thinking for people and the role of decision maker. The state should stay on the sidelines, in this case the shoreline, and allow parents to think for themselves and make common sense decisions about their children’s safety.