Each year, thousands of Wisconsin families are affected by domestic violence. In order for these victims to escape these violent situations, they are often forced to move. Unfortunately, under current Wisconsin law, landlords are not required to allow tenants that are victims of abuse or stalking to terminate their leases if they are in danger. This week the State Senate passed Senate Bill 269 to change the law. The bill must move through the Assembly and be signed by the Governor to become law.... READ MORE
I applaud Governor Doyle's leadership in calling the Legislature into session to address campaign finance reform.... READ MORE
This holiday season; take the time to be a smart and safe shopper. Plan ahead for your purchases and research products before you buy. In addition, make a budget and stick to it to make sure the holiday financial hangover does not hit you in January. There are a variety of state and federal websites that can help you make this a successful shopping season.... READ MORE
While the state budget was crawling forward this fall, a Dunn County court decision made major headway for community victims of traveling sales crews, which was recently upheld by an Appeals Court. The decision held liable the traveling sales crew company for the hiring of an individual they knew was a risk with a criminal history. While working on the traveling sales crew, a member of the crew forced his way into a Hudson woman’s home and raped and beat her. Traveling sales crews can often be safe harbor for criminals moving from state to state. This decision has highlighted a string of crimes committed by traveling sales crews, many of the same companies that have crews in Wisconsin going from door to door.... READ MORE
Wisconsin neighborhoods are loaded with opportunities for shoppers wanting to spend their hard earned money close to home. This year consider locally produced items as holiday gifts. Whether purchasing locally made food products, artistic items, or other items for the home, buying locally is a way to purchase items in your own neighborhood for the benefit of your community.... READ MORE
Every fall the controversy of open air burning of leaves and other yard waste seems to surface. Air quality experts are in agreement regarding the pollution concerns of burning yard waste and consideration should be given to open air burning alternatives. Open air burning is not an environmentally sound way of disposal of leaves and other debris from your yard and as fall closes in it is time to think of another way to dispose of leaves and yard waste.... READ MORE
Governor Doyle should be praised for his leadership in calling a special session to resolve the state budget. I have no doubt the Senate will take action for budget resolution and I am sincerely hopeful that the Assembly will follow suit.... READ MORE
According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and forest conservationists, firewood should no longer be considered safe to transport in Wisconsin or other states. With the threat of invasive insects and diseases, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has issued an emergency rule, set to become permanent, certifying firewood dealers. The DATCP rule comes on the heals of a permanent DNR rule prohibiting the use of firewood at all state parks harvested outside a 50 mile radius of the state park.... READ MORE
Madison – Legislative courtesy or full information are apparently not needed at an Assembly hearing. Representative Leah Vukmir responded negatively to a request from Healthy Wisconsin author Senator Jon Erpenbach to speak at an Assembly hearing on the proposal. When Erpenbach requested to speak, Vukmir responded that Erpenbach should “not worry” about the hearing.... READ MORE
We all believe Wisconsin should work to continue to create incentives for energy conservation as well as work to develop alternative fuels. Reducing our dependence on imported fuels and finding cleaner, more sustainable alternatives needs to be a priority at every level of government.... READ MORE
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