jONline

An e-newsletter from Senator Jon Erpenbach 9-26-08

Van Hollen Lawsuit Will Not Affect November Election – The recent lawsuit filed by Attorney General JB Van Hollen against the Government Accountability Board will get its day in court, but resolution will not happen before the election. Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi will hear a motion for dismissal from the Government Accountability Board on October 23^rd. Even if she also rules on a previous motion for summary judgment filed by Van Hollen that day, there is no possibility for resolution before the election. In other words, poll lists of current voters will be maintained and no one will be dropped from the poll list because of bureaucratic errors. This lawsuit does not and never did affect cross checking with the Department of Corrections, which has gone on for several elections, to ensure felons are not allowed to vote. In addition, all new registrations will continue to provide complete information proving that they are eligible to vote including drivers license, last four digits of social security number, and verification of address. See the latest story on this continuing saga.

Congress Approves Great Lakes Compact – The long awaited Great Lakes Compact has received Congressional approval and the agreement is finalized. Passage of the Great Lakes Compact required implementation legislation and approval from all states that touch the lakes as well as Congress. The Compact protects future water diversions and ensures that the Great Lakes ecosystem is protected. Now that the lakes are protected from diversion, states like Wisconsin should step up efforts to improve water quality and protection from invasive species.

Monroe Dairy Industry Going Well – Erpenbach and others took a dairy tour Tuesday of the W&W Dairy in Monroe and many also toured the Spring Grove Dairy near Brodhead. These tours set up by the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association highlighted the new plant and farm modernization. Wisconsin is seeing a rebirth in the dairy industry because of water supply, cheap land, higher milk prices, veterinarians, and infrastructure of cooperatives; not to mention Wisconsin cheese rules!

US Public Health Service Teams Checking Wells in Flooded Areas – In conjunction with FEMA the US Public Health Service will be collecting samples of well water from flooded areas in Wisconsin. USPHS employees wear military style clothes on the job and will be carrying identification. If you have questions or concerns about your well water or inspection by the USPHS contact FEMA at 608-243-0741. USPHA website http://www.usphs.gov

National Alpaca Farm Day This Weekend – Timber Ridge Farm in the 27^th Senate District will hold an open house for National Alpaca Farm Day Saturday 9-27 from 10am to 3pm, and Sunday 9/28 from 11am to 3pm. Stop by and see alpacas and a sampling of alpaca products. Location: N6031 County Rd N (1mile south of Road C) Monticello, 608-939-1661.

Capitol Tours Booked on the Internet – Visit Capitol Tours website to book at tour: http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/capfacts/tour_select.html or call (608) 266-0382. Note: The following information is necessary when scheduling a tour: tour date and time, total number of people in tour, contact person name, organization’s name, address including zip code, phone number with area code, and group type (adults, seniors, elementary, etc.). The confirmation letter will be sent directly to the organization.