I AM THE FORCE

(State Capitol, Madison) . . . .State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R – River Falls) has outlined specific proposals she will be advocating for in the State Legislature to promote the use of alternative fuels and conservation.  Efforts to wean consumers from foreign oil continue to gain momentum due to changing world events.  Recent national headlines, such as “Turmoil abroad pushing up gas prices,” “Consumption driving gasoline prices higher,” and “Costs spike on supply fears tied to Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” add to the urgency for federal and state lawmakers to be proactive in developing sustainable and renewable energy sources. 

(MADISON)- Legislation authored by State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) and State Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin) that makes it a felony for adults 21 and older to have sexual contact with 16 or 17-year olds they work with or volunteer directly with has been approved by the Legislature.

“If I we’re a millionaire, I would love these agendas,” Robson said. “But I’m not, and neither are most of the people in Wisconsin. We can do better than this. Health savings accounts are a tax break for the healthy and wealthy. Middle class families can’t afford them. To make health care more affordable for everyone, we need to bring down health care costs. That’s what the Democrats’ Action Plan for Affordable Health Care calls for. We want to bring together a bipartisan commission to develop a plan to reduce health care costs by 15 percent by 2010.”

“Not a penny was raised during the spring and summer 2005 budget deliberations,” said Lehman. “I firmly believe in drawing a bright line between campaign fundraising and those important public policy debates. To my way of thinking, the ink had to dry on the Governor’s signature on the biennial budget before I could form a State Senate committee and begin to organize.”

Madison - State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R – River Falls) commended action in the Senate that would make it child abuse to expose a child to methamphetamine, or meth, labs. Harsdorf is the Senate lead author of the bill. The bill passed the Senate January 31 on a voice vote. “Meth labs have devastating affects on children,” said Harsdorf. “A child is an innocent bystander when caught up in the toxic environment inherent in meth production. It is child abuse, and with this legislation will be classified as such. We simply can not allow for such neglect.”

Madison – State Senator Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn) says he is disappointed that a bill forcing ethanol on Wisconsin residents has passed the Senate Agriculture and Insurance Committee. Kedzie explained, “Simply put, this is not sound public policy. This measure is incredibly flawed beginning with the premise of a mandate forcing a product on Wisconsin consumers. In addition, this proposal is a double edged sword, as ethanol has potential negative environmental impacts, which could have serious consequences for our state’s existing industries.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and women account for 53% of those deaths. In Wisconsin alone, 9,000 women die each year as a result of heart disease and stroke. Schultz, along with the American Heart Association, is urging everyone to “Wear Red for Women” this Friday in order to empower women and encourage them to make heart health a top priority and live a stronger, longer life. “We all need to recognize the importance of this ongoing fight against heart disease,” Schultz said. “That’s why I will proudly wear red to symbolize women’s power and remember those whose lives have already been affected by heart disease or stroke.”

To help quell a concern expressed by some legislators, including Rep. Terry Van Akkeren, that the law might be changed in the future, today I personally ensured Assembly Democrats that I would not seek any substantial changes to the concealed carry law next session if the veto is overridden today. Rather, I would only consider changes that are deemed administrative in nature for the law to function properly. I ensured them that we wish to see how well the law works before any substantial changes are even considered; changes requested by opponents and proponents alike. In fact, I wouldn’t consider any changes unless Rep. Van Akkeren agrees to them.

MADISON – “HSAs are the new catch-phrase as an answer to the health care crisis,” said Breske (D-Eland), “but they don’t solve the real problems that hard-working, honest individuals and families are facing. I am most concerned about how this new ‘option’ is preying on my constituents.”

Senate Democratic Leader Judy Robson today called on the Legislature’s majority party to immediately hold a hearing on a bill that would ensure excess profits earned by oil companies go back to Wisconsin families, and not stream into the bank accounts of oil executives.

Madison - Today before the Campaigns and Elections Committee's public hearing on SB , Rep. Terri McCormick (R-Greenville) outlined the culture of scandals and conflict of interest in both state politics and Washington, D.C. alike.

“If it walks like TABOR and talks like TABOR, it’s TABOR.  This is a law that failed so miserably in Colorado that the citizens of that state voted to suspend the law and to give back $3.7 billion in tax refunds.  This is money that would have gone into their own pockets. But the voters realized they needed it to pay for basic public services like police and fire protection.”

“I’m deeply disappointed in Democrats and Governor Doyle,” Schultz said. “They say they want to join Republicans in making the government process more open and honest, and then they turn around and vote against a simple bill that just keeps the books honest. I mean, come on. It’s time for them to ‘kick it up a notch,” Schultz said, borrowing a line from Food Network TV chef Emeril Lagasse.