Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Governor's Veto Message
Here is a link to Governor Walker's 2011-2013 veto message: http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/June11/0626/0626vetomessagetoc.pdf
Here is a link to a video of Governor Walker's Budget Message: http://wiseye.org/Programming/VideoArchive/EventDetail.aspx?evhdid=4432
New Berlin Pie Baking Contest
I once again am pleased to have the opportunity to judge the New Berlin Pie Baking Contest. It is scheduled July 3, 2011, beginning at 6:00 PM Malone Park at
Members of the public are invited to enter a pie in the contest. Entry forms are available to pick up at the
Child Safety Forum Scheduled for July 7
Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen are hosting forums around the state next week about online predators and child internet safety.
The southeast Wisconsin forum is scheduled July 7, 2011, 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM at
Remember Our Past, Think About Our Future on the Fourth of July
Members of the Second Continental Congress signed their name to a document July 4, 1776, that would change the course of history. The Declaration of Independence not only stated the formal case for the American colonies’ separation from the British Empire; it expressed a radical idea: that the people of a nation should determine their own government.
The start of the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” is likely the most-quoted part of the document. The truly revolutionary part of the Declaration comes later. Writing of the people’s right to “alter or to abolish” government, members of the Second Continental Congress started a democratic experiment that continues to this day.
Governor Signs Motor Carrier Indemnification Bill Into Law
Today Governor Walker signed Senate Bill 41 (SB 41), the Motor Carrier Indemnification Bill, into law at a signing ceremony at Schneider Trucking, Green Bay. I am pleased to be the author of Senate Bill 41 and support the trucking industry and the 200,000 Wisconsin trucking industry employees.
Under current law, freight carriers may be forced to indemnify, take on liability for the negligence of, the shipper. Small business trucking companies and independent truckers are forced to either turn away business or take on an unknown liability. Liability ownership is especially important, since often times the product shipped is flammable or otherwise dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions about Conceal and Carry
The Governor is scheduled to sign the Conceal and Carry Bill into law July 8, 2011, at Wausau. Here is a link to a Wisconsin Legislative Council memo about the law, including some questions and answers: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lc/publications/im/IM2011_10.pdf
Legislative Fiscal Bureau Releases Budget Detail
Today, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released information about the 2011-13 State Budget, also known as 2011 Act 32. The budget is for the next two fiscal years that began Friday, July 1, 2011. Here are links to documents released today:
New Start Time for July 7, 2011, Child Safety Forum: 3:05 PM
The southeast Wisconsin Child Safety Forum hosted by Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, July 7, 2011, is scheduled to begin at 3:05 PM rather than the earlier published start time of 2:45 PM.
The forum will be held at
DNR Releases 3 million Walleye in Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers
While they have some growing to do before they become legal, over 3 million walleye measuring two inches long were released into Wisconsin's lakes and rivers over the last few weeks by the Department of Natural Resources. Read more about this historic restocking effort by DNR's fish hatcheries at this link: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/DNRNews_Lookup.asp?id=282#art1
Governor orders flags to half staff Saturday
Executive Order number 38 orders all flags in
Wisconsin part of national trend of smart budgeting
By approving a reduced spending, on-time, budget,
According to a Wall Street Journal article, more than half of all states “… considered legislation to try to rein in long-term liabilities such as employee pensions and benefits.”
New Legislative Maps Available
The new legislative district maps have been released. The state legislature is required to redraw districts every 10 years to reflect population changes and ensure equal representation. The new Assembly, Senate, and Congressional maps are available here.
A joint Senate and Assembly committee public hearing is scheduled Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 10:00 AM at the State Capitol, Room 412 East.
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days July 12-14
Make Your Reservations for Wisconsin State Parks
With Minnesota’s State Parks closed indefinitely, Wisconsin’s State Parks and Campgrounds are filling up fast. Locations that have been available without reservations are experiencing sell out weekends and some weeknights sold out. If you are planning on enjoying Wisconsin’s State Campgrounds this summer, you may want to make a reservation. Here is a link to Wisconsin State Parks reservation website: http://wisconsinstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
Now is the Time to Sign Up for Hunter Safety Education
The majority of the volunteer instructors that teach hunter safety are hunters, and they wish to be out hunting during the various hunting seasons. It is best to plan ahead to secure a class. Here is a link to the DNR's safety education website: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/safety/coursereq.htm
Tips on Keeping Your Children, Your Home and Yourself Safe
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) offers suggestions to protect homes, valuables, and, most important, children: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/hometips/dhp/CRIME.HTM
Department of Health Services safety suggestions
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) offers suggestions to protect homes, valuables, and, most important, children: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/hometips/dhp/CRIME.HTM
Sensenbrenner opposes ethanol waiver
Representative Jim Sensenbrenner has come out against an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver to allow E15 ethanol-infused gas to be sold for vehicles model year 2001 and later.
I support Congressman Sensenbrenner’s opposition to E15 fuel. Ethanol-infused fuel can wreak havoc on engines and cause permanent damage. According to Congressman Sensenbrenner, all 12 auto manufacturers he contacted oppose the EPA’s waiver. The government should not hand out subsidies to an industry that does not have a track record of success.
Get Ready For Some Hot Weather!
With a heat index expected to be in the 90's to low triple digits this weekend and into next week, check out Wisconsin's Emergency Government's heat safety tips: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/heat/default.asp
Fox 6 News says "Budget Repair Law Leaves Most School Districts in Good Financial Shape"
Here is a link to the video and the written article:
http://www.fox6now.com/news/investigators/witi-20110713-inv-school-deals,0,830452,full.story
Senate Debating Redistricting
The State Senate takes up redistricting today.
You may watch the Senate floor debate at this website: http://wiseye.com/Home/AirVideoStream.aspx
Assembly Takes Up Redistricting Today
The State Assembly is scheduled to begin extraordinary session at 11:00 AM today.
You may watch the Assembly floor debate at this site: http://wiseye.com/Home/AirVideoStream.aspx
Democrats Support Voter ID Laws
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chaffee signed 2011 House Bill 5680 into law July 2, 2011, making
A Top-10 List For Summer Fun
With summer about one-half over, there is still time to enjoy seasonal entertainment. The Wisconsin Trails has a list of 10 summer must-dos, including a couple near Senate District 28. Going to a Milwaukee Brewer game at
For the full top-10 list, click here.
No Concealed Carry Classes Approved Yet
The state Department of Justice is determining the specifics of firearms training to comply with the concealed carry legislation approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Walker earlier this month. Unapproved classes may not satisfy the training requirement of the new law.
An article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, explains the Department of Justice “… hasn’t decided key questions like whether or not courses taken over the Internet would satisfy the training requirement.”
Wisconsin Shares Scammer Sentenced To 3 Years In Prison
A Wisconsin Shares scammer is sentenced to three years in prison and five years parole. Mark Rouse of Milwaukee scammed Wisconsin Shares of at least $275,000, according to prosecutors.
You can read more here.
Joint Legislative Committee to Review Wisconsin's Shoreland Protection Program
Tuesday, July 26, 2011, The Joint Committee for Review for Administrative Rules (JCRAR) will be taking public testimony about Wisconsin's Shoreland Protection Program and Runuoff Management rules, also know as NR 115, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Minocqua Community Center Gymnasium, 415 Menominee Street, Minocqua. If you are unable to attend this meeting and would like to submit your thoughts about NR 115 to the members of the JCRAR click here for a link to the listing of the committee members. At the link click on each members name to find their contact information.
Obama Political Organization Getting Involved in Recalls
Obama's political organization is trying to influence
This is not the first time Obama's organization has had its hands in
Senate to Vote on Unemployment Benefits Extension Next Monday
The state Senate is scheduled to vote on extension of unemployment benefits Monday, August 1, 2011. Senate Bill 147 provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits to Wisconsin residents.
The Assembly removed language from the bill that would have cost up to $56 million, and left intact language needed to trigger $88 million in federal funding for extended unemployment benefits.
The Weekly Standard about Act 10
A Weekly Standard article explains budget repair bill provisions saved jobs and provides vital flexibility to
Catch a Healthy Meal
Summer is in full swing and our lakes and rivers are open for business! If you are one of the many Wisconsinites to try your luck with the rod and reel, you may want to get a fishing license. If you land any keepers, check out the fish consumption guidelines from the DNR. Pregnant women and children under 15 should pay special attention to avoid potential contaminants.
Catching your own meal is cheap, healthy, and delicious. Good luck!
Court Dismisses Redistricting Lawsuit
This morning the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin dismissed the redistricting lawsuit brought by former Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson. The Court noted that redistricting is a “constitutionally mandated, decennial event” and that the plaintiffs sought an “extraordinary remedy available only in exceptional circumstances.” This is good news for the people of Wisconsin, because we are spared more unnecessary and costly litigation.
Job Numbers on Pace; Work Remains
Governor Walker issued a press release today noting that Wisconsin has a net job creation of 9,500 new jobs, giving us 39,300 private sector jobs created since January keeping us on pace to surpass the Governor’s stated goal of creating 250,000 private sector jobs in his first four years. However, there are still too many Wisconsinites looking for work, and I will continue to focus on job creation in the coming months.
New Berlin School District: Act 10 Success Story
Reports are surfacing around the state about the budget repair bill providing fiscal security to local government. The New Berlin School District is added to the list.
Speaking at the New Berlin Board of Education annual meeting July 25, 2011, District Director of Financial Services Roger Dickson touted a “significantly improved budget environment” thanks to the budget repair bill.
New Berlin Heat Tryouts
I am informed that New Berlin Heat baseball and softball tryouts begin this weekend! What a great way for youth to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and have fun! More information is available on the New Berlin Heat website.
If you have an announcement about activities, please let me know. I am pleased to promote community events.
