Conservatively Speaking

Why America is the best

2008-07-04T10:48:00Z

America has a lot to be thankful for as it celebrates another Independence Day. The 4^th of July marks a perfect occasion to reflect upon qualities that make the United States the greatest nation in the world.

SECURITY. Our nation is safe, placing protection of its citizens as one of its highest priorities. Brave young men and women volunteer to risk their lives in foreign lands so that we may enjoy the many freedoms that make us the envy of the world. Dedicated police officers and firefighters work daily to safeguard our communities.

OPPORTUNITY. America is a land where young people’s dreams become realities, where the toughest challenges are never unreachable, where anything is possible.

CHOICES. In our free society, choices are endless. Think about it. Americans enjoy a myriad of selections for schools, churches, occupations, where to live, travel, shop, eat, and play. No other country comes close to offering its citizens the countless options available to Americans.

OUR VOTING SYSTEM. Our elections give voice to the public that holds chosen representatives accountable. Referring to the Presidential primaries, Economist.com writes, “In any other country, the incredible circus that has marked the past year could not have occurred. The business of choosing the main contenders for the top job would have been done behind closed doors, or with a limited franchise and a few weeks of campaigning.”

Police in Egypt fired tear gas and rubber bullets at voters and blocked streets and alleys leading to a polling station during December 2005. Last year in Nigeria, riots broke out when electoral officials delivered only half of the ballot papers that should have arrived at local polling stations. A police officer who attempted to stop the theft of a ballot box was beaten with his own club by a gang of thugs and forced to flee. Prior to January 2005 elections in Iraq, Insurgents had vowed to wash the streets with "voters' blood." More than a dozen attacks killed at least 28 people and wounded 71 others.

In America, elections are so routine they are often taken for granted.

EDUCATION. The American education system has the world’s best schools with cutting-edge programs and diverse fields of study, anything from theater to nuclear physics.

A FREE PRESS. John Johnson writes on the website of the U.S. State Department, “For a society to be considered truly democratic, there should be a high degree of protection accorded to the expression of ideas in published form, whether the medium is newspapers, magazines, books, pamphlets, motion pictures, television or, most recently, the Internet. A free press -- even one that occasionally exceeds bounds of good taste -- is essential to the preservation of a democratic society.”

We have such a press in America: informative, entertaining, thought provoking, compelling, watchful, and free, a press that sets us apart from many other countries.

ALTRUISM. During 2003, the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago conducted the first national study measuring altruism and empathy. The study asked about 15 different acts of altruism, including talking with someone who is depressed, helping with housework, giving up a seat to a stranger, giving money to a charity, volunteering, helping someone find a job, or helping in another way, such as lending money. The key finding was that Americans on average give selflessly of themselves more than 100 times a year.

The Wall Street Journal reported, “Americans gave a record amount to charity in 2007, topping $300 billion for the first time, despite mounting economic worries.”

Arthur Brooks, an expert on philanthropy and a professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, calls the United States, “a land of charity,” and considers charitable giving and volunteerism the signal characteristic of Americans.

QUALITY OF LIFE. The editors of International Living say to determine what constitutes quality of life, “Place a premium on the things that can’t be plugged into a spreadsheet.”

It is difficult to top America in the sheer diversity of everything that is good: food, clothing, housing, the environment, infrastructure, health care, education, business, transportation, technology, recreation, culture, leisure, simple comfort.

For these and so many other reasons, our great nation remains a beacon for millions seeking the best lifestyle possible.

Happy Birthday America!

4th of July parades

2008-07-04T01:45:34Z

I hope to see you at one of the many community parades on the 4th of July. I will be walking in the following parades:

12 pm: Franklin 4th of July Parade

1 pm: New Berlin 4th of July Parade

4pm: Hales Corners Parade

On Sunday, I will walk in the East Troy Parade at 1 pm.

A letter from Mark Gundrum in Iraq

2008-07-02T19:13:30Z

One of the state Assembly representatives from Senate District 28, Mark Gundrum is on active duty in Iraq. He has written a letter back home and has given permission to share with you.

Dear Friends,

Hope everyone back home is enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin summer (minus the terrible flooding of course) and all the great family and community activities that go with it. Depending on what thermometer you are looking at, the temperatures here have begun edging into the 120 degree range; but it is bearable.

The soldiers over here from the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Green Bay are doing some pretty amazing things for our country. Most are in different locations around the Baghdad area. The level of danger varies from time to time and location to location but is always present, so please keep all these great soldiers and their families in your prayers.

Work on Rule of Law and Governance matters here continues. Next to Security, these are some of the highest priority issues for stabilizing Iraq long-term.

Rule of Law work here is definitely interesting. As an example, a few weeks ago we were on a mission to evaluate the conditions at a maximum security prison as well as the progress being made on an addition being built there and whether the addition conforms to international standards. (Wisconsin prisons are like Club Med compared to these.) When we saw the gallows at the prison, one of the men pointed to a spot on the platform and said "if you are wondering exactly where Saddam was hung, that's it right there."

Other Rule of Law missions are less morose - like helping to develop and improve the quality of law schools and legal education in Iraq; or trying to get Iraqi judges to improve their work ethic and output, and increase their sophistication to rely more on physical and other corroborating evidence, rather than so heavily relying only on confessions; or assisting a special judicial panel appointed by the chief justice of Iraq with its inquiry into whether corruption influenced the outcome of a trial of high ranking government officials.

Because of my background as an elected lawmaker, I have had the opportunity to work directly with members of the Iraqi national parliament (called the Council of Representatives) and present seminars to many of the members on good governance concepts - like open government, developing good legislation, effective use of committees, serving constituents, avoiding corruption, etc. After decades of dictatorship and in an embryonic democracy, these are new concepts.

Most of my time is spent in Baghdad, though I occasionally travel to other locations as well, such as a recent mission to Diyala Province. From the local base there, we convoyed into downtown Baqubah to meet with the Governor and members of the Diyala Provincial Council about governance issues. Baqubah is still a bit of a hotbed for al-Qaida, but has improved significantly over the past year. A year ago the Provincial Council was not even meeting due to security concerns. Now they are getting rolling and it was exciting to be a part of it.

Security concerns, however, do remain in places like Baqubah. For example, a suicide bomber detonated herself, killing 15 Iraqis and wounding 40, outside the same building where we had been meeting with the Governor just one week earlier. And in the middle of my talk with the Provincial Council, a suicide car bomber detonated a car bomb nearby the building we were in, killing an Iraqi policeman and injuring 19 others. The explosion was apparently such a commonplace experience for the PC members that they did not flinch a bit, so we just kept right on going with the talk. They had some excellent questions which demonstrated just how new the idea of democracy is for them, but also showed their commitment to making it work.

It has been impressive to see how members of the Council of Representatives and Provincial Councils "get it" and are taking advantage of their newfound freedoms with press conferences, public debate on issues, building coalitions, working together, and compromising as necessary to advance legislation important to Iraq. While it is not all pretty or sophisticated, it is encouraging to see such healthy signs in a new democracy.

Corruption is still a significant concern here, and is on a scale and of a nature that is hard to fathom. This will remain one of Iraq's biggest challenges to overcome if its citizens want the nation to succeed long-term.

Security is steadily improving in most areas of Iraq. The important and exciting part is watching the Iraqi security forces take over responsibilities that used to be handled completely by Coalition Forces. Again, it is not always pretty or sophisticated, but it is steadily occurring. What we need to remember is that, at this point, we do not need Iraq to have the type of security you would find in America or Canada, or even European countries like England, Germany, or Italy. While that level of security would certainly be ideal and should remain a long-term goal for Iraqis to work for themselves, it will not happen anytime soon nor should that be our measure of success. The goal should be for Iraqis to be able to sustain - with very minimal assistance from other countries, and eventually by themselves - the radical transformation that has occurred here thus far, so Iraq can continue on its slow but steady path of improvement.

A stable, secure, functioning democracy in Iraq that has transparent government and embraces the Rule of Law is not only critical to Iraq's future, but at this juncture is very important to America's future as well.

Thank you so much to everyone for keeping all service members in harm's way and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Mark Gundrum

Here are some photos of Mark in Iraq.

Ho-Chunk refuses to pay, leaving taxpayers with the bill

2008-07-01T22:23:44Z

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Ho-Chunk Nation missed its June30, 2008 deadline to make a payment to the state of Wisconsin for gambling operations. Since 2004, according to the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel, the tribe has made only one payment, $30 million in 2006. The Ho-Chunk Nation now owes the state close to $100 million at a time when the state’s fiscal matters are fragile at best.

Why is the Ho-Chunk Nation refusing to make its payments? The tribe alleges that under a 2004 ruling by the state Supreme Court, Governor Doyle exceeded his authority by negotiating new Indian gaming compacts that expanded gambling into perpetuity. The Ho-Chunk Nation contends the value of its 2003 compact was reduced by the court’s 2004 ruling and has refused to make payments until a new agreement can be reached.

Some history is in order.

On May 13, 2004, the state Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision in Panzer v. Doyle, ruled that Governor Doyle exceeded his authority by agreeing to certain provisions in the 2003 amendments to the gaming compact between the state and the Forest County Potawatomi (FCP) Tribe by agreeing to expanded games, lengthening the compact to perpetuity, and waiving the state’s sovereign immunity.

After the 2004 ruling, Diane Sykes left the state Supreme Court to become a federal judge and was replaced by Governor Doyle’s appointee, Louis Butler. The change in the make-up of the court proved to be significant.

On July 14, 2006, the state Supreme Court ruled that a 1993 amendment to the state constitution approved by voters in a statewide referendum that stated Wisconsin has enough gambling and should not expand does not apply to Indian casinos. The court also affirmed the governor’s authority to renegotiate Indian gaming compacts, paving the way for a huge expansion of gaming at the Potawatomi facility in Milwaukee.

Meanwhile, the Ho-Chunk Nation continues to fight its case in court and is lagging on payments. The inaction is affecting the state budget. As I’ve written in the past, budgets have been drafted and approved assuming the Ho-Chunk Nation will make good on its payments, but that hasn’t happened. Taxpayers have made up the difference, and the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel reports the state has spent close to $1.4 million in legal bills to settle its dispute with the Ho-Chunk Nation.

It is concerning and very unfortunate that the issue of gambling has created a scenario that adversely affects taxpayers. Budgets adopted crossing our fingers and hoping the Ho-Chunk will come through with their payments is not sound budgeting.

Congratulations Matt Singer!

2008-07-01T14:21:00Z

Matt Singer‘s Eagle Scout ceremony was held on Sunday, June 29, 2008.

My office prepared a state citation that was presented to Matt Singer at the special ceremony. It reads:

Whereas, Matt Singer is a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 530, and through dedication and commitment, attained the rank of Eagle Scout; and

Whereas, Matt Singer’s Eagle Scout project included creating over 170 hygiene packs for Saint Benedict the Moore Program, by securing soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, lotion, and socks from businesses, churches, and the community; and

Whereas, Matt Singer earned 47 merit badges, served his troop three times in the leadership positions of Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol leader, and was elected to the Order of the Arrow; and

Whereas, Matt Singer is a 2008 graduate of Whitnall High School and plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with an interest in business; now

Therefore, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich, commend Matt Singer for outstanding dedication and service to scouting. Matt Singer is further commended for successfully completing the requirements necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honorable rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.

Congratulations Joshua Liimatta!

2008-07-01T13:49:32Z

Joshua Liimatta’s Eagle Scout ceremony was held on Sunday, June 29, 2008.

My office prepared a state citation that was presented to Joshua Liimatta at the special ceremony. It reads:

Whereas, Joshua Raymond Liimatta is a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 40, and through dedication and commitment, attained the rank of Eagle Scout; and

Whereas, Joshua Raymond Liimatta’s Eagle Scout project included planning the expansion and improvement of the Buena Park volleyball courts by removing the sand, increasing the size of the court, putting new sand down, and constructing wooden courtside benches; and

Whereas, Joshua Raymond Liimatta earned 29 merit badges, served his troop in the leadership positions of Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Scribe, and was elected to the Order of the Arrow: and

Whereas, Joshua Raymond Liimatta is a 2008 graduate of New Berlin West High School, and plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering; now

Therefore, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich, commend Joshua Raymond Liimatta for outstanding dedication and service to scouting. Joshua Raymond Liimatta is further commended for successfully completing the requirements necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honorable rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.

Most states, including Wisconsin, are hooked on gambling

2008-06-26T14:06:00Z

"America is on a gambling binge. The more available and accessible it becomes, the more gambling is acceptable to people.”

Tom Grey, executive director of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling made that concession during March 2006. Grey’s next line was the following:

"But shouldn't government be encouraging people to save their money instead of encouraging them to gamble?"

Even if you believe the answer to Grey’s question is yes, the stark reality is just the opposite. Government is expanding gaming options, even searching for creative ways to separate gamblers from their money.

Stateline.org reports, “States are more addicted to gambling revenue than ever as the lure of easy new money for schools, tax relief and public services has led to an explosion of state-sanctioned casinos, slot machines at racetracks and lottery games. Twenty-five years ago, gambling was legal in only three states. Now every state except Utah and Hawaii rely on gambling to generate revenues to help avoid raising taxes.”

Wisconsin is right there with other states, enabling gambling that rivals Las Vegas and promoting games with clever marketing in radio and TV ads. The heavy concentration of games has evolved despite the fact Wisconsin voters took a firm stand against the proliferation of gambling.

The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau wrote a report during May 2000 entitled, “The Evolution of Legalized Gambling in Wisconsin.” The report details the 1993 statewide vote that asked voters if Wisconsin had enough gambling:

“Governor Thompson called a special session in June 1992 to consider amending the constitution to permanently exclude casino style gambling from inclusion in the state lottery. After considerable debate and a series of legislative hearings held around the state, the following question was presented to the voters:

Gambling expansion prohibited. Shall article IV of the constitution be revised to clarify that all forms of gambling are prohibited except bingo, raffles, pari-mutuel on-track betting and the current state-run lottery and to assure that the state will not conduct prohibited forms of gambling as part of the state-run lottery?

Republican Governor Thompson and Democratic Attorney General Doyle stumped for the amendment in joint appearances around the state and expressed a shared desire to restrict the expansion of gambling. The Wisconsin Conference of Churches and the Wisconsin Catholic Conference also favored passage, asserting that gambling activity had exceeded the bounds of moderation and was a threat to community values and health. On April 6, 1993, the amendment was ratified by a vote of 623,987 to 435,180. As things now stand, state-operated or private casino-style gaming in Wisconsin would require subsequent constitutional change.

The results of the advisory referenda, which also appeared on the ballot, indicated the voters’ preference for maintaining the status quo regarding gambling. They voted against allowing casino gambling on excursion boats (604,289 to 465,432); against video poker and other forms of off-reservation video gambling (702,864 to 358,045); for a continuation of pari-mutuel on-track wagering on racing, such as on horses, dogs, or snowmobiles (548,580 to 507,403); and for the continuation of the state lottery (773,306 to 287,585). A fifth advisory question, asking voters if they favored a constitutional amendment that would restrict gambling casinos in the state, was made moot by the ratification of the amendment, but it passed by a vote of 646,827 to 416,722.”

Despite those votes, Governor Doyle has signed gaming compacts with tribes that have resulted in an explosion of gambling never foreseen. After Louis Butler replaced Diane Sykes on the state Supreme Court, the court made a ruling that essentially okayed the expended gaming negotiated in the compacts.

My July 17, 2006 column said, “Thanks to the ruling, the state’s largest gambling operation, the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee will now advance with plans to triple its floor space, currently at 70,000 square feet. That will give the facility 210,000 square feet, more floor space than any casino in all of Las Vegas. The MGM Grand Hotel is the largest casino in Las Vegas at 171,500 square feet.

The Potawatomi also plan to double the number of slot machines from 1,500 to 3,000. That would rival the MGM Grand’s 3,700 slot machines, and the expanded Potawatomi facility would have more slots than any other casino in Las Vegas; Wynn (2,500), Venetian (2,500), Bellagio (2,433), Mandalay Bay (2,400), Mirage (2,294), Circus Circus (2,255), Excalibur (2,250), Caesars Palace (2,100), and the Palms, Luxor and New York New York hotels, (2,000).”

As predicted, last week the Potawatomi Bingo Casino advertised the grand opening of its expansion, now featuring 3100 slot machines.

The director of the Wisconsin Lottery now wishes games could be offered online.

This follows a national trend of states searching for new ways to expand gambling opportunities, from “racinos”, slots at racetracks to state-owned casino resorts.

Is there no end to what states might do to recruit more gamblers? Probably not.

The Denver Post reports the Colorado Lottery is now selling coffee-flavored scratch-and-sniff scratch-off lottery tickets with chocolate and flower flavored scents coming soon. A spokeswoman for the Colorado Lottery, Erika Gonzalez says, "We could even have a Corona with lime."

Good luck, Greendale!

2008-06-25T14:36:00Z

I am proud that Greendale, one of the great communities that I represent in Senate District 28, is competing in this year’s America in Bloom competition.

America In Bloom describes itself as “an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and both personal and community involvement through the use of flowers, plants, trees and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements, and to providing educational programs and resources to that end.”

Greendale is competing against Bemidji, Minnesota, Bexley, Ohio, Ironton, Ohio, Tipp City, Ohio and Warrenville, Illinois in the 10,001-15,000 population category.

Greendale residents have been busy fixing up their yards, planting flowers and picking up litter.

Judges will be surveying Greendale June 25 and 26.

I wish Greendale the best in their beautification projects and in the America in Bloom competition!

Wisconsin bankers not rosy about economy

2008-06-25T02:37:35Z

A survey of bank CEO’s in Wisconsin shows the majority believe the state’s economy is still getting worse.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) questioned CEO’s, 124 completed the survey, and 65 percent feel or economy is weakening with only 35 percent saying Wisconsin’s economy is improving.

Why the gloomy outlook? CEO’s cited flat demand for loans, more delinquencies, foreclosures and past due payments for their lack of optimism.

Here’s more from the WBA.

All of State Senate District 28 is now a disaster area

2008-06-24T23:02:14Z

Every county in Senate District 28 that I represent has now been declared a disaster area by FEMA.

Here is a release from Governor Doyle’s office:

Governor Doyle Announces Six More Counties Added to Disaster Declaration

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared a state of disaster for Adams, Calumet, Green Lake, Jefferson, La Crosse, and Walworth counties.

“FEMA is working hard to expand individual assistance to people across southern Wisconsin who have been hit hard by floods and severe weather,” Governor Doyle said. “I thank them and all those who are working together to recover and rebuild. We are committed to getting people the help they need.”

Governor Doyle declared a state of emergency in 30 counties after severe weather this month brought record floods and other damage across southern Wisconsin. FEMA is in ongoing damage assessments in those counties to make disaster declarations.

Congratulations Matt Dobbs!

2008-06-23T15:26:00Z

Matt Dobbs’ Eagle Scout ceremony was held on Saturday, June 21, 2008.

My office prepared a state citation that was presented to Matt Dobbs at the special ceremony. It reads:

Whereas, Matt Dobbs is a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 530, and through dedication and commitment, attained the rank of Eagle Scout; and

Whereas, Matt Dobbs’s Eagle Scout project included renovating five sets of bleachers, by removing and replacing forty 20-foot boards, for three baseball fields at the New Berlin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post; and

Whereas, Matt Dobbs earned 41 merit badges, served his troop in the leadership positions of Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and was elected to the Order of the Arrow; and

Whereas, Matt Dobbs is a 2008 Graduate of Franklin High School and earned a 3.6 grade point average and participated with several bands; and

Whereas, Matt Dobbs plans to attend University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, majoring in biochemistry; now

Therefore, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich, commend Matt Dobbs for outstanding dedication and service to scouting. Matt Dobbs is further commended for successfully completing the requirements necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honorable rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.

Inland fishing season is open

2008-06-23T14:17:58Z

The gradually improving weather is good news for Wisconsin anglers. One of the state’s great pastimes, the inland fishing season opened on May 3.

Each fishing license that is sold in Wisconsin means another participant in a longtime Wisconsin tradition that hopefully can pass the time-honored ritual down to another generation. According to the Department of Natural Resources DNR), For every license sold, the state receives an additional $10 in federal aid for fish restoration.

Here is more information from the DNR:

The hook-and-line game fish season opened May 3 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide.

The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opened May 3, while the northern bass zone runs for catch and release only from May 3 through June 20. Anglers are reminded that artificial lures and barbless hooks must be used if fishing for bass during the catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and any other waterbody that has bass catch-and-release regulations. From June 21 to March 1, 2009, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29.

The musky season opened May 3 in the southern zone and May 24 in the northern zone, with Highway 10 the dividing line.

The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year.

Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.

People can buy licenses: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at any DNR Service Center; at DNR license vendors; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).

How do I know if my pier is ok under new state law?

2008-06-20T14:29:00Z

Wisconsin has a new pier protection law that could create confusion for many Wisconsin residents.

The most critical question pier owners may have is if their piers comply with the new state law. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a fact sheet with complete information about new pier regulations.

The DNR says on its website, “Piers that meet the size and location requirements that have stayed essentially the same for nearly two decades continue to be exempt.”

Pier owners can go here for a special online tool to get assistance figuring out if they need to register, get a permit, or if their pier complies.

If you live in flooded areas, consider direct deposit for checks

2008-06-20T13:44:00Z

The U.S. Treasury is advising Social Security recipients who live in flood-affected areas to make arrangements for their checks to be deposited directly into their accounts.

Here are the details.

State sets up flood resource site

2008-06-20T03:02:00Z

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has set up a flood resources page on their website full of helpful information for flood victims.

You can see the page here.

Flood health and safety tips

2008-06-19T13:33:56Z

Wisconsin Emergency Management of the Department of Military Affairs has issued a news release containing flood health and safety tips.

It says, “Whether you are repairing your home, helping someone with theirs or helping as part of your job, you will need to protect yourself against the hazards you may encounter.”

Read the news release here.

Now it’s the banana

2008-06-19T11:23:00Z

You can add bananas to the list of foods that are seeing a sharp increase in price thanks to the rising cost of fuel.

Like the corn tortilla in Mexico, the banana is an important part of the daily diet in Britain.

There seems to be a consensus that ethanol has been a major factor in the rising cost of food that has led to food crisis conditions in many parts of the world.

It is encouraging to see the editorial board of the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel write that ethanol mandates should be reconsidered.

FEMA scam alert in Wisconsin

2008-06-19T02:07:59Z

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reporting scam artists are going door-to-door in flood ravaged Iowa, claiming to offer speedy assistance on claims and repairs..

The scammers are also surfacing in Wisconsin.

The Janesville Gazette is reporting that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a scam in Racine County where individuals posing as FEMA agents were knocking on doors. The fake agents claim they’re assessing damages for the homeowners and a charge will be issued for their services.

That’s a scam because FEMA doesn’t charge for assessment services.

Residents are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately if they suspect anyone posing as a FEMA agent. Homeowners are also advised not to pay anyone claiming to be a FEMA representative for any services.

Here’s more from FEMA.

Snowbirds take note

2008-06-16T22:27:00Z

Many Wisconsinites spend a great portion of each year living in Florida, attracted by good weather and a favorable tax climate.

These snowbirds need to be aware that they might be targeted for tax increases.

The Wall Street Journal reports:

“Florida voters in January amended the state's constitution to further limit property taxes. The state has long protected "homesteaders," or Floridians who live in their houses for more than six months of the year, by limiting the increase in the assessed value of their homes to 3% annually. In January, voters built on those limits. Over time, the difference between the assessed value and the market value of homesteaders' properties becomes substantial; the new measure ensures that homesteaders who move to a new home won't lose the tax benefits they've built up in their old home.

Such changes are already putting the squeeze on Florida school jurisdictions, which may tap "snowbirds" -- retirees who live in the state only part of the year -- to make up lost revenues. Those out-of-state property owners aren't eligible for most of Florida's property-tax protections.

Mr. Calabro (Dominic M. Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch) is most critical of a Florida proposal on the ballot this November that would further roll back property taxes and increase state sales taxes to do so. With no state income tax, Florida relies on its 6% sales tax to a larger degree than any state save two -- Washington and Tennessee.”

The Wall Street Journal reports Florida is one of several states looking to curb property taxes.

Read the entire article.

Congratulations Brian Herr!

2008-06-16T21:59:00Z

Brian Herr’s Eagle Scout ceremony was held on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

My office prepared a state citation that was presented to Brian Herr at the special ceremony. It reads:

Whereas, Brian Herr is a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 159, and through dedication and commitment, attained the rank of Eagle Scout; and

Whereas, Brian Herr’s Eagle Scout project included refurbishing the state and cleaning out brush at the Ottawa Lake State Park Amphitheater; and

Whereas, Brian Herr earned 30 merit badges and served his troop in the leadership positions of Assistant Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader; and

Whereas, Brian Herr is a 2008 graduate of Muskego High School was a member of the Honor Roll, Tennis team, and Jazz band; and

Whereas, Brian Herr was a nominated as a People to People Ambassador for the State of Wisconsin and to attend the National Young Leaders State Conference where he was named a National Young Leaders Conference National Scholar; and

Whereas, Brian Herr started his own landscaping business servicing the Little Muskego Lake/Wind Lake areas; and

Whereas, Brian Herr has enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and has been accepted into the Construction Management/Engineering program at the University of Wisconsin Platteville; now

Therefore, the members of the Wisconsin State Senate on the motion of Senator Mary Lazich, commend Brian Herr for outstanding dedication and service to scouting. Brian Herr is further commended for successfully completing the requirements necessary to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honorable rank awarded by the Boy Scouts of America.