Your Representatives in the News

State Assembly Representative Garey Bies

Bies proposed the state tax all tobacco products equally in a bill he authored called the Backpack Tobacco Act.

The bill would target flavored tobacco products that are currently exempt from Wisconsin’s cigarette tax, which allow companies to sell them at a lower price. Flavors such as cherry and chocolate and lower prices make those products attractive to young people.

The bill would also require those products be kept behind the counter.

Source:  Health First Wisconsin

State Senator Frank Lasee

Rubber duck races, often used to raise money at charity events, have come under scrutiny as violating state gambling laws after an event in Mishicot, Wis., when the Department of Justice wrote a letter to put a stop to the races.

Lasee and Rep. Andre Jacque, of De Pere, introduced a bill to allow nonprofit groups that have licenses to host raffles to also be allowed to hold rubber duck races.

Source:  Wisconsin Radio Network

Governor Scott Walker

On Friday, Sept. 27, Walker signed a declaration of emergency for the sagging Leo Frigo Bridge in Green Bay. An emergency declaration makes the project more likely to be eligible for federal repair money. Federal money can only be granted for repairs if the cause of the sag is an external force, not the natural age of the bridge. At press time the cause of the sag had not been identified.

Source:  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

U.S. Representative Reid Ribble

Ribble released the following press release on Tuesday, Oct. 1, after the government shutdown began:

“It’s harmful and embarrassing that the federal government has reached a point of shutting down operations. This is not a moment to be proud of or to celebrate.

I’ve stated from the beginning that while I vigorously oppose Obamacare and believe it is poor healthcare policy, I do not believe shutting down the government is the correct strategy to address the flawed law. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Ribble voted for the amendment to include a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act in the House’s bill that would raise the debt ceiling and avoid a shutdown. The Senate rejected the bill because of the delay amendment.

Source:  Ribble press release, Pierce County Herald

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

Baldwin closed her office on Tuesday, Oct. 1, because of the government shutdown. This was posted on her official website:

“Due to a lapse in government funding, federal law and Senate rules require that my website and Senate offices shut down. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Please know that I am working with my congressional colleagues to find a responsible way to end this shutdown as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.”

Source:  Baldwin website

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson

Johnson was interviewed on CNN’s Morning Joe TV show, where he spoke against the Affordable Care Act in a discussion with former White House health care adviser Ezekiel Emanuel.

“This still isn’t ready for prime time,” Johnson said. “Listen, doctor, I think you’re a smart guy, but I don’t think you know how to take over 1/6 of our economy and do it well and that’s why I’m opposed to this thing. It’s going to do great harm to our health care system. It’s going to bankrupt our budget further. It’s going to really be an assault on our personal freedoms.”

Source:  MSNBC

President Barack Obama

Obama addressed U.S. military troops on Wednesday, Oct. 1, saying they will stay on duty and get their paychecks on time despite the government shutdown.

“Those of you in uniform will remain on your normal duty status,” he said in a video. “Threats to our national security have not changed, and we need you to be ready for any contingency. Ongoing military operations like our efforts in Afghanistan will continue. If you’re serving in harm’s way we’re going to make sure you get what you need.”

Source:  The Telegraph