News From the Hebl Office
Press Releases - Policy Information, Legislature Updates and Helpful Hints
Important Updates
It's Game Time for Playoff Ticket Scams
With the NFL playoffs underway and the Super Bowl just around the corner, the already-high demand for postseason tickets is rising. a new round of scams is targeting Packers fams looking to buy, sell or show off their playoff tickets. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) asks ticket holders to protect their passes from scammers.
Medicare Card Scam Pops Up in Wisconsin
If you recieve a phone call claiming that you need a replacement Medicare card, hang up! It is a scam.
Beware of Tax Refund Scams
Tax season is coming - a time when people receive their W-2 forms. file tax returns and anxiously await tax refunds. Unforatunately, fraudsters also know that people are looking forward to tax refunds and will use that knowledge to steal refunds and trick consumers into giving up personal financial information.
"Ransomware" Scam Tying Up Personal Computers
If your computer locks up and a screen appears telling you that you owe a fine for accessing illegal material on the internet, you are the victim of Reveton "ransomware".
Click Here for More Information
ATV/UTV License Plates Required
Beginning July 1st, 2012 you will be required to display a license plate on all ATV and UTV's.
No Call Quarterly Deadline Approaching
May 31 is the quarterly registration deadline for Wisconsin's No Call List.
"Free" TV Too Good to be True?
The letter begins: “DEADLINE NOTICE: Invention being distributed to Wisconsin residents pulls in Free TV with no cable or satellite bills ever.” Sounds pretty good, right?
Wire Transfer Scams Now Hitting WI Consumers
You are taught as a child not to talk to strangers…so would you wire money to one?
Wisconsin's "No Call" Law Includes Unsolicited Text Messages
Wisconsin's No Call Law helps shield two million wisconsin residents from intrusive and fraudulent sales calls. Starting this month, the No Call Law also protects consumers from unwanted text messages.
Consumer Alert Regarding Federal Student Aid
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has issued a warning to people applying for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
DNR To Put On Deer Hunting Forums
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a series of deer hunter forums for anyone interested in discussing local deer management issues, hunting issues and other deer topics. Starting in March, the Deer Hunter Forums will take place all over Wisconsin with the meeting in Dane County on March 21st.
Free Computer Recycling
Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin now offers free computer recycling programs where you can donate monitors, keyboards, printers and more. Whether in working condition or not, Goodwill Industries will either sell your computer at their store or to an environmentally-friendly recycling company. All proceeds go to providing vital services to disabled people in Wisconsin.
Rep. Hebl Gives Democratic Radio Address
Madison- On Thursday, December 8th, Rep. Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie) offered the Democratic Weekly Radio Address. The topic of this week's address is Gov. Walker's new policy that puts a price tag on First Amendment rights and places restrictions on assembling in state buildings, a policiy that could lead to further court challenges as Republicans continue to waste taxpayer money by hiring private lawyers to defend their extreme agenda.
Pesticide Notification Registry
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection now has an online sign-up for the Landscape Pesticide Advance Notice Registry. With this registry, citizens can sign-up to receive free alerts notifying them in advance that pesticides will be sprayed in their neighborhood.
Voting Information
The Government Accountability Board has created a Voter Public Access website to provide voters with information about voter registration, polling place location, absentee ballot status and provisional ballot status. With primary season fast approaching and new voting requirements, it is important to make sure that your registration information is up to date.
Concealed Carry Information
The Department of Justice recently updated its website with information on the new concealed carry law. They have put together of comprehensive FAQ sheet to address the most common concerns people have. Hopefully, this will help us all understand the implication of this new legislation.
Blue Books Available
The 2011-2012 State of Wisconsin Blue Book is now available. This wonderful reference book contains information on the state government, demographics, geography, history and more. If you are interested in receiving a Blue Book, send us an email at rep.hebl@legis.wi.gov We hope to have the Blue Books delivered by December 1st.
Consumer Alert: Sign Up For Wisconsin's No Call List
MADISON- Telemarketing continues to be the top issue of complaint for consumers, especially since we all have had one of those annoying phone calls just as we are sitting down to dinner. Here is a Helpful Hint to prevent these disturbances from bothering you. Get your number on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s No Call List.
Click Here For More Information
Gary Speaks out about Voter ID's effect on Students!
MADISON- During a meeting of the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules, Rep. Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie) voiced his concerns about the ability of students to vote under the new voter identification law.