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Voter Identification
Many of us will soon see is the implementation of the Voter Identification Law for the spring primary elections. Acceptable forms of Photo ID are a Wisconsin driver license or state ID card; please note your address doesn't have to be current. If you need a state ID, you can take a certified copy of your birth certificate, your Social Security card and a utility bill to the DMV. For most people, these will be sufficient forms of proof of who you are. If you have further questions on how to obtain a state ID for voting, call the Department of Transportation at 608-266-2353 or visit their website at http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/idcard.htm
The Division of Motor Vehicles will be moving toward full (100%) central issuance of DMV products via the mail during 2012
This year the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles will be making some changes to the issuance of driver license and state identification cards. Currently the DMV sends 10% of customers their DL or ID card through the mail with no significant issues.
Starting in the spring of 2012, all products will be mailed from one production facility. There are two reasons for this change. First is REAL ID, the federal law that goes into effect next year requiring substantial enhancements in security features on the cards. Wisconsin can't meet these requirements over the counter. Second, in mailing the products it helps to prevent and detect fraud and identity theft by requiring a valid address and allowing extra security precautions to be taken prior to issuing the actual ID.
Here is how it will work, you will receive your DL/ID through the mail, usually within 5 days after application. When you leave the DMV, you will leave with a "receipt" that will be good for voting and driving. The receipt WILL have your photo on it. The card you receive in the mail will look different than your current license and will include, these new security features.
Assembly Bill 426 - Mining Bill - Update
Since early December when this bill was introduced, there have been three public hearings held and several articles written about this bill.
Statements have circulated that this bill would allow mining corporations to dump toxic waste into wetlands. This bill, like current law, requires the company to go through a complete permitting process, ensuring the Wisconsin DNR and US Army Corps of Engineers cannot grant a wetland permit unless applicable water quality standards are met.
There are also questions about whether this bill would allow mining companies to contaminate the groundwater. This bill requires baseline monitoring during construction and to continue to monitor throughout the mining process.
Assembly Bill 426 will create a minimum two year permitting process, taking in public input and setting in place rigorous environmental standards that must be met in order for a mining company to get a permit. That said, even with the DNR's permitting process, the company that plans to mine will still need to go through the US Army Corps of Engineers and EPA standards.
With the public input, there have been some changes suggested through amendments that are currently being discussed. This bill will likely be before the Legislature next week.