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E update - Update
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Ballweg Bill Signed into Law
State Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) attended the official bill signing for Assembly Bill (AB) 269, regarding increased penalties for violations of 72-hour no-contact orders, in Milwaukee on Monday.
Under our current system, abusers who violate a 72-hour no-contact condition are not subject to criminal charges. AB 269 will provide criminal charges for offenders who violate no-contact conditions that apply automatically after arrest.
Teri Jendusa-Nicolai, a domestic violence survivor, stands behind the bill, she knows first-hand the abuse, mentally and physically, a man can have over a woman. Teri suffered at the hands of her ex-husband and was left for dead in a garbage can. She survived and hopes these changes will help others who fall victim.
It was an honor to attend the bill signing and bring this important issue forward. With recent statistics showing that one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime, this legislation will help strengthen protections for victims and witnesses, states Ballweg.
This legislation will provide penalties that more closely match the severity of the underlying crime. It will increase the violation from a monetary fine to a Class A misdemeanor, which will help serve as a greater deterrent.
Rep. Ballweg pictured with Winnebago Cty DA Melinda Tempelis, Teri Jendusa-Nicolai, her daughter Amanda and friend Sheila and Tony Gibart, Wisconsin Coaltion Against Domestic Violence
Wisconsin Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week
April 16-20, 2012
Listen, Act and Live!
(MADISON) Listen, Act and Live! Those words could protect you and your family during severe storm season. Listening to warnings and seeking shelter immediately will save lives. April 16-20, 2012 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
Did you know that
Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually.
In 2011, 38 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the National Weather Service, the fourth highest number on record. The earliest outbreak occurred on April 10th. On August 19th, a man was killed when a tornado with winds of 105 mph struck Marinette County. Five others were injured in 2011.
In 2010, 46 tornadoes in Wisconsin were confirmed by the National Weather Services, the second greatest yearly number on record. Fortunately, no one was killed but 22 were injured and the tornadoes caused nearly $30 million in property damage.
The peak tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur any time of year, like the January 7, 2008 storms near Kenosha.
On Thursday, April 19, 2012, a statewide drill is planned. At 1pm, the National Weather Service will issue a mock Tornado Watch and at 1:45pm a statewide mock Tornado Warning. For the first time ever, Radio, TV and Cable stations across Wisconsin will participate in the drill. And for the first time, NOAA Weather Radios (also known as Emergency Weather Radios) will be tested during the drill. This is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and individuals to practice safe procedures for severe weather.
Senior Helpline
The Joint Committee on Finance approved a funding request to improve a senior helpline run by the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care. The Board will now have the ability to consolidate services and add counselors to the state-wide toll-free helpline. This improvement is expected to reduce administrative costs and overhead costs. In turn, more dollars will be spent on direct assistance.
The goal of the Medigap Helpline is to help seniors make decisions on insurance issues. Medigap counselors can help with questions regarding any kind of health care plan whether it's about long term care, nursing home insurance or Medicare. With the Medigap helpline, seniors will have a great resource at their fingertips and a counselor who can answer their questions and help them navigate the complex health care system. Seniors needing assistance can call the Medigap hotline at 1-800-242-1060.