Rep. Thiesfeldt's E-Update

As the long weekend approaches I will be as brief and relatively light as possible in this edition of my e-update. First, happy Memorial Day to everyone, especially our veterans who deserve praise and gratitude for their service. I will be participating in the Memorial Day parade and say a short tribute to our fallen heroes at the ceremony. (see details here) I hope to see many of you there.

Unemployment Rate improves in Fond du Lac

I have been passing along all the good news that covered the entire State of Wisconsin in last weeks edition but now we have more good news. In The Fond du Lac Reporter newspaper yesterday:

Unemployment rate improves

Fond du Lac's unemployment rate improved in April.

The Fond du Lac metro area's unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent, down from 7.7 percent in March. Fond du Lac dropped below the state average of 7.4 percent, according to a press release.

Fond du Lac's unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in April 2010.

All 12 Wisconsin metro areas posted better unemployment rates in April. Janesville had the highest rate, 9.2 percent, while Madison recorded the lowest rate at 5.2 percent. Janesville's unemployment rate was down from 10.2 percent in March and 11.5 percent a year ago. Madison saw 5.7 percent in March and 5 percent in April 2010.

Metro Milwaukee added 2,700 jobs in April, said Scott Baumbach, interim secretary for Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Milwaukee has added 18,700 jobs so far this year.

Metro Eau Claire added 2,000 jobs, and Janesville saw 1,000 additional positions. No job additions in Fond du Lac were reported.

Baumbach said more than 30,000 jobs have been posted to www.JobCenterofWisconsin.com. He said the postings indicate that employers are looking to grow their businesses.

"With four straight months of job growth in 2011, metro Milwaukee is reaping the economic benefits of Gov. (Scott) Walker's successful efforts to improve Wisconsin's business climate and make job creation a top priority," Baumbach said in a statement.

Here is a press release that the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) sent out yesterday. This is a very beneficial service if you don't like to be bothered with unwanted solicitations and other related calls.

MADISON – Tuesday, May 31, is the next deadline to register for Wisconsin’s No Call List, which is a free service offered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

“If you are tired of getting calls about credit card debt and fabulous cruises, take a few seconds to sign up for the No Call List. People who sign up on or before May 31 will be part of the updated list, which takes effect July 1,” said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. “You can register 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling a toll-free number (1-866-966-2255) or online (nocall.wisconsin.gov).”

Currently, more than two million residential landline and cell phone numbers are included on the Wisconsin No Call List. Cell phones made up half of all numbers added during the previous registration period.

Being on the No Call List will reduce, but not completely eliminate, unwanted phone calls. Unsolicited calls from charities, poll and survey takers, or on behalf of political campaigns are examples of exemptions.

Consumers must register every two years to stay on the list. It is updated four times a year (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). The registration deadlines are always one month prior to the quarterly updates.

“We want consumers to understand they can sign up at anytime during the year,” Chalmers added. “If they miss a registration deadline, their numbers will become part of the next list update.”

Wisconsin’s No Call List began in 2003. Cell phone numbers were added to the program in 2008. Telemarketers who violate the state law face a $100 fine per call.

Once again, consumer registration can be done online at nocall.wisconsin.gov or by calling 1-866-9NOCALL, which is 1-866-966-2255.

Rep. Thiesfeldt and Sen. Hopper also meet with Fond du Lac Christian School on Tuesday.

Due to a vacancy on this Assembly committee I was tapped to replace another Representative. I will start serving on this committee next week. I also serve on the Children and Families, Education, and Urban and Local Affairs committees.

"(W)e here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." -- Abe Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address

The names of the 61 courageous Wisconsinites who received the nation's highest award for bravery are engraved on polished black tablets at the Medal of Honor Memorial at the Wisconsin Tourist Information Center on Interstate 90 near Beloit. This memorial is intended to honor veterans from Wisconsin who answered our nation's call to arms in times peril, and especially to those who gave their lives in defense of our country and freedom throughout the world.

My office has responded to 2195 constituent concerns, inquires, position statements, and ideas since January 3, 2011. Could you be the 2200th? If you have an outstanding issue sent into our office we are diligently researching it. Please touch base with me again if somehow it got caught in our spam filter or human error.