Wisconsin Conservation Voters Government Day was March 16th, and we had a great showing of constituents who came down to Madison for the day. I want to extend a thank you to everyone who stopped by my office to speak with me, and to those who were unable to attend but wrote in on their issues of concern. Without a doubt, issues of conservation are very important up in the 67th Assembly district. We have some beautiful lakes and parks that should not be neglected.

In particular, I have heard a lot of concern about the proposed budget’s water quality standards, and the potential consequences of lowering those standards. I do not think such an approach would be good for our district; we should have clean and healthy lakes and rivers for all to enjoy. That is why I and my colleagues Representative Warren Petryk from the 93rd Assembly district and Representative John Murtha from the 29th Assembly district wrote a letter to the Joint Finance Committee addressing these concerns.

We expressed concerns at phosphorus levels throughout the Red Cedar River basin, noting the potential health concerns that high levels of phosphorus can cause. Excess phosphorus leads to an overgrowth of blue-green algae. Last year alone, thirty-five people in Wisconsin reported human health concerns and the death of at least two dogs due to this kind of algae. While it is important to get our fiscal house in order, improving our water quality should not be overlooked. In fact, our waterways contribute substantially to Wisconsin’s second largest industry: tourism. In 2009, tourism generated $12.1 billion in travel expenditures and brought in $6.72 billion in resident income while providing 286,394 jobs. With the DNR reporting 172 lakes and streams as impaired due to phosphorus pollution or sediment, this is an issue our state Legislature must take seriously.
 

A new scam has been popping up in Wisconsin that bankers are calling the "grandparent scam." A con-artist posing as a grandchild (or other loved one) will call and say that he/she is in trouble and needs cash. The scammer will beg the grandparent to wire money immediately. Unfortunately, by the time the victim realizes the scam, it is too late.

The Wisconsin Bankers Association recommends the following to help you avoid being scammed if you receive a call from someone claiming to be a family member asking for money:
1. Don't panic, and don't allow your emotions to overtake reason. Try to verify the caller’s identity by asking personal questions a stranger couldn’t answer.
2. Don’t fill in the blanks. Refrain from mentioning other family members’ names or personal information. If the caller says, “It’s your granddaughter,” respond with “Which one?” Most likely, the caller will then hang up.
3. Remember that some impostors research the people they are posing as and can answer basic questions about them.
4. Resist the pressure to act immediately. Try to contact the grandchild at a number that you know is accurate such as a home or cell phone number before transferring money. If you don’t have your grandchild’s phone numbers, get in touch with their parent, spouse or another close family member to check out the story before you send any money, even if you’ve been asked to keep the call a secret.
5. If you can’t reach a family member and still aren’t sure what to do, call the local police on the non-emergency line. They can help you sort things out.
6. Never provide your bank or credit card account numbers to any caller – regardless of the reason.
7. No matter how dramatic the story sounds, don’t wire money. Don’t send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier, either. Con artists recommend these services so they can get your money before you realize you’ve been cheated.