August 12, 2011
E-Update

Representative Krug to testify at public hearing for AJR 26

State Representative Scott Krug will testify before the Assembly of Judiciary and Ethics on August 18th in support of Assembly Joint Resolution 26.  AJR26 is deleting from the constitution the offices of Secretary of State and the State Treasurer (first consideration).

The State Treasurer Kurt Schuller enlisted the help of Representative Krug to help eliminate his own position. "I met Kurt Schuller last fall on the campaign trail.  He proposed then to get rid of the State Treasurer position and I respect that he is living up to that promise." states Krug. “It’s clear to me that voters spoke on this issue when Kurt was elected and we will let them do so again.”

In the 2011-2013 budget the Secretary of States office lost control of the Notary Public commissions and registering trademarks.  It was transferred to the Department of Financial Institutions.  The State Treasurers office lost control of EdVest (college savings tool) and LGIP (Local Government Investment Pool) to the Department of Administration.  All the Secretary of State is left with is mostly ceremonial tasks such as authenticating government seals.  While the State Treasurer is left in charge of the Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin.

With both offices stripped of most of their duties the final decision is up to the taxpayer.  "I am bringing forth this resolution at the request of the State Treasurer to have your voices heard." states Krug.

 

Make Sure the Price is Right When Back-to-School Shopping

 

Editor’s Note: There are opportunities for reporters and photographers to ride along with weights and measures inspectors in all regions of the state. DATCP will work with your organization to arrange a convenient location.

MADISON –The back-to-school shopping season is in full swing, and consumers are looking for bargains. Newspaper advertisements and in-store promotions promise discounts at the checkout. But state consumer protection officials say there can be a difference between the price you think you are paying – and the price you actually pay.

“Watch carefully at the checkout to make sure you’re being charged accurately,” said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of the Trade and Consumer Protection Division. “Wisconsin law requires stores to charge the lowest advertised price and refund any overcharge.”

The Bureau of Consumer Protection encourages consumers to take an active role in preventing price scanner errors. Some things consumers can do to be sure they are charged the right price:

  • Write down prices or special sales as you shop.
  • Bring store ads with you.
  • Watch display screens as items are being scanned.
  • Speak up if you think you are overcharged.
  • Demand any appropriate refund while you are still in the store.
  • Ask about a store's pricing error policy.
  • Report pricing errors to state or local inspectors.

Last year, DATCP weights and measures inspectors tested more than 29,000 items for price accuracy in stores all around the state. The total price scanner accuracy rate for 2010 was 96.8%. That percentage includes both overcharges and undercharges. In addition, the 2010 inspection results show consumers were either paying the advertised price or paying less than the advertised price 99.2% of the time. This is called the consumer confidence rate.

“Our inspectors are helping Wisconsin consumers get their money’s worth,” added Chalmers. “The inspections also ensure a fair business marketplace.”

In addition to regularly checking price scanners for accuracy, Wisconsin inspectors also make sure gas pumps and store scales are accurate, as well as package weights. Inspectors protect buyers and sellers in nearly all sales of goods.

For more weights and measures information, or to file a complaint, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection on the web datcp.wisconsin.gov; via e-mail at datcphotline@wi.gov; or call toll-free at 1-800-422-7128

 

 

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State Capitol Room 316 North- PO Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-0215
Email: Rep.Krug@legis.wisconsin.gov