News

More news items can be found at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin  and the Democratic National Committee websites.

Governor signs into law a bill authored by Sen. Vinehout

On April 7, Governor Jim Doyle signed Act 223, authored by Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and Rep. Al Ott (R-Forest Junction). The bill creates an Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council that will provide for long term promotion of agricultural education and will improve employment opportunities in the state’s diverse and growing agricultural sector. Members of the Council include leaders from education, agribusiness and production agriculture as well as state agencies and the legislature. The Council will be completely supported through private donations.

Press Release - Senator Kathleen Vinehout

Survey Confirms Western Wisconsin Residents want Health Care Reform

Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D - Alma) joined University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire faculty and students to highlight new research showing that health care is a major concern for residents of Western Wisconsin. The survey, which focused on the level of health care coverage and concern about health care, was a collaborative effort of faculty and students at UW - Eau Claire.

“The results presented by our faculty and students document what we have long known,” said Vinehout. “Our health care system is a mess and people want it changed.”

Vinehout, an author of the State Senate’s health care reform plan, offered details of the plan at the event. Vinehout noted that as she travels around her Senate district “citizens are eager to share their worries about health care and discuss a solution to the crisis.”

“With this survey we now know that concerns about health care and reform are on the minds of nearly everyone in west central Wisconsin,” said Jennifer Johs-Artisensi, Ph.D., M.P.H., Health Care Administration Program, College of Business. “These results can serve as a voice of the people to inform policy makers as they debate health care reform in Wisconsin.”

“The concern expressed by residents of the region translates into a significant call for reform,” said Eric Jamelske, Ph.D., Department of Economics, College of Arts and Sciences. “Over 90% of respondents said that it is extremely or very important for Wisconsin to make health care affordable and accessible for all.”

The survey examined health care concerns of a sample of 222 residents of west central Wisconsin including those with adequate insurance, the underinsured and uninsured. A substantial majority of respondents agreed that;

• The Wisconsin health care system is in a state of crisis or has major problems (70% agree or strongly agree)

• The reduction in employer sponsored health coverage is a major problem (64% agree or strongly agree).

• Wisconsin should do something to reduce the number of uninsured (87% agree or strongly agree).

• They are concerned that insurance companies care more about profits than the quality of care given to patients (74% extremely or very concerned).

• They are concerned about the cost of prescription drugs (74% extremely or very concerned).

• All Wisconsinites should have access to the same basic health care. (94% agree or strongly agree).

• Everyone, including employers, employees and government should contribute to a system so that everyone can have the same basic health care coverage (86% agree or strongly agree).

Professor Lois Taft, RN, DNSc, Department of Nursing interviewed many respondents who did not have health insurance. “The problem of long term loss of insurance is significant. We documented that almost a third of those without insurance have been without for more than the past 5 years.” Professor Taft said, “The lack of insurance is a major barrier to access. Two thirds of the uninsured reported they were unable to see a doctor for needed care within the past year due to cost.”

“I hear so many painful stories about individuals and families facing financial ruin because of ever rising health care costs.” Vinehout said. “The lack of affordable health care is a constant source of stress and people want to learn how to find a solution.”

“I was delighted to see 12% of the survey respondents attended a Town Hall meeting to learn about health care reform.” Vinehout said. She has conducted 29 Town Hall meetings on health care reform and continues to schedule meetings throughout the region and state. At the Eau Claire event, Vinehout presented a prize to the 1,000th Town Hall meeting attendee.

“When people learn the details of how to fix health care, they are encouraged,” Vinehout continued. “Town Hall meetings are an excellent way for citizens to become involved in the political process. Change is not going to happen until people demand change. Getting informed is the first step to making real reform happen.”

Press Release - Senator Kathleen Vinehout

New Council Formed To Grow Ag Workforce - Monday, April 07, 2008

Growing Wisconsin’s agriculture workforce will be the focus of the newly created Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council.

Under Act 223, authored by Rep. Al Ott (R-Forest Junction) and Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), a council will provide long term promotion of agricultural education and will improve employment opportunities in the state’s diverse and growing agricultural sector. The bill was signed into law today by Governor Doyle.

“From field to factory, agriculture is vital to the well-being of our state. It is not only our history, but also our livelihood,” said Vinehout. “Agriculture generates $51 billion in economic activity every year and provides jobs for close to half a million people.”

“Finding employees is difficult for many who work in agriculture. Motivating young people to take up the study of agriculture is a goal we all share,” Vinehout said. “The creation of the new Council is the beginning of our state-wide effort to grow our work force in a coordinated way.”

“The Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council will be a valuable resource for identifying and addressing agricultures education and employment needs,” added Rep. Ott.

The duties of the Council include:

• Monitor changes in employment needs in agriculture.

• Research emerging jobs and the training needs associated with those jobs.

• Assistance to schools with agricultural material that help teachers better prepare and motivate students for a career in agriculture.

• Encourage the recruitment of agriculture education teachers and offer on-going training for agricultural educators to better prepare children for ag-related jobs.

• Recommend policy related to agriculture education.

Members of the Council include leaders from education, agribusiness and production agriculture as well as state agencies and the legislature. The Council will be completely supported through private donations.

“Agribusinesses in this state firmly believe this initiative will help address their workforce needs, which is why they have pledged to garner private funding for the operation of the Council.” said Ott.

“As chairs of the agriculture committees in the Senate and Assembly, Sen. Vinehout and Rep. Ott work closely together to make sure important agriculture issues are passed through the Legislature,” said DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen. “This is the kind of bipartisan cooperation the people of Wisconsin deserve and expect.”

“Through the efforts of many we have created a Council that will work diligently to bring people to the growing job opportunities in agriculture.” Vinehout concluded.