Legislative accomplishments

On its last day of regular session, state politicians worked through a number of new laws for Wisconsin. Among them: tougher penalties for fourth time OWI offenders.

"It is a good starting point," said State Rep. Phil Montgomery, (R) Ashwaubenon, "I think that we need to look at other aspects to ensure that people are safe."

Under the bill, a fourth OWI offense for some would be considered a felony, instead of a misdemeanor.

"This is an important issue and we need to find ways to reduce its impact and I think focusing on repeat and potential repeat offenders is a good place to try and make progress," said State Rep.Bob Ziegelbauer, (D) Manitowoc.

Another measure passed in the Senate was a bit more controversial than tougher drunken driving laws. Education reforms, that would comply with new ideas President Obama announced in Madison Wednesday, are expected to be approved in the Assembly.

"We've got a proud history of supporting education and willingness to embrace innovation," said State Sen. Dave Hansen, (D) Green Bay, "And that's what 'Race to the Top' is about, supporting innovation and making our schools the best place they can be."

In order for Wisconsin to get some federal education money, it would have to factor student test performance into teacher evaluations.

State Senator Alan Lasee voted against the bill.

"We should be able to use those test scores to evaluate school teachers. WEAC was always opposed to that. Today they supported the bill because of an amendment put in that said that that issue now will become a bargaining issue to the school boards will have to add that as one of the items that they bargain for. That is absolutely ludicrous," said State Sen. Alan Lasee, (R) De Pere.

The calendar calls for most legislators to return to Madison in January, but Governor Doyle could call a special session if he deems it necessary.

Thursday night, state senators had gone home, but the Assembly is still considering some measures, including a bill that would create a new public financing system for the state supreme court, a bill that would allow the Natural Resources Board to appoint the DNR secretary, instead of the governor, and a bill designed to crack down on abuse of the child care subsidy program.