Saturday, May 21, 2011

Kanavas Responds to Straw Poll Results

Kanavas Responds to Straw Poll Results

“Obviously, it is inspiring to come out ahead in a poll of the party's grassroots volunteers. I appreciate their vote of confidence. The Republican Party of Wisconsin is a strong, vibrant organization that had tremendous success in 2010. We will build upon that to beat back the recalls of our state senators, we will make sure Barack Obama does not win here and we will elect a GOP Senator in 2012. We have to get America working again. There is a long way to go, but this vote of confidence gives us something to think about, and build upon, as I seriously consider running."

To learn more about Ted Kanavas please feel free to contact him via e-mail at ted@tedkanavas.com, on twitter @ted_kanavas, or on facebook at facebook.com/tkanavas.

My thoughts halfway through our state's GOP Convention

"I agree with Paul Ryan, Jim Sensenbrenner and Ron Johnson. Today they spoke about the need to continue the work to restore fiscal sanity and beat back the culture of entitlement and dependency that threatens America's greatness. Not just America's future--if we don't cut spending and right-size government we jeopardize the present.  Those of us who worked day and night here in 2010 realize it was the most successful year ever for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, but the delegates here are committed to working even harder. And we have a lot of work to do-- to turn back the recalls, grow our majorities, defeat Barack Obama and elect a Republican US
Senator in 2012. I've done my fair share of talking to convention goers
since I arrived yesterday afternoon, but mostly I am listening. I am encouraged by what I've heard, humbled by those who have expressed a desire for me to run, and committed to making a decision soon. Getting America working again will require a candidate who shares our values, is fully engaged and inspires smart, hard workers from experienced volunteers and fresh faces alike. This is an important place to be for any potential GOP candidate and I'm looking forward to the banquet tonight and the prayer breakfast tomorrow, too."

Friday, May 20, 2011

Looking Forward to the RPW Convention This Weekend

I am looking forward to the Republican Party of Wisconsin’s annual convention, which begins today in the Wisconsin Dells.

It is sure to be an important and exciting weekend.

As many of you know, I am in the process of deciding whether I will be a candidate for the United States Senate. Recent news has focused more attention of this seat than at any time in the last quarter century. Yet, my personal and professional agenda this weekend in the Dells was not altered by Senator Kohl’s announcement last week.

I have spent the last few months discussing the possibility of a run for the US Senate seat with my family and my closest friends. Now, this weekend, I will solicit the opinions of the hundreds of Republican Party delegates from across the state. I want to hear about their concerns. What are their top issues? What qualities are they looking for in their next US Senator? Do they think I should pursue such a run?

I want to make sure that my decisions are well informed. This includes deciding whether or not to run for the US Senate.

As a delegate from Waukesha County I’m also attending the convention to vote on the official state platform and the resolutions as well. Ours is a ground-up party and the opinions of the members of the county party members from across the state matter. This is our chance to have our voice heard.

Finally, and this should not be overlooked, this weekend is a time to celebrate the incredible campaign success our party has enjoyed since the last state convention. Because of the hard work of party members and others, Republicans swept into control of both houses of the Wisconsin State Legislature. We elected two new members of Congress. We elected a bold, young, conservative governor. And Ron Johnson ran a great race and won a seat in the US Senate. While we have more work to do, it is ok to take a moment and raise a glass with friends to toast the success of 2010.

Last year Wisconsin Republicans proved we could work together to accomplish great things. Fueled by a new insurgence of energy and enthusiasm from the Tea Party movement, Republicans in Wisconsin led the nation in voter contacts and victories. I am happy to see my party grow, and I am glad there will be new faces in the crowd this weekend. I, too, want to meet up with familiar faces, like the members of the Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women and College Republicans who continue to be the heart and soul of all the volunteer activities this party relies on. It is important that we appreciate the fact that it takes a combination of new blood, experience and hard work to win.

To be sure, as I join my fellow Republicans at the state convention this week, there is more work to be done. We need to band together to fend off the recalls against my former colleagues in the State Senate (and work on picking up a few seats, too!). We need to rally around Governor Walker and make sure those who have embraced the fiscal common sense laid out by Congressman Paul Ryan receive our unwavering support.

Together, we also need to set our sights on 2012. We need to preserve our majorities in the legislature, protect the freshmen in Congress and retake the White House and the US Senate so we can get America working again. Whether or not I run for office, I will be a part of this effort. Always.

I’m looking forward to kicking things off this weekend, and I hope to touch base with as many of my fellow Republicans as possible over the next three days in the Dells.

Even without a trip down a water slide, I know it will be a good time with old and new friends.

Kanavas lives in Brookfield and is a delegate from Waukesha County.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My statement on Congressman Paul Ryan's decision

‎"Paul Ryan is the Republican's most powerful advocate for fiscal sanity in Washington. He continues to be our party's most articulate and energetic spokesperson on economic growth. I respect the decision he and his family made with regards to the 2012 US Senate race. A similar discussion is taking place in the Kanavas household as well. This weekend, I will be attending the Republican Party of Wisconsin's Annual Convention as a delegate from Waukesha County. While celebrating the 2010 victories of Governor Walker, the Republican legislature, Senator Johnson, and Congressmen Duffy and Ribble, I will be soliciting party members' opinions and ideas about what they're looking for in their next United States Senator. I am looking forward to listening to my fellow delegates, as their feedback will ensure that I make an informed decision about my future."

Friday, May 13, 2011

Former Sen. Kanavas: Statement on the retirement of Senator Kohl

Former Sen. Kanavas: Statement on the retirement of Senator Kohl
5/13/2011

Statement on the Retirement of Senator Kohl and his United States Senate Intentions

“First, I would like to thank Senator Kohl for his many years of service to our state.

I have been honored by the outpouring of friends and supporters who have contacted me today about the United State Senate. Next weekend is the Republican Party Convention and I will be using that opportunity to listen to my fellow Republicans to see if they want me to be their next United States Senator.

The message across Wisconsin is clear, people want new blood with the ideas and the energy to create jobs and get this country turned around. All you need to do is look at the last election to see that.”

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Mark Belling Late Afternoon Show

I am sitting in for Mark Belling again tomorrow on 1130 WISN. 3pm-6pm.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Watch Election Night coverage with Senator Kanavas on Fox 6 tonight!

Senator Ted Kanavas will be appearing on FOX 6 Milwaukee (WITI) tonight offering his perspective on Wisconsin's Primary election results.

To find the latest election information you can go to the FOX 6 website at:

http://www.fox6now.com/

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Kanavas Will Not Enter U.S. Senate Race

(Brookfield, WI) - State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) today issued the following statement regarding his decision not to run for the United States Senate:


“Since I announced my retirement from the Wisconsin State Senate in January, my family and I have been humbled by the encouragement and support I have received to run for higher office. After several weeks of thoughtful consideration, however, I have decided not to seek election to the United States Senate.

Over the next several months, I will do everything I can to help my party’s nominee defeat Russ Feingold. As a strong fiscal conservative, I will continue fighting to elect Scott Walker our next Governor and ensure the Republican Party has majorities in both houses of the state legislature.”


Senator Ted Kanavas, a software executive and entrepreneur, was first elected to the Wisconsin State Senate’s 33rd District, which includes Waukesha and Washington counties, in 2001 after serving four years on the Elmbrook School Board. He is a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the Waukesha County Republican Party, the Washington County Republican Party; Order of AHEPA, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Orthodox Christian Charities of Wisconsin. He and his wife Mary live in Brookfield, Wisconsin with their three children. In January 2010, Senator Kanavas announced his retirement from the Wisconsin State Senate.

###

Monday, April 19, 2010

The Senate is in session Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Here is a copy of the Senate Calendar for tomorrow. Enjoy!

First Order. Call of Roll.

Second Order. Chief clerk's entries.

Third Order. Introduction, first reading and reference of proposals.

Fourth Order. Report of committees.

Fifth Order. Petitions and communications.

Sixth Order. Referrals and receipt of committee reports concerning proposed administrative rules.

Seventh Order. Advice and consent of the Senate

Eighth Order. Messages from the Assembly.

QUESTION: Shall the Assembly amendment be concurred in?

Senate Bill 121. Relating to: requiring the Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish a career conversations program. By Senators Lassa, Taylor, Wirch, Olsen, Darling, and Holperin; cosponsored by Representatives Berceau, Sinicki, Richards, Petrowski, A. Ott, Zepnick, Spanbauer, Toles, and Townsend.

Assembly Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 163. Relating to: requiring health insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screening and granting rule-making authority. (FE) By Senators Wirch, Taylor, Lehman, Hansen, Erpenbach, Risser, Darling, Kapanke, Plale, Coggs, Carpenter, and Lassa; cosponsored by Representatives Colon, Barca, Benedict, Steinbrink, Hixson, Grigsby, Turner, Clark, Hubler, Milroy, A. Williams, Berceau, Jorgensen, Hebl, Hilgenberg, Young, Pope-Roberts, Mason, Townsend, Wood, Pasch, and Bernard Schaber.

Assembly Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 375. Relating to: the exchange of electronic records contained in the Consolidated Court Automation Program and in the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System between the director of state courts and the Department of Children and Families and providing a penalty. (FE) By Senators Sullivan, Taylor, Coggs, Darling, and Lehman; cosponsored by Representatives Knodl, Grigsby, Berceau, Danou, and Townsend.

Assembly Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 383. Relating to: municipal court elections, judges, and procedure, and providing penalties. (FE) By Senators Taylor, Risser, Erpenbach, and Wirch; cosponsored by Representatives Seidel, Parisi, Pope-Roberts, Turner, Tauchen, Pasch, Staskunas, Lothian, Berceau, Danou, and Townsend.

Assembly Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 400. Relating to: operation of all-terrain vehicles to remove snow. (FE) By Senators Holperin, Kreitlow, Cowles, Taylor, Plale, Olsen, Schultz, Erpenbach, and Hansen; cosponsored by Representatives Jorgensen, Clark, Ballweg, Townsend, Radcliffe, A. Ott, Suder, Petrowski, Mursau, Gunderson, and Kaufert.

Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 409. Relating to: a postsecondary education tax credit for businesses; increasing annual limits on angel investment tax credits; awarding grants to the WiSys Technology Foundation, Inc.; business plan competitions and an emerging technology center in the University of Wisconsin System; rural outsourcing grants; requiring the Department of Commerce to award grants to a high-technology business development corporation and grants for converting manufacturing facilities; increasing funding for certain economic development programs; a pilot program providing microloans for the creation of new businesses; increasing funding for certain technical college training program grants; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making appropriations. (FE) By Senators Lassa, Kreitlow, Sullivan, Lehman, Vinehout, Jauch, Hansen, Holperin, Miller, Robson, Erpenbach, Risser, Plale, Decker, Taylor, Wirch, Carpenter, and Coggs; cosponsored by Representatives Molepske Jr., Cullen, Zigmunt, Smith, Turner, Berceau, Zepnick, Vruwink, Dexter, and Schneider.

Assembly Amendment 6 pending

Ninth Order. Special Orders.

Tenth Order. Consideration of motions, resolutions, and joint resolutions not requiring a third reading.

QUESTION: Shall the resolution be adopted?
Senate Resolution 12. Relating to: supporting the Marinette Marine Corporation's littoral combat ship project. By Senators Hansen, Holperin, and Decker.

Senate Joint Resolution 70. Relating to: recognizing Aquaculture Day. By Senator Vinehout.
Eleventh Order. Second reading and amendments of senate joint resolutions and senate bills.

QUESTION: Shall the bill be ordered to a third reading?

Senate Bill 435. Relating to: the period for retention of certain election materials in state and local elections. By Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs, by request of Government Accountability Board. (Report adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs, Ayes 4, Noes 1)

Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 445. Relating to: labeling requirements for certain substances that may create a fire hazard when mixed with organic matter (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Commerce). By Law Revision Committee. (Report passage recommended by committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 446. Relating to: eliminating a requirement for reporting on the petroleum storage remedial action program (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Commerce). By Law Revision Committee. (Report passage recommended by committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 616. Relating to: energy conservation standards for the construction of certain buildings, energy and environmental design standards for state buildings, structures, and facilities, energy and environmental design standards for school district facilities and other local government buildings, leasing of state buildings, structures, and facilities, standards for the construction and use of graywater systems, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE) By Senators Risser and Schultz; cosponsored by Representatives Molepske Jr., Mason, Pasch, Roys, Pope-Roberts, Milroy, Sinicki, and Berceau. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 4, Noes 1, passage as amended recommended by committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations, Ayes 4, Noes 1)

Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 624. Relating to: expanding the authority of political subdivisions to make residential energy efficiency improvement loans, and authorizing political subdivisions to make water efficiency improvement loans and impose special charges for the loans. (FE) By Senators Lehman and Sullivan; cosponsored by Representatives Fields, Soletski, and Cullen. (Report passage recommended by committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs, Ayes 5, Noes 0)
Senate Bill 651. Relating to: loans to manufacturing businesses for energy improvements, job creation, retooling, or clean energy production; the administration of energy utility programs; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; requiring the exercise of emergency rule-making procedures; and making appropriations. (FE) By Senators Lassa, Holperin, Lehman, Taylor, Kreitlow, and Vinehout; cosponsored by Representatives Mason, Molepske Jr., Grigsby, Shilling, Vruwink, Turner, Zepnick, Fields, and Berceau.

Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 661. Relating to: general permits for certain wetland restoration activities and providing a penalty. (FE) By Senator Wirch; cosponsored by Representative Black. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Environment, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 664. Relating to: financial assistance under the Clean Water Fund Program and the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program. (FE) By Senators Miller and Kreitlow; cosponsored by Representatives Pocan and Dexter. (Report passage recommended by committee on Environment, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 669. Relating to: willful misclassification of an employee as a nonemployee by a person engaged in the painting or drywall finishing of buildings or other structures with intent to evade the laws related to income tax withholding, worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, or employment discrimination and providing a penalty. (FE) By Senators Risser and Lassa; cosponsored by Representatives Pocan and Sinicki. (Report passage recommended by committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs, Ayes 4, Noes 1)

Twelfth Order. Second reading and amendments of assembly joint resolutions and assembly bills.

QUESTION: Shall the bill be ordered to a third reading?
Assembly Bill 333. Relating to: limiting disclosure of information gathered by news persons. By Representatives Parisi, Pasch, Berceau, Hixson, Zigmunt, Jorgensen, Turner, Molepske Jr., Benedict, Sinicki, Pocan, and Grigsby; cosponsored by Senators Kreitlow, Holperin, Hansen, Schultz, Lehman, Cowles, and Risser. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)
Assembly Bill 561. Relating to: eliminating the notary requirement for assessor certification renewal (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Revenue). By Law Revision Committee.

Assembly Bill 563. Relating to: eliminating obsolete provisions related to the use value assessment of agricultural land (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Revenue). By Law Revision Committee.

Assembly Bill 564. Relating to: long-term name reservation by a limited liability company (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Financial Institutions). By Law Revision Committee.

Assembly Bill 565. Relating to: changing the registered office or registered agent of a limited partnership or registered limited liability partnership (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Financial Institutions). By Law Revision Committee.


Assembly Bill 566. Relating to: certain review, reporting, and out-of-date requirements regarding the Public Service Commission (suggested as remedial legislation by the Public Service Commission). By Law Revision Committee.

Assembly Bill 600. Relating to: authority of the Public Service Commission regarding fuel costs of certain electric public utilities and granting rule-making authority. By Representatives Soletski, Montgomery, Zepnick, Benedict, Bies, Colon, Danou, Davis, Dexter, Fields, Friske, Garthwaite, Gunderson, Hintz, Honadel, Huebsch, Mason, Mursau, A. Ott, Petersen, Rhoades, Shilling, Sinicki, Smith, Staskunas, Steinbrink, Suder, Townsend, Van Roy, Vos, Vruwink, and Zigmunt; cosponsored by Senators Plale, Kreitlow, Sullivan, Erpenbach, Taylor, Schultz, Olsen, Harsdorf, and Darling. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Assembly Bill 689. Relating to: Public Service Commission intervenor grants and making an appropriation. (FE) By Representative Pocan; cosponsored by Senator Risser. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail, Ayes 4, Noes 3)

Assembly Bill 713. Relating to: mutual assistance between tribal and county or municipal law enforcement agencies. (FE) By Representatives Hraychuck, Turner, Sherman, Pasch, Hubler, Berceau, Ballweg, Mursau, Molepske Jr., and Vos; cosponsored by Senators Jauch, Coggs, Taylor, Harsdorf, Holperin, Vinehout, Schultz, Lehman, Miller, and Grothman. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Assembly Bill 898. Relating to: trial job program and transitional jobs demonstration project and making an appropriation. (FE) By Representatives Grigsby, Sinicki, Roys, Pasch, and Molepske Jr.; cosponsored by Senators Coggs, Lehman, Jauch, and Miller.

Thirteenth Order. Third reading of joint resolutions and bills.

Fourteenth Order. Motions may be offered.

Fifteenth Order. Announcements, adjournment honors, and remarks under special privilege.

Sixteenth Order. Adjournment.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Kanavas Statement: Court Ruling Allows Taxpayer Funded Sex Changes for Inmates

In case you missed this story here my press release and a link to JS Online:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/89701297.html

Press Release:

(Madison, WI)…State Senator Ted Kanavas made the following statement in response to the U.S. District Court ruling that will allow inmates in state prisons to receive hormonal therapy and opens the door for taxpayer funded gender reassignment surgery.

“The ruling is absurd,” said Senator Kanavas. “Taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay for hormonal therapy or sex changes for prisoners. This is another prime example of a liberal judge, far removed from the mainstream, overturning the will of the people.”

In 2005 Senator Kanavas co-authored the Sex Change Prevention Act to prohibit tax dollars from being used by state prison inmates for hormonal therapy or sexual reassignment surgery. The bill passed the State Senate unanimously and passed the State Assembly by an overwhelming 82-15 margin. Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Charles N. Clevert Jr., ruled the law unconstitutional on the ground that the denial of hormone therapy was cruel and unusual punishment.

“The Wisconsin taxpayer deserves better then this. Hopefully the Appeals Court corrects the ruling and helps restore some confidence in our legal system,” Kanavas concluded.

To learn more about Senator Kanavas and his work in Madison on behalf of the 33rd District, please visit his website at www.SenatorKanavas.com.

###

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Kanavas to Doyle: Shift Funds to Zoo

I sent a letter today to Governor Jim Doyle asking him to review all state transportation projects to find existing money to immediately fund the reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange. You may read my letter to the Governor and my press release below:

Press Release:

Kanavas to Doyle: Shift Funds to Zoo

(Madison, WI)…State Senator Ted Kanavas today sent a letter to Governor Jim Doyle asking him to identify money to immediately fund the Zoo Interchange reconstruction project:

“The state’s top transportation priority should be funding the Zoo Interchange and all other projects should fall in line behind it. If that means the DOT lengthens the timeline to complete the North/South Freeway so be it. Potholes on the North/South are acceptable, bridges falling down in the Zoo Interchange are not,” stated Kanavas.

In a letter dated today, Senator Kanavas asked Governor Doyle to order an immediate top-to-bottom review of all Department of Transportation projects in order to identify existing state money to pay for the stepped-up Zoo Interchange schedule.

“The lack of leadership from Governor Doyle is remarkable. We need to start shifting the funds now and reprioritize projects to lay the groundwork for the next biennial budget. The people who want to be Governor are fighting it out in the media while Jim Doyle sits back and watches the show. We need action from the Governor and we need it now,” Kanavas concluded.

To learn more about Senator Kanavas or the 33rd Senate District, please visit his website at: www.senatorkanavas.com.

###

Letter to Governor Doyle:

March 30, 2010


The Honorable Jim Doyle
Governor, State of Wisconsin
P.O. Box 7863
Madison, WI 53707

Dear Governor Doyle:

During my service in the State Senate, I have been a strong advocate of fully funding reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee County. As the state’s busiest interchange, supporting over 300,000 vehicles a day, and located in the middle of the economic engine of Southeastern Wisconsin, a modern, functional and safe Zoo Interchange is vital to our state.

As you know, recent analysis by safety engineers prompted closure of the bridge between I-894 and U.S. Highway 45. I believe this emergency closure would have been avoided if you had not vetoed the project’s planning funds in 2005.

While we have never seen eye to eye on the timeline of the project, I am sure we can agree that public safety should be our number one priority. That is why I am asking you order a top-to-bottom review of all transportation projects in order to immediately identify existing state money to step-up the full reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange.

Without question, this project should be our state’s top transportation priority. All other projects should fall in line behind it, even if that means lengthening the timeline to complete the North/South Freeway reconstruction or postponing smaller projects elsewhere in the state.

We need immediate action from you on this issue. We cannot afford to wait until next year, or wait for the next Governor, to make this decision.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

TED KANAVAS
Wisconsin State Senate
33rd District

Friday, March 26, 2010

Zoo Interchange

I don’t know what else I can say on this issue:

Here is the JS Online article on the closing of the Zoo Interchange’s Northbound lanes from I-894:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/89271577.html

Here is what I posted on my blog back in November:

http://tedkanavas.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Global Warming Bill

In case you missed this Sunday's Milwaukee Journal I have attached a link to my column on the Democrat's global warming bill (they call it the Clean Energy Jobs Act). I am strongly opposed to it and believe it would cripple our state's economy.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/85569412.html

Friday, February 19, 2010

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Kanavas Column: Perception vs. Reality

As most of you know, I have announced that I will not seek re-election to the State Senate this fall. I wanted to let you all know that I plan on hitting the finish line sprinting and will continue to work hard and diligently serve the people of the 33rd District.

To that end, I thought you would be interested in reading my most recent column:

Perception vs. Reality

From the moment I began my service in the state senate I’ve also had a job in the private sector. My experience has mirrored the experience of most people with “real world jobs.” Some years were good and some were bad.

Thanks to that experience, I know firsthand what politicians do in Madison can help and hurt the rest of us. I also know we need to rethink how our state views private business. It can no longer use employers as the state’s personal piggy bank. And government must acknowledge that normal people, everyday taxpayers, can only sacrifice so much before it pushes them to their wits end - unable to sustain their quality of life or provide for their loved ones.

This is reality. But does everyone get it?

If you watched Governor Doyle’s State of the State Address you may question if the Democrats really know what is happening in Wisconsin. In case you missed it, during the final few minutes of the speech, the Governor reflected on his two terms in office. To say the least, it was an interesting take on the past decade. It was also indicative of how delusional the Democrats are when it comes to the realities of our state.

Here are the last few sentences: “When they write the history of this time, let them say we met our generation's challenge. We helped those in trouble…we made health care available to our citizens…we educated our kids…we invested in our businesses and workers…we seized the new opportunities presented…and we moved boldly into the future.”

If you or I were to write this speech, we would certainly tell a different story. Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites are receiving some form of government run healthcare, MPS is failing to educate the children of Milwaukee and the district is bankrupt, businesses are leaving the state at an alarming pace, and unemployment is near 9%. If that is our bold new future folks, then dark days are ahead.

The Democrats want us to perceive them as having done something, anything, over the last decade to improve our state. As we all know, in politics and in life, perception and reality are often two entirely different things. If you just listened to the Democrats, you wouldn’t even know we had a problem. Forget our record unemployment…We seized opportunities! We moved boldly!

Tell that to the family that has gone from having Mom and Dad each working full time jobs, to Mom working two jobs and Dad working less time for less money. Families are looking for hope and the Democrats certainly didn’t say anything to indicate help is on the way.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Kanavas Will Not Seek Re-election

Here is the release I sent out today announcing I will not run for re-election to the Wisconsin State Seante:


(Madison, WI)…State Senator Ted Kanavas announced today he will not seek a third full term in the Wisconsin State Senate.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the 33rd District and I am grateful for their support,” said Senator Kanavas. “After much contemplation, I have decided not to seek re-election to a third full term.”

Kanavas was first elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in a July 2001 special election and at the completion of this term will have served two full terms and part of a third spanning nearly ten years.

“Republicans will enjoy great victories this fall and I anticipate Republicans in the state senate coming back in the majority. That prospect will ensure excellent candidates will emerge to serve the people of the 33rd District and I am confident the district will be left in good hands.”

“Over the years I have been proud of my record of accomplishments in areas of jobs, lower taxes and economic development across Wisconsin. I put job creation and entrepreneurship front and center of the policy debate in Madison. Passing the Angel Investment tax credit legislation was a seminal event for our state. The way to solve problems is not to raise taxes and expand government, but to allow our economy to grow and to let research and development lead the way.”

“Again, thanks to the people of the 33rd District for all of their kindness, thoughts and prayers during my service in the state senate,” Kanavas concluded.


###

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Watch the Senate Debate Live

If you would like to watch today's floor debate live you may view it online at Wisconsin Eye.

http://www.wisconsineye.org/

Enjoy!

Today in the Senate

First Order. Call of Roll.

Second Order. Chief clerk's entries.

Third Order. Introduction, first reading and reference of proposals.

Fourth Order. Report of committees.

Fifth Order. Petitions and communications.

Sixth Order. Referrals and receipt of committee reports concerning proposed administrative rules.

Seventh Order. Advice and consent of the Senate

QUESTION: Shall the appointment be confirmed?
Degenhardt, Dennis, of West Bend, as a member of the Credit Union Review Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2014. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Eberle, Joseph, of Waukesha, as a member of the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Economic Development, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Greenheck, Ann, of Lone Rock, as a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2015. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Hanson, Stephanie, of Madison, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2011. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Education, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Lee, Mark, of Middleton, as a member of the Wisconsin Aerospace Authority, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2012. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Economic Development, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Lins, Debra, of Sauk City, as a member of the Banking Review Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2014. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Main, Edward, of Madison, as a member of the Deferred Compensation Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2012. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

McCabe, Jeff, of Kaukauna, as a member of the Professional Standards Council for Teachers, to serve for the term ending June 30, 2012. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Education, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Moessner, Jeffrey, of Eau Claire, as a member of the Council on Domestic Abuse, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2011. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 4, Noes 1)

Nelson, John, of Middleton, as a member of the Deferred Compensation Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Potter, Edward, of Mt. Pleasant, as a member of the Real Estate Appraisers Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2012. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Redhail, Gene, of Oneida, as a member of the Council on Domestic Abuse, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2012. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Sweeney, Gary "Joe", of Milwaukee, as a member of the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2016. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Economic Development, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Tweed, Steven, of Monona, as a member of the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2013. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Economic Development, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Wall, Edward, of Windsor, as Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management, to serve for the term ending at the pleasure of the Governor. (Report confirmation recommended by committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Eighth Order. Messages from the Assembly.

Ninth Order. Special Orders.

Tenth Order. Consideration of motions, resolutions, and joint resolutions not requiring a third reading.

QUESTION: Shall the joint resolution be concurred in?
Assembly Joint Resolution 67. Relating to: commending MAG Giddings and Lewis on its sesquicentennial. By Representatives Townsend and Spanbauer; cosponsored by Senator Hopper.

Assembly Joint Resolution 83. Relating to: the life and public service of Tommy T. Tradewell. By Representatives Pridemore, Davis, Ziegelbauer, Kestell, Kerkman, Petersen, Hebl, Huebsch, Radcliffe, Brooks, Mursau, Vos, Bies, Strachota, Pope-Roberts, Townsend, Nerison, M. Williams, Gunderson, Zigmunt, and Molepske Jr.; cosponsored by Senators Grothman, Cowles, Taylor, Wirch, Hopper, Schultz, Kedzie, Darling, and Hansen.

Assembly Joint Resolution 84. Relating to: the life and public service of Velma Hamilton. By Representatives Berceau, Hebl, Black, Pocan, Parisi, Zepnick, Pope-Roberts, Danou, Grigsby, Fields, Toles, Mason, Townsend, and Sinicki; cosponsored by Senators Miller, Risser, Lehman, Lassa, Coggs, Wirch, and Erpenbach.

Eleventh Order. Second reading and amendments of senate joint resolutions and senate bills.

QUESTION: Shall the bill be ordered to a third reading?
Senate Bill 43. Relating to: the scope of regulated activity under the campaign finance law. By Senators Erpenbach, Kreitlow, Ellis, Vinehout, Hansen, Risser, Lehman, Holperin, Harsdorf, Carpenter, Cowles, and Robson; cosponsored by Representatives Dexter, Hebl, Cullen, Zigmunt, Sherman, Barca, Hintz, Black, Hilgenberg, Mason, Toles, Hixson, Pope-Roberts, Pocan, Kaufert, and Berceau. (Report adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 4, Noes 1, passage as amended recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 3, Noes 2)

Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending
Senate Bill 168. Relating to: supervision of barber or cosmetologist apprentices. (FE) By Senators Taylor, Coggs, and Grothman; cosponsored by Representatives Molepske Jr., Brooks, Turner, Young, and A. Williams, by request of Department of Regulation and Licensing. (Report passage recommended by committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 203. Relating to: claims for loss of society and companionship in medical malpractice cases. By Senators Plale, Hansen, and Coggs; cosponsored by Representatives Richards, Sinicki, Roys, Berceau, A. Williams, Pope-Roberts, Mason, Toles, Cullen, Spanbauer, Zepnick, Turner, Parisi, and Kessler. (Report passage recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 3, Noes 2)

Senate Bill 274. Relating to: requiring landlords to change locks. By Senators Holperin, Hansen, Kreitlow, Schultz, and Taylor; cosponsored by Representatives Dexter, Parisi, Berceau, Bernard Schaber, Clark, Grigsby, Hebl, Milroy, A. Ott, Pasch, Pocan, Roys, Seidel, Shilling, Smith, Suder, A. Williams, and Wood. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, adoption of Senate Amendment 2, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Amendments 1and 2 pending

Senate Bill 308. Relating to: a requirement that an employer permit an employee who is a volunteer fire fighter, emergency medical technician, first responder, or ambulance driver for a volunteer fire department or fire company, a public agency, or a nonprofit corporation to be late for or absent from work if the lateness or absence is due to the employee responding to an emergency that begins before the employee is required to report to work. (FE) By Senators Vinehout, Darling, Hansen, Harsdorf, Lassa, Lehman, Miller, Olsen, Plale, Schultz, Taylor, Wirch, and Robson; cosponsored by Representatives Gunderson, Berceau, Bies, Clark, Danou, Dexter, Garthwaite, Gottlieb, Hebl, Hintz, Hraychuck, Huebsch, Kerkman, LeMahieu, Lothian, Meyer, Milroy, Molepske Jr., Mursau, Murtha, Nerison, Nygren, A. Ott, Petersen, Petrowski, Pridemore, Ripp, Schneider, Sherman, Sinicki, Smith, Spanbauer, Steinbrink, Suder, Townsend, Vos, Vruwink, Zigmunt, and Brooks. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 2, Ayes 5, Noes 0, passage as amended recommended by committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection, Ayes 4, Noes 1)

Senate Amendment 2 pending

Senate Bill 321. Relating to: operation of neighborhood electric vehicles. (FE) By Senators Vinehout, Holperin, Lazich, Erpenbach, Cowles, Ellis, Schultz, and Taylor; cosponsored by Representatives Danou, Jorgensen, Radcliffe, Wood, Zigmunt, Ballweg, Van Akkeren, Berceau, Kaufert, Pope-Roberts, and Zepnick. (Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 7, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 325. Relating to: notification to a parent before chaperoning a sex offender. By Senators Kreitlow, Lassa, and Taylor; cosponsored by Representatives Smith, Vos, Roys, Suder, Pope-Roberts, and Bies. (Report passage recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending
Senate Bill 332. Relating to: submitting custody study reports to the parties and offering custody study reports in accordance with the rules of evidence. By Senators Taylor and Plale; cosponsored by Representatives Seidel, Zigmunt, Vruwink, Turner, Clark, Berceau, Sinicki, Grigsby, Kessler, and Pridemore. (Report passage recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Bill 375. Relating to: the exchange of electronic records contained in the Consolidated Court Automation Program and in the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System between the director of state courts and the Department of Children and Families and providing a penalty. (FE) By Senators Sullivan, Taylor, Coggs, Darling, and Lehman; cosponsored by Representatives Knodl, Grigsby, Berceau, Danou, and Townsend. (Report adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1, Ayes 4, Noes 1, passage as amended recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Senate Bill 424. Relating to: regulating certain sport shooting ranges. (FE) By Senators Kreitlow, Taylor, Plale, Lehman, Schultz, Harsdorf, Kedzie, and Hansen; cosponsored by Representatives Hubler, Suder, Zigmunt, and Ripp. (Report passage as amended, Ayes 5, Noes 0, introduction and adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1 recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Substitute Amendment 1 pending

Twelfth Order. Second reading and amendments of assembly joint resolutions and assembly bills.

QUESTION: Shall the bill be ordered to a third reading?
Assembly Bill 142. Relating to: requiring a license to engage in the practice of landscape architecture. By Representatives Shilling, Lothian, Clark, Parisi, Davis, Vruwink, Berceau, Benedict, Montgomery, A. Ott, Townsend, Turner, Molepske Jr., Mursau, and Spanbauer; cosponsored by Senators Risser, Taylor, and Lehman. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs, Ayes 3, Noes 2)

Assembly Bill 177. Relating to: operating a motor vehicle while suspended, revoked, or disqualified. (FE) By Representatives Grigsby, Kessler, Fields, Berceau, Smith, Young, Sinicki, Mason, A. Ott, A. Williams, and Toles; cosponsored by Senators Taylor, Lehman, and Plale. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Ayes 4, Noes 3)

Assembly Bill 178. Relating to: motor vehicle operating privileges, seizures by courts or law enforcement officers of operator's licenses, and reinstatement of canceled identification cards. (FE) By Representatives Grigsby, Kessler, Fields, Young, Roys, A. Williams, Vruwink, Turner, Berceau, A. Ott, Sinicki, Colon, Honadel, Toles, and Mason; cosponsored by Senators Taylor, Lehman, Erpenbach, Grothman, and Plale. (Report concurrence recommended by joint committee on Finance, Ayes 12, Noes 4)

Assembly Bill 202. Relating to: bulk transfers of inventory. By Representatives Cullen, Colon, Molepske Jr., and A. Williams; cosponsored by Senators Risser and Taylor. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Assembly Bill 323. Relating to: information provided by a person required to register as a sex offender. By Representatives Jorgensen, Danou, Hraychuck, Bernard Schaber, Barca, Hixson, Hubler, Molepske Jr., Smith, Staskunas, Turner, Vruwink, A. Williams, Zepnick, Bies, and Ripp; cosponsored by Senators Taylor, Sullivan, Lehman, Hansen, Hopper, Darling, and Schultz. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Assembly Bill 376. Relating to: restitution for misappropriation from a cemetery of certain objects that relate to a veteran. By Representatives Turner, Davis, Brooks, Berceau, Shilling, Mason, Hilgenberg, Pope-Roberts, Nass, Kaufert, Gundrum, Zepnick, Lothian, Townsend, Gunderson, Murtha, Steinbrink, Hintz, Hebl, A. Ott, Zigmunt, Nerison, Vruwink, Schneider, Petrowski, Spanbauer, and Van Akkeren; cosponsored by Senators Lehman, Kedzie, Lassa, Darling, Erpenbach, Wirch, Schultz, Olsen, Coggs, and Taylor. (Report concurrence recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Assembly Bill 411. Relating to: the prohibition against making, reproducing, or possessing a nude depiction of a person without the person's consent and the sex offender registry. (FE) By Representatives Zigmunt, Parisi, Gundrum, Berceau, Bernard Schaber, Hraychuck, Pope-Roberts, Roys, Suder, and Turner; cosponsored by Senators Plale, Taylor, and Darling. (Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1, Ayes 5, Noes 0, concurrence as amended recommended by committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, Ayes 5, Noes 0)

Senate Amendment 1 pending

Thirteenth Order. Third reading of joint resolutions and bills.

Fourteenth Order. Motions may be offered.

Fifteenth Order. Announcements, adjournment honors, and remarks under special privilege.

Sixteenth Order. Adjournment.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Voluntary Voter ID

Today, Representative Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha) and I wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs Committee asking him to hold a hearing on Senate Bill 350, the Protect My Vote Act.

Under the bill, citizens concerned about having their vote stolen could enroll in a voluntary voter ID program. Here's how it would work: You go to your municipal clerk's office and opt-in to the program by signing a registration card and producing a photo ID. On Election Day, the poll worker will ask you for your photo ID before he or she hands you a ballot. Then you vote. It's that simple.

This bill guarantees when you go to the polls your right to vote will not be denied because someone already voted using your name. While SB 350 was not written to replace a full statewide voter ID requirement, I see it as a positive step in preserving our faith in democracy.

Here is the letter Representative Kramer and I sent to Chairman Coggs:

January 11, 2010


Senator Spencer Coggs
Chairman, Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs
Room 123 South, State Capitol
Madison, Wisconsin 53707

**Delivered Via Page**

Dear Chairman Coggs:

We are writing you to day to request a hearing on Senate Bill 350 (SB 350), assigned to the Committee on Labor, Election and Urban Affairs on October 14, 2009.

SB 350 allows individual electors to opt-in to a voluntary voter ID program. Voters who choose this option, will have their vote protected from fraud by requiring poll workers to ask for their photo identification in order to vote.

We believe this bill is an important step toward restoring people’s faith in our election system. We hope that you will consider holding a hearing on SB 350 in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,



TED KANAVAS BILL KRAMER
Wisconsin State Senate Wisconsin State Assembly
33rd District 97th District

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Drunk Driving Reform

The Wisconsin State Assembly just passed SB 66, a comprehensive drunk driving reform bill. The Senate is going into session within the next five minutes or so to debate the bill. If you wish to follow along you may click the link below and watch the floor debate live.

http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/index.htm