Master Key Consulting Builds Community Business & School Spirit

Keshena, WI: The students at the Menominee Indian High School, in Keshena, Wisconsin have something to cheer about, thanks to Bethesda, Maryland-based Master Key Consulting.

For many high schools across the US, the idea of a school store is a common notion.  But for the 198 students at the Menominee Indian High School on the Menominee Indian Reservation in north central Wisconsin, a school store that sells t-shirts, baseball caps, hoodies and other apparel items with their high school logo has been a perennial goal that could never seem to get off the ground.  That is until Corey Webster, a dedicated teacher at Menominee Indian High School, decided to make a phone call that would transform this dream into reality.

Webster, a deeply involved Art Teacher, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, Senior Class Advisor, Yearbook Advisor and M.E.D.I.A. Advisor, decided to add another hat to his collection when he took on the role of developing a school store for the Indian reservation high school.  Since Webster arrived at the school four years ago, he has supported the idea of a school store to build school spirit.  “School spirit in the form of spirit wear is not readily available here,” said Webster.  “You don’t see many students walking around with items supporting our school.  A few years ago we offered some school t-shirts and sweatshirts and they sold out in a few weeks.  The students, parents, and community members were so excited.  I knew then that a school store with clothing, hats, spirit items, back packs, school supplies and various logo items would be a huge success for our school and community.”

With this revelation, Webster approached the school Principal and Superintendent and received their enthusiastic support.  “The only thing standing in our way was the money to make it happen,” said Webster.  “That’s when I decided to call Jonathan Wilber at Master Key Consulting to see if he could help.”

Wilber, Menominee Tribal member, former student of the Menominee Indian School District and CEO of Master Key Consulting has been a long standing supporter of Menominee Nation institutions and charities.  When Webster approached Wilber with a request for a $2,000-$3,000 cash donation to get the project off the ground, Wilber responded with a $10,000 donation from Master Key Consulting, giving the Menominee Eagles the wings it needed to start their high school store.

Wilber, an active proponent of small Native American businesses, wanted to do more than just make a donation.  He wanted to connect the new school store with a small Native American apparel supplier to ensure that the company’s donation would benefit students, community and small business in equal parts.  Native Genes Apparel, owned by a Menominee Indian High School graduate, was selected to supply the new school store with quality apparel products showcasing unique American Indian designs.

When asked about his generous school donation and efforts to benefit small Native American businesses, Jonathan Wilber commented on Master Key Consulting’s core beliefs.  “Targeted giving is part of our Key Principles, developed by our employees in 2003 to positively impact our clients, our community and our company.   Schools and colleges serving American Indian students have given us so much and continue to develop leaders from our native communities,” said Wilber.  “Giving back to these schools and encouraging tribal entrepreneurship is a clear priority for our corporate giving.   Prosperity will only come to Menominee and other reservations when individual members own and run businesses that benefit their communities.  Government run businesses are not going to get it done.   If our gift inspires just one student to open their eyes and their minds wide enough to dream about someday owning their own business, creating local jobs and benefitting the entire community…then this is money well spent.”

Students at the Menominee Indian High School will have the opportunity to work in their new student store, increasing critical sales and business management skills.  “The new student store will be a great opportunity for our students to put business skills into practice and learn what it takes to make a business run,” said Webster.  “Parents and fans of the Menominee Eagles will also have the opportunity to buy spirit wear that supports the Eagles’ Basketball, Football, Volley Ball and other teams. “

The $10,000 donation from Master Key requires the school to reinvest store profits to continually maintain product inventory and add more items on a regular basis.  The store is waiting for its first delivery and will open soon to offer school spirit wear and other school logo merchandise.

“I can’t wait to finally have school spirit wear on the shelves and ultimately in the community,” said Webster.  “This donation from Master Key has made all the difference and will give our community something to cheer about.”

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About Master Key Consulting

Founded in 2001, Master Key Consulting provides professional services and consulting services in management and information technology to five agencies of the federal government in eleven states and the District of Columbia.    Master Key has also supported Indian Tribal Governments and Colleges.

Master Key Consulting is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland as has offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Keshena, Wisconsin.

Contact: Jonathan Wilber, CEO: 240-223-1453: email: jwilber@masterkeyconsulting.com

AAA Projects a 1.2 Percent Increase in Memorial Day Travel

MADISON, WI  – AAA projects 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent – or 500,000 travelers – from the 34.3 million people who traveled one year ago. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28.

In Wisconsin, nearly 680,000 people are expected to travel for the Memorial Day holiday, a slight .3 percent increase compared to last year, according to the AAA forecast. Of those, more than 612,000 people plan to travel by auto while 36,000 will travel by air. The remaining 30,000 travelers will go by rail, bus or ship. Travelers in Wisconsin will find gas prices averaging $3.74 per gallon, down 26 cents from a year ago.

“The economy has improved slightly, however, consumers faced a new challenge this year as steadily increasing gas prices throughout the spring significantly squeezed many household budgets,” said AAA Wisconsin President Tom Frymark. “People will still travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but many will compensate for reduced travel budgets by staying closer to home and cutting entertainment costs.”

Automobile adds to dominance as lead transportation choice, up 1.2 percent
Approximately 30.7 million people plan to drive to their destination, an increase of 1.2 percent from last year. Almost nine out of ten holiday travelers (88 percent) will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend keeping automobile travel in the traditional lead as the dominate mode of holiday travel transportation.

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
A survey of intended travelers found that 53 percent said recent increases in gasoline prices would not impact their Memorial Day holiday travel plans. Of the remaining 47 percent of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, nine percent are planning to take a shorter trip, four percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation and 34 percent will economize in other areas. Those who intend to economize in other areas plan to reduce spending on entertainment (65 percent), stay at a lower priced hotel (34 percent), stay with friends and relatives instead of reserving a hotel room (31 percent) or stay in a hotel that includes value-added amenities like free breakfast and internet (27 percent).

National gasoline prices may have peaked in April despite seasonal highs in early spring when motorists experienced average price increases for all but four days in February and March. April experienced a full reversal as prices fell for 23 of 30 days during the month, helping break a streak of 911 days since the national average price was lower than the previous year.

Increase in sales of inclusive vacations sets emerging trend
As travelers seek to economize budgets, a trend has emerged. To trim costs and maximize travel experiences, an increasing number of travelers are choosing cost-inclusive vacation options like cruises and tour travel packages. These valued added travel options provide consumers an effective way to budget, pay vacation costs up front and decrease entertainment costs during their holiday weekend. Value-added AAA Travel Preferred Partner tours and cruises sold through March 2012 have increased by 11 percent and four percent, respectively, over the same period in 2011.

Number of air travelers expected to decline by 5.5 percent
More than 2.5 million leisure air travelers (over seven percent of holiday travelers) will fly during the holiday weekend, a 5.5 percent decrease from last year’s 2.7 million air travelers. The remaining 4.5 percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes.

Average travel distance significantly less than last year
According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is expected to be 642 miles, which is 150 miles less than last year’s average travel distance of 792 miles. With high gas prices this spring, consumers are responding by traveling shorter distances this Memorial Day holiday.

The decline in expected air travel is a factor in the travel distance decrease as fewer flying miles can be contrasted with the slight growth in automobile travel. Miles flown for weekend travel are typically longer than those driven. Median spending is expected to be $702, only slightly more than the $692 median spending last year.

Airfares and car rental rates drop, hotel rates rise
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, Memorial Day holiday airfares are expected to be seven percent lower than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $189 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase eight percent from a year ago with travelers spending an average of $160 per night compared to $148 last year. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $36, four percent ($2) less than last year.

Buying Local Means Great Food and a Stronger Economy

By State Senator Julie Lassa

Did you know you can create jobs, boost our local economy, and help the environment – all while you’re enjoying a delicious and healthy meal?

You can do all these great things when you support local farmers. Now that spring is well along, we have lots of opportunities to buy local produce and other food products. Farmer’s markets are opening throughout the area. And community supported agriculture groups (CSAs) are taking subscriptions for weekly boxes of produce throughout the summer and fall months. Roadside produce stands, pick-your-own and other on-farm sales are other opportunities to buy local food as well.

Buying local is the hot trend among foodies; “locavores,” as they’re called, know that buying local means getting fresher food that requires less processing, which all leads to better quality and flavor. Buying local also lets us know where our food is coming from and gives us a chance to get to know the people who grow it.

But the benefits of buying local don’t stop at your dinner table. Because locally-grown produce doesn’t need to be shipped across country or stored in temperature-controlled warehouses, it can require less energy to bring to market, reducing our demand for fossil fuels and resulting in less pollution. Farmers who raise produce for CSAs and farmers markets often avoid the use of pesticides and other chemicals, which makes the food safer for consumers and also lessens its impact on the environment.

And then there are the economic benefits. The local food movement has created an entirely new market for local farmers and small food producers. Many restaurants now make a point of building their menus around locally-available food products, supermarkets are beginning to feature local items in produce sections, and even schools and other institutions are seeking out local sources for the food they serve. This growing demand for locally raised and produced food is making small agricultural and food product operations financially viable once again and creating jobs in our agricultural sector.

As a leader in local food systems, Wisconsin has developed a vibrant local food economy. Wisconsin is home to the largest producer-only farmers market in the country, and SavorWisconsin.com lists 184 farmers markets statewide. We’re also ranked in the top five for states with the highest number of CSA programs, and the state has seen an increase in retail and institutional purchasing of local food products.

One of the reasons for this growth is Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin, a program I introduced in 2007. Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin is a comprehensive economic development program that includes a competitive grant program along with technical assistance to farmers, communities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations seeking to increase the sale of Wisconsin produced foods. In the first two years of its existence, Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin benefited more than 1,200 producers and 500 markets, and had a total impact of $4.2 million in increased sales.

I’ve also been active in promoting partnerships between school districts and local food producers. In 2010 I was able to pass a law that created the Farm to School program in Wisconsin. This program connects schools with nearby farms to provide children with locally-produced fresh foods in school meals and snacks, help children develop healthy eating habits, provide nutritional and agricultural education and improve farmers’ incomes and direct access to local markets.

A great resource to help you find local CSAs, farmers markets and other sources of local food in Central Wisconsin is the Central Rivers Farmshed website, www.farmshed.org.  Eating fantastic food while you help create jobs and grow the economy – what could be better than that?

Teen Driver Fatality Risk Quadruples with Multiple Passengers

Madison, WI – The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study showing a strong association between the number and age of passengers present in-vehicle and the risk of a teen driver dying in a traffic crash.

The report, “Teen Driver Risk in Relation to Age and Number of Passengers,” found that the likelihood of a 16- or 17-year-old driver being killed in a crash, per mile driven, increases with each additional young passenger in the vehicle. Nationally, compared to driving with no passengers, a 16- or 17-year-old driver’s fatality risk:

• Increases 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21 (and no older passengers)
• Doubles when carrying two passengers younger than 21 (and no older passengers)
• Quadruples when carrying three or more passengers younger than 21 (and no older passengers)

Conversely, carrying at least one passenger aged 35 or older cuts a teen driver’s risk of death by 62 percent, and risk of involvement in any police-reported crash by 46 percent, highlighting the protective influence that parents and other adults have in the car.

The study analyzed data on crashes and the number of miles driven by 16- and 17-year-olds to assess the effect on a teen driver’s safety of having passengers in the vehicle. Though widely accepted that passengers pose a risk, recent changes – such as the adoption by most states of varying passenger restrictions for novice teen drivers, and a substantial overall decline in teen traffic fatalities – beg the question of just how significant the risk is.

Despite recent progress, the new report confirms that carrying young passengers (under 21) is still a major risk factor for 16- and 17-year-old drivers.

“We know that carrying young passengers is a huge risk, but it’s also a preventable one,” said AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “These findings should send a clear message to families that parents can make their teens safer immediately by refusing to allow them to get in the car with other young people, whether they’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.”

According to data analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in Wisconsin, 174 drivers ages 16 and 17 were involved in fatal crashes from 2006-2010. Of those, more than half (51.2 percent) were carrying passengers under the age of 21.

“The connection between carrying young passengers and increased fatal crash risk is clear, and placing appropriate limits is a key part of graduated driver licensing in Wisconsin,” said Pam Moen, spokesperson for AAA Wisconsin. “By limiting the number of passengers young drivers can have in the car, these policies help ensure that teens stay focused on the road and gain the experience they need to become safe drivers. It’s critical, too, that parents enforce the law and family rules that restrict passengers and help keep their teens safe.”

Additionally, given the significant decrease in risk seen when adults 35 and older were present, parents and guardians can also help protect novice teen drivers by spending more time in the car with them.

AAA Foundation urges families to consider these steps:

• Know the graduated driver licensing system for your state, and remember: even if the law doesn’t set a passenger limit, parents can
• Sign a parent-teen driving agreement that stipulates teens will not ride as passengers of teen drivers without a parent’s advance permission
• Provide transportation alternatives for teens who honor that pledge
• Talk with other parents so they know the rules for your teen and will help enforce them
• Spend time as a passenger when your teen is at the wheel. Your presence and your guidance help make your teen a safer driver
• Visit www.Teendriving.AAA.com for resources that can help teens become safer drivers, including state laws and a parent-teen driving agreement covering safety risks like passengers, cell-phone use and night driving

Cost of Owning and Operating Vehicle has increased

MADISON, WI, (April 27, 2012) – AAA released the results of its annual ‘Your Driving Costs’ study today revealing a 1.9 percent rise in the yearly costs to own and operate a sedan in the U.S. The average costs rose 1.1 cents per mile to 59.6 cents per mile, or $8,946 per year, based upon 15,000 miles of annual driving.

“The average driving cost for 2012 is up due to relatively large increases in fuel and tire costs, and more moderate increases in other areas,” said John Nielsen, AAA director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Those increases were offset by a decrease in depreciation resulting in an overall increase of 1.9 percent.”

The findings of the 2012 ‘Your Driving Costs’ study include:

Based on Driving 15,000 miles annually	Small Sedan	Medium Sedan	Large Sedan	Sedan Average	SUV 4WD	Minivan
Cost Per Mile	44.9 cents	58.5 cents	75.5 cents	59.6 cents	75.7 cents	63.4 cents
Cost Per Year	$6,735	$8,780	$11,324	$8,946	$11,360	$9,504

In-depth findings of this year’s study, including a breakdown of specific costs by category of vehicle and various annual mileages, are contained in the ‘Your Driving Costs’ brochure which is available at select local AAA branch offices or may be downloaded at the AAA Newsroom.

“Some driving costs fluctuate at different times during the year, such as what we have experienced with fuel prices since the middle of February,” explained Nielsen. “However, AAA’s use of a consistent methodology for its study allows an accurate comparison of driving costs from year to year, and the figures can reliably be used to compare different categories of vehicles.”

Nielsen continued, “AAA understands that high fuel prices are a real concern for consumers, and those in the market for a new vehicle may want to be cautious and determine projected operational costs based on varying levels of fuels costs. To assist consumers in determining their individual driving costs, the AAA ‘Your Driving Costs’ brochure contains a worksheet that can be filled out and personalized for a specific area, driver and vehicle.

Fuel Costs Up 14.8 Percent

The cost of fuel had the largest percentage increase from 2011 to 2012, rising 14.8 percent to 14.2 cents per mile on average for sedan owners. The average cost of regular grade fuel (used by most of the study vehicles) rose 16.6 percent, from $2.880 to $3.357 per gallon. Several vehicles included in the ‘Your Driving Costs’ study had increases in fuel economy, resulting in the overall average fuel cost increase being slightly less. The fuel costs in the 2012 study were calculated using the national average price for regular, unleaded gasoline during the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Tire Costs Up 4.2 Percent
The cost of tires ranks second highest among the factors that rose from 2011 to 2012, increasing by 4.2 percent to one cent per mile on average for sedan owners. The rise in cost can be attributed to higher costs for natural rubber, and the increased cost of oil used in tire production and transportation from factory to distributors across the country. A collateral factor is a trend for manufactures to equip new cars with premium-grade tires rather than mid-grade tires.

Depreciation Drops 4.9 Percent

Depreciation costs were up slightly in 2011, but for 2012 the trend has reversed with depreciation falling across the board by nearly five percent. This change may be a consequence of reduced new car sales over the past few years, which has resulted in a relative shortage of good used cars on the market, driving up their value. This is good news for those in the resale market as their vehicles will retain a greater portion of their purchase cost.

Maintenance Costs Up 0.7 Percent

Maintenance costs are slightly higher in the 2012 ‘Your Driving Costs’ study with an increase of 0.7 percent to 4.47 cents per mile on average for sedans. Factors contributing to the increase include higher prices for oil and more manufacturers now requiring synthetic or synthetic-blend motor oils. Although the use of these oils often comes with extended service intervals, the higher cost of the oil combined with increased maintenance operations at each service (which adds to the time required) can combine to increase overall vehicle maintenance costs.

Insurance Costs Up 3.4 Percent

Average insurance costs for sedans rose 3.4 percent (or $33) to $1001 yearly. Insurance rates vary widely by driver and driving record, issuing company and geographical region. AAA insurance cost estimates are based on a low-risk driver with a clean driving record. For 2012, this group saw a small increase that offset a decrease experienced in 2011. Quotes from five AAA clubs and insurance companies representing seven states showed across the board increases for all sedan sizes, with large cars having the biggest increase.

Lassa Receives Voice of Courage Award

Madison — State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) will receive a 2012 Voice of Courage Award from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault at a ceremony Saturday in Madison.

The Voice of Courage Award “formally recognizes and honors the outstanding work of Wisconsin individuals and organizations that have exceeded the very highest standards and expectations in their dedicated efforts to end sexual violence,” according to a WCASA release.

WCASA is recognizing Sen. Lassa for her leadership in passing a new law that removes the statute of limitations on prosecutions of sexual assault of an adult. A number of crimes, including sexual assault of a child were already exempted from the criminal statute of limitations; the new law adds sexual assault of an adult to the list of exempted crimes, ensuring that prosecutors will be able to bring criminal charges against perpetrators of sexual violence without time limitations.

“WCASA has been an effective advocate and a powerful ally in the fight against sexual violence,” Lassa said. “I’m humbled by this honor and I look forward to continuing to work with WCASA to support victims of sexual assault, bring perpetrators to justice, and work for an assault-free society.”

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Sen. Lassa also passed the Internet Crimes Against Children Act, which allows prosecutors to seek maximum penalties in cases that arise from undercover investigations where the perpetrator is using the Internet to try to engage in sexual activity with a child. The new law also amends the criminal discovery statute to prevent inadvertent or intentional reproduction and further dissemination of child pornography images and video.

WCASA is a membership agency comprised of organizations and individuals working to end sexual violence in Wisconsin. Among these are 46 sexual assault service provider agencies throughout the state that offer support, advocacy and information to victims of sexual assault and their families. WCASA works to ensure that every victim in Wisconsin gets the support and care they need.

Earth Day Highlights Sustainability in Central Wisconsin

Madison — State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) released the following statement in recognition of Earth Day on April 22, 2012:

“Earth Day is a great opportunity to highlight the many innovative efforts underway in Central Wisconsin that are developing and promoting sustainable practices to reduce our demand for natural resources and release less pollution in our environment.

“At UW-Stevens Point, the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology is breaking new ground in biofuels research, creating energy from papermaking waste products and developing new sources of plant oils. WIST is also developing new recycling techniques for biodegradable plastics, researching commuting habits for UWSP students to determine and reduce pollution, congestion and fuel use, and educating students and the entire community on everything from sustainable papermaking methods to green chemistry.

“Recently I had a chance to visit Central Rivers Farmshed, a vacant greenhouse that is being converted into a center to promote the local food movement in Central Wisconsin. Farmshed enhances the relationship between local residents and their food, and strives to provide opportunities for participation, education, cooperation, and action to support a local food economy in Central Wisconsin. When food doesn’t have to travel far from farm to table, we reduce fuel consumption and pollution while we help support local farmers. Local food is good for the environment and good for our health—and it tastes great, too.

“And Central Wisconsin is home to the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, which promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration projects. Its annual Energy Fair, the longest running event of its kind, attracts tens of thousands to the area to learn about the latest in sustainable energy technologies. The MREA’s ReNew the Earth Institute and hundreds of workshops develop our understanding of green energy applications and build the expertise of everyone from contractors to homeowners.

“Throughout Central Wisconsin, individuals, businesses and communities are finding innovative ways to reduce waste and consumption, using more earth-friendly practices, adopting Green Community resolutions, implementing water quality and conservation methods, turning manufacturing and agricultural wastes into green energy, and so much more. I’m proud to say that we’re a leader in building a more sustainable future. In Central Wisconsin, every day truly is Earth Day.”

Lassa: Honoring the Veterans Assistance Foundation

Madison — State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) released the following statement today in recognition of the opening of the new offices of the Veterans Assistance Foundation at 312 Superior Avenue in Tomah:

“I’m pleased to congratulate the Veterans Assistance Foundation on the opening of its new facilities. Since its founding in 1974, VAF has been assisting veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless maintain and improve their status in society by providing a safe and secure environment through which they can access a wide array of human services. In addition to housing, VAF helps homeless and at-risk vets access nutritional meals, essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare, mental health counseling, job assessment, training and placement assistance.

“The problem of veterans’ homelessness is a crisis that demands our attention. Nationally, nearly 150,000 veterans spend at least one night in a homeless shelter each year. It is estimated that vets make up nearly a quarter of the homeless population. We need to do better than this for our veterans, who have sacrificed so much for us. VAF’s programs are part of a coordinated effort among federal and state veterans’ agencies and non-profit groups to make sure that our returning veterans can reintegrate into our communities and have the support they need to succeed. I commend VAF for its efforts and urge all Americans to join the fight to end veteran homelessness.

“Those interested in learning more about VAF and making a contribution online can visit them online at vafvets.org, or write them at P.O. Box 610 Tomah, WI 54660.”

Scott Krug: A Final Look Back at Session

By State Representative Scott Krug

It has been a historic time to serve in our State Assembly, and I am proud of the many important items that we’ve been able to pursue over this past year and a half.  I am confident that by refocusing our energy on balanced budgets, fiscal integrity, personal responsibility, job creation, and a vigilant stewardship of the people’s money that we have made Wisconsin a better place to live for future generations.  Over the course of this term I have done my best to do the will of my constituents.

This session I authored 18 bills (of which several became law), co-sponsored 82 Assembly bills, 24 Assembly Joint Resolutions, 72 Senate bills, and 10 Senate Joint Resolutions.  Many of these bills passed with bipartisan support and without the controversy that is often portrayed on the nightly news.  My hope is that future years here in Madison will be spent advancing the valuable work which was begun this session, and which will continue to ensure the economic well-being, restored optimism, and sense of obligation to future generations of citizens in the great state of Wisconsin.

Internet Crimes Against Children Act Signed

Madison — A bill creating tougher penalties against pedophiles who use the Internet to target children and giving greater protection for child pornography victims, authored by State Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) and Representative Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) was signed into law by Governor Walker today. The Internet Crimes Against Children Act, introduced in collaboration with Attorney General J. B. Van Hollen, was one of three pieces of legislation authored by Sen. Lassa that were signed today.

“The Internet Crimes Against Children Act creates important new protections for children who are preyed upon by online predators and child pornographers,” Sen. Lassa said.

The new law allows prosecutors to seek maximum penalties in cases that arise from undercover investigations where the perpetrator is using the Internet to try to engage in sexual activity with a child. The bill also amends the criminal discovery statute to prevent inadvertent or intentional reproduction and further dissemination of child pornography images and video. The bill is modeled after a federal rule adopted in 2006. While increasing the security of these images, the bill maintains a defendant’s opportunity to fully present a defense to criminal charges.

“Regardless of whether a pedophile is caught by an undercover officer in a sting operation or actually makes online contact with a victim, their intent is the same – to have sexual contact with a child. Judges will now be able to hand down the same punishment either way, and prevent these criminals from successfully preying on kids in the future,” Sen. Lassa said.

“The law also protects child pornography victims by preventing child pornography held as evidence from being inadvertently or intentionally distributed. Child pornography will be treated the same way as drugs and other contraband. While defendants will still have access to it, it will remain in police custody,” she said.

Governor Walker also signed a bill that eliminates the statute of limitations for first degree sexual assault of a child and for attempts to commit first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree intentional homicide, and first-degree sexual assault of an adult. A bill that would allow farmers to receive compensation for damage to crops or livestock caused by cougars was also signed today; Sen. Lassa was a Senate author of both proposals. The three bills bring to twelve the number of bills authored by Sen. Lassa that have been signed into law this session.

“I have always worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact good public policy for my constituents, and I did so again this session,” Lassa said.