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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 27 2008, 03:37 PM
Wisconsin residents can find out if they are registered to vote in the September 9, 2008 primary or the November 4, 2008 general election at a state website.
The Government Accountability Board’s site informs voters if they are registered. Click here and follow instructions.
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By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, Aug 26 2008, 05:47 PM
An announcement made Monday will ensure that the Big Ten Network will be distributed on expanded basic cable in the eight Big Ten states, including Wisconsin.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM TIME WARNER CABLE AND THE BIG TEN NETWORK:
Time Warner Cable and the Big Ten Network announced today that they have reached an agreement-in-principle on terms of carriage for the Big Ten Network and its high-definition and video-on-demand programming on Time Warner Cable's line-ups throughout the Big Ten territory, including Ohio and Wisconsin. The pending agreement will ensure that Time Warner Cable's customers across these Big Ten states will have access to this Saturday's Big Ten college football season openers and all future Big Ten Network programming on an expanded basic level of service.
Here is the Wisconsin football schedule for the 2008 season.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 13 2008, 12:45 PM
You will soon be hearings news that the deadline is fast approaching for signing up for Wisconsin’s first No Call List that will include cell phone numbers. In the previous legislative session, the legislature approved a bill that was signed into law allowing cell phone numbers on the popular No call List. The state puts out a No Call List quarterly. To get on the next list that comes out October 1, 2008, cell phone users must register their numbers by August 31, 2008.
Consumers can sign up for the list free of charge by calling 1-866-9NO-CALL . They can also register at the Wisconsin No Call List Web site.
Again, as I have stated in the past, while the new law gives cell phone users the option of registering their cell phone numbers, I urge thoughtful consideration.
Federal law prohibits telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises that you may put your personal cell phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, and now you may soon have the option to place your cell phone number on Wisconsin's No Call List. However, there is generally not a reason to do so.
Registering your cell phone is unnecessary and a very bad idea. Cell phone numbers are unpublished. If you provide your cell phone number to the national do not call list, suddenly, it becomes a published number. The lists of numbers must be purchased by telemarketers so they can comply with the do not call registry. It would be extremely easy for unscrupulous entities and foreign, international entities to get their hands on the numbers. Your best bet is to avoid registering your cell phone.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a news release stating: "Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the industry, so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cell phones without their consent. The national associations representing telemarketers have stated that their clients do not intend to start calling consumers' cell phones.”
I do suggest registering your residential land line number on Wisconsin's No Call List. You can sign up over the phone by calling 1-866-9NOCALL (1-866-966-2255), toll-free in Wisconsin or you can sign up at the Wisconsin No Call List website. Registration is free.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jul 31 2008, 11:38 AM
Every county in Senate District 28 that I represent has been declared a state of disaster by Governor Jim Doyle. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering assistance to individuals in our area experiencing flood damage. The deadline to apply for assistance has been extended to September 15, 2008. The deadline had been August 13, 2008.
You can apply for assistance at the FEMA website here.
The Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel has more information.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 28 2008, 03:27 PM
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 21 2008, 02:00 PM
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is quite correct in claiming Wisconsin should be designated as America’s Berryland as well as America’s Dairyland. July is berry time in Wisconsin and DATCP’s assertion that you will live longer if you eat more Wisconsin blueberries, if you ask medical experts, is true.
Blueberries are categorized as a “superfood” that everyone should eat to reduce cholesterol and fight off heart disease and cancer. The fruit contains valuable antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, and according to the US Highbush Blueberry Council, researchers have shown that a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables.
The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center (HNRC) is studying the effect of blueberries on the aging process. Thus far, initial tests indicate people who ate a cup of blueberries a day performed 5–6% better on motor skills tests than a control group.
Mid-July is perfect blueberry picking time in southern Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Berry Growers Association recommends that you pick early in the morning when it’s cool and before the sun softens the blueberries. Early evening when the sun is setting is also a good picking time.
Just look under leaves for the fruit. Use one hand to grab the branch and the other hand to pick. All fully ripe berries with no green or white tips should be picked and handled carefully. Piling them too high will crush the berries on the bottom.
If you prefer buying prepicked berries in the supermarket or at a farmer’s market, watch for blueberries that are fresh and fully ripe, shiny, and have plump flesh. If leaves are attached, they should be fresh and green. If the container has stains, that means the blueberries are losing their juice and are overripe. Buy the blueberries by weight.
When you get the blueberries home, keep them out of the sun and heat. Sort them by removing the overripe or moldy blueberries, and refrigerate in loosely covered containers. Don’t wash until the blueberries are going to be eaten.
A half cup of blueberries has 43 calories and 0.3 grams of fat.
Here are more details from DATCP and from webmd.com about the blueberry’s superfood status.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 21 2008, 10:50 AM
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is reporting that according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), over 77,000 Wisconsin residents will not get their economic stimulus check from the federal government because they have not filed the appropriate paperwork. The IRS says 68 percent of those who haven’t filed yet are over age 65 and 84 percent are over age 50.
The DOR has launched a summer campaign to attempt to reach Wisconsinites who are still eligible for an economic stimulus check. Here are the details.
To be eligible, you must file a 2007 income tax return, have a valid Social Security Number (SSN), can't be claimed as a dependent on a tax return and have either an income tax liability or "qualifying income" of at least $3,000. The economic stimulus payment is not taxable, and it will not reduce your 2007 or 2008 refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return.
However, individuals with at least $3,000 in qualifying income who don’t normally file a tax return must fill out other paperwork with the IRS to get an economic stimulus check.
The deadline to file in order to receive a check is October 15, 2008.
Here are complete details on the economic stimulus payments from the IRS.
Be aware of one of the biggest tax scams of the year according to the Internal Revenue Service.
From irs.gov:
Scams Related to the Economic Stimulus Payment
Some scam artists are trying to trick individuals into revealing personal financial information that can be used to access their financial accounts by making promises relating to the economic stimulus payment, often called a “rebate.” To obtain the payment, eligible individuals in most cases will not have to do anything more than file a 2007 federal tax return. But some criminals posing as IRS representatives are trying to trick taxpayers into revealing their personal financial information by falsely telling them they must provide information to get a payment. For instance, a potential victim is told by phone or e-mail that he or she is eligible for a rebate but must provide a bank account number (or similar information) to get the payment. If the target is unwilling, the victim is then told that he cannot receive the rebate unless the information is provided. Individuals should remember that the only way to get a stimulus payment is to file a 2007 tax return. The IRS urges taxpayers to be extra-vigilant. The IRS will not contact taxpayers by phone or e-mail about their stimulus payment.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 21 2008, 10:28 AM
Since 2001, more than 80,000 people have called 1-800-QUIT-NOW, the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line. The assistance they have received has helped reduce their risk of premature death and has saved the state millions of dollars in health care-related costs.
Services at the Tobacco Quit Line expanded on January 1, 2008. Dr. Michael Fiore, Director of the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention has informed me that the hotline continues to be successful with more people taking advantage of its lifesaving services than ever before. Dr. Fiore writes:
“In the first six months of this expansion (1/1/08 - 7/1/08), more than 21,000 state residents contacted the Quit Line. It provides confidential, personalized and free coaching and medication for those who want to break their tobacco dependence. It also helps smokers locate quitting resources and programs in their own communities.
2008 Quit Line service rates shatter all previous records. In a typical year, the Wisconsin quit line helps about 9,000 state residents. By and large, this unprecedented interest is a response to the increased cigarette state excise tax, which went into effect on Jan. 1 combined with the expanded Quit Line services. Here is a more detailed breakdown of Quit Line callers:
● 90 percent are tobacco users. The remaining 10 percent are healthcare providers, and people concerned about friends and family.
● 90 percent have requested further assistance from the Quit Line, including science-based coaching to help them quit. More than 12,300 two-week starter kits of nicotine medications have been mailed out.
● Among those who requested these starter kits, 62 percent chose to receive stop-smoking nicotine patches. The remaining 38 percent chose either nicotine gum or lozenges.
● 40 percent have identified themselves as Medicaid enrollees or uninsured.
The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and administered by the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention. It was established in 2001.
Wisconsin Researchers Lead National Effort to Establish New Federal Guidelines on Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence
As the chair of a federal panel convened by the U.S. Public Health Service, I was proud to participate in a May event to release an updated guideline of care for clinicians and healthcare systems to address tobacco dependence and treatment. The event culminated two year’s worth of work that examined more than 8,700 scientific studies. It was hosted by the American Medical Association and featured Dr. C. Everett Koop as a speaker. More than 58 national and international organizations have endorsed the guideline, representing more than 1.2 million clinicians.
The guideline recommends a combination of coaching, counseling and medication to more successfully treat what is a chronic disease - tobacco dependence. We are now working with state and national partners to ensure that every Wisconsin smoker visiting a healthcare setting receives evidence-based assistance in quitting.
Wisconsin Researchers Break the “Kid-Smoking” Genetic Code
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (UW-CTRI), along with colleagues at the University of Utah published findings that pinpoint the genetic risk of nicotine dependence in children. That risk is mitigated if children don’t smoke on a daily basis prior to age 17. If they do smoke daily prior to turning 17, their risk of addiction increases and it’s likely to be an even more severe addiction than for those who don’t have the genetic predisposition.
This groundbreaking finding is based on a study of 398 participants who came to UW-CTRI clinics in Milwaukee and Madison. Participants from Utah and an extensive national study rounded out the sample.
In Wisconsin, 19.9 percent of high school students and 5.8 percent of middle school students are tobacco users. This new genetic research emphasizes the importance of prevention programs, and specifically prevention programs aimed at youth who are genetically at risk for nicotine dependence.”
Here is the website for the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line, information on what to expect when you call, and testimonials from callers about their experience with the hotline
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 21 2008, 09:51 AM
The Appleton Post-Crescent is reporting the state wants to add information about some of Wisconsin’s most dangerous sex offenders to a website by the end of summer. These are offenders who have failed to comply with state registration requirements and are still at large. When found, they face fines, jail, or prison time.
Here’s the Post-Crescent article and the website for Wisconsin’s Most Wanted Noncompliant Registered Sex Offenders.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jul 17 2008, 05:47 PM
Every county in state Senate District 28 that I represent has been declared a disaster area following the horrendous June floods. The Internal Revenue Service has announced the deadline for tax relief for flood victims has been extended.
Details are contained in this press release from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jul 17 2008, 04:58 PM
Deadlines are fast approaching to file for disaster unemployment assistance in Wisconsin. If you were unable to work because of the severe flooding last month, you can apply for assistance, but time is running out.
Here are the deadlines for counties I represent in state Senate District 28:
Waukesha County: July 19, 2008
Walworth County: July 25, 2008
Here is more information in a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jun 23 2008, 09:17 AM
The gradually improving weather is good news for Wisconsin anglers. One of the state’s great pastimes, the inland fishing season opened on May 3.
Each fishing license that is sold in Wisconsin means another participant in a longtime Wisconsin tradition that hopefully can pass the time-honored ritual down to another generation. According to the Department of Natural Resources DNR), For every license sold, the state receives an additional $10 in federal aid for fish restoration.
Here is more information from the DNR:
The hook-and-line game fish season opened May 3 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide.
The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opened May 3, while the northern bass zone runs for catch and release only from May 3 through June 20. Anglers are reminded that artificial lures and barbless hooks must be used if fishing for bass during the catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and any other waterbody that has bass catch-and-release regulations. From June 21 to March 1, 2009, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29.
The musky season opened May 3 in the southern zone and May 24 in the northern zone, with Highway 10 the dividing line.
The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year.
Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.
People can buy licenses: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at any DNR Service Center; at DNR license vendors; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Jun 20 2008, 09:29 AM
Wisconsin
has a new pier protection law that could create confusion for many Wisconsin residents.
The most critical question pier owners may have is if their piers comply with the new state law. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a fact sheet with complete information about new pier regulations.
The DNR says on its website, “Piers that meet the size and location requirements that have stayed essentially the same for nearly two decades continue to be exempt.”
Pier owners can go here for a special online tool to get assistance figuring out if they need to register, get a permit, or if their pier complies.
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Jun 20 2008, 08:44 AM
The U.S. Treasury is advising Social Security recipients who live in flood-affected areas to make arrangements for their checks to be deposited directly into their accounts.
Here are the details.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jun 19 2008, 10:02 PM
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has set up a flood resources page on their website full of helpful information for flood victims.
You can see the page here.
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By Mary Lazich
Thursday, Jun 19 2008, 08:33 AM
Wisconsin Emergency Management of the Department of Military Affairs has issued a news release containing flood health and safety tips.
It says, “Whether you are repairing your home, helping someone with theirs or helping as part of your job, you will need to protect yourself against the hazards you may encounter.”
Read the news release here.
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By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Jun 18 2008, 09:07 PM
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reporting scam artists are going door-to-door in flood ravaged Iowa, claiming to offer speedy assistance on claims and repairs..
The scammers are also surfacing in Wisconsin.
The Janesville Gazette is reporting that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a scam in Racine County where individuals posing as FEMA agents were knocking on doors. The fake agents claim they’re assessing damages for the homeowners and a charge will be issued for their services.
That’s a scam because FEMA doesn’t charge for assessment services.
Residents are asked to call 9-1-1 immediately if they suspect anyone posing as a FEMA agent. Homeowners are also advised not to pay anyone claiming to be a FEMA representative for any services.
Here’s more from FEMA.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jun 16 2008, 01:24 PM
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has issued a warning about food safety after massive flooding in many parts of the state.
DATCP is the state agency responsible for food safety, animal and plant health, protecting water and soil and monitoring fair and safe business practices.
Read their warning here.
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By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jun 16 2008, 12:45 PM
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says flood victims in five Wisconsin counties, including Milwaukee County could receive tax relief.
Here is more information from the IRS.
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By Mary Lazich
Friday, Jun 13 2008, 08:10 AM
The state Office of the Commissioner of Insurance has issued a consumer alert, warning senior citizens to be aware of and question sellers of insurance and annuities. There is a chance the seller is only in it for himself.
The Insurance Commissioner’s Office offers the following suggestions to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
• Question the credentials of “experts.”
Individuals often boast designations and credentials using terms such as “certified,” “accredited,” “retirement planner,” “senior advisor” or “senior consultant” to convince people they have special expertise to help seniors choose investment strategies. This may not be true. While some organizations require members to complete a difficult study program and pass extensive exams to earn designations, other organizations have much less stringent requirements that can be completed in a three- or four-day course. In the worst cases, some senior “expert” designations are earned simply by paying a monetary fee. Ask about the person’s qualifications and training, and check them out for yourself. Find out how the person earned the credential, and whether the credential actually requires learning more about older adults’ financial needs and/or more about the product being sold.
• Beware of the “Free Lunch” Seminar.
According to a report from FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), four out of five investors 69 years and older received at least one invitation to a free lunch investment seminar in the past three years and three out of five received six or more. There is often a catch to a “free” seminar, even those advertised as unbiased and educational. Federal regulators examined 110 firms that offer free lunch seminars and found that every seminar was a sales presentation. While certain information provided at seminars may be useful, a seminar may end up being a sales presentation for life insurance, annuities, other insurance products, or investments. Such seminars often use enticements, including free meals and door prizes, or claims of “urgency” or “limited space,” in order to encourage you to attend. You should be aware that if you give contact information on a registration form, that information will be used to solicit you for future sales and marketing efforts.
• Does this product make sense for you?
Always be sure you understand what is being sold. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Financial products can be complicated even for the most informed consumer. You should be able to explain this product in your own words to someone (other than the salesperson) in a way that makes sense to both of you. The product must be right for you, your lifestyle, your financial goals, and your tolerance for risk. It’s rare that one product will meet the financial needs and goals of everyone attending a seminar. Be cautious about any promises that one product can meet all your financial needs. If the presenter doesn’t know your personal financial situation, he/she can’t know if the product is right for you.
• Never make a final decision at a seminar.
A Boston Globe article reported that “more than a third of ‘free lunch’ seminars aimed at seniors focused on unsuitable or fraudulent investments.” If you attend a seminar, you may be exposed to high pressure tactics, frightening stories about individuals who don’t have enough money to live on in retirement, and promises of amazing financial returns. Consider obtaining a second opinion from an accountant or other professional who will not benefit financially from the sale.
• Report scams.
If you feel that you may have been pressured into purchasing a product that is not right for you or if you feel that you may have been misled during a sales presentation about the product you purchased or if you simply don’t understand the product, do not hesitate to contact your state or federal regulator for assistance. Regulatory agencies are available to assist you. Financial scams happen to all kinds of consumers, including seniors. Do not let fear or uncertainty keep you from contacting the proper regulatory agencies.
Important Contacts
In all cases, before you disclose any personal or financial information, call the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance at (800) 236-8517 or the Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities at (608) 266-1064 to verify that the person is licensed to sell insurance products or securities products, and that there have been no complaints or enforcement actions against the person. If a company hosted the seminar, contact the Better Business Bureau (or check their website at www.bbbonline.com) to learn about any complaints. To check for complaints against securities brokers, visit the Web sites of the NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association) at www.nasaa.org, or FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) at www.finra.org.
Here is the Boston Globe article referenced above.
If you know a senior that could benefit from this information, please forward it to that senior.
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