Erik Forsberg, executive director of the WiCell Research Institute, discussed the non-profit organization’s recent launch of a new stem cell bank. WiCell was founded in 1999 to advance the science of stem cells. It has shipped cells to researchers around the world. As a supporting organization of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, WiCell supports stem cell research at the university, operates the National Stem Cell Bank, conducts research, provides training for scientists and offers educational outreach programs for k-12 students and the community. The new stem cell bank was developed to distribute cell lines beyond the 21 lines eligible for federal funding and distribution through the National Stem Cell Bank. Forsberg was interviewed by WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer in the station’s Madison studio on August 27, 2008.

Rep. Pat Strachota, R-West Bend, discussed the work of the Special Committee on Building Wisconsin’s Workforce with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer during an interview in the station’s Madison studio on August 26, 2008.

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents met to discuss budgetary issues related to the university system as well as celebrate outgoing chancellors, including John Wiley, Chancellor of University of Wisconsin – Madison.
 
A primary part of the Board’s agenda was addressing what it terms its Growth Agenda. Included in this agenda are plans to provide additional access to more than 7,000 full-time-equivalent students with many of these initiatives targeting adult non-traditional students who are more likely to stay in the state after graduation. This also includes other initiatives focused on increasing jobs in the state through technology and workforce development, and matching university resources with needs in civic, nonprofit, business and other community ventures. To support their agenda, The UW System is seeking an operating budget of $37.5 million in additional state general-purpose revenue and $13.4 million in fees, for a total of $50.9 million of ongoing funding.
 
The University of Wisconsin System is governed by the Board of Regents, an 18-member board, as established under Chapter 36 of the Wisconsin State Statutes. The Governor of Wisconsin appoints Board members to seven-year terms, except the two student regents who are appointed to two-year terms. The Board appoints the President of the UW System, the chancellors of the 13 universities, the chancellor of UW-Extension and UW Colleges, and the deans of the 13 colleges. All appointees serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Board also sets admission standards, reviews and approves university budgets, and establishes the regulatory framework within which the individual units operate.

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Jennifer Feyerherm of the Sierra Club discussed the group’s position on nuclear power in Wisconsin with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer in an interview in the station’s Madison Studio on August 22, 2008. Feyerherm also discussed alternative energy options for the state.

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As a continuation of the Wisconsin Counties Association Summit titled, "Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Society Statewide", Cynthia Ofstead presented an analysis of Wisconsin’s aging demographics. A Population & Planning Analyst with the State of Wisconsin, Ofstead provided information that illustrates where Wisconsin’s demographics are trending and some of the issues the state may have to face due to the changing face of Wisconsin communities.

As a conclusion to the Wisconsin Counties Association summit titled, "Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Society Statewide”, Mark O’Connell of the Wisconsin Counties Association and Jim Wood of Wood Communications Group gave a presentation on the findings of the Wisconsin Way.
 
The Wisconsin Way is a partnership of statewide organizations with the goal of finding a new and better way to fund public services. Members of Wisconsin Way include the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA); the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC); the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA); the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association; Wood Communications Group (WCG); and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. They have joined together in an effort to reduce property taxes in Wisconsin, while protecting the services that make Wisconsin a special place to live.

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On August 19, 2008, Chairman of the Special Committee on Domestic Biofuels Sen. Pat Kreitlow spoke with WisconsinEye prior to the Special Committee on Biofuels.

Secretary of Financial Institutions, Lorrie Keating Heinemann, and Senior VP of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, Rose Oswald Poels, joined Wisconsin State Journal Capitol Reporter, Jason Stein, for discussion about the stability of Wisconsin's banks in these unsettled economic times. The interview took place at the WisconsinEye Studios in Madison on August 18, 2008

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Rep. Phil Montgomery, R-Ashwaubenon, discussed the prospects of a new nuclear power in the state of Wisconsin with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer in the station’s Madison studio on August 13, 2008.

WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer interviews Wisconsin Tavern League's executive director, Pete Madland, about the proposed statewide smoking ban at the WisEye Studios on August 13, 2008.

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The Collaboration Council is a group of 57 regional leaders from business, education, nonprofit and government sectors. Launched in 2004, the Council holds biannual meetings to discuss regional collaboration as a means to sustainable economic development and enhanced quality of life. The Council hosted its first 2008 meeting Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at the Pontiac Convention Center in Janesville. Guest speaker for the meeting was F. Michael Langley, Chair of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship and CEO of the Allegheny Conference and its Affiliates. Prior to Mr. Langley's presentation, the Council heard updates from THRIVE, the economic development enterprise for the eight-county Madison region.

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WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer hosts this program in the Perspective Wisconsin series. His guests are Darrell Zastrow, Bureau Director of the DNR Office of Forest Sciences and Jane Cummings Carlson, Forest Health Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR. The emerald ash borer has been discovered in Wisconsin for the first time last week. Discussion covered the the options the DNR has to fight off this invasive beetle.

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John Powell interviews Col. Mike Smith, Major General (ret.) Al Wilkening and Attorney Terry Race about the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military serive of their employees.

WisconsinEye spent time visiting with Lyle Stockwell at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at the Wisconsin State Fair on August 8th. Stockwell serves as a director with the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association. The Association had a special presentation to inform fair-goers about maple syrup production and the variety of products that contain maple syrup. WisconsinEye also stopped at their booth to learn more about the industry in Wisconsin.

WisconsinEye producer Amber Gonske spends and afternoon with 61st Alice in Dairyland Ashley Huibregtse taking a tour of the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at the Wisconsin State Fair on August 8th.  Ashley explains about the many agricultural industries that are featured in Wisconsin, from foods, fiber, Christmas trees, candles, and much more.

Preliminary data analysis presentation of Wisconsin small group market by Bela Gorman of Gorman Actuarial. Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan presentation by Amie Goldman. BadgerChoice and BadgerCare Plus update by Jason Helgerson, DHS. Other comments by Sean Dilweg, Chair and Commissioner of Insurance for the state; and Jim Riordan of WPS.

Interview with Rep. Al Ott regarding the Special Committee on Regional Transportation Authority. Rep. Ott is chairman of this committee.

On the evening of October 2nd 1918, Major Charles W. Whittlesey led nearly 700 men under his command into the Charlevaux Ravine, deep within the Argonne Forest of France. That night, the Germans quietly surrounded them, completely cutting them off from all contact with the rest of their outfit. Five days later, 194 survivors walked out. Hear Lost Battalion historian and author Robert J. Laplander tell one of the stories of Wisconsin's connection to the First World War. Three men of the famous Lost Battalion had direct ties to Wisconsin, including their Commanding Officer, Medal of Honor winner Major Charles W. Whittlesey. Each tale is a fascinating journey of heroism, sacrifice, and courage under fire that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as told by Laplander in full, authentic WWI uniform. Robert J. Laplander has made the study of the Lost Battalion his life's work, with over a decade of research on the subject.

Rep. Mark Gottlieb, R-Port Washington, discussed his role as the chair of the Special Committee on Differences in Laws Applicable to Cities and Villages with WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer from the station’s Madison studio on August 5, 2008.

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Maureen Busalacchi, executive director of Smoke Free Wisconsin, discussed the organization’s effort to advance legislation in Wisconsin communities and at the state level that would mandate smoke free workplaces. Busalacchi was interviewed by WisconsinEye Public Policy Producer Craig Sauer in the station’s Madison studio on August 5, 2008.

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