Grothman Responds to Doyle's Raw Milk Veto

Press release from the office of Sen. Glenn Grothman:

Oh No!  Say It’s Not True – 

Doyle Vetoes Raw Milk Bill

It’s Appalling Wisconsin Takes the Lead 

in Declaring War on Fresh Milk

Today, Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) expressed outrage that Governor Doyle vetoed Senate Bill 434, a bill designed to provide a legal formula for selling raw milk in the State of Wisconsin.


“While the sale of unpasteurized milk was technically illegal in the State of Wisconsin, the Department of Agriculture did not enforce this ban until last year.  For the Dairy State to take the lead in banning sales of raw milk while California allows the sale at retail stores is infuriating,” said Grothman.


“My heart goes out to the hundreds of people who have been advised by doctors, chiropractors, and nutritionists to drink raw milk for their problems who now will have to suffer,” said Grothman.  “Most farmers drink raw milk themselves and many give raw milk to their employees and relatives.  They know it’s healthier. Whether it’s arthritis, allergies, stomach disorders, or obesity, raw milk’s the way to go. Hopefully, we can find a way to make this legal again soon.”


The fact that agribusiness and the State Medical Society weighed in shows that enforced conformity and a lack of freedom is becoming accepted in America. 


It’s important that all consumers of raw milk -- as well as freedom lovers in general -- weigh in strongly with elected officials who will be sworn in next January.

Raw Milk Bill Public Hearing in Eau Claire goes on 'TIL THE COWS COME HOME

Farmers and consumers gathered to testify against government (DATCP) involvement in consumer food choices at the Assembly/Senate committee hearing yesterday.

This hearing was poorly chaired.  Held in Eau Claire at the Tech. College, two overflow rooms were needed to hold the crowd.  Senator Vinehout (D) 31st District, put no time limits on the public speakers. Wisconsin Taxpayers were not given priority. I left at 5 p.m. A total of 40 people had testified at that point, with 120 more to go. Ridiculous! A woman from France, someone from Illinois, Michigan, etc., etc., all were given precedence over Wisconsinites. Perhaps Sen. Vinehout thought everyone would get tired and go home as most everyone at this inconvenient Eau Claire location had to drive for hours to attend. My prayer? I hope they are there "til the cows come home." Over 600 in attendance; at least 95% testified for the bill; 5% against.  The bureaucrats were clearly outnumbered.  I'll drop a link to Wisconsin Eye's coverage of this hearing when it's posted.  Until then, here's some footage:


Sen. Kreitlow/Sen. Danou introduce the SB434 Raw Milk Bill:






DATCP (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) representative testifies against SB434:





DATCP administrator Steve Ingham testifies against SB434:







UPDATE:  Session ended about 8 p.m., with most people giving up and leaving due to inability to spend the night and/or unwillingness to put family at risk in the dense fog.