La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds in studio discussing how how the state could change funding cities, the homeless situation in Houska Park, and some development news both near Pettibone Park, as well as the River Point District — the old Mobil Oil site. But, began the show, for some reason, with the hot topic of shoveling your sidewalks. 

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We bring in the political science professor, UW-L's Dr. Anthony Chergosky to break down some politics, yes, but also what Wisconsin's state aroma should be. A lot of listeners chimed in with good examples, as well. In terms of politics, we discussed the state budget fight, the $7.1 billion budget surplus fight, and a US House Rep.  from Wisconsin reneging on his promise of a self-imposed term limit.  

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La Crosse School Board candidate Deb Suchla joined to talk about her past experience on the board, as well as past, present and future referendums, student population decline and student needs. Suchla is one of eight candidates running for four seats on the board in the spring elections. We discussed the past $194.7 million new high school plan, the current $60 million operating budget referendum. We also talked about the old middle schools, as the school board already voted to close Lincoln. Suchla brought up student population decline and what that means for the district. In there as well, we talked teacher pay and about mental health — as students have been bringing that up voluntarily at board meetings. She also gave her thoughts on how to approach other students needs.

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Adam Murphy, our political blowhard, failed US Senate candidate and small business owner, joins, as we go all over the map from sports gambling legalization to healthcare to Fox News lawsuits and capped it off describing how Wisconsin got a $7.1 billion budget surplus. Began the show discussing the difference between Republicans and Democrats on legalizing things like sports gambling and marijuana. Also discussed Assembly Speaker Robin Vos losing another lawsuit into the 2020 election investigation -- which sort of means Wisconsin pays for another lawsuit. Before we talked the $7.1 billion budget surplus the last half of the show, we also hit on how one might better run for big time office positions -- like US Senator or even the presidency.

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La Crosse School Board candidate Jeff Jackson joins to talk about past and present referendums, closing Lincoln MS, and even some refereeing experience. Jackson is one of eight candidates running for four seats in the district. A lot of the discussion — building maintenance, referendum questions on the ballot, teacher pay, closing Lincoln — centered around how the board and how the district should better engage with the community. Jackson, whose family is directly impacted by the closing of Lincoln, also discussed his experience as a referee and what he thinks about the budget talks going through the state Legislature right now.

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Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in studio, talking about the two-year budget, a new model for funding schools and municipalities, how the state is prepared for a RR disaster and what is "milk." Began the show talking about how a 98-year-old just ran a 5k and how that sets a terrible example for the rest of us, as over 150 Republicans signed onto legislation to increase the retirement age to 70. After that, deep dived into the two-year budget, and the proposals to change how the state provides funding for schools and municipalities. Ended the show talking quick about farms and how the FDA has ruled that plant-based milk can be called "milk."

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UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky joins to talk about everything from restaurant monthly subscriptions to the Wisconsin Supreme Court race between the "liberal" and the "conservative." Began the show, in regards to monthly food subscriptions, how much you'd be willing to pay for unlimited Starbucks. After that, talked about how the Roe v. Wade decision affected both sides of the political aisle and the role it'll play in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race. Ended quickly talking about how congress reps. will talk about national issues like immigration, but ignoring the political winner of a four-day week.

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Wisconsin state Assembly Rep. Steve Doyle joined for the hour. Hit on a lot of things, including how Wisconsin got and what it should do with $7.1 billion in budget surplus. That included talk on fixing the roads and how to go about tax breaks. After that, we of course had to work in a conversation about snow-pocalypse and how Doyle's alpacas like the snow. Then we discussed two questions on the April ballot that will change the state Constitution in terms of bail reform and whether state Legislators voting on those initiatives have a great understanding of how bail works. Lastly, discussed La Crosse County government, including the new Administrator, Jane Klekamp.

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Adam Hoffer, the director of excise tax policy at the Tax Foundation joins to talk about how we get a $7.1 billion budget surplus, the proposal to give $290 million of that to the Brewers, why Wisconsin should be in the sports gambling game and how River Point District could be a game-changer for La Crosse. 

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La Crosse County Emergency Management Tracy Hameau joins. We discuss Emergency Management's role when something like a train derailment or other disaster would happen in the area. 

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