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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Rough Road for WI “Highway Hazard” Bill?

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011   

MADISON, Wis. - A measure making its way through the Wisconsin Legislature would change a 162-year-old requirement that government bodies have specific responsibility to repair local roads and bridges. Opponents say the change would allow them to shirk responsibility for damage and injuries caused by crumbling bridges and highways.

With this week's fourth anniversary of the Minneapolis I-35W bridge collapse disaster, which killed 13 and injured 145, many are concerned that the state's roads and bridges will crumble as budgets shrink. An even bigger concern may be the proposed change in state law that would make it harder for people to collect damages when they are injured by faulty infrastructure.

Mike End, president of the Wisconsin Association for Justice, says there is already a $50,000 limit on damages in such cases.

"No recovery, versus under the current law at least there would be that $50,000 recovery if the damages warranted it."

Supporters of the bill say the money to fix roads could come from savings municipalities would gain by not paying to repair damaged cars and trucks or compensating injured citizens. End counters that the law would make it easier for government to shirk its responsibilities, and adds that there will be even bigger problems with the aging infrastructure across Wisconsin if the law passes.

"There will be less incentive for the municipalities to maintain those things. It is not helping the situation at all if this bill does pass."

The proposed law has been introduced in the Senate and Assembly. The versions - Senate Bill 125 and Assembly Bill 180 - are before committees.


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