Governor Doyle - Please Veto the Raw Milk Bill

This just in - Governor Doyle VETO's the Raw Milk Bill. - Check out Story here.

A Win for Public Health and the Dairy Industry's Image.

His reasons for the Veto - The governor wrote:

"I recognize that there are strong feelings on both sides of this matter, but on balance, I must side with the interests of public health and the safety of the dairy industry.

"I am listening to the unanimous voice of public health professionals including leading doctors at the Marshfield Clinic and Gundersen Lutheran Health System who have found the sale of raw milk to have potentially harmful health effects.

"I also have to protect the safety of the dairy industry, which is critical to our state economy. We have worked successfully over the last seven years to modernize Wisconsin's dairy industry. An outbreak of disease from the consumption of raw milk could harm our reputation for providing healthy dairy products, and damage the entire industry.

"A group of experts will continue to study the question of whether or not the state should allow and regulate the sale of unpasteurized milk in the future. This group will make certain that the concerns and interests on all sides are fully analyzed."

This morning I sent off a quick personal message to our Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle encouraging him to VETO the Raw Milk Bill. I hope he and/or his staff get the opportunity to read it and I hope it makes an impact on his decision.

Yesterday, I was pleased to hear that the Governor hesitated about signing this bill, it gives Wisconsin's 26.5 Billion dollar Dairy Industry another chance to be herd. The public's health is at stake as well as the name brand MILK's image is at stake.

This morning a group that represent a wide and varied coalition of farmers, residents and business people from across Wisconsin who are against the Raw Milk Bill are holding a Press Conference to share their reasons! I am with them in spirit today and I hope their message is heard. Here is a bit about that group.

If you haven't seen my reasons for opposing the Raw Milk Bill read my previous blog - Milk Should Be Pasteurized.

Signing off for today! - Drink Milk - (pasteurized milk that is!)!