http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/donald-trump-deficit-s5.jpgIncrease double over past 50 year average.

Credit given to seat belt use before 400 Traffic-Safety Advocates at the 45th annual Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety.

MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday that Wisconsin’s seat belt use has reached over 90% overall use, a life-saving milestone. The governor addressed over 400 traffic-safety advocates at the 45th annual Governor’s Conference on Highway Safety held at Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement, traffic safety professionals and motorists across Wisconsin, more people than ever are making the life-saving decision to buckle-up,” Gov. Evers said.

This year represents the 10-year anniversary of the state’s primary seat belt law. When the law took effect in June 2009, the state’s seat belt use rate was 74% and increased to 89% in 2018. Preliminary information from a recent observational survey indicates that a statewide average of 90.2% of motorists is buckling up.

“We’ve reached an important benchmark, but at the same time realize there is more work to do,” said Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary-designee Craig Thompson. “Just 10% of motorists fail to buckle up, but this small group accounts for nearly half of the car and light truck occupants killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes every year.”

Wisconsin is finally catching up to other Midwest states where seat belt use rates are already above 90%. Wisconsin’s primary seat belt law allows law enforcement to stop and cite motorists solely for not being buckled up. Drivers can also be cited for every unbuckled passenger in their vehicle. Failure to fasten a seat belt is among the most common traffic violations in Wisconsin and resulted in 50,875 traffic convictions last year.

“Unbuckled motorists are much more likely to be ejected, injured or killed in the event of a crash,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tony Burrell. “To prevent needless tragedies, we continue to urge all motorists to buckle up, every seat, every trip whether they’re headed across town or across the country.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/immigration-children-2-s5.jpgWould end "Flores Agreement" that requires children to be held no longer than 20 days.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/juneteenth-1900-s5.jpg“Black America’s Most Enduring Feature is its Resilience”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/high-voltage-lines-farms-s5.jpgArea Democrats say PSC approval Tuesday of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission Line may have impact on rates and fixed fee increases for electric customers, while affecting numerous farms, properties and habitats.

Opportunity for families to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date before school starts.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/las-vegas-shooting2-2017-s5.jpgSen. Smith talks about legislation to expand the background check requirement for all firearm purchases as a way to fight against gun violence.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Robert Mueller’s Russia report has largely faded from the airwaves less than a month after the former special counsel’s high-profile congressional testimony, a possible warning sign to Democrats that most voters have lost interest in the probe.

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http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/disabled-mentally-s5.jpgGroup will study strategies to attract and retain a strong direct care workforce, support families providing caregiving.

Emily I. Lonergan is an Appleton native, and an attorney with Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday his appointment of Emily I. Lonergan to be Outagamie County Circuit Court Judge. The appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Nancy Krueger.

“Ms. Lonergan is a very talented attorney who understands that decisions made by circuit court judges have a tremendous impact on the lives of the people who appear before them,” said Gov. Evers. “As a judge, Ms. Lonergan will ensure that everyone that appears before her is heard and treated fairly.”

Lonergan, an Appleton native, is an attorney with Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C. in Appleton. She previously was an attorney with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP of Milwaukee. Lonergan specializes in criminal defense and personal injury law. She also has extensive experience with complex business and contract litigation, professional licensing, juvenile matters, appellate litigation, and healthcare law. Lonergan has received numerous professional accolades. She received the Gordon Sinykin Award of Excellence from the Wisconsin Law Foundation (2017), was recognized as a Rising Star by Wisconsin Super Lawyers (2013 to 2019), and was recognized as an Up and Coming Lawyer by the Wisconsin Law Journal (2015).

Lonergan is a graduate of Xavier High School of Appleton, Marquette University, and Marquette University Law School. She lives in Appleton with her family.