Gov. Doyle: Vetoes raw milk bill

Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162

Also Vetoes Assembly Bill 371

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today vetoed Senate Bill 434 in its entirety, in order to protect the health of Wisconsin citizens and the state’s dairy industry. Governor Doyle issued the following statement regarding his action on the raw milk bill:

“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.”

To view the veto message visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=19596

Governor Doyle today also vetoed Assembly Bill 371 in its entirety. Governor Doyle issued the following statement regarding his action on AB 371:

“I have listened to the Conservation Congress, whose county chapters strongly oppose this bill.”

To view the veto message visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=19594