Posted: 05.19.2010

Governor Jim Doyle has 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." 

The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association points out that the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection currently has a Raw Milk Advisory Committee that is examining the raw milk issue.  The group will be issuing a report this fall. 

Republican candidate for governor, Mark Neumann, says he would have signed the bill to legalize raw milk sales.  The other major Republican candidate, Scott Walker, was unavailable.  Democratic candidate, Tom Barrett, said he would look for a compromise that would allow raw milk sales while ensuring the safety of the state's dairy industry.

Neumann says he puts his faith in the free market, less government intrusion, and the individual's right to choose what is best for them and their families.

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