By Mike Moore
The Journal Times | Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 12:00 am
What kind of medical coverage do members of Congress have? How much do they pay out of pocket?
Conor Sweeney, press secretary for Rep. Paul Ryan, passed along the answer via e-mail. Ryan's district includes Racine County.
"Contrary to some reports, members of Congress are not enrolled in government-run insurance, but instead choose from a list of private insurance companies for their coverage," Sweeney wrote. "The out-of-pocket costs for members of Congress vary depending on the type of plan selected and their specific situation."
Staffers and other federal employees are eligible, too. The Web site lists a boatload of choices, but monthly premiums among the handful of Wisconsin-based plans range from $67 to $195 for an individual and from $146 to $460 for a family.
Unfortunately, Congress isn't hiring right now.
Is it legal to have video gaming machines in convenience stores in Racine and the surrounding area?
Let's clarify so "Pac-Man" and "Mario Kart" don't get dragged into this. You mean the games of chance, which are legal if they're just there for the thrill of playing.
Under state law, it's a felony for Class A liquor license holders like convenience stores to have gambling machines that pay out cash. The penalties are typically lighter for bars.
District Attorney Mike Nieskes and City Attorney Rob Weber sent letters to store owners last year, warning them to obey the rules. Residents had complained to aldermen that certain stores were sidestepping the law, Weber said.
Why anyone enjoys shoving coins or dollars into pretend slot machines, I'll never understand. Up the road at the casino, you can cash in on those triple cherries.
Why is a house being built on Lake Michigan that's totally out of character with a historic district? Aren't there any guidelines?
Most likely the reader means the one near 18th and Main streets, which appears to have a green-building focus. That's not one of the areas where the city reviews designs on buildings, Director of City Development Brian O'Connell said.
If a proposed south-side historic district is approved, the design would be reviewed, said Matt Sadowski, the city's principal planner. Doesn't necessarily mean a house like that would be turned down, though.
My son is a Marine, and we're interested in walking in the parade. Is there a veterans' group that we could join?
Would the reader who submitted this please contact me? There are too many options to list in this space.
Mike Moore compiles the Glad You Asked column. Call us at (262) 631-1758 or e-mail: