MADISON, Wis. – A legislative effort to repeal Wisconsin's long-established margarine restrictions is rekindling an old debate over government's role in protecting the state's dairy industry.
By law, Wisconsin restaurants can't serve colored margarine tableside unless a customer makes a special request. The state also can't serve it to prison inmates, unless they are vegans or have some health concern that causes them to request it.
"Most people see this as a classic case of big government," said Republican state Rep. Dale Kooyenga, who has introduced a bill repealing these margarine laws. "And creating regulation that doesn't make sense." A version has also been introduced in the state Senate by Republican Van Wanggaard, where it awaits an initial hearing.
Kooyenga's bill, which was introduced in September, has struck a nerve with some people in the Dairy State. "It's a bill that's misguided," said Brad Legreid, executive director of the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association. "It shows a total lack of support for Wisconsin's dairy industry."
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