3-28-14 propane loans

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Governor Scott Walker has signed a bill that creates a new emergency loan program to offset high propane costs. The Republican-authored measure requires the state to guarantee up to $2,500 in loans to purchase propane or other heating supplies and pay down interest. The borrower's household income can't be more than double the county median household income, however.  Both the Senate and Assembly overwhelmingly approved the measure. The bill was among 30 that Walker signed or vetoed privately on Thursday morning in Milwaukee. Walker's legislative liaison sent lawmakers an email notifying them that the governor was signing the bills into law.  Wisconsin and other Midwestern states have been struggling with a propane shortage spurred by the severe winter, a temporary pipeline closure and heavy propane demand for drying grain last fall.