The University of Wisconsin System moved one step closer to a tuition freeze for the next two years, in what could be the first in the system’s history, after the Legislature’s budget writing committee approved portions of Gov. Scott Walker’s budget Thursday. The Joint Finance Committee voted 14-2 to approve… Read more »

University of Wisconsin students would see a two-year tuition freeze, and the UW System would get less funds than originally proposed, under changes Gov. Scott Walker made to his proposed budget Wednesday.The changes, including a $94.4 million decrease from the $181 million Walker originally proposed, were outlined in a letter… Read more »

On Feb. 20, Gov. Scott Walker introduced his budget to the Legislature, although he began releasing details of his budget earlier.  In his biennial budget, Walker proposed a $343 million tax cut, part of $630 million in total tax cuts, as well as major reforms of the state’s Medicaid program.… Read more »

Legislators statewide erupted with fury after the University of Wisconsin System president requested a tuition increase despite a nonpartisan state agency’s April revelation that it was sitting on more than a billion dollars in reserves. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau’s report indicated the system had $648 million in unrestricted assets and… Read more »

Business leaders credited lawmakers with Wisconsin’s position as one of the most business friendly states in a ranking released Tuesday. Wisconsin moved up three spots from 20th to 17th in the 2013 rankings produced by CEO magazine, according to a statement from the National Federation of Independent Businesses. The jump… Read more »

After having various Republican-introduced laws challenged by courts the past two years, a GOP-backed motion that would discontinue the power of circuit judges to block state laws passed committee Wednesday. The Assembly Committee on Government Operations and State Licensing passed the bill co-sponsored by Rep. David Craig, R-Big Bend, 10-6… Read more »

The Assembly approved legislation to limit the Milwaukee County Board’s finances and authority Wednesday due to complaints the board abused its power and in is the midst of its pending illicit union negotiations. The Republican-controlled Assembly voted 59-39 to pass the bill along party lines and move the measure to… Read more »

After an independent state review organization produced an audit bringing to light the state economic growth agency’s failures, a Democratic senator announced Wednesday he plans to introduce a bill requiring these investigations to occur annually. Sen. Dave Hansen, D–Green Bay, said in a statement this measure is the only way… Read more »

A Wisconsin watchdog group filed a complaint against a voucher school advocacy group for allegedly not disclosing about $2 million in election spending Tuesday, in hopes of increasing enforcement to all groups that do so. The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign filed a complaint with the Government Accountability Board, which oversees elections,… Read more »

Although Republicans said Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation was already being fixed internally and externally, Democrats expressed their concerns over a recent WEDC audit Tuesday at the state Assembly. The Democratic proposal would have established a committee that would “devise ways to ensure” WEDC follows the law. That proposal followed a… Read more »

Although Gov. Scott Walker’s budget keeps Medicaid coverage for children the same in this budget cycle, a provision could give the health department flexibility to drop coverage for thousands of children starting in 2019, pending federal approval. The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families outlined their concerns about the “resurrected”… Read more »

A bill that would ensure most food stamp benefits go to healthy food passed the state Assembly in a bipartisan vote Tuesday, despite Democrats raising concerns about the proposal not being realistic. In a 68-26 vote, the Assembly approved the bill from Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, that would make at… Read more »

As the dispute on the University of Wisconsin System’s reserve assets continues, the fate of Gov. Scott Walker’s original $181 million budget proposal for state higher education funding is becoming clearer. Walker said Monday some of the money originally budgeted for the system would support K-12 public education and increased… Read more »

The Milwaukee County Board continues to face scrutiny after a public interest law firm sued members of the board Monday for violating Wisconsin’s open meeting laws. The Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty filed a lawsuit against the board, which failed to issue public notices before action at two separate… Read more »

Federal funding reductions for two anti-terrorism centers in Wisconsin for the current year have forced the centers to reduce operations, according to a state criminal investigation agency. The Wisconsin Statewide Information Center’s federal grant awards have decreased steadily during the past three years. In 2009, the federal government awarded $886,719… Read more »

The U.S. Department of Justice urged the state’s Department of Public Instruction to ensure voucher schools do not discriminate against students with disabilities in a letter to the state superintendent. The letter was in response to a 2011 complaint from American Civil Liberties Union and Disability Rights Wisconsin against Milwaukee’s… Read more »

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A national Republican leader who is also a Wisconsinite praised the Republican Party of Wisconsin as a model for the national party after Gov. Scott Walker issued a call for further reform at the party’s 2013 Convention Saturday.  In audio of the speeches recorded by Wispolitics.com, Republican National Committee Chair… Read more »

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, spoke to University of Wisconsin students about the federal budget, each speaking of the need for bipartisanship but emphasizing their party’s approach is the right one. As part of the UW’s Bipartisan Issues Group, Johnson, Pocan and former U.S. Comptroller General… Read more »

Republican lawmakers defended a new bill that would limit local judges’ ability of striking down state laws at a public hearing Thursday, emphasizing that a local decision should not have statewide implications. Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Labor, testified in favor… Read more »

Overtime payments to state workers have dropped to a level below what they were when Gov. Scott Walker entered office after they spiked during his first year as governor. Walker and the Department of Administration said in a statement Tuesday these payments decreased 22 percent in 2012 from $63.1 million… Read more »

After repeated issues with transparency and responsibility, Gov. Scott Walker’s flagship job growth agency broke state laws by unsuccessfully tracking its money and illegally funding unapproved projects, according a state investigation released Wednesday. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s failure to properly monitor its financial transactions was the basis of state’s… Read more »

State legislators, investors and entrepreneurs almost overwhelmingly supported a bill to invest $25 million into early startup businesses at a public hearing Wednesday, with only a few minor hesitations. Rep. Mike Kuglitsch, R–New Berlin, introduced the legislation, which has bipartisan support, last week to provide entrepreneurs and new business the… Read more »

About 100 workers rights activists and immigration reform advocates held a May Day rally on the Capitol Square Wednesday to speak, chant and sing against unfair labor conditions for undocumented workers. Madison protesters joined demonstrators from coast-to-coast for a May Day rally organized by the Wisconsin Immigrant Worker’s Union. The… Read more »

To strengthen penalties against harassing lawmakers and their family members, a representative began circulating bipartisan-backed legislation to that goal last week. Rep. Garey Bies, R–Sister Bay, said current law offers some protection for legislators, but none for their family members.  Bies’ bill proposal would impose misdemeanor charges on individuals for… Read more »

A federal court ruled Tuesday that Republican lawmakers and a law firm they hired would not have to pay for an investigation on allegedly deleted redistricting documents, though the ruling is subject to change if the court eventually finds them at fault.  Every 10 years, the Legislature redraws voting maps… Read more »

The Legislature’s budget committee concluded its second day of voting Tuesday with voting for transportation projects, including one in the county of state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester. The Joint Finance Committee did not focus on the larger parts of the transportation budget, such as major highway projects. While it… Read more »

Wisconsin hospitals are advocating for Gov. Scott Walker to delay shifting thousands of patients from state to federal health care coverage scheduled to begin in January. The Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin Council on Children and Families and a U.S. senator from Montana have show their concern over continuing coverage and… Read more »

A bill that would allow alcohol vendors to sue underage patrons for $1,000 cleared its first step with unanimous passage in a state Assembly Committee Tuesday. All nine legislators on the Assembly’s Committee on State Affairs approved the bill, leaving it available for scheduling for a full vote from the… Read more »

In light of reports revealing a more than $1 billion dollar surplus in the University of Wisconsin System’s assets, the system president said he would push to enact new cash reserve policies. UW System President Kevin Reilly said on WISN-TV’s “UpFront with Mike Gousha” he realizes the system will have a… Read more »

State estimates found newly proposed legislation to impose stricter penalties for drunken driving and increase the amount of persons jailed for alcohol-related offenses would likely cost the state millions to enforce. If enacted, fiscal estimates by the Department of Corrections indicate the bill’s fiscal effects would range from between $158… Read more »

Three Republican state senators announced Thursday they will only vote for Gov. Scott Walker’s budget if it includes a provision to expand the voucher school program. Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Wauwatosa, Sen. Paul Farrow, R-Pewaukee, and Sen. Rick Gudex, R-Fond du Lac, said in a statement their vote “depends solely” on… Read more »

After promising to maintain the UW System’s $181 million budget request last week, Gov. Scott Walker backed off that plan Thursday, proposing to redirect most of the money to other educational needs. The governor said much of the proposed funding for UW schools could now go to public schools and… Read more »

A state memo projected the state’s transportation fund will likely have a $63.5 million deficit by mid-2015, a figure which could result in changes to Gov. Scott Walker’s current proposed budget. At the time Gov. Scott Walker introduced his budget, the bureau projected a $12.6 million surplus, but largely because… Read more »

Legislators and hired attorneys claim they should not be required to pay for a forensic examination of state computers that allegedly showed thousands of files on legislative redistricting were deleted, according to court documents filed Thursday. When the Republican-controlled Legislature redrew voting districts in 2011, immigrant rights group Voces de… Read more »

The state’s Medicaid director made the case for Gov. Scott Walker’s Medicaid proposal Thursday, part of a discussion among researchers on federal health care law.  Medicaid Director Brett Davis’ remarks at Union South were part of a University of Wisconsin’s La Follette School symposium on the Patient Protection and Affordable… Read more »

The state Supreme Court may choose to decide on the collective bargaining law sooner, after the appeals court urged them Thursday to take up the case without their ruling. The three judges on the Fourth District Court of Appeals cited the “pressing need for a final resolution” on the case… Read more »

The Legislature’s audit committee co-chairs called for a larger audit on the University of Wisconsin System following Friday’s revelation of its $648 million surplus and the frustration from legislators that has ensued.Sen. Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, and Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Randall, want to expand an audit from the Legislative Audit… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker is now calling for the Legislature to freeze tuition for a two-year period at all system schools after legislators discovered millions of dollars in University of Wisconsin System reserve funds.  Contrary to Walker’s proposal for a tuition freeze, UW System President Kevin Reilly asked last week for… Read more »

State lawmakers, Milwaukee County Board supervisors and concerned county residents continued a heated debate on a bill designed to restructure the board at a public Senate committee hearing Wednesday.During the hearing of the Senate’s Committee on Elections and Urban Affairs, disputes on the Milwaukee County Board’s budget, oversight, supervisor salaries and clarification of… Read more »

In an effort to create jobs for promising new startups, state lawmakers from both parties unveiled a venture capital bill Wednesday based on provisions mapped out in Gov. Walker’s budget proposal. Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder, R–Abbotsford, led a press conference to overview the bipartisan Venture Capital Commission’s funding efforts… Read more »

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Madison area residents criticized Gov. Scott Walker’s education and health care proposals at the Democrats’ unofficial budget hearing in Madison Tuesday. About a dozen Democrats held a hearing on the state budget in Madison’s Black Hawk Middle School, where about 40 people testified on Walker’s budget. No Republicans were present… Read more »

After a federal court ruled to increase representation of Latino voters in Milwaukee’s south side through redistricting last March, an ongoing investigation reveals aids to Republican lawmakers allegedly deleted thousands of redistricting files from state computers. According to court filings last week from attorneys for Voces de la Frontera, a… Read more »

Public school advocates sparred with voucher school supporters Tuesday in a public back-and-forth on whether data showed Milwaukee’s voucher school students are performing worse than its public school students. Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction released data early Tuesday that showed voucher school students had worse test scores than Milwaukee’s public… Read more »

Two Capitol reporters shared their experiences and gave some new context for Wisconsin’s recent political turmoil Tuesday while talking to students about the “monumental moment” in Wisconsin history.  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters Jason Stein and Patrick Marley, co-authors of the new book “More Than They Bargained For,” talked to students… Read more »

Republican lawmakers grilled University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly over the UW System’s $648 million surplus at a Tuesday hearing that was originally intended to focus on giving it flexibility. The Joint Committee on Employment Relations hearing gave a chance for the state’s top lawmakers to question Reilly over… Read more »

A state department confirmed Monday it failed to report Wisconsin’s most recent 2012 tax revenues, which the U.S. Census Bureau statistics underreported by more than one billion dollars in its April 11 report. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which oversees the state’s tax system, said in a statement the 2012 fiscal year revenues were… Read more »

After the University of Wisconsin System called for a tuition increase despite holding over $1 billion in reserve funds, lawmakers have voiced plans for a possible budget reform for funding the system in the governor’s budget.A number of Republican leaders in the state, including Gov. Scott Walker, have pledged their… Read more »

A supervisor on the Milwaukee County Board confirmed contracts and illegal negotiations were ongoing between the board and Milwaukee’s largest union Monday. Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Deanna Alexander confirmed closed session contract negotiation occurred with Council 48 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Alexander, who said… Read more »

A Dane County judge denied a request by state attorneys Friday to temporary delay a police union’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a law curbing collective bargaining rights for some public employee unions. The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association filed a lawsuit against the law in November, alleging provisions violated the… Read more »

A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee study released Friday found Wisconsin has the nation’s highest rate of incarceration among black men, with drug-related charges being a leading offense.The study from the UWM Employment and Training Institute found the state’s 12.8 percent incarceration rate among black men is well above the 9.7 percent rate… Read more »

In response to looming legislation in the state Assembly to restrict the Milwaukee County Board’s budget and influence, the board released a less extreme overhaul alternative late last week.The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors announced its proposal Thursday night before an “Our Milwaukee County” listening session. The restructuring will cut… Read more »

After University of Wisconsin officials announced plans for spending part of a $648 million surplus on Friday, the governor and state Republicans fired back by instead calling for a tuition freeze for students and condemning the system’s “incompetence.” Of the $648 million balance, $414 million comes from tuition revenues, a… Read more »

Republican leaders called for a tuition freeze at the University of Wisconsin System Friday after learning of a $648 million positive balance the system has, although the system has already planned for spending more than half of it on its initiatives.  Republicans said they were “outraged” to learn about the… Read more »

To more easily prevent telemarketers from calling home phones of Wisconsin residents, bipartisan legislators from both houses are promoting a bill that would allow people to permanently be placed on the do-not-call list. Rep. Andre Jacque, R–DePere, and Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R–River Falls,  introduced the bill, which would no longer… Read more »

Wisconsin prosecutors are deciding how to deal with charging drunken driving suspects after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday police officers need a warrant to draw blood from suspects if they do not provide consent. Based on a 5-4 ruling on a case from Missouri, law enforcement can no longer… Read more »

Legislators from both parties seemed to largely back a bill that would allow alcohol vendors to sue underage patrons for $1,000 in the bill’s public hearing Thursday. All the legislators on the state Assembly’s Committee on State Affairs who spoke said they support much of the bill, although one part… Read more »

The U.S. Senate voted down a bipartisan plan to expand background checks on firearm purchases from gun shows and Internet sales Wednesday, a failure the president said came as a result of the gun lobby willfully lying about the bill.President Barack Obama said in a statement he was disappointed senators failed to… Read more »

Republican lawmakers failed to achieve substantial support to vote on a bill Wednesday that would slash the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors’ budget and limit the leader’s authority. During a state Assembly session, Democratic representatives pushed a vote on the contentious legislation to May, according to the proposal’s author Rep.… Read more »

Voters rights advocates in the state Legislature, advocacy groups and University of Wisconsin students voiced their support of early voting and simple registration at Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s press conference in the Capitol Wednesday. Anita Johnson, an organizer for Citizen Action of Wisconsin, hosted its Voters Lobby to Protect Wisconsin’s… Read more »

A prominent University of Wisconsin faculty member testified at a Senate committee on college affordability Tuesday and said states need to increase funding for higher education and called for a reduction in loans. UW educational policy studies and sociology professor Sara Goldrick-Rab was part of a Senate committee panel on… Read more »

In addition to honoring the victims of Monday’s Boston Marathon bombings on Tuesday, the Assembly remembered those affected by the Oak Creek shootings that occurred last August. Lawmakers honored Oak Creek police officers Brian Murphy and Sam Lenda for their services at the shooting that killed five people at a… Read more »

A new bill would prohibit employers, universities and landlords from requesting applicants’ social media passwords and looking through their personal accounts. Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison, announced Tuesday she and Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, are looking for cosponsors on the bill. Sargent said the bill seeks to protect the privacy… Read more »

Wisconsin’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee will vote next week on whether the state’s elections agency should go through an audit, committee chairs announced Tuesday. Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Randall, and Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, said in a statement yesterday the Government Accountability Board would face an audit if the committee… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed voucher school expansion would redistribute almost $8 million from affected public school districts to other districts in the state, according to a preliminary Legislative Fiscal Bureau report. The expansion of voucher schools to nine other districts would potentially cost districts more than $1 million each because… Read more »

The new Wisconsin medical transportation provider for Medicaid patients will soon sign a contract replacing the former provider, the Wisconsin Health Services Department said last week. Medical Transportation Management will take over managing all non-emergency transportation services for Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus members, according to a DHS statement released Thursday. “One… Read more »

The executive director of Wisconsin’s largest teachers’ union announced this weekend he will be stepping down from the post this summer as the union continues to weigh a merger with another public employees’ union. Dan Burkhalter has led the Wisconsin Education Association Council for the past eight years, including the… Read more »

While Wisconsin remains the only state nationwide where drunk driving is punishable by a ticket on first offense, legislative efforts to criminalize operating while intoxicated offenses could place a burden on state prosecutors. A bill, proposed this month by Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and Rep. Jim Ott, R-Mequon and… Read more »

Lawmakers reintroduced a bill this month that would allow school districts to exceed revenue limits in order to afford additional security measures. Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink, D–Milladore, a co-sponsor of the bill, said 28 senators and representatives support the initiative to implement greater degrees of safety into state public schools… Read more »

Rep. Paul Ryan said the Republican Party should maintain its strong pro-life position on abortion, in addition to gaining support of pro-choice advocates, in a speech last week.At the Susan B. Anthony List Gala last Thursday, Ryan, a Republican from Janesville who ran for vice president last year, said despite… Read more »

Revelry Festival organizers and student government leaders began to show their alarm last weekend after Madison officials announced last week there would be no Mifflin Street Block Party for the second consecutive year,  The Madison Police Department issued a statement last week that said the city would not permit or… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker departed to China Friday to lead his first international trade mission, intending to grow business, build relationships and bring back money into Wisconsin. The governor said in a statement Friday China is an important market for Wisconsin industrial, medical and clean energy and water exports. The state’s… Read more »

A senior Republican state legislator criticized a Milwaukee County official Friday for being unclear on whether the Milwaukee County Board allegedly reopened contract negotiations with a decertified union.  In a letter to Milwaukee County Board Chair Marina Dimitrijevic, Senate President Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, said recent reports of the board’s contract… Read more »

Assembly Democrats, as well as one Senate Republican, introduced a redistricting reform bill Thursday that would remove lawmakers’ responsibility of drawing maps and shifting it over to a nonpartisan agency.  States redraw district maps every 10 years following the new federal census, a process that has consistently ended up in… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker approved updated rules Thursday for conduct at the Capitol in hopes of protecting rights to protest while trying to keep order in the building. Walker signed off on a scope statement that updates emergency rules and keeps the decades-long permitting process that some protesters have argued is… Read more »

After seeing Dane County judges strike down the collective bargaining and voter ID laws, four state legislators are introducing a bill that would limit the ability of circuit court judges to do so. The bill’s author, Rep. David Craig, R-Big Bend, is looking for more cosponsors on the bill, which… Read more »

After his efforts to reform the Milwaukee County Board failed when he was a supervisor, a Republican legislator cleared the first step Thursday in cutting the board supervisors’ term length and pay. In a 6-3 vote, a state Assembly committee approved the bill that would cut the term length to… Read more »

A niche field of stem cell research in the state could be banned under a bill a Republican lawmaker plans to reintroduce, a proposal which could affect research conducted on campus.Rep. André Jacque, R–De Pere, said he is currently searching for a co-sponsor for the legislation that failed to pass two years… Read more »

President Barack Obama’s plan for a $3.78 trillion, 10-year budget to rejuvenate the nation’s economy by investing in education, manufacturing, clean energy and research while shrinking entitlement programs and reducing the deficit has already sparked debate. The president’s blueprint, released Wednesday, drew initial criticism from both sides of the aisle.… Read more »

A group of about 20 University of Wisconsin students traveled to the Wisconsin Dells Wednesday to advocate for increased funding for state higher education and the implementation of a tuition cap in front of the state’s budget committee.These representatives from UW’s Associated Students of Madison and United Council of UW… Read more »

Two representatives announced proposed legislation to extend some rights of American citizens to undocumented individuals, a measure that could have significant implications for students looking to attend college.After speaking in favor of President Barack Obama’s immigration reform initiatives in a press conference, Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, D–Milwaukee, said Wednesday she plans to propose… Read more »

A top Wisconsin tribal leader criticized the passage of the mining law in a speech to the Legislature Tuesday, calling for improving state and tribal relationships and cooperation. Gordon Thayer, chair of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, gave the State of the Tribes… Read more »

A Medicaid program that aims to give elderly and disabled people care in their homes or assisted living facilities has seen its per-person costs decrease, leading to some health care groups pushing for an expansion of the program. The state’s Family Care program, which gives care to elderly and disabled… Read more »

A new bill would require the governor to pick University of Wisconsin System student regents from a list campus student governments make, rather than just considering people students recommend. Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, is seeking cosponsors on the bill that changes how the governor appoints new student regents. The bill… Read more »

The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would allow employers to cut worker hours rather than lay some employees off.  The bill passed on party lines, with all 18 Republicans voting for it and all 15 Democrats voting against it, despite a number of them saying the bill is a “good… Read more »

A U.S. Senator from Wisconsin was one of 13 Republican senators to sign a letter Monday announcing he would oppose any gun restriction legislation. Sen. Ron Johnson, R–Wis., endorsed a letter that said the right to bear arms aims to constitutionally protect citizens’ right to self-defense. He said in the… Read more »

A Republican Assembly member announced Sunday he will run for state Senate in southwestern Wisconsin to replace one of the longest tenured legislators in the state. Rep. Howard Marklein, R–Spring Green, said in a statement he will challenge incumbent Sen. Dale Schultz, R–Richland Center, in a possible primary for the… Read more »

Two years after a law passed restricting collective bargaining rights for many public employee unions, union membership has plunged in two major organized labor delegations, and 93 percent fewer workers received raises. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 48, Milwaukee’s largest union, has lost 61 percent… Read more »

In the wake of recent shootings, including two in Wisconsin, state legislators are introducing bills that would require background checks for people purchasing guns, clarify statutes on school boards hiring armed guards and ban concealed carry in the Capitol building. Sen. Nikiya Harris, D-Milwaukee, introduced a bill Wednesday that would… Read more »

Women nationwide will soon have access to emergency contraceptive pills without a prescription, medical or parental oversight as long as they are at least 12 years old as the result of a federal court decision. Federal Judge Edward Korman in New York ruled Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must make… Read more »

The most powerful member of Wisconsin’s Assembly said Friday he would support a potential bill that would give tax credits to families who choose to send their children to private schools. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R–Racine, voiced his support for the proposal, which is part of the proposed 2013-2015 state… Read more »

Unemployment rates increased in 85 percent of counties in Wisconsin between January and February, according to a state department statement Wednesday. The Department of Workforce Development released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noting unemployment rates also spiked in 10 of 12 of the state’s largest metropolitan areas, with no rate… Read more »

After a 2011 spike in voter turnout for the state Supreme Court election, the 19.3 percent turnout in Tuesday’s elections returned that percentage back to normal. Wisconsin’s Government Accountability Board reported the percentage Wednesday, a 15-point decrease from 34.3 percent voter turnout in 2011, according to unofficial results. University of… Read more »

An annual report by a tax research think tank has listed Wisconsin as having some of the least-friendly tax codes and business climate in the nation. The Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan organization that aims to educate taxpayers on the size of government tax burdens, said Wisconsin ranks 43rd in state… Read more »

Wisconsin could save more than a billion dollars in the next decade if the federal government chooses to negotiate for lower Medicare drug costs, according to an economic analysis released during a conference call Wednesday. Wisconsin will lose out on $1.2 billion in potential savings, and all 50 states combined… Read more »

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A Republican-sponsored bill would make guidelines for recalling local elected officials tougher by requiring an ethical or criminal reason to recall them.  The bill, proposed Monday in the Legislature, seeks to make local recalls more difficult by requiring an ethical or criminal complaint for it to begin. It comes after… Read more »

While a report last week said the proposed budget would leave Wisconsin in hundreds of millions of dollars in debt, a Republican assembly member said Tuesday he is confident legislators can ensure a balanced final budget. The state’s Legislative Fiscal Bureau, a nonpartisan analysis agency, said the current provisions of… Read more »

Wisconsin voters re-elected a state Supreme Court justice and the state superintendent Tuesday, both of whom were incumbents who saw support from different sides of the political spectrum. Justice Patience Roggensack won another 10-year term in the Supreme Court, defeating Marquette Law School professor Ed Fallone, the candidate supported by… Read more »

Residents living near wind turbines could be allowed to sue turbine and land owners for physical and psychological damages if a Republican senator’s bill proposal plan gains support. Sen. Frank Lasee, R-De Pere, has repeatedly said wind turbine operations harm residents in close proximity to these facilities. He said some… Read more »

Heads of each University of Wisconsin System school, the UW System president and two Board of Regents leaders expressed support for the state budget’s funding and flexibility for the system Monday. The officials said the 2013-2015 biennial budget would provide the lowest tuition increase in a decade, performance-based funding and… Read more »

Gasoline could soon cause less pollution in Wisconsin, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed new standards for cars and fuel Friday to clean the air, reduce premature illness onset and boost automobile efficiency while increasing prices at gas pumps. The EPA initiative would reduce gasoline’s sulfur content three-fold and… Read more »

Wisconsin ranked 44th among states in private sector job growth from September 2011 to September 2012, according to new data that Gov. Scott Walker says is the most accurate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the quarterly data on job growth Thursday, leading to criticism from Democrats that Walker’s policies… Read more »

Just a day before the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, issues of each candidate’s experience, courtroom dysfunction and the impact of donations to judges by parties involved in court hearings continue to dominate the race. Associate law professor at Marquette University Ed Fallone is challenging the incumbent State Supreme Court justice,… Read more »

In 2006, Wisconsin voters, who recently elected the first openly gay U.S. senator, passed a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman, an issue that has come into focus on the national level at the U.S. Supreme Court.  At the time, all but one Wisconsin… Read more »

While Wisconsin’s economy, job growth efforts, education funding and issues with health care tend to take center stage in debates over the state’s key problems, one issue is costing the state both in health and expenses. Last year alone, the state paid 10 percent of the proposed two-year, $68 billion… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s rejection of Medicaid expansion received extensive Republican support at Tuesday’s budget committee meeting, with only Democrats and one Republican in opposition. The Joint Finance Committee, comprised of 12 Republicans and four Democrats, convened for the Department of Health Services’ budget briefing, resulting in mostly Republican praise for… Read more »

The state’s transportation secretary raised concerns among Republicans Wednesday by emphasizing the need for roughly $1 billion in borrowing for road construction projects.At a Joint Finance Committee hearing, Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb emphasized the importance of borrowing for the state’s highway projects. Some Republicans, however, raised concerns about… Read more »

Increased incidents of public sex and drug use prompted a state agency to limit access to a Dane County clothing optional beach, upsetting the local nudist community. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said it intends to limit access to Mazomanie Beach, a nude beach located about 25 miles south… Read more »

The secretary of Gov. Scott Walker’s economic development agency assured the Legislature’s budget committee Wednesday the agency has accounted for recent mismanagement of funds and increased transparency measures would continue moving forward. Last year, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation lost track of roughly $50 million in loans to businesses, some… Read more »

Several county leaders across Wisconsin have begun forming an alternate Medicaid expansion plan for their counties in the event Gov. Scott Walker’s health care proposal is approved, although top state officials say this Democrat-sponsored alternative is not likely to gain traction. Democratic state legislators have been pushing back on Walker’s… Read more »

A top Madison school district official joined a few other school districts Tuesday in talking about how Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed voucher school expansion would affect them. Rep. Sondy Pope, D-Cross Plains, held a conference call that included officials from Madison, Superior, West Allis-West Milwaukee and Kenosha. They all face an expansion… Read more »

Assembly Republicans voiced concerns Tuesday over the level of borrowing and increase in state employees in Gov. Scott Walker’s budget on the first budget briefing hearing. During Tuesday’s Joint Finance Committee meeting, a number of Republicans told Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch they were still worried about parts of… Read more »

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue emphasized Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed income tax cut would largely benefit the middle class Tuesday, a characterization Democrats disagreed with. Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Chandler said although all taxpayers benefit from the proposed tax cut, the middle class benefits the most percentage-wise. He defended… Read more »

Wisconsin employers could pay additional taxes of up to $36.1 million because of Gov. Scott Walker’s decision to not go through with the Medicaid expansion, according to a new report. An analysis from Jackson Hewitt, a tax service company, called the taxes a “hidden surprise for employers.” The Milwaukee Journal… Read more »

A scope statement approved by Gov. Scott Walker furthers the process to fast track emergency rules that will take action against Capitol protestors. Department of Administration spokesperson Stephanie Marquis said DOA submitted a scope statement on the drafting of emergency rules to the Legislative Reference Bureau in an email to… Read more »

A Republican lawmaker proposed a new bill Monday that would increase state funding for buildings purchased by private developers who plan to preserve the historic nature of these structures. Currently, the state provides a 5 percent tax credit, while the federal government provides a 20 percent credit, according to a… Read more »

With speculations on who will run for president in 2016 already underway, Gov. Scott Walker said Friday he might be interested in becoming a candidate and will not rule out the possibility of his own run. Walker told Politico that if he is re-elected as governor, he would not commit… Read more »

For the 20th consecutive month, Wisconsin housing sales increased by more than 10 percent while median prices of homes rose an additional 6.1 percent, according to a report Friday. According to a statement from the Wisconsin Realtors Association, sales were up 11.7 percent in February. The central region of the… Read more »

A nonpartisan Wisconsin legislative analysis agency’s report released last week brought to light a provision of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed biennial budget allowing a state department to sell or lease state-owned properties. According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau’s summary, the proposed 2013-15 biennial budget would allow the Department of Administration to sell… Read more »

The state’s attorney general said Friday he will not ask the Supreme Court to put a temporary hold on a ruling that invalidated parts of a law curbing public employees’ collective bargaining rights. Last week an appeals court declined to temporarily put on hold, or stay, a previous ruling that… Read more »

A new smartphone app rolled out Friday of St. Patrick’s Day weekend seeks to help prevent drunken driving in Wisconsin, according to a Department of Transportation statement. As part of its “Zero in Wisconsin” campaign, DOT launched a new “Drive Sober” smartphone app. Among the app’s functions are a blood… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed biennial budget would borrow nearly $1 billion, with most of the money going toward improving the state’s infrastructure and roads, a Thursday analysis from the Legislature’s budget office revealed.  According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, Walker’s budget would call for $994,212,000 in bonding to fund road… Read more »

The state unemployment rate rose to 7 percent from 6.7 percent in January despite adding 1,800 jobs, according to a Department of Workforce Development report. The monthly data showed a gain of 12,400 private-sector jobs from December 2012 to January 2013 and a decline of 10,600 government jobs, leading to… Read more »

The last finalist candidate who could become University of Wisconsin’s next chancellor visited campus Wednesday to lay out her priorities of maintaining funding for the university, leveraging new educational technologies and expanding community outreach. Rebecca Blank currently serves as acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she is… Read more »

A state appeals court upheld a Milwaukee ordinance Wednesday that prohibits child sex offenders from living in close proximity to schools. After being convicted of a second-degree child sex offense crime in 2000, Milwaukee resident Todd Kester moved to an area close to a South Milwaukee elementary school about three years ago,… Read more »

New findings from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction have the potential to dampen current public support for a voucher program proposal in Gov. Scott Walker’s new budget.Three private voucher schools in Milwaukee that are currently receiving state dollars through continue to take in funding although they have lost their accreditations. The schools… Read more »

As Gov. Scott Walker announced his plan to grow the Wisconsin dairy industry Wednesday, a state senator is expected to reintroduce a bill to legalize the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. Sen. Glenn Grothman, R–West Bend, said he is planning to introduce the legislation but does not have an exact… Read more »

After beating out a longtime Democratic incumbent in 2010, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson announced this week he would run for re-election in 2016. Johnson said on Milwaukee’s WTMJ he would be seeking a second term because his mission of reducing government spending and debt is not complete. “It may take… Read more »

A state appeals court decided against placing a temporary hold on a ruling invalidating parts of the collective bargaining law and said the state would have to wait for their final decision. Wisconsin’s Fourth District Court of Appeals decided to hold off on whether or not it would overturn Dane… Read more »

A report released Tuesday put a price to Wisconsin’s excessive drinking problem, showing a overall bill of $6.8 billion in 2012, 40 percent of which taxpayers paid. The report from Health First Wisconsin, which was the first of its kind, showed “staggering” results about the fiscal reprecussions of excessive consumption, Maureen… Read more »

Realtor groups played a key role in pushing for a provision in Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed budget that would change regulations for foreign ownership of land in Wisconsin, which supporters say would bring new foreign investments to the state. Thomas Larson, vice president of legal and public affairs of the… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker signed a controversial iron ore mining bill which streamlines the permit process into law Monday, more than a year after the legislation was first introduced.  The bill, supported solely by Republican legislators, will allow Gogebic Taconite LLC to create the largest open-pit iron ore mining operation in… Read more »

Just a day before the U.S. House of Representatives unveils its federal budget proposal, a local congressman lobbied against Republican initiatives to cut social programs at a retirement home in downtown Madison Monday. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, emphasized the need to replace the “arbitrary” spending cuts made by the… Read more »

A Republican-sponsored bill introduced Thursday would allow bars and other alcohol vendors to sue underage patrons on their premises in an effort to reduce the number of underage drinkers at bars and target the state’s “drinking culture.”The bill would allow bars to sue underage drinkers for $1,000 plus other legal… Read more »

A single vote in the state Senate ended a legislative debate spanning more than two years and paved the way for iron mining in Wisconsin to resume after a nearly 30-year hiatus. The goal of the bill, originally introduced in December 2011, was to partner with other mining operations in… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to create a voucher program for special needs students has sparked concerns from some legislators and parents that the choice policy would funnel money away from public school districts’ programs.Walker’s proposed budget includes a new program that would give scholarships to special needs students to attend private schools… Read more »

While the latest employment report showed an upswing for the national economy, job growth indicators suggest Wisconsin’s economy is failing to keep a similar pace. Private sector businesses nationwide added 246,000 jobs in February, reducing the unemployment rate to 7.7 percent, the lowest rate since 2008, according to Friday’s U.S.… Read more »

After more than nine hours of debate and with no amendments, the state Assembly passed the mining bill on a party line vote, although Democrats pointed out the bill’s constitutionality will be challenged.  With 58 Republicans voting for and 39 Democrats voting against, the Assembly sent the bill to Gov.… Read more »

As the Legislature readies to officially decide whether to support a contentious mining bill today, debates have continued to rage regarding the environmental impact of building the mine among lawmakers, lobbyists and state agencies. The Assembly is poised to pass the Republican-backed bill proposal and place it on Gov. Walker’s… Read more »

After running on the campaign promise he would add a quarter million jobs to Wisconsin’s private sector, Gov. Scott Walker said Wednesday he believes his goal is not feasible. Walker told Wisconsin Public Radio the state should still aim high in job growth numbers. However, confounding variables, including collective bargaining… Read more »

The Assembly passed bills to permit reducing employees’ work hours and to remove the secretary of state’s power to delay enacting legislation Wednesday.  The approved worker unemployment protection legislation creates a work-share program that offers an alternative to laying off workers. The bill would allow employers for six months every… Read more »

The Wisconsin Senate unanimously passed a $15 million workforce training bill Tuesday that will now make its way to Gov. Scott Walker’s office for his final approval. The bill calls for $15 million in worker training grants, which the Department of Workforce Development will administer for an additional $5 million.… Read more »

Estimates say the federal sequester cuts will cost Wisconsin hospitals one billion dollars over the next 10 years, or $2 million each week, according to a Wisconsin Hospital Association statement. The U.S. government allowed Medicare payment funding to reduce 2 percent Friday with the mandatory sequester spending reductions, which WHA… Read more »

A group of lawmakers introduced several bills this week that would toughen the state’s drunken driving laws and increase penalties for offenders. The six bills Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and Rep. Jim Ott, R-Mequon, as well as some Democrats, introduced would mainly add more penalties for those who drive… Read more »

Among the more than 50 tax credit programs in the state of Wisconsin, many are superfluous and should be eliminated, according to an Assembly Republican. Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R–Brookfield, said many states do not have an income tax at all, but noted Wisconsin’s is overly complex due to its small… Read more »

A Republican lawmaker seeking to limit in-person absentee voting hours proposed changes to his bill Tuesday after hearing criticism from constituents, fellow lawmakers and municipal clerks. Rep. Duey Stroebel, R-Saukville, said in a statement he was amending the bill he circulated this week after hearing concerns from a number of… Read more »

Rep. Brett Hulsey, D-Madison, has returned to the spotlight after a report surfaced that said he scared one of his female staffers when he brought a box cutter to the Capitol and asked her to train in self-defense. Hulsey brought a box cutter and thought about bringing a gun to… Read more »

One of the largest mining operations in Wisconsin history could soon be underway after the state Assembly votes on an iron ore mining bill Thursday. The vote on the Republican-sponsored mining bill is the final opportunity for legislators to weigh in on the controversy surrounding the possible environmental impacts of… Read more »

In response to a tweet comparing Gov. Scott Walker to an infamous Milwaukee-area serial killer, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin dropped an official from his spokesperson position Monday.Graeme Zielinski, who worked as party spokesperson for three years, published three tweets Friday comparing Walker to Jeffrey Dahmer, who killed 17 people.  In… Read more »

Not every politically-inclined University of Wisconsin student has the opportunity to travel to the nation’s capital and meet with leading U.S. government officials, but that dream became a reality for one undergraduate last week. UW’s Bipartisan Issues Group President Alex Holland joined more than 30 leaders of the group’s parent… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed education budget may see some changes, with two Republican senators looking to increase public school spending and Walker wanting more accountability from voucher schools. Senate President Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, and Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, Education Committee chair, are proposing a $382 million investment in the state’s… Read more »

Milwaukee County investigators have officially closed an investigation into Gov. Scott Walker’s former Milwaukee County Executive office that resulted in six officials being charged and began nearly three years ago, according to a statement released Friday.Neal Nettesheim, a Milwaukee County reserve judge who presided over the investigation, signed an order… Read more »

A state appeals court dismissed a lawsuit Thursday from a Wisconsin public workers’ union regarding a request for additional paid leave days, saying unions cannot sue the state in this context. According to documents from the District 4 Court of Appeals, the judge refused to hear the case because the state has sovereign… Read more »

As mass shootings across the nation prompted top university administrators to advocate for Congress to make specific gun safety reforms, the University of Wisconsin faces state limitations on taking a stance on the issue as a publicly-funded institution. UW officials have yet to sign an open letter from College Presidents for… Read more »

One of Wisconsin’s representatives in Congress, along with state leaders of Native American and gay rights advocacy groups, voiced their support for an updated bill that aims to prevent violence against women, which is set to go into federal law Thursday. According to a statement from President Barack Obama, the… Read more »

The state Assembly voted almost unanimously Thursday for $15 million to go to a new workforce training grant program, but not before Democrats criticized the bill for not going far enough. The Assembly passed the bill with a 94-4 vote, giving funding for the grants as well as $5 million… Read more »

A poll released Tuesday found more voters disapprove of Gov. Scott Walker’s performance than approve, although he still leads most potential Democratic opponents who could face him in 2014. According to a Public Policy Polling report, 49 percent of Wisconsin voters approved of Walker’s performance, while 49 percent disapprove. Walker had… Read more »

A Republican legislator said Wednesday he plans to introduce legislation to prevent public employees from retiring and then returning to work at that same job while receiving retirement benefits. Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, wants to reintroduce legislation that keeps workers from engaging in this practice officially called “utilizing rehired… Read more »

Media officials and government transparency advocates expressed their opposition to Wisconsin lawmakers Wednesday against a proposed bill permitting government institutions to charge for access to public records. Those against the bill said applying charges to the right to use records inhibits access to them and helps bureaucrats who want to… Read more »

After nine hours of grueling debate, Wisconsin’s Senate passed a bill Wednesday by a single vote to make changes to Wisconsin’s iron ore mining regulations. Sen. Dale Schultz, R–Richland Center, was the lone Republican to cross party lines and vote against the bill, which passed 17-16. “We are one vote short of restoring… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s outgoing health secretary responded to criticisms of Walker’s Medicaid proposal at a Tuesday health care conference. ABC for Health’s annual health care conference included a panel of five Democratic legislators—no Republicans accepted the group’s invitations. But Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith responded to criticisms Walker’s… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker and other Republican governors criticized the president’s across-the-board spending cuts scheduled to take effect this week during a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday. The governor said he believes these $85 billion in federal cuts, known as the sequester, are irresponsible, arbitrary and President Barack Obama… Read more »

The Assembly’s elections committee largely supported a new bill that gives municipalities an option of how to count votes during recall elections. The Committee on Campaigns and Elections held a hearing on the bill, which allowed a municipal canvasing board to choose whether votes should be recounted by hand or… Read more »

Wisconsin Republicans do not plan to pass any gun control laws this legislative session despite Democratic efforts to strengthen background checks for gun purchases, according to a Republican Assembly leader. Democrats will attempt to curb gun purchases in Wisconsin by drafting a new piece of legislation to strengthen background checks… Read more »

After many months of examining the issue, the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee approved a contentious mining overhaul bill Monday to allow iron ore mining in the state. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance approved the Republican-backed bill that will allow the opening of an iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin by… Read more »

Two separate analyses of Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed budget found the richest citizens in the state stand to benefit the most from his income tax cuts, which have been billed as relief for middle class taxpayers. A collaborative report from the Council on Children and Families and the Institute of Taxation and… Read more »

Experts claimed last week that Gov. Scott Walker’s budget, which includes a $343 million income tax cut, may be too small for tax relief, not bring many jobs to the state and cause a structural deficit. However, Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance President Todd Berry said the cut might show the state… Read more »

Republican legislators said last week they support Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposals but are looking for ways to prevent a structural deficit, lower taxes further and prevent hiring more state employees. Bob Delaporte, spokesperson for the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee’s co-chair Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Falls, said Darling supports parts… Read more »

Two weeks ago, Gov. Scott Walker announced he would turn down the Medicaid expansion, opting for another plan he said would cover fewer people. Lawmakers will review his plan, which was part of the budget released last week, for the next few months. Meanwhile, Democrats and advocacy groups are pushing… Read more »

A single sentence buried deep in Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal could allow public employees throughout the state to live outside of the area where they work. Walker recommends eliminating the residency requirement that forces municipal workers to live in the same city or village where they work, he wrote… Read more »

If Congress does not reach a compromise before Friday, Wisconsin’s national security employees and the public education system could be the target of massive federal spending cuts known as the sequester, according a White House statement released Sunday. The effects of the sequester would furlough roughly 3,000 U.S. Departments of… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed $181 million in investments for the University of Wisconsin System would help ensure tuition increases are “very modest,” a UW System spokesperson said Thursday. Walker’s proposed investments in the UW System, the largest in recent history, would likely lead to small tuition increases, according to… Read more »

Republicans in the Legislature are expediting bills that would allow companies to cut back worker hours as an alternative to layoffs. An Assembly bill and a Senate bill are designed to help companies that have lost business keep their workers by instead scaling back the hours that those employees work.… Read more »

The Wisconsin State Senate voted Wednesday in favor of a constitutional amendment that would create and protect separate transportation funds, sending it to voters for approval in November.The Assembly previously voted in favor of the amendment Feb. 13, but for the amendment to pass it will need to face the state’s… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker called for a $343 million income tax cut, education reform and economic development initiatives in his biennial budget address Wednesday. Walker said his top priority remains improving the economy, touting the differences from when he took office two years ago: a budget surplus this year after a… Read more »

After taking in no state funding the past two years, University of Wisconsin’s cancer center will receive nearly $4 million through 2015, according to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal. Walker officially announced the proposal to invest $3.75 million to develop the Wisconsin Oncology Network of Imaging Excellence Thursday in… Read more »

Spending in the last cycle’s legislative races hit $16.53 million, a drop from the 2008 and 2010 cycle but an increase from 2006, according to a report released Tuesday. A Wisconsin Democracy Campaign analysis showed candidates, committees and outside groups spent $16.53 million in the last legislative election cycle. That… Read more »

Incumbent Justice Patience Roggensack will face Marquette law professor Ed Fallone for her chance to win another 10-year term at the state Supreme Court. Roggensack and Fallone will move on from Tuesday night’s primaries, during which they eliminated Milwaukee lemon law attorney Vince Megna. With 86 percent of the vote… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker will release his biennial budget and will give an address at the Capitol about his budget priorities today. Over the past few weeks, he has released parts of his budget, and below is a preview of what he will include in several areas. University of Wisconsin System… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker announced Monday he plans to invest $25 million to support startup companies in the state in his upcoming biennial budget. This funding, also known as venture capital investment, will use taxpayer dollars to finance startup and budding businesses in collaboration with private companies. Walker called this a… Read more »

Planned Parenthood announced Monday it will be shutting down four of its Wisconsin locations starting in less than two months, citing a lack of funding after budget cuts from the state.Between April and July of this year, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin will be closing health centers in Beaver Dam, Johnson… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker announced a $129 million investment in public education and an additional $181 million in funding for the University of Wisconsin System would be included in his upcoming budget announcement on Monday. After ranking 38th out of 41 states with complete data from a 2012 National Assessment of… Read more »

Eliminating Election Day registration could cost Wisconsin taxpayers between $13.1 and $14.5 million, nearly three times as much as was originally estimated, according to a report released Monday by state election officials. According to a Government Accountability Board statement on their report, if the state eliminated Election Day registration, it… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s health care plan would cost taxpayers about $250 million more than a full Medicaid expansion would, according to a nonpartisan analysis released Friday. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau’s analysis showed the state would pay $320.3 million more by 2020 under Walker’s plan, compared to $66.7 million more under… Read more »

Tuesday’s statewide Supreme Court primary will narrow the field from three to two candidates, leaving the contenders to ramp up their efforts to reach state voters before the general election.The three candidates, incumbent Justice Patience Roggensack, Marquette law professor Ed Fallone and lemon law attorney Vince Megna, will face off… Read more »

The state Assembly approved a paper ballot vote Thursday to lift a ban on fundraising during the period of time when the budget is up for consideration, a measure some critics say could allow special interest groups to leverage their agendas through campaign donations. The policy, which was approved by… Read more »

Wisconsin small business groups voiced their support Friday for a bill that would open the door for mining operations to set up shop in the state, citing the possible economic benefits to a number of industries near the mine site. In a statement released Friday, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Tavern… Read more »

A Senate committee held a public information hearing Wednesday to address education initiatives in the state and look at the issue of meeting workforce needs. The Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, chaired by Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, heard from members of the Board of Regents of the University… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker proposed a plan Wednesday that would deny a full Medicaid expansion but find a way to reduce the uninsured by a slightly smaller number.  At a Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce convention, Walker said he would reduce the number of uninsured in the state by 224,580. That is… Read more »

A Supreme Court justice recused herself Wednesday from an ethics case involving another judge who placed his hands around her neck during a June 2011 incident. Along with her recusal report, Justice Ann Walsh Bradley released a notice saying she had requested increased law enforcement security weeks before the altercation with Justice… Read more »

The state Assembly passed a constiutional amendment that would protect the state’s transportation fund Tuesday. The amendment would prevent legislators from using transportation funds for any other purposes. It passed last session and now needs state Senate and voter approval in a November referendum. Representatives passed the amendment on an… Read more »

Two Wisconsin Republican legislators are in the process of attempting to harshen the state’s drunken driving laws. Rep. Jim Ott, R-Mequon, and Senator Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, proposed six independent bills and sent memos to other legislators in hopes of gaining support. According to the Associated Press, the bills may… Read more »

A University of Wisconsin professor and the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin filed a federal lawsuit against Capitol Police over their permitting process Monday. UW medical physics professor Michael Kissick and ACLU filed a lawsuit in federal courts against Capitol Police Chief David Erwin and Michael Huesbch, secretary of… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker is expected to announce Wednesday he is partially taking the optional Medicaid expansion under the health care reform law. Anonymous sources from the Walker’s office told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel earlier this week that Walker would take an alternative option in the expansion, although details are still… Read more »

Former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, pushed Madison supporters to advocate against policies that help corporations in a speech Tuesday. Kucinich, a former presidential candidate, spoke at the Barrymore Theatre about “fighting back” against multinational corporations that have outsourced jobs and government austerity policies. “You have to look at the… Read more »

In his fourth State of the Union address Wednesday night, President Barack Obama emphasized his top priority remains on improving the middle class. Obama said the economy has turned around since he took office and has begun creating jobs again. But, he said given the high unemployment rate and stagnant… Read more »

State lawmakers proposed a bill Monday that would prevent former legislators from becoming professional lobbyists until two years after leaving elected office. Rep. Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire, said in a statement he would join Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine, in introducing legislation to stop the “revolving door” of politicians becoming lobbyists.… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker unveiled plans to increase funding to strengthen workforce development in Wisconsin as part of his biennial budget plan. According to a statement, Walker wants to add $132 million to programs focused on allowing people access to valuable skills for getting jobs. Walker plans on allocating $100 million… Read more »

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus applauded Wisconsin’s government as a national model for the Republican Party and addressed party priorities Sunday. On WISN’s “UpFront with Mike Gousha,” Priebus said Wisconsin GOP’s open door policy to all members of the party, from Tea Party members to conservatives to moderates, was… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker proposed providing millions of dollars in credits and investments to attract and keep businesses in Wisconsin as part of his upcoming budget Thursday. According to a statement, Walker plans to provide an additional $75 million for the Economic Development Tax Credit program, which he said would encourage businesses… Read more »

A University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents committee had difficult questions for administrators of its human resources system, which overpaid more than $33 million in benefits and retirement payments. The board’s Business, Finance and Audit committee questioned Michael Morgan, the UW System’s senior vice president for administration and fiscal… Read more »

Wisconsin’s elections rank among the top in the country based on their accessibility, number of voters, voter turnout and absentee ballot tracking, according to a Pew study on elections released Wednesday. The Pew Center on the States conducted the comprehensive study based on 2008 and 2010 election data, drawing on information… Read more »

In the midst of ongoing dialogue about mental health stemming from recent shootings across the nation, Gov. Scott Walker will pursue an increase in mental health funding by about $29 million from state taxpayer funds in his proposed budget for this session. According to a Wednesday statement from Walker’s spokesperson,… Read more »

State lawmakers moved one step closer to overhauling mining regulations after Senate and Assembly committees approved an amended and controversial mining bill Wednesday.  The Senate and Assembly Committees on Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining and Revenue met in sessions to address their bills, and the Assembly committee debated amendments three legislators… Read more »

One of President Barack Obama’s top advisers outlined the immigration reforms the president would like to see in a Tuesday conference call with reporters. Cecilia Muñoz, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, said Obama “welcomes” the current debate on what is one of his biggest legislative priorities this… Read more »

Democrats pushed for Gov. Scott Walker to accept a Medicaid expansion at a Capitol news conference Tuesday, citing a study from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau that said the state would save money by doing so. Under the expansion the state would save $65.9 million from 2013 until 2016, the… Read more »

The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance reported this week legislators have been too focused on job numbers and have overlooked long-term problems that have led to the state’s job shortages. The report said Wisconsin has long trailed the nation’s already poor numbers in population growth, wages and new firm creation. Since 1996,… Read more »

A Supreme Court candidate pushed for his opponents to turn away out-of-state money Tuesday. Milwaukee lemon law attorney Vince Megna said in an interview with The Badger Herald Tuesday his two opponents in the Feb. 19 primary should keep campaign fundraising in the state. “I’m calling for out-of-state money to… Read more »

Democrats are accusing their Republican counterparts at the Capitol of lack of transparency after last week’s State Senate and Assembly Organization Committee used paper ballots to vote on hiring a new law firm for the ongoing legal disputes over legislative redistricting instead of holding a committee meeting. The committee passed… Read more »

Republican legislators offered amendments to a controversial mining bill that they say would set higher standards for state environmental officials to grant a permit and requiring them to work with federal organizations on a timeline for issuing them. Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, and Rep. Mark Honadel, R-South… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker and the Department of Administration announced Friday they are choosing Minnesota-based Infinite Campus Inc., rather than the Wisconsin-based Skyward Inc., and five other out-of-state companies for a $15 million Statewide Student Information System contract. Infinite Campus Inc., based in Blaine, Minn., will be the sole provider of… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker released a video Monday featuring conversations with state residents about his top budget priorities. Titled “Budget Priority: Reform Government,” Walker’s video featured his main goal this session as making the government work more efficiently. “There’s still too much in government we’re not doing efficiently enough,” Walker said,… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign transferred thousands of dollars to a legal defense fund to pay attorneys representing him in a John Doe probe, according to campaign finance reports filed Thursday. The Friends of Scott Walker transferred $40,000 to a legal defense fund Dec. 31, according to a campaign finance report filed… Read more »

Two Republican members of the Wisconsin Legislature suggested making concessions on the state’s contentious mining bill late last week in an effort to promote bipartisanship. Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, announced Thursday they will be proposing changes next week to the GOP mining bill.… Read more »

As the Supreme Court race primary nears, incumbent Justice Patience Roggensack shows a lead in fundraising for her re-election, according to campaign finance reports filed Thursday. Roggensack obtained more than $38,000 in contributions from individuals and committees, while Marquette University Law School Professor Ed Fallone reported $5,450 in his report… Read more »

Democrats revealed their jobs plan that pushes for closing the skills gap and helping Wisconsin’s small businesses expand in a Capitol news conference Thursday afternoon Democratic leaders encouraged Republicans — who once again control both houses of the Legislature and the governor’s seat — to listen to their ideas, noting the… Read more »

Proposed mining legislation continued to drum up controversy this week after legislators drafting the bill once again incorporated input from Gogebic Taconite, a mining company interested in developing northern Wisconsin under the bill’s provision whose involvement in proposed mining legislation last year drew wide criticism. GTac has offered input since mining… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker’s proposals to expand voucher programs are meeting controversy in light of cuts made to public school funding during the last budget cycle. While on his recent national school tour, Walker expressed the need to expand the use of voucher programs as well as other alternatives to traditional schooling.… Read more »

An independent state nonprofit that addresses tax- and budget-related issues released figures Wednesday showing taxes among lower, middle and upper class families are unequally distributed in Wisconsin.  The report from the Wisconsin Budget Project referenced the findings in the Washington-based Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy’s “Who Pays?,” a distributional… Read more »

The legislative committees on mining will vote in early February on whether or not to move forward with the Republican Party proposal. Both legislative houses’ committees scheduled a Feb. 6 vote on whether to pass the GOP mining bill to the next step of the legislative process. Republicans are eager… Read more »

The interim CEO of the state’s public-private agency that replaced the former Department of Commerce will remain in his position permanently after a series of credibility issues for the agency, Gov. Scott Walker announced Tuesday.  Reed Hall will keep his job as permanent CEO of the quasi-public Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker said last weekend he has not taken a position on reallocating Electoral College votes, a controversial proposal which would have given President Barack Obama less of the state’s electoral votes in last year’s election.  Walker told media outlets recently he has yet to take a stand on… Read more »

A constitutional amendment to protect the state’s transportation fund got its first push in this legislative session Tuesday, passing unanimously through the Assembly’s Committee on Transportation. The amendment would forbid the state from taking money from the transportation fund and putting it elsewhere, which past legislatures have done. The transportation… Read more »

The state Senate passed its first bill today on a party-line vote, changing the way a bill becomes enacted. Bills that pass both houses of the Legislature and the governor signs currently become enacted after the Secretary of State publishes the act in the official state newspaper of record, currently… Read more »

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign released findings Monday that found groups in support of the Republican Party-sponsored mining bill made significant campaign contributions to Gov. Scott Walker and Republican members of the Legislature.  The report recorded $15.6 million in donations between 2010 and 2012 from proponents of the mining legislation. This figure includes… Read more »

Prosecutors served subpoenas to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, along with other Republican leaders, in an effort that will allow them to examine computers for evidence of an unfair process of drawing election maps and furthering the legal feud over redistricting, according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report. The state… Read more »

A new concealed carry bill circulating at the Capitol would extend the reach of current law by allowing off-duty and retired law enforcement officials to carry concealed weapons into schools with the proper permit. Under the state’s concealed carry law, citizens with a license are allowed to carry concealed weapons.… Read more »

Dozens of citizens and 21 environmental groups from across the state rallied at the Capitol Saturday at noon, voicing opposition to the recent mining legislation that would allow mining in northern Wisconsin.  The rally was organized by the Madison Action for Mining Alternatives and was followed by a march down… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker spoke at an education convention Friday about his vision for education, including increasing funding to schools in a performance-based funding system.In his speech, Walker previewed some of the reforms his administration will include in the next biennial budget, to be introduced next month. Among them is the… Read more »

Two Democratic legislators announced they will hold a public listening session regarding the mining bills in northwestern Wisconsin, where those most affected could voice their opinions without needing to go so far from home.Sen. Bob Jauch, D-Poplar, and Rep. Janet Bewley, D-Ashland, said Friday they would hold the session in… Read more »

The Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimated a net state budget surplus of $419.7 million, a surplus greater than the $342 million that was originally projected. The non-partisan LFB provides annual reports on general state revenue and expenditures before the government makes spending decisions. In a statement released Thursday evening, Walker reiterated… Read more »

The union membership rates in Wisconsin have dropped over the past year, following a long-time national trend in union membership decline. A report from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics showed Wisconsin’s union membership rate dropped from 13.3 percent in 2011 to 11.2 percent in 2012. The range of rates… Read more »

In a move that could potentially spike the gas taxes in Wisconsin, the state’s transportation commission recommended lawmakers increase transportation revenues Wednesday in order to maintain Wisconsin’s infrastructure. The commission called in part for an increase in the state gas tax, as well as establishing a new registration fee based… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker unveiled plans to seek about $340 million in state income tax cuts Tuesday, reiterating his goal to cut taxes by about $200 per Wisconsin family throughout the next two years. Walker provided more details about the tax cut he will be proposing this spring, which he said… Read more »

A public hearing at the Capitol on mining legislation produced a bitterly divided hearing room, as advocates focused on the importance of economic development, while opponents voiced their environmental concerns. The bill’s authors opened up the meeting defending their bill on the grounds it will create and sustain good jobs… Read more »

A federal appeals court upheld every provision of the contentious collective bargaining law that brought tens of thousands of protesters to the Capitol in 2011 in a decision released Friday.  In a 2-1 decision, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals said all parts of the law were constitutional. The decision… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker delivered his third State of the State address last Tuesday night at the state Capitol, where he said he would continue his focus on jobs and push for an income tax cut for the middle class. In a roughly half-hour-long speech, Walker told viewers across the state… Read more »

About two weeks after a report ranked Wisconsin the 42nd worst state in private sector job creation, monthly jobs data found Wisconsin gained 4,500 private sector jobs in December 2012. The total number of jobs gained in December, however, was 1,300 jobs. The 4,500 private sector jobs gained was offset… Read more »

A Milwaukee man is in jail after allegedly making online threats against the Capitol and showing up to the building with what he allegedly said was a Molotov cocktail. Kvon Smith, 20, faces a number of charges and is in a Dane County jail, according to Dane County Deputy District… Read more »

Wisconsin’s highest court reiterated its stance on the legal controversy surrounding a previous voter ID ruling last week by refusing to address the unconstitutionality of the bill before the appellate court does. With one month before the state’s non-partisan primaries, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court denied Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s request… Read more »

Three candidates will face off in February for a 10-year term at the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with two of them challenging incumbent Justice Patience Roggensack. Ed Fallone, a law professor at Marquette University, and Vince Megna, a Lemon Law attorney, have submitted nomination signatures and announced their decision to challenge… Read more »

Wisconsin’s new Legislature was sworn in the first week of January, and the group has begun to focus on a number of issues early on. With Gov. Scott Walker’s campaign promise of 250,000 private sector jobs created by 2014 not yet complete and the skills gap issue getting more attention,Walker… Read more »

Although the University of Wisconsin System cap on out-of-state enrollees could increase slightly, officials hope more Wisconsin students might be able to attend UW-Madison, the system’s flagship university. The Board of Regents Education Committee announced a compromise on the cap increase on Thursday, and a vote today will center on… Read more »

Wisconsin became one of several crucial states to watch this election cycle, with a highly contested Senate race and both presidential campaigns focusing many of their efforts in the state. Voters were aware of the state’s importance, as a record number of Wisconsin voters went to the polls this fall. The… Read more »

Several contentious court cases played out over the last several months, including two that struck down Wisconsin laws and one that characterized the John Doe investigation into the governor’s former staffers. The voter ID law had been struck down by two circuit courts already, a move that the Attorney General… Read more »

Incoming Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, appointed two Democrats to co-chair committees with Republicans, a move the body has not seen since the 1995 legislative session. Vos said Wednesday Rep. Leon Young, D-Milwaukee, will be co-chairing the State and Federal Relations Committee, and Rep. Jill Billings, D-La Crosse, will co-chair… Read more »

Police across the state will not be in a forgiving Christmas spirit when it comes to drunken drivers and those riding without a fastened seatbelt this holiday season. Wisconsin police are taking part in a “Booze and Belts” national campaign promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign… Read more »

Republicans in the state Assembly are considering increasing the amount of money its members can write off as food and lodging expenses. Representatives from both parties said the rationale behind raising the rates of daily, per diem expenses for the 99 Assembly members is the rising costs of lodging and… Read more »

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker joined five other governors Tuesday to meet with President Barack Obama regarding the impact the “fiscal cliff” may have on the states. Walker joined two other Republicans and three Democrats in the White House, where they met with Obama on Tuesday morning and held a news… Read more »

A group of University of Wisconsin law students are helping emergency first responders and their families set up wills, in efforts to decrease the 80 percent of first responders nationwide without them. The students are part of a nationwide program called Wills for Heroes, where volunteer paralegals, attorneys and notaries… Read more »

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, called for a change in the state’s nonpartisan Elections Board Monday, saying it is not independent like it was intended to be. The Government Accountability Board, created with bipartisan support in 2007, oversees state elections as well as ethics, campaign finance and lobbying.… Read more »

Coming after months of debate involving an injunction and the state Supreme Court declining to take on lawsuits until after the election, the Legislature will again have to address Wisconsin’s contentious voter ID law in its next session. The voter ID law, in whatever form it will take, would require… Read more »

The Washington Post’s chief political correspondent, Dan Balz, gave an analysis of the latest election at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, where the seats filled with students and community members. The University of Wisconsin’s School of Journalism invited Balz to speak about the recent election between President Barack Obama and… Read more »

Three Wisconsin advocacy groups collected almost 15,000 signatures in objection to Gov. Scott Walker’s comments about ending same-day voter registration. Walker recently made a one-hour speech in California outlining his achievements and policy proposals for next year. During the speech, he said he supports ending same-day voter registration, leading to… Read more »

A record number of more than three million Wisconsin voters voted in this fall’s election, according to the recently-certified results from the state’s elections agency. The Government Accountability Board certified the election results Thursday and found that 3,071,434 voters showed up to the polls earlier this month. The number was… Read more »

A new survey reported that although Wisconsin business owners overwhelmingly agree the state is heading in the right direction, 20 percent are planning layoffs over the next six months. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce released the survey of their members, small businesses across the state, during the State of Wisconsin Business… Read more »

An expert on environmental attitudes warned Tuesday that a shift in public attitudes toward wolves could endanger the species’ presence in Wisconsin.  Thomas Heberlein, University of Wisconsin community and environmental sociology professor emeritus, addressed about 50 people as part of the Wisconsin Union Directorate Lecture Series, and said the current wolf population… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker recently made public remarks on his hope that the John Doe investigation into former Walker staffers would finish by the end of the week, but a judge that oversees the investigation said it is still open. At a Tuesday event, Walker said he hoped the investigation, which… Read more »

This week Gov. Scott Walker will begin a tour across the state of Wisconsin to talk with Wisconsinites about their ideas to improve the state. The trip, dubbed by his campaign as the “Talk with Walker Tour,” will last several months. Walker is set to speak with Wisconsin citizens to… Read more »

Despite the October rain level approaching the traditional average, the state’s ongoing drought may have detrimental effects on the state.State Climatologist John Young, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Wisconsin, said in statement that in the last 45 years, he has not seen a drought as bad… Read more »

A poll released Monday has determined 52 percent of Americans approve of President Barack Obama’s tactics as he finishes out his first term and readies his administration for round two. According to CNN’s national poll, 56 percent of those polled believe there is good to come in the next four years. However, CNN’s… Read more »

After a lack of competitiveness in many Wisconsin races this fall, some are calling for redistricting reform to be done in the upcoming legislative session, years in advance of the next redistricting cycle. Every 10 years, the Legislature is in charge of drawing new maps that reflect population changes studied… Read more »

An anti-abortion group within the state has proposed stricter regulations on abortions, including mandating women requesting abortions to watch an ultrasound of their fetuses. Wisconsin Right to Life has expressed its desire to also end abortions based on sex selection and abortions that could cause the fetus pain, according to… Read more »

Hunters registered 4,400 black bears in Wisconsin during the 2012 black bear season, the second highest number of bears harvested on record, according to state wildlife officials. A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources statement said the state record for bears was set in 2010 when hunters registered 5,133 bears. Hunters… Read more »

While he was Milwaukee County Executive, Gov. Scott Walker held regular meetings with county staffers and those running his 2010 governor’s campaign to review press releases and his schedule, according to emails released Tuesday. Emails obtained from WisPolitics.com show Walker, County Chief of Staff Tom Nardelli, Deputy Chief of Staff… Read more »

According to the recently released budget estimates of the Wisconsin Department of Administration, fiscal year 2013 will start with a $342.1 million positive balance, the largest opening balance since fiscal year 2001. A DOA statement said there would be no structural deficit for the 2013-15 budget planning process, and for… Read more »

A new report from the Wisconsin Budget Project and the Center on Wisconsin Strategy showed income inequality is widening  between rich and poor Wisconsinites. The report showed the “pulling apart” of high- and low-income earners since 1996 using data from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.  There is a national trend… Read more »

Former Walker aide Kelly Rindfleisch was sentenced to six months in prison and three years of probation Monday afternoon after being convicted of campaign fundraising while employed by Milwaukee County.  Jay Heck, executive director of Common Cause in Wisconsin, said Rindfleisch was found guilty of using company equipment and working… Read more »

In a speech he gave in California this weekend, Gov. Scott Walker hinted he might support removing Wisconsin’s same-day registration for elections. Walker laid out multiple ideas and policies Wisconsinites may see him push during the next legislative session in an hour-long speech Friday at the Ronald Reagan Library and… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker revealed his intended policies in a speech in California on Friday, which include lowering property taxes, providing additional aid to voucher schools and making public schools more accountable. Walker detailed his intent to expect more accountability from public schools by noting they should be required to meet… Read more »

Two University of Wisconsin student organizations held a press conference Friday to address trends in young voter involvement in the 2012 presidential election. The Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group and the United Council of UW Students convened to present voter turnout in comparison with the 2008 presidential election, David Meyerson,… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker chose a federally facilitated health care exchange rather than a state-based one Friday morning because he said the state would have little control over their own exchange and that the costs of operating one are unclear. After months of speculation on what his plans would be, Walker… Read more »

Two reports from the Department of Workforce Development released Thursday painted conflicting pictures regarding the state of jobs in the state, as one showed job gains over the span of a year but job losses in October. Wisconsin lost 7,500 jobs in October, with 6,000 jobs lost in the private… Read more »

Gov. Scott Walker made comments Wednesday hinting he may turn down a state-based health care exchange, a decision he will announce Friday morning. In an interview with The New York Times Wednesday, Walker raised some concerns with a state-based exchange, as he said the federal government, not the state, would… Read more »

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Gov. Scott Walker’s collective bargaining law, arguing it was destructive to its union by creating divisions among its employees. As Act 10 divided the union’s employees into different categories in terms of what they could bargain for, WLEA is seeking… Read more »

Growth in the U.S. gross domestic product has slowed from 2010 to 2011, according to an industry analysis conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce. After increasing 2.4 percent in 2010, the GDP growth increased by 1.8 percent in 2011. The analysis outlined that the manufacturing results of retail and… Read more »

Wisconsin Democrats are pressing Gov. Scott Walker for a new, state-run health care plan versus a program run by the federal government, according to a letter from Democratic politicians.  The letter, signed by U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wisconsin, and U.S. Reps. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, Tammy… Read more »

Although neither candidate focused much on the subject during the 2012 election, experts say climate change is a growing threat to the nation. According to University of Wisconsin life sciences communication professor Dominique Brossard, Hurricane Sandy may have increased climate change visibility for the nation. She noted it has significantly… Read more »

After  last week’s election, Wisconsin’s Assembly began the process of selecting leaders.Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, won Speaker of the Assembly, and Republicans now make up the majority of the Senate and Assembly as well, according to the Associated Press. As for the Democrats, Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, has been selected to… Read more »

With the president’s health care reform law likely staying intact, Gov. Scott Walker will decide by Nov.16 whether Wisconsin will run its own health care exchange. Health care exchanges are online marketplaces where uninsured individuals and small businesses can look at and purchase health insurance plans. They will be up… Read more »

Former Gov. Mitt Romney’s loss at the polls may be in part due to the Republican Party’s lack of support from the Latino community, experts say. According to a report released by the Pew Research Center, 23.7 million Hispanics were eligible to vote in the 2012 election.This is a 22… Read more »

With 90 percent of votes counted, voter turnout in 2012 appears to have taken a dip from 2008, according to an Associated Press report. Turnout also appears to be down in most states compared to the 2004 election as well, the report said. Reid Magney, spokesperson for the Government Accountability… Read more »

Traffic fatalities in Wisconsin have increased about 15 percent since last year, according to a Wisconsin Department of Transportation report.Through October, 531 fatalities occurred, which is an increase of 69 accidents compared to 2011 numbers at the same point in the year, the report said. However, the statement also said… Read more »

The Wisconsin Transportation Finance Commission is now exploring options to cover a decrease in revenue for its transportation budget, according to a report by the commission. Some of the key questions the Transportation Finance Commission will examine include how the state’s transportation services should be modified to address changing demographics,… Read more »

With the most important elections following the Citizens United decision, campaign spending rose in both the presidential and Wisconsin’s Senate races, much of it from outside groups and on negative advertising. Of the $73 million spent by all the candidates leading up to Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate election alone, the Center… Read more »

Wisconsin emergency volunteers are continuing to play a part in providing disaster relief to the East Coast in light of damage left behind after Hurricane Sandy. Members of the Wisconsin-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (WI-1 DMAT) were deployed Saturday to Middlesex, New Jersey, according to a statement by the City… Read more »

This past Election Day, organizations across Wisconsin worked together to set up a voter protection hotline with the aim of educating voters, reducing problems at polling locations and increasing overall voter turnout. The hotline was part of a nationwide push to ensure voters have the correct information about voting. Volunteer… Read more »

In light of President Barack Obama’s re-election Tuesday night, Gov. Scott Walker now faces a looming decision on how the state will implement the president’s health care reform law. After the Supreme Court upheld most of the Affordable Care Act in June, Walker announced he would wait until the November… Read more »

With Tuesday’s election, Wisconsin seemed to contradict its Republican shift in 2010 in its statewide elections, while also maintaining that shift at more local levels. The three Democratic candidates running for federal level positions — President Barack Obama, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin and state Rep. Mark Pocan — won their… Read more »

As Tuesday’s elections gave the Republicans control of the Legislature and the governor’s seat, a Wisconsin business advocacy group encouraged them to pass policies that they said would further improve the state’s business climate. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce President Scott Bauer released a statement on Wednesday praising Gov. Scott Walker… Read more »

CHICAGO – President Barack Obama won his second term in the White House, which he said in a speech to supporters would be one where both parties need to come together to solve the various issues the country faces. Obama gave his victory speech after midnight in Chicago’s McCormick Place,… Read more »

State Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, completed the Democratic sweep in Wisconsin during Tuesday’s general election by winning the House race for Wisconsin’s Second Congressional District. Pocan maintained the Democratic control of the Madison seat in Congress, taking former Senator-elect Tammy Baldwin’s place as she gave up the seat after 14… Read more »

The Democratic Party lost its majority in the state Senate Tuesday night after Republicans picked up two seats that gave them control of the body, the Assembly and governorship for the next legislative session. According to The Associated Press’s preliminary results, Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, defeated Democrat Susan Sommer 57… Read more »

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., defeated her Republican challenger, former Gov. Tommy Thompson, Tuesday night to become Wisconsin’s first female senator and the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate. According to preliminary results from The Associated Press with 95 percent of precincts reporting, Baldwin received 51 percent of… Read more »

Around 10:45 p.m., the patrons and staff of a Madison gay bar put everything on pause and raised a toast to the results of the 2012 election.“Here’s to four more years moving forward,” Plan B Co-Owner Rico Sabatini said over a microphone as martini glasses of champagne were raised all… Read more »

The hotly contested Wisconsin state Senate races will conclude with the election today, and the results will play a role in determining the political climate in the state for the next few years.Democrats currently hold a 17-16 majority in the chamber, meaning Republicans need to win just one additional seat… Read more »

President Barack Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., are in a dead heat for the presidential race that concludes today, according to several final polls, and state officials are saying the election is projected to draw a solid turnout of 70 percent in Wisconsin. The final CNN national poll… Read more »

MILWAUKEE – In his final weekend of campaigning, President Barack Obama spoke to a Milwaukee crowd of about 20,000, contrasting what he said was his proven record of change with his Republican opponent’s tried-but-failed vision for growing the economy. Prior to Obama’s speech, singer Katy Perry performed a concert in… Read more »

In his first appearance in Wisconsin since August, Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney summoned a crowd numbering the thousands at a West Allis rally Friday. Speaking at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, Romney repeatedly made comparisons between himself and President Barack Obama in hopes of winning over the battleground state,… Read more »

J. Mario Molina, M.D., chief executive officer of Molina Healthcare Inc., talked to The Badger Herald Thursday about health care reform and the 2012 elections. The Badger Herald: Can you talk about what health care reform would look like if each candidate gets elected? J. Mario Molina: Romney has talked… Read more »

President Barack Obama will make one of the final speeches of his reelection campaign in Madison in an attempt to fire up his supporters in a swing state just one day before Election Day. Monday, the president will speak at a Madison location that was not disclosed by press time… Read more »

A new poll released Thursday showed President Barack Obama is clinging to a narrow lead in Wisconsin over former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., with only a few days left before Tuesday’s election. The NBC News, Wall Street Journal and Marist College poll indicates Obama leads Romney 49 percent to 46… Read more »

A new Wisconsin law placing restrictions on new drivers’ use of cell phones behind the wheel took effect Thursday, meaning it is now illegal for those with instructional and probationary licenses to use a cellphone while driving unless they are in an emergency situation. The law had bipartisan support when it… Read more »

The Government Accountability Board said absentee and early voting numbers are high again this election cycle, according to a statement released Thursday. “Absentee voting continues to be robust around the state,” GAB Chief Kevin Kennedy said in the statement. An estimated 412,611 Wisconsin voters requested absentee ballots as of Wednesday,… Read more »

It is election season in Madison, and campus is naturally radiating political energy. State Street, East Campus Mall and just about every street corner within city bounds have been plagued with campaign workers and political activists encouraging students and the general public to register to vote. While Wisconsin has voted… Read more »

With less than a week until Election Day, former President Bill Clinton is playing a major role in speaking to Wisconsin voters on behalf of President Barack Obama. Clinton spoke at a rally Wednesday night in Eau Claire, telling voters they need to vote for Obama because of his accomplishments… Read more »

As Wisconsin becomes an increasingly important win for the presidential candidates in the upcoming election, both campaigns are spending time in Wisconsin in an effort to increase voter turnout. Despite cancelling several scheduled stops as a result of Superstorm Sandy, both presidential candidates will be making stops across the state. President Barack Obama is… Read more »

A Dane County Circuit Court judge struck down a law passed last year by Gov. Scott Walker that expanded his powers over the Department of Public Instruction. The law gave Walker power to approve or deny rules the agency proposed, although this ruling only applies to the DPI. The plaintiffs,… Read more »

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a roundtable discussion Wednesday, led by two female state legislators, to proclaim why U.S. Senate candidate and former Gov. Tommy Thompson is wrong for Wisconsin women. At the event, attended by about 20 onlookers, Rep. Chris Taylor, D–Madison, and Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison,… Read more »

For months, candidates seeking office all across the country have pounded the table about how they plan to fix the economy, do or do without the Affordable Care Act, erase the deficit and so on. With only days until Election Day, the major themes of Election 2012 are clearly defined.… Read more »

The renters of the Milwaukee-area billboards stating voter fraud is a felony were revealed Monday night after an investigation by One Wisconsin Now and African-American news website The Grio. The investigation found Milwaukee’s Einhorn Family Foundation rented the billboards, which the foundation confirmed in a statement prepared by public relations… Read more »

Wisconsin private landowners have registered more than a million acres in an open-managed forest program for recreational public use in exchange for tax subsidies. The report from a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation indicated that in certain areas public use has been denied.Monday, legislators promised legislation to remove the legal loopholes in… Read more »

In a celebration taking place Tuesday evening, the Wisconsin Historical Society announced its Forward Campaign raised $77.6 million toward its cause, exceeding the original goal to earn $77 million.Tuesday evening, donors and members of the Wisconsin Historical Society gathered to commemorate their first and largest campaign’s achievement of their goal. According to Campaign Chair Craig Culver, the Forward… Read more »

A volunteer working on a congressional campaign has recanted his allegations of being attacked because of his status as a gay Republican.  Kyle Wood, a volunteer for the Chad Lee for Congress Campaign, previously said he was physically attacked in his home because of his political affiliations, according to The Associated Press. As… Read more »

As post-tropical cyclone Sandy rips through the east coast, leaving millions impacted and without power, President Barack Obama and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney are changing their plans for the week and have canceled their campaign visits to Wisconsin.With just a week left before the national election, Obama had planned… Read more »

In light of the recent shooting in Brookfield, Wis., and emerging details about the shooter’s past and a restraining order filed against him by his wife, Gov. Scott Walker announced he wants the state to take a tougher stand against domestic violence. Walker spoke about the need for stronger laws… Read more »

State election officials resolved a federal lawsuit brought by Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign committee by extending the deadline for some military and overseas voters to return their ballots. According to a Government Accountability Board statement issued Wednesday, federal law requires military and overseas voters to have at least 45 days… Read more »

Neither of the two leading presidential candidates are through with Wisconsin quite yet as both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama announced upcoming visits to Wisconsin this week. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will speak in West Allis on Monday evening while Obama is set to visit Green Bay Tuesday evening.… Read more »

Tammy Baldwin and two cast members from the television show “Glee” spoke yesterday evening at the Red Gym to promote early voting. A number of people addressed the crowd of about 60 people Sunday, including Baldwin, State Representative Chris Taylor (D-Madison), “Glee” stars Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale and… Read more »

Wisconsin’s two senate candidates concluded their series of debates Friday night in Milwaukee, giving the candidates one last chance to spar against one another on serious issues such as the economy and healthcare. In an election filled with negative campaign ads, the third and final debate between the two… Read more »

President Barack Obama’s campaign reached out to college campus newspapers Thursday with a conference call that included the vice president’s wife. Dr. Jill Biden, Obama Deputy Campaign Manager Stephanie Cutter and Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards talked to student reporters and laid out the reasons Obama should be reelected. Biden,… Read more »

Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, has been in the Legislature for almost 14 years and is the Democrat running for Congress in the Second Congressional District. A small business owner himself, his biggest issues include growing the economy, ensuring affordable health care and strengthening education. The Badger Herald: Give some reasons… Read more »

Chad Lee, a Mount Horeb entrepreneur, is running as a Republican in the second Congressional district. His most prominent proposals include creating jobs by reforming the tax code and removing excessive regulations, ensuring affordable health care and reducing the national debt. This interview has been edited for clarity and readability.… Read more »

The state’s election agency voted to keep two policies in place that would allow proof of residence through electronic documents and require that election observers stay more than six feet away from poll workers on Election Day. In its Tuesday meeting, the Government Accountability Board heard concerns and support for… Read more »

Now that the presidential debates are over, the two campaigns have a little less than two weeks to make their final cases to voters throughout the country with the help of campus branches.Monday’s foreign policy debate was the last chance for President Barack Obama and his challenger, former Mass. Gov.… Read more »

Less than two weeks remain until the first Congressional District election, but GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan and his Democratic opponent Rob Zerban have yet to confront each other in a debate. Under Wisconsin law, Ryan is able to run for reelection in his House seat while simultaneously running… Read more »

The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have become a new point of contention in Wisconsin’s heated U.S. Senate race, with both campaigns claiming in media advertisements their opponent does not care about those most impacted by the attack. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson’s campaign drew first blood Tuesday by attacking opponent… Read more »

After a shooting in Brookfield this weekend, two Democratic legislators are planning to reintroduce a bill that would ensure domestic violence offenders surrender their guns to police within a two-day period. The shooting suspect, Radcliffe Haughton, took his own life after killing three and wounding four others Sunday at the… Read more »

The vice president’s wife visited Madison Monday morning at an event hosted by Obama for America to honor the first day of early voting. In her speech Jill Biden urged Madisonians to vote early and requested supporters do what they can in the next two weeks before the presidential election.… Read more »

Contested political billboard signs spotted in Milwaukee and across the Midwest will be removed after criticism from community groups.Clear Channel Billboards ultimately decided to take down several dozen signs reading “Voter Fraud is a Felony!” after they were flagged by some groups as discouraging voting among minorities in the Milwaukee… Read more »

Until further review by a higher court, a Dane County court’s decision that struck down parts of the collective bargaining law last month will remain unconstitutional and not in effect because the judge chose not to stay his ruling Monday.  Dane County Circuit Court Judge Juan Colás decided he would… Read more »

The candidates for Wisconsin’s open Senate seat portrayed each other as candidates who would not stand for the middle class in a notably heated Thursday night debate. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, and former Gov. Tommy Thompson both focused on their records and policies they would support to ensure the middle… Read more »

The head of the Government Accountability Board made an appearance on television recently to ensure voters know what to expect during the November elections. Kevin Kennedy addressed some common questions voters have regarding the upcoming Nov. 6 election in an interview with WisconsinEye. His answers covered everything from where, when and… Read more »

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has lost track of $8 million of taxpayer money in loans given to private businesses, according to a WEDC spokesperson. Tom Thieding, WEDC spokesperson, said 99 private businesses are overdue on repaying loans given out by the agency, which formerly was the state Department of… Read more »

Eric Prudent, a 24-year-old University of Wisconsin student majoring in biochemistry, is running for Assembly in Waukesha County. His platform includes growing the economy by encouraging small businesses to create jobs, protecting the environment and ensuring affordability and quality in both education and health care. The Badger Herald: Some may… Read more »

With less than a month to go until the election, a new poll showed the presidential and Senate races are essentially tied among likely voters in Wisconsin. The Marquette Law School Poll revealed President Barack Obama leads former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., 49 to 48 percent. In the Senate race,… Read more »

Matt Romney, son of presidential candidate and former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., gathered with a crowd of University of Wisconsin students at The Kollege Klub Wednesday evening. At the event, Romney outlined why his father’s plans for the economy would be beneficial and said Wisconsin is a key state in… Read more »

A federal court recently declared the law firm that performed last year’s Wisconsin redistricting withheld 34 emails that had been ordered to be public.A federal court had asked Michael Best & Friedrich — the law firm Wisconsin Republicans contracted to put together the redistricting maps — to reveal the correspondence… Read more »

A comment from former Gov. Tommy Thompson’s son about sending President Barack Obama “back to Kenya” is becoming a regular attack line for Wisconsin Democrats, despite apologies from both Thompson and his son. During a Kenosha brunch Sunday, Jason Thompson, a prominent 38-year-old Milwaukee lawyer, said voters this November have a… Read more »

The second debate in the presidential election was held Tuesday night between President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass., and President Obama exchanged many topics, issues and disagreements. Concerning the character of the debate, however, representatives of both sides agreed both candidates were aggressive,… Read more »

An extension of Wisconsin’s popular prescription drug program for seniors is now closer to coming to fruition, officials announced earlier this week. Federal officials deemed the application to extend the SeniorCare Prescription Drug Assistance Program complete, and the application is awaiting a decision, Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith… Read more »

Billboards reading “Voter Fraud is a Felony” an anonymous donor funded have gained attention in Milwaukee and prompted some to call them an exposition of “voter suppression.” Clear Channel Outdoor advertising received the money for the advertisements from a “private family donation.” There are more than 20 billboards, and they… Read more »

The Department of Administration released its annual fiscal report showing Wisconsin will deposit the largest amount into its Rainy Day Fund in state history, according to a statement from the DOA. According to 2009 Legislative Fiscal Bureau publication, the rainy day fund was created in 1985 after the early 1980s recession. The… Read more »

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney filed a federal lawsuit in order to gain more time for military and overseas voters to return their ballots in Wisconsin, according to the Associated Press. The lawsuit was filed in Madison’s federal court on Friday, which comes after the Romney campaign had already sent… Read more »

Wisconsin is ranked second in the nation in terms of third party spending in the upcoming senatorial elections, according to Federal Election Committee data. With the election just weeks away, both candidates have received money from Political Action Committees and organizations outside of the state of Wisconsin. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin… Read more »

Attendees of the Annual Conference on South Asia gathered for a special roundtable discussion Friday on the summer shooting which took place in Oak Creek, Wis.The shooting took place on Aug. 5, when white supremacist Wade Michael Page killed five people and wounded several others before killing himself.Scholars from around… Read more »

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi recently announced the beginning of his reelection campaign in a move he claims will help guarantee the success of his administration’s efforts to clean the environment and provide jobs to county citizens. In a statement Thursday, Parisi said over the last 18 months, his administration… Read more »

A medical software company, Epic Systems, is planning to build Dane County’s first wind turbines in a move lauded by environmental advocacy groups and local citizens.Epic Systems plans to build six 262-foot wind turbines, each with three 135-foot blades, on its Verona campus, according to The Wisconsin State Journal. The… Read more »

Rock the Vote, an organization dedicated to encouraging the youth vote, is bringing its bus tour to the University of Wisconsin campus Oct. 16.The institution, which is dedicated to encouraging young Americans to vote, began its campaign at the Republican National Convention in late August and has visited 16 other… Read more »

The two vice-presidential candidates debated at Kentucky’s Centre College Wednesday night to discuss domestic and foreign policy. Vice President Joe Biden and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, both laid out their arguments for why their party’s presidential candidate should be the next president. Ryan said new leadership was needed in the… Read more »

As part of a Democratic National Committee tour bus, two celebrities stopped by one of President Barack Obama’s campaign offices in Madison to speak to a group of supporters. CSI: NY actor Hill Harper and Chris Walla from Death Cab for Cutie joined Democratic National Committee communications director Brad Woodhouse… Read more »