Hamilton Blog Archive Page
Dane County Judge Temporarily Blocks Voter ID Law
Submitted by Hamilton on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 4:34pmA Dane County circuit court judge this week struck down Wisconsin’s controversial voter identification law. The law (2011 Wisconsin Act 23), passed in May 2011, requires that a person wishing to vote present proof of identification before they are given a ballot. The law was applied for the first time during the February 2012 primary elections. Proponents argue that it helps prevent voter fraud, while others say it negatively affects minorities’ ability to vote.
Mining Bill Stalls in Senate, Gogebic Taconite Ends Plans for a Mine in Wisconsin
Submitted by Hamilton on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 9:31amDespite numerous attempts at compromise, the Wisconsin Senate was unable to pass iron mining permit reform legislation. Shortly after the Senate voted down the latest compromise legislation, Gogebic Taconite announced it would cease operations in Wisconsin.
Recall Update
Submitted by Hamilton on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 11:04amThe signature verification saga continues to unfold in the recall efforts against Governor Walker, Lt. Gov. Kleefisch, and four Republican Senators.
JFC Schedules Executive Session on Mining Bill
Submitted by Hamilton on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 11:03amFor the past month, the Wisconsin Senate has held the reins on mining reform, working off of the bill passed by the Assembly (AB 426) and various Senate versions, in an effort to garner 17 votes. The Joint Finance Committee has scheduled an executive session on both the Senate and Assembly bills for Monday, March 5. Once a bill is voted out of committee, it can be placed on the floor calendar at any time.
Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Hotline 2011 Summary Released
Submitted by Hamilton on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 10:39amThe Legislative Audit Bureau has released its 2011 summary of the Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Hotline. The summary highlights hotline activities in 2011 and describes outcomes and findings related to selected reports that illustrate the variety of issues addressed through the hotline.