New campaign finance reforms continue to make their way through the legislative process. The reforms completely rewrite Chapter 11 in Wisconsin statutes and make significant changes. The Assembly passed the bill 61-0, after all Assembly Democrats recused themselves from the vote. Democrats argued they had a substantial financial interest in seeing the bill pass, therefore […]
Capitol Busy with Campaign Finance Reform
Date Thu, Oct. 15, 2015 - 5:09pm By Hamilton
Last week, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) rolled out legislation that will change current campaign finance laws in Wisconsin. While public reaction to the bill is mixed, the bills have been fast-tracked and will likely receive floor votes next week. The bill, which comes in at over 100 […]
Sen. Gudex Introduces High Capacity Well Legislation
Date Thu, Oct. 15, 2015 - 5:05pm By Hamilton
Legislation dealing with high capacity wells has recently been at the center of attention in the capitol. Several bills dealing with the regulation and permitting of high capacity wells have been introduced and have had extensive public hearings. Senate Bill 239, authored by Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac), clarifies DNR permit regulations for existing […]
Bills of Note: A Constitutional Amendment and More TIF
Date Wed, Oct. 14, 2015 - 4:25pm By Hamilton
Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate State Treasurer Moves Forward In an executive session on Thursday, the Assembly Committee on State Affairs and Government Operations passed Assembly Joint Resolution 5, which would eliminate the State Treasurer position from the Wisconsin Constitution. The resolution passed on party-line, 3-2 vote. At a public hearing in September, State Treasurer Matt […]
Presidential Debates Come to Wisconsin
Date Wed, Oct. 14, 2015 - 4:18pm By Hamilton
As the 2016 presidential election draws near, debates will continue to shape the nominating process in both parties. Both a Republican and a Democratic presidential candidate debate will be held in Wisconsin. Fox Business Network and the Wall Street Journal will host the Republican presidential debate, which will take place in Milwaukee on November 10, […]
Federal Court Stays Waters of U.S. Rule Nationwide – Decision May Soon Be Overturned
Date Wed, Oct. 14, 2015 - 4:16pm By Hamilton
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, stayed the implementation of the “Clean Water Rule” (Waters of U.S. Rule) nationwide finding the petitioners have a substantial likelihood of success to win the case. However, the court may also overturn itself in just a few weeks as it has yet […]
Vacancy on the Court – Gov. Appoints Judge Rebecca Bradley
Date Wed, Oct. 14, 2015 - 4:14pm By Hamilton
Governor Walker announced on October 9 he will appoint District I Court of Appeals Judge Rebecca Bradley. Gov. Walker announced he would take applications to fill the vacancy on the court, and that applications would be due October 2. District I Court of Appeals Judge Rebecca Bradley jumped into the race to fill Justice Crooks’ […]
Wisconsin DOT Announces Projects Delayed
Date Wed, Oct. 14, 2015 - 4:12pm By Hamilton
Governor Urges Legislature to Release Additional Dollars The recently-enacted biennial state budget bill reduced the level of bonding from Governor Walker’s recommended $1.3 billion in new bonding to $500 million, and allows for an additional $350 million in general obligation bonds to be issued upon approval by the legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance. This $350 […]
Back from the Campaign Trail, Legislation Takes Priority
Date Fri, Oct. 2, 2015 - 9:27am By Hamilton
Governor Walker is back from the campaign trail after spending just 70 days running for president, and while some thought he might take a break and catch his breath after his whirlwind candidacy, he has done quite the opposite. Governor Walker immediately started reconnecting with Wisconsinites with visits across the state and wasted no time […]
Boehner Shuts Down, Congress Doesn’t
Date Thu, Oct. 1, 2015 - 4:33pm By Hamilton
Last week, Congressman John Boehner abruptly resigned his position as Speaker of the House. Boehner became the fifth speaker to resign in a 226-year period, and appears to be the first to resign with internal caucus turmoil being cited as the primary reason. While some expected a competitive race to emerge to replace him, pundits […]