There are only three weeks until the governor’s budget address on February 3rd, leaving plenty of time for speculation around what agency budget proposals will or will not make the cut in the governor’s budget proposal. One of those key proposals is Department of Transportation Secretary Gottlieb’s budget request, which includes a proposal to modify […]
Assembly Increases Per Diems for Some
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 3:42pm By Hamilton
On a party line vote, the Assembly approved changes in the house’s rules that would change how much a legislator could collect for travel and overnight stays in the capitol city. Prior to the change, Assembly members could receive $88 a day for working in Madison and $44 if you live nearer the Capitol. With […]
Election Update: State Supreme Court and Special Election
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 1:19pm By Hamilton
Special Election for the 20th Senate District The 20th Senate District senate seat will remain vacant as of now, as Congressman Glenn Grothman (R) resigned from the seat shortly before being elected to Congress this January. The governor called a special election for the seat to align with the spring election. Candidates for the 20th […]
Gallup: Record 43% of Americans are Independents
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 1:09pm By Hamilton
A new poll from Gallup has reported a record high number of Americans identify as politically independent and not associated with either of the two major political parties. The poll results show that 43% of Americans identify as independent, 30% as Democrats and 26% as Republicans. Read more on the report below: Since 2008, the […]
Governor Walker’s 2015-2016 Cabinet Members
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 1:01pm By Hamilton
After being sworn in for his second term, Governor Scott Walker announced there would be no immediate changes to his cabinet. Although it was previously speculated some positions in the executive branch might change, Walker chose the status quo for now. Below is a list of Governor Walker’s cabinet. Department of Administration: Secretary Michael Huebsch […]
New Team Members Join Hamilton Consulting
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 12:58pm By Hamilton
R.J. Pirlot has joined The Hamilton Consulting Group as its newest lobbyist. R.J. has over 20 years of experience in government and regulatory affairs, including nearly four years with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission where he managed day-to-day operations as Executive Assistant to Chairman Montgomery. Previously, he represented the business community on health care, transportation, […]
Walker and DNR Work to Boost Elk Population
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 12:53pm By Hamilton
Governor Walker, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources have finalized an agreement to boost Wisconsin’s elk population. In 1995, a small experimental herd was introduced in Clam Lake, Wis. through a gift from the State of Michigan. The herd has grown to around 160 animals. Since 1995, […]
UPDATE: Walker and DNR Work to Boost Elk Population
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 12:53pm By Hamilton
[UPDATE]: The project between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources is nearing completion as 26 elk arrived in Wisconsin last week, after finishing their 45-day quarantine period in Kentucky. The elk will spend 75 days in a seven-acre acclimation pen in the Black River State Forest, before being […]
Get to Know a Freshman: Week 5
Date Thu, Jan. 15, 2015 - 12:49pm By Hamilton
As we continue our “Get to Know a Freshman” series, we again bring you information on five incoming legislators. With one of the largest freshman classes ever in the Wisconsin Legislature, it may be harder to get to know the newly elected senators and representatives. This week, Political Tidbits highlights the following new legislators – […]
Legislators React to Walker’s State of the State
Date Wed, Jan. 14, 2015 - 10:31am By Hamilton
Reactions to the State of the State are always mixed, with people typically splitting along party lines. WisconsinEye once again provided video coverage of both prepared and off-the-cuff reactions following the governor’s speech. The official Democratic response is provided by Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling. Speech begins at 35:58. Immediately following the speech WisconsinEye […]