The governor’s original proposed budget included a provision to move the worker’s compensation division in the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). During budget committee deliberations, JFC removed the governor’s provision, from the budget bill. However, JFC did accept the governor’s proposal to transfer most adjudicatory functions […]
State Budget: Transportation
Date Wed, Jul. 8, 2015 - 8:13pm By Hamilton
The governor’s recommended transportation budget did not include tax or fee increases to help balance the Department of Transportation (DOT) budget. Overall, the governor’s transportation budget recommended providing $6.4 billion to build and maintain transportation projects and relied on $1.3 billion in new bonding to fund transportation projects. His proposal also included $836.1 million over […]
Bucks Arena Legislation Stays Out of Budget
Date Wed, Jul. 8, 2015 - 7:56pm By Hamilton
On Monday, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) held an executive session to introduce SB 209/AB 279, the Sports and Entertainment Arena – or Bucks arena bill. Immediately following the executive session, JFC held an invitation- only information hearing to hear testimony from the various stakeholders. After five hours of testimony, the committee finally adjourned. Funding […]
Bills of Note: 30 Bills Signed Into Law
Date Wed, Jul. 8, 2015 - 7:12pm By Hamilton
Governor Scott Walker signed 30 bills into law at the Capitol on July 1. This included bills relating to motorcycle lighting, air pollution, controlled substances for optometrists, microbeads, GPS tracking, camping units and election law changes. Motorcycle Lighting Introduced in March by Representative Jagler (R–Watertown) as Assembly Bill 100, this bill permits a motorcycle to […]
JFC Motion #999
Date Thu, Jul. 2, 2015 - 10:08pm By Hamilton
The wrap-up motion, also referred to as Motion #999, is the final omnibus motion introduced by JFC in every budget. The motion is always a grab bag of surprises as it can include nearly anything, and is not provided to the public until official introduction to the committee. This year, the 999 motion was released […]
JFC Motion on Taxes
Date Thu, Jul. 2, 2015 - 10:04pm By Hamilton
In the motion on general fund taxes, JFC created a sales and use tax exemption for goods sold to construction contractors for school, municipal and nonprofit facility projects. This exemption amounts to $11 million over the biennium. The committee also reduced the manufacturing and agricultural (MAC) credit from 5.526% to 5.025% for tax year 2015. […]
JFC Passes Transportation Motion
Date Thu, Jul. 2, 2015 - 3:51pm By Hamilton
The governor’s recommended transportation budget did not include tax or fee increases to help balance the Department of Transportation budget. Overall, the governor’s transportation budget recommended providing $6.4 billion to build and maintain transportation projects and relied on $1.3 billion in new bonding to fund transportation projects. His proposal also included $836.1 million over the […]
New Senator to Represent 33rd Senate District
Date Fri, Jun. 26, 2015 - 9:42am By Hamilton
Representative Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) has won the primary for the special election to fill the 33rd Senate seat. The Senate seat, which covers most of Waukesha County, is currently held by Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee), whose last day is July 17th. In November, Sen. Farrow was elected as Waukesha County Executive. Kapenga beat Brian Dorow […]
Hamilton Consulting Web Resources
Date Fri, Jun. 26, 2015 - 9:41am By Hamilton
As you read our newest edition of Political Tidbits, also check up on some of the other great resources that Hamilton Consulting has to offer. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our blog! Political Fundraising Calendar Hamilton Consulting keeps a current and accurate political fundraising calendar highlighting fundraisers taking place statewide. […]
Bills of Note: Air Pollution, Legal Notices on the Internet, Ignition Interlock, and Signed Firearms Bills
Date Fri, Jun. 26, 2015 - 9:35am By Hamilton
Air Pollution Rule Repeal Senate Bill 144, introduced in May by Senator Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls), eliminates a rule promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), relating to construction permit requirements for stationary sources that emit greenhouses gases, which is no longer valid under the Supreme Court’s decision in Utility Air Regulatory Group v. […]