The U.S. Supreme Court recently granted certiorari to Tyson Foods, Inc. v. Bouaphakeo, a case which has the potential to shake up the class action bar. The case revolves around a dispute raised by Tyson pork-processing workers from an Iowa plant who alleged they were underpaid for time spent putting on and taking off protective […]
As the Budget Turns…
Date Fri, Jun. 26, 2015 - 9:30am By Hamilton
No one knows for sure when legislators will finish work on the state budget, but as of today their public statements reveal that they are still at odds. The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) has not met since late May and there has not been any official notice of future JFC meetings. A few key sticking […]
JFC Actions: Week 6
Date Mon, Jun. 1, 2015 - 10:20am By Hamilton
Long Term Care, Building Commission, Transfers in DOA, Office of Marketing, Worker’s Compensation, Room Tax, UW System, DNR Wednesday May 27 Continuing to vote on large omnibus motions that cover multiple items, Joint Finance Committee (JFC) took up two of these packaged motions on May 27. One consisted of Medical Assistance- Long Term Care […]
JFC Actions: Week 5
Date Mon, Jun. 1, 2015 - 10:13am By Hamilton
Department of Corrections, Department of Public Instruction, Agency Mergers, Medical Assistance Wednesday, May 19 Department of Corrections On May 19, JFC took several actions on the Department of Corrections (DOC), in the areas of Adult Corrections, Community Corrections and Juvenile Corrections. JFC took no action on the governor’s proposal for GPS tracking, thereby adopting […]
New Legislation on Motor Vehicle Liability
Date Sun, May. 31, 2015 - 8:06pm By Hamilton
2015 Wisconsin Assembly Bill 92 (AB 92) increases monetary fines, creates a new criminal penalty, and limits the types of damages that are recoverable in lawsuits that derive from car crashes for those who do not have automotive liability insurance. In March, Representatives Sanfelippo, Spiros, Weatherston, Tom Larson, Kapenga, and Jim Ott introduced AB 92 […]
Gov. Makes Appointments to DNR Board
Date Sun, May. 31, 2015 - 7:48pm By Hamilton
Governor Scott Walker has announced two appointments to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB), Julie Anderson and Dr. Frederick Prehn. Julie Anderson has served for over 24 years in the Racine County government in several positons including Planning Director, Land Information Officer, Highway Commissioner and Board Member of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation. Anderson […]
Patience Roggensack to Stay Chief Justice
Date Sun, May. 31, 2015 - 7:47pm By Hamilton
U.S. District Court Judge James Peterson ruled that Patience Roggensack could remain chief justice while Justice Abrahamson’s, the former chief justice, lawsuit unfolds. Justice Abrahamson sued shortly after Wisconsin voters chose to amend the state constitution to allow the state supreme court justices to determine who amongst them would serve as chief justice. Prior to […]
U.S. Supreme Court Will Not Take Up John Doe Case – Decision Pending in Wisconsin Supreme Court
Date Sun, May. 31, 2015 - 7:44pm By Hamilton
As it relates to the current state of Wisconsin politics, the words “John Doe” have been omnipresent for what seems like Governor Walker’s entire tenure in office. The probe may be close to a conclusion as another challenge to the probe has been eliminated. In the spring of 2014 Eric O’Keefe, Executive Director of Wisconsin […]
EPA Plans to Review Permit for Pig Farm in Bayfield County
Date Sun, May. 31, 2015 - 7:41pm By Hamilton
After opposition arose over the potential construction of a new pig concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to step and review the permitting process. Wisconsin currently is home to approximately 240 cow CAFOs, but Badgerwood LLC, a Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Iowa-based Reicks Farms, is looking to construct the […]
JFC Executive Actions – Week 3
Date Fri, May. 15, 2015 - 10:38am By Hamilton
PECFA, Fast Forward Program, State Parks, Confluence Project, DOJ The Joint Finance Committee continues to work their way through the governor’s budget. Below are the highlights of JFC votes from last week. Read about JFC’s from this week here. Petroleum Environmental Cleanup Fund Award (PECFA) JFC passed a motion that would delay the governor’s proposed […]