On Feb. 8, Governor Walker introduced his 2017-19 budget. This kicks off the legislative budget process that will command the legislature’s time for the next several months. The governor is traveling around the state selling his proposed budget to the public – often highlighting his $649 million investment in K-12 education. Positioning himself for another […]
Opioid Special Session Bills Introduced
Date Fri, Feb. 24, 2017 - 11:59am By Hamilton
Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), co-chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Opioid Abuse, and a leader on opioid abuse legislation, introduced 11 special session bills on opioid abuse in the Assembly. The bills were also introduced in the Senate by the Committee on Senate Organization. The bills are being scheduled for hearings in the upcoming […]
Joint Audit Committee Holds DOT Audit Hearing
Date Fri, Feb. 24, 2017 - 11:28am By Hamilton
The Joint Audit Committee held a public hearing Wednesday, Feb. 22 on the January audit of the Department Transportation’s highway program. The audit found increased expenditures, inaccurate cost estimates and deteriorating state roads. At the beginning of the hearing, the committee questioned the two state auditors. Legislators expressed concern about the upcoming DOT budget. Joint […]
Bills of Note: Right to Try
Date Fri, Feb. 24, 2017 - 11:15am By Hamilton
On Wednesday, Feb. 22, Wisconsin lawmakers comprising the Assembly Committee on Health met for a public hearing to consider 2017 Assembly Bill 69. Introduced by Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Schofield) and Rep. Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc), the “Right to Try” legislation offers citizens with a terminal illness the opportunity to access investigational drugs, devices, and biological products […]
Bills of Note: Civil Asset Forfeiture
Date Fri, Feb. 24, 2017 - 11:13am By Hamilton
A bill (SB 61) to drastically change the civil asset forfeiture law in Wisconsin was introduced on Wednesday, Feb. 22. In the closing weeks of last session, a similar bill advanced but ultimately died in the Assembly. Like last session, the authors of the legislation include Sen. Craig (R-Big Bend), Sen. Nass (R- Whitewater), Rep. […]
Incumbent Tony Evers to face Lowell Holtz in April 4 State Superintendent Race
Date Fri, Feb. 24, 2017 - 11:10am By Hamilton
The primary for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction was held on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The candidates running included incumbent State Superintendent Tony Evers, John Humphries, and Lowell Holtz, with the two top candidates moving onto the general election. Evers received 69 percent of the vote and will face Holtz, who received 23 percent of […]
Gov. Walker Appoints New PSC Commissioner
Date Fri, Feb. 24, 2017 - 11:09am By Hamilton
Gov. Scott Walker announced this week that Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Lon Roberts will replace current Public Service Commissioner Phil Montgomery whose term on PSC ends next month. Montgomery had served 12 years in the Wisconsin Assembly before his six-year term on PSC. Roberts, Montgomery’s replacement, was a partner and president at a law […]
AG Schimel Announces Changes to Executive Staff
Date Fri, Feb. 24, 2017 - 11:08am By Hamilton
Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel announced this week three new additions to the Department of Justice senior leadership team: Daniel Lennington, Lane Ruhland and Mike Austin. Lennington will replace Paul Connell, who was recently named Deputy Attorney General as Senior Counsel. Another former Hamiltonian at DOJ—Ruhland will replace Austin as Director of Government Affairs, while […]
Gov. Walker’s 2017-19 State Budget Address: Legislators Respond
Date Fri, Feb. 10, 2017 - 11:53am By Hamilton
On Feb. 8, Gov. Scott Walker gave his biennial State Budget Address to the legislature. The governor’s budget focused on three themes: Student Success, Accountable Government and Rewarding Work. Republicans were generally pleased with Walker’s proposal, but both parties agreed that the budget did not go far enough to address Wisconsin’s transportation budget shortfall. Republicans […]
Gov. Walker’s 2017-19 Biennium Budget Highlights
Date Fri, Feb. 10, 2017 - 11:51am By Hamilton
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, Governor Walker presented his 2017-19 budget. Overall, the governor’s $76.1 billion budget invests in education and provides tax relief. The governor increased K-12 funding by $649 million and put $140 million in the University system, including $35 million to offset a five percent tuition cut. Balancing his other major priority, the governor’s […]