Gov. Scott Walker and Foxconn CEO Terry Gou are scheduled today to sign the contract to bring the Taiwanese tech manufacturer to Wisconsin. Joined by U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Janesville), the two will sign the document at SC Johnson in Racine. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) board approved the agency’s work on the […]
Walker Names Sen. Harsdorf as New Ag Secretary
Date Fri, Nov. 10, 2017 - 9:28am By Hamilton
Gov. Scott Walker announced this morning his appointment of state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls) as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Harsdorf will be the first female DATCP secretary. Harsdorf’s appointment, which begins on Monday, opens up the 10th Senate District seat. Harsdorf has held the seat since 2000 […]
Rep. Macco Announces Ways and Means Committee Restructure
Date Fri, Nov. 10, 2017 - 8:59am By Hamilton
Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chair John Macco (R-Ledgeview) announced last week a restructuring of the committee in anticipation of potential federal tax reform and long-term changes at the state level. Macco announced four new subcommittees that will review Wisconsin’s tax code: Personal and Corporate Taxes – Chaired by Rep. Bob Kulp (R-Stratford) Local Taxation […]
Walker Announces Re-Election Campaign
Date Fri, Nov. 10, 2017 - 8:57am By Hamilton
Gov. Scott Walker announced his candidacy for another term as governor of Wisconsin on Sunday, Nov. 5 at a rally in Waukesha. According to his campaign announcement speech, he intends to run on the momentum of the University of Wisconsin tuition freeze, ending the state property tax, boosting employment rates, and the signing of the […]
Speaker Vos Creates New Committee on International Affairs & Commerce
Date Fri, Nov. 10, 2017 - 8:55am By Hamilton
On Nov. 3, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) announced he is creating a standing committee for cultivating and strengthening international relationships in order to attract foreign investments in Wisconsin. In addition to encouraging foreign investments, the new Assembly Committee on International Affairs and Commerce will develop incentives promoting international trade, communication, and tourism. Last […]
Attorney General Opinion States Municipalities Can Offer Self-Insurance If State Does
Date Thu, Nov. 9, 2017 - 6:02pm By Hamilton
On Nov. 6, Attorney General Brad Schimel issued a formal opinion stating that if the Group Insurance Board offers health insurance on a self-insured basis, municipalities are also authorized to do so. The opinion came at the request of Gov. Scott Walker, who proposed moving state employees to self-insurance in his 2017-19 state budget. The […]
WAPA Holds PA Day at the Capitol
Date Thu, Nov. 9, 2017 - 5:54pm By Hamilton
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, physician assistants (PAs) from across the state gathered for the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants (WAPA) “PA Day at the Capitol.” PAs met with their legislators to share information about their profession and WAPA. In addition, the legislative day participants explained to legislators some of the current challenges facing PAs in […]
Walker Calls for Special Elections to Fill 58th, 66th Assembly Districts
Date Thu, Nov. 9, 2017 - 5:51pm By Hamilton
Gov. Scott Walker has called for special elections on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, to fill Assembly Districts 58 and 66. District 58 became vacant in October when Rep. Bob Gannon (R-West Bend) passed away. District 66, currently filled by Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine), will become vacant in January. Mason was sworn in as mayor of […]
Senate and Assembly In Session Next Week
Date Fri, Oct. 27, 2017 - 9:41am By Hamilton
After passing over potential floor dates in September in the wake of budget and Foxconn negotiations, the Senate and Assembly are set to be on the floor again next week. The Assembly will be in session on Thursday, Nov. 2, and Thursday, Nov. 9. Assembly members were also told to keep Tuesday, Nov. 7, open […]
Worker’s Comp Bill Update
Date Fri, Oct. 27, 2017 - 9:38am By Hamilton
Legislation proposed by the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) has been finalized and is ready for introduction in the legislature. Historically, once a WCAC approved bill was introduced, it went through a simple process of committee review and quick passage in the legislature. However, with more controversial items included – specifically a health service […]