Under Tourism, JFC voted to add $1.5 million over the biennium in the JFC supplemental appropriation for general tourism marketing. The amount reflects adjustments for Midwest inflation and is an overall 42 percent increase of GPR Tourism Marketing dollars, however significantly less than the $5 million proposed by the governor. The Department of Tourism would […]
May 21 – JFC Reworks Gov. Evers Tourism Budget, Approves State Employee Pay Raises
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:57am By Hamilton
Assembly Committee Holds Hearing on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:51am By Hamilton
This week the Assembly Committee on Energy & Utilities held a public hearing on legislation (SB 236/AB 233) that would incentivize the installation of electric vehicle charging stations across Wisconsin. Authored by Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) and Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) as part of the Assembly Republicans’ environment and energy proposals, the bill would […]
Legislators Circulating Transportation Reform Bills
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:47am By Hamilton
Last week, legislators circulated a package of proposed reforms for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). The bills aim to improve efficiency and accountability at DOT. Co-sponsorship for the bills is due this Friday, May 31. Joint Finance Committee member Sen. Tom Tiffany is listed as an author on several of the proposals. Other authors […]
DOJ Restructuring to Focus on Environmental Enforcement
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:43am By Hamilton
On May 23, Attorney General Josh Kaul announced a restructuring at the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will allow for more environmental enforcement. The restructuring merges DOJ’s Environmental Protection Unit and Consumer Protection Unit under a single Public Protection Unit. Kaul said the new unit is “a step toward revitalizing the enforcement of our consumer protection […]
2020 Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates Taking Shape
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:37am By Hamilton
Three candidates have announced they will run for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the April 2020 election. Conservative Justice Daniel Kelly announced on May 28 that he will run to keep his seat. Challenging him so far are liberal candidates Dane County Judge Jill Karofsky and Marquette University Law School Professor Ed Fallone. A primary […]
Legislators Circulate Bills Addressing PFAS
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:29am By Hamilton
Last week, legislators on both sides of the aisle circulated differing proposals to address PFAS in Wisconsin. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are manufactured chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and firefighting foam. Competing studies debate whether or not PFAS have negative health effects, and, if they do, […]
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Janesville
Date Fri, May. 31, 2019 - 9:18am By Hamilton
The Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality met in Janesville on May 29 for another public hearing. The task force heard from conservationists, farmers, septic utilities, and energy experts before taking public testimony. First, the committee heard from Rock County’s conservationist and environmental health director. The county officials gave a presentation outlining concerns about nitrate […]
Payday Loan Resolution, LLC v. DFI (Agency Police Power Over Out-of-State Business)
Date Thu, May. 23, 2019 - 9:50am By Hamilton
In Payday Loan Resolution, LLC v. DFI (2018AP821), the Court of Appeals District IV held that Florida debt settlement business Payday Loan Resolution is subject to Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) licensing requirements and enforcement. DFI received two consumer complaints against Payday from Wisconsin residents. DFI then proceeded with enforcement actions against Payday, stating […]
Hull v. Glewwe (Claim Preclusion)
Date Thu, May. 23, 2019 - 9:49am By Hamilton
In Hull v. Glewwe (2017AP2485), the Court of Appeals District III held that claim preclusion does not bar a plaintiff from pursuing a new negligence lawsuit when the plaintiff’s insurer has already defended the plaintiff in a previous lawsuit arising out of the same accident, wherein the plaintiff was not a named defendant. Plaintiff Hull […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Accepts New Cases
Date Thu, May. 23, 2019 - 9:47am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently accepted several new cases. The final oral arguments of the 2018-19 term were held on May 15, so new cases will be heard in the fall. Cases of note include: Town of Wilson v. City of Sheboygan (2018AP2162). The Supreme Court will review Kohler Co.’s petition to annex land from […]