In State of Wisconsin ex rel. Annette Flynn v. Kemper Center, Inc. (2017AP1897), the Court of Appeals District II held that private corporation Kemper Center, Inc. is not a “quasi-governmental corporation” subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law. Kemper Center is a private corporation that leases property from Kenosha County and operates and maintains the […]
State of Wisconsin ex rel. Annette Flynn v. Kemper Center, Inc. (Public Records)
Date Fri, Feb. 1, 2019 - 11:59am By Hamilton
DNR, Citing PFAS, Scales Back Voluntary Party Liability Exemption Program
Date Tue, Jan. 29, 2019 - 2:10pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an interim decision expanding voluntary parties’ future liability for PFAS and other hazardous materials. DNR’s Voluntary Party Liability Exemption Program (VPLE), in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 292.15, allows property owners to clean up properties and then receive exemptions from liability for historic contamination on the […]
First Marquette Poll of 2019
Date Fri, Jan. 25, 2019 - 9:21am By Hamilton
The first Marquette University Law School (MU) poll of 2019 was released on Jan. 24. This is the first MU poll since October (before the 2018 election). The poll surveyed 800 registered voters in Wisconsin on where the state is headed, Wisconsin politicians, policy proposals, and potential 2020 candidates. Right direction/wrong track The poll […]
Republican Response to Evers’s State of the State Address
Date Fri, Jan. 25, 2019 - 9:05am By Hamilton
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) delivered the Republican response to Gov. Tony Evers’s first State of the State address. Vos said the state of the state is strong, highlighting successes including Wisconsin’s strong economy and business climate, low taxes, and investments in education. Following a letter from Assembly Republicans to Evers earlier this month, Vos […]
Gov. Evers Delivers First State of the State Address
Date Thu, Jan. 24, 2019 - 11:49am By Hamilton
Gov. Tony Evers delivered his first State of the State address to the legislature on Jan. 22. In his speech, the governor said the state of the state is that “we’ve got work to do, and we’re ready for bipartisan solutions.” The speech focused on policies and solutions that “connect the dots” on issues including […]
Get to Know a Freshman: Reps. Emerson, Gruszynski, Haywood & James
Date Thu, Jan. 24, 2019 - 11:35am By Hamilton
Eighteen new members were officially inaugurated into the Wisconsin Legislature on Jan. 7, 2019. Over the next several weeks, HCG will highlight each new member of the legislature. This week, meet Reps. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), Staush Gruszynski (D-Green Bay), Kalan Haywood (D-Milwaukee), and Jesse James (R-Altoona). Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) Rep. Emerson, representing […]
Floor Report: Assembly Passes Pre-existing Conditions Legislation
Date Thu, Jan. 24, 2019 - 11:28am By Hamilton
In their first floor session of the year on Jan. 22, the Assembly passed a bill placing a state-level prohibition on pre-existing conditions exclusions, if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is repealed or is otherwise unenforceable. The bill, amended by Assembly Substitute Amendment 1, would exempt short-term, grandfathered, and transitional plans from these prohibitions. At […]
2019-21 Budget Process Beginning
Date Thu, Jan. 24, 2019 - 11:24am By Hamilton
The start of a new legislative session means Wisconsin’s biennial budget process is beginning. This week, the legislature gave Gov. Tony Evers a one-month extension from the typical late January deadline. Gov. Evers will give his budget address on Feb. 28. Once the budget bill is introduced, the Joint Finance Committee will begin its public […]
Agencies Continue to Announce Leadership Teams, Confirmation Hearings Begin
Date Thu, Jan. 24, 2019 - 10:13am By Hamilton
Newly inaugurated Gov. Tony Evers is continuing to fill appointed positions in the administration. Recently announced appointments include: Public Service Commission Chair – Rebecca Cameron Valcq. Valcq is currently a partner at Quarles & Brady and previously worked as attorney for WE Energies. Confirmation hearing in Senate Utilities & Housing on March 12; confirmation recommended […]
Myers v. Department of Natural Resources (DNR Authority)
Date Fri, Jan. 18, 2019 - 12:23pm By Hamilton
In Myers v. Department of Natural Resources (2019 WI 5), the Supreme Court held that DNR does not have the authority to amend an expired construction permit. DNR issued a permit to Philip and Terrie Myers to build a pier on Lake Superior. Over ten years later, DNR issued an amendment to the permit, requiring the […]