October has been the month for political debates in Wisconsin as candidates try to close the deal with voters in the final weeks before the general election on November 8. Read on for more information about the debates between candidates for statewide offices. U.S. Senate (October 7 & 13) Incumbent U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R) […]
Study Committees Begin to Consider, Recommend Legislation
Date Tue, Oct. 25, 2022 - 2:28pm By Hamilton
The Joint Legislative Council (JLC) of the Wisconsin Legislature recommends special committees to study major issues identified by the Legislature, typically during even-numbered years after adjournment. This year, seven study committees were established with instructions to gather information and make policy recommendations that could be considered for adoption by the Legislature next year. Bills drafted […]
State Agencies Submit 2023-25 Budget Requests
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 8:12pm By Hamilton
On September 15, Wisconsin state government agencies submitted requests for the next state budget to Gov. Tony Evers (D) and the Department of Administration (DOA). The state budgets on a two-year (biennial) basis, with fiscal years beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The 2023-2025 state budget will cover a two-year period from July 1, […]
New Marquette Poll Forecasts Tight Statewide Races as Candidates Schedule Debates
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 5:03pm By Hamilton
The latest Marquette University Law School Poll, released September 14, shows a tight statewide race between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and his Republican challenger, construction executive Tim Michels. Among likely voters, 47 percent said they support Gov. Evers, while 44 percent support Michels. The margin of error for likely voters was 4.9 percent. The previous […]
PFAS Update: DNR Begins New Groundwater Rulemaking
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 5:02pm By Hamilton
UPDATE (12/14/2022): NRB voted unanimously to authorize this new rulemaking during its December 2022 meeting. DNR will now begin drafting the rule. According to the scope statement approved by NRB, the department plans to hold a public hearing on the draft rule in July 2024. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is renewing its […]
Federal Officials Approve Wisconsin EV Infrastructure Plan
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 4:58pm By Hamilton
Federal officials have approved Wisconsin’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan, which outlines how the state will spend millions in federal funds. The Federal Highway Administration notified the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) on September 14 that the state’s plan was approved. At the time, Wisconsin and 33 other states had their plans approved. WisDOT submitted […]
PFAS Update: State Rules Move Forward; New EPA Health Advisories; Judge Stays Ruling
Date Fri, Jun. 17, 2022 - 1:15am By Hamilton
Legislature Will Allow PFAS Rules to Take Effect This Year Rules regulating certain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking and surface water, developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), could go into effect as soon as next month, with large public water systems required to begin testing for the compounds as early […]
Judges Announce Campaigns for Supreme Court Next Year
Date Fri, Jun. 17, 2022 - 1:10am By Hamilton
Two state judges have announced campaigns for the Wisconsin Supreme Court next year for the seat currently occupied by Justice Patience Roggensack, who plans to retire. The race will appear on the nonpartisan spring ballot in April 2023. Justices in Wisconsin serve staggered 10-year terms. On May 25, Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz announced her […]
State Supreme Court Rules Against WMC in Business COVID Records Case
Date Fri, Jun. 17, 2022 - 1:03am By Hamilton
Last week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state in a case involving the release of a list of businesses with multiple COVID-19 cases among employees. The case originated during the early months of the pandemic during a time of much greater uncertainty surrounding the disease, and before the Wisconsin Legislature enacted […]
Governor Calls for Special Session to Repeal Abortion Law
Date Fri, Jun. 17, 2022 - 1:01am By Hamilton
Gov. Tony Evers (D) has called on the Wisconsin Legislature to convene a special session to consider repealing an 1849 law limiting abortion in the state. Gov. Evers issued an executive order on June 8 directing the Legislature to convene on June 22. The Legislature adjourned its 2021-22 regular session on March 8. Senate Majority […]