In what Governor Walker characterized as a challenge to an “unconstitutional and coercive tax”, Wisconsin joined five other states, including Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, Indiana and Nebraska, suing the federal government over a provision in the Affordable Care Act. The states filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas on […]
New Review of Water Quality Standards Legislation Signed by Governor
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:36pm By Hamilton
2015 Wisconsin Act 205 modifies the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) multi-discharger variance program to meet the new federal requirements. Act 205 creates a new procedure for when variances must be reviewed. This includes a three-year review standard and a highest attainable review. Under the new law, every three years, DNR must review the water […]
Elections Update: More Retirements and New Candidates for 8th CD
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:33pm By Hamilton
More legislators announce retirements Rep. John Murtha (R-Baldwin), Rep. Tom Larson (R-Colfax), and Sen. Nikiya Harris Dodd (D-Milwaukee) joined the growing number of legislators that will not seek re-election in 2016. Rep. John Murtha has announced he will not seek reelection to the Assembly seat he has held since 2006. Murtha served as the Majority […]
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Host Annual Business Day
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:26pm By Hamilton
Last week, the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce hosted the 15th annual Business Day at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Attendees heard from speakers from around the nation on business and political affairs topics. Featured speakers this year included political commentator Stephen Hayes from The Weekly Standard, who discussed the nation’s political climate and the current […]
DNR Continues to Move Toward Reorganization of Agency
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:12pm By Hamilton
The Department of Natural Resources is finalizing a plan to reorganize portions the agency, in order manage dwindling staff levels and improve the quality of the DNR’s work with citizens. The DNR originally announced its plan to reorganize in July 2015. During a recent announcement to DNR employees, Deputy Secretary Kurt Thiede announced the final […]
Interest Rates on Judgments Legislation Gets Hearing
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:09pm By Hamilton
A public hearing was held in the Senate committee on Judiciary and Public safety this week on Assembly Bill 95, authored by Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) and Sen. Stephen Nass (R-Whitewater). The bill seeks to change the interest rate for pre- and post- judgment interest for verdicts in small claims court. AB 95 […]
State Supreme Court Candidates Agree to Debates
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:05pm By Hamilton
The first debate between Justice Rebecca Bradley and Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg will be held March 15 at Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee. The debate is being hosted by Marquette University Law School and WISN TV. The second debate between the two candidates will be three days later on March 18 at the University of […]
Wisconsin Presidential Primary Nears
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:03pm By Hamilton
When the presidential primary and caucus schedule was first announced, many believed one of the GOP candidates would have a clear lead for the Republican nomination, and Wisconsinites’ votes would be irrelevant. However, Wisconsin voters may now have the chance to make a difference in the delegate totals when they vote in the presidential primary […]
Wisconsin Women in Government Announces 29th Annual Gala Keynote Speaker
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:01pm By Hamilton
The WWIG Board of Directors have announced that the 29th Annual Scholarship and Recognition Gala would feature Donna Shalala, President of the Clinton Foundation, former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, and past Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison as the keynote speaker. Shalala is making her second appearance as the speaker, returning […]
PSC Reform Bill Passes Assembly
Date Fri, Feb. 19, 2016 - 10:40am By Hamilton
Legislation to reform many of the regulatory processes at the Public Service Commission (PSC) passed the Assembly, and is available for scheduling in the Senate. The legislation, Assembly Bill 804 and Senate Bill 654, was introduced by Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton), but was developed by the Public Service Commission […]