Current Law A bill that would amend Wisconsin’s current statute governing non-compete agreements has been introduced to the legislature and if passed would preemptively override the State Supreme Court decision on Runzheimer Int’l v. Friedlen (2013AP1392). Wis. Stat. § 103.465 is Wisconsin’s current statute governing non-compete agreements. The current law allows employers to restrict the […]
LFB Releases Series of Memos on Governor Walker’s Proposed Budget
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 9:22am By Hamilton
This week Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released three memos to provide additional analysis and information on the impact of Governor Walker’s proposed 2015-2017 budget. The memos included a summary of state tax and fee modifications included in the budget, an examination of the use of certain segregated funds and a projection of the general fund […]
John Doe Overhaul Bill Passes Senate Committee
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 9:19am By Hamilton
Recent Investigations Encourage Legislators to Reform Proceedings A Senate bill to change John Doe proceedings in the state of Wisconsin was recommended for passage by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety on a party-line vote and is now available for consideration by the full state Senate. The bill, Senate Bill 43, would significantly […]
WisconsinEye’s Newest Series: WisEye Fish Fry
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 9:14am By Hamilton
WisconsinEye has started a new series called “WisEye Fish Fry,” which features senior producer Steve Walters and Jackie Johnson, a reporter from the Wisconsin Radio Network, interviewing Wisconsin political movers and shakers over the lunch hour on Fridays. The first installment includes interviews with: Department of Tourism Secretary Stehanie Klett, Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), Wisconsin […]
Business Groups Oppose the Most Expensive Regulatory Proposal in U.S. History
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 9:11am By Hamilton
At an estimated $1.7 trillion hit to GDP, it’s been dubbed the most costly EPA regulation in U.S. history. On March 17, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and other state business groups voiced their opposition to EPA’s proposed new ozone standard. Citing a study commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), WMC comments note […]
Walmart Capitol Day 2015
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 9:02am By Hamilton
R.J. Pirlot of Hamilton Consulting and Lisa Nelson of Walmart educate attendees on what to expect in the Capitol. Walmart held its annual Capitol Day this week with over 40 store managers, regional managers, market managers and assistants. The all-day event began with a welcome from Representative Robb Kahl (D-Monona). Following the representative’s welcome, attendees […]
Bills of Note: Repealing Rules, At-Will Employment, Charter Schools, and the Speed Limit
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 8:53am By Hamilton
Assembly Passes Bill to Create Procedures to Repeal Invalid Rules By a partisan 63-36 vote, the Assembly passed AB 80 (Ballweg-R) which would establish “expedited” procedures for an agency to repeal a rule that the agency no longer has the authority to promulgate. Such rules can be rendered invalid because of the repeal or amendment of […]
TIF Bills Get Hearing
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 8:48am By Hamilton
In last week’s edition of Bills of Note, we alerted you to the introduction of the tax increment financing (TIF) bill package that was introduced by Joint Legislative Council. Three of these bills, Senate Bills 50, 54 and 57 will have a public hearing before the Senate committee on Economic Development and Commerce next week […]
Charter Schools Week in Wisconsin
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 8:43am By Hamilton
This week Wisconsin celebrated Charter Schools Week with tours, visits from legislators, an informational hearing and presenting Governor Walker with an award for his support of charter schools. Throughout the week, Wisconsin legislators were invited to attend tours of Milwaukee Scholars, a charter based in Milwaukee, which works in partnership with National Heritage Academies […]
Budget Hearings Begin
Date Fri, Mar. 20, 2015 - 8:38am By Hamilton
The first of four Joint Finance Committee (JFC) public hearings for Governor Walker’s proposed state budget for 2015-2017 were held on Wednesday at Brillion High School, located east of Appleton. The hearing began at 10 a.m. and over 200 people registered to testify on a variety of issues. While much of the public’s testimony focused […]