On Thursday, January 8, 2015 the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case Oneida Seventh Generation Corp. v. City of Green Bay (2013AP591). The supreme court will decide whether the court of appeals properly applied the substantial evidence test, which can effect when a conditional use permit can be revoked by a municipality. […]
State Court Decides on Municipalities Ability to Revoke Conditional Use Permit
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 4:06pm By Hamilton
Supreme Court to Decide on PSC Wind Turbine Siting Rule
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 3:35pm By Hamilton
On Thursday, February 5, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case Wisconsin Realtors Ass’n v. PSC (2013AP1407). The Court will decide whether the Public Service Commission (PSC) followed state statute when promulgating PSC 128, relating to wind turbine siting restrictions. Background The Legislature passed Wis. Stat. §196.378(4g)(b) which authorized the PSC […]
Supreme Court to Determine Wrongful Death Case
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 3:25pm By Hamilton
On Wednesday, February 4, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the case Christ v. Exxon Mobile Corp. (2012AP1493). The Court will decide whether the discovery rule will apply to third parties in wrongful death and survival actions. Background This case contains wrongful death and survival actions involving nine former employees of Uniroyal […]
Governor Walker Shuffles Cabinet
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 3:20pm By Hamilton
Last week, Governor Walker announced administrative staff changes at Department of Administration (DOA), Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), and Public Service Commission (PSC). The changes include: Scott Neitzel – Secretary, DOA Michael Huebsch – Commissioner, PSC Cate Zeuske – Deputy Secretary, DOA Tricia Braun – Chief Operating Officer, WEDC Brian Schimming – Deputy […]
Walmart Raises Wages
Date Thu, Feb. 26, 2015 - 3:16pm By Hamilton
Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., has announced it will raise wages for current associates to $10 an hour or higher by early next year and by this April will increase the starting rate to $9 per hour or higher. Walmart estimates approximately 500,000 associates will see a wage increase by July […]
WEDA Legislative Day 2015
Date Thu, Feb. 12, 2015 - 5:55pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) held its annual legislative day this week, with nearly 70 WEDA members participating. WEDA members met with approximately 90 legislators and staff from the Senate and Assembly. This face time with legislators gave WEDA members the opportunity to discuss the WEDA legislative agenda and connect the impact these legislative […]
TIF Bill Package to be Introduced
Date Thu, Feb. 12, 2015 - 5:51pm By Hamilton
The Joint Legislative Council recommended that the eight Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) bills submitted by the Legislative Council Study Committee on TIF be introduced to the full legislature with a 19-0 vote, with three members not present. The approval allows the eight TIF bills to advance into the normal legislative process. The recommendations are outlined […]
Special Primary Election on February 17
Date Thu, Feb. 12, 2015 - 5:43pm By Hamilton
With only three Republican candidates and no Democrats running, the special primary election for the 20th Senate District on February 17th will be the results to watch for next week. Congressman Glenn Grothman vacated the 20th Senate District senate seat in January, shortly before he was sworn into Congress. The governor called a special election […]
Get to Know a Freshman: Week 7
Date Thu, Feb. 12, 2015 - 5:34pm By Hamilton
Our last in the “Get to Know a Freshman” series, we bring you information on five incoming legislators. With one of the largest freshman classes ever in the Wisconsin Legislature, it may be harder to get to know the newly elected senators and representatives. This week, Political Tidbits highlights the following new legislators: State Representatives […]
Bills of Note
Date Thu, Feb. 12, 2015 - 5:17pm By Hamilton
Bills of Note In the second installment of the Hamilton Consulting Group Bills of Note, we highlight three legislative initiatives that may be of particular interest to our readers. This week we discuss the GPS tracking device bill, proposed changes to oxygen provider licensure requirements, and Made in the USA legislation. Unlawful Use of GPS […]