New Committee Chairs Named

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the following new committee chair assignments in response to the resignations of Reps. Honadel, Stone, and Suder: Committee on Energy and Utilities – Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) Committee on Government Operations and State Licensing – Rep. Chad Weininger (R-Green Bay) Committee on Small Business Development – Rep. Gary Tauchen […]

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$100 Million Property Tax Relief Bill Fast-Tracked Through Legislature

Wisconsin lawmakers acted swiftly on a $100 million property tax relief bill, getting it introduced, heard, and passed in less than two weeks, at the request of Gov. Walker. The quick action on the bill means the savings provided by it will show up on this year’s property tax bill. It is estimated that the […]

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DHS Secretary Makes the Case for Wisconsin Healthcare System

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Sec. Kitty Rhoades put out an editorial defending the state’s decision to reject federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) funding for expanding Medicaid and its effort to move Medicaid recipients to the federal health exchange. Wisconsin’s Unique Approach to Health Care Options in 2014 Governor Walker’s unique Wisconsin approach builds on […]

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Wisconsin Civil Justice Council and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Receive ILR’s Outstanding Organization Award

The Wisconsin Civil Justice Council (WCJC) and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) were awarded the Outstanding Organization Award at the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s (ILR) 14th Annual Legal Reform Summit for their contributions to making Wisconsin’s civil justice system simpler, fairer, and faster for everyone. Members of WCJC and WMC traveled to the […]

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Gov. Walker Proposes $100 Million in Property Tax Relief

Gov. Walker has issued an executive order calling a special session of the legislature to quickly pass a property tax relief bill. Republican leaders say the $100 million investment in property tax relief comes from higher than expected growth in state revenue and prudent fiscal management. On October 10, 2013, Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wisconsin) along […]

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Jauch to Retire After Three Decades in Legislature

Longtime Democratic state Sen. Bob Jauch has announced that he will retire at the end of his term. Jauch was first elected to the Senate in 1986 after serving four years in the Assembly. His Northern Wisconsin district covers all of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, Price and Washburn counties and parts of Burnett, Dunn, […]

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Vote Pending on Personal Injury Trust Bill

The Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee has scheduled an executive session on Wednesday, October 9 to vote on AB 19/SB 13, Personal Injury Trust Claims Transparency. The legislation will prevent double-dipping in personal injury cases that also involve potential compensation from trust funds created under the federal bankruptcy law. The most common types of lawsuits […]

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TiPAC Headed to Governor for Approval

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Wisconsin Senate passed AB 27,  Transparency in Private Attorney Contracting (TIPAC), on a bipartisan vote, 23-10 (five Democrats joined all 18 Republicans). This legislation provides greater transparency and oversight when the State of Wisconsin hires private plaintiff attorneys on a contingency fee basis. The bill also imposes caps on attorney’s […]

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Capitol Access Suit Settled

The state and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have signed a settlement agreement ending the lawsuit ACLU filed against the state regarding state capitol building access. The agreement recognizes that DOA has the responsibility and authority under Wisconsin law to manage state buildings; acknowledges the permitting process that has been in place since 1979 […]

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Assembly Votes on Bill to Encourage Crowdfunding

Access to capital continues to be a roadblock for Wisconsin start-ups. The Legislature hopes to take a small step toward increasing financing options with AB 350. The bill, which would allow investors to get ownership and a potential return on their investment in crowdfunding projects, passed the Assembly on a bi-partisan vote. Right now the […]

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