The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin has rejected the last remaining federal court challenge to 2011 Wisconsin Act 10, also known as the Budget Repair Bill. The court ruled that the plaintiffs in the case, Laborers Local 236, et al., had failed to prove that (1) Act 10’s restrictions on collective […]
September is Workforce Development Month
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2013 - 8:28pm By Hamilton
Gov. Walker proclaimed September Workforce Development Month in Wisconsin. Throughout the month, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the state’s 11 regional Workforce Development Boards will hold events to highlight programs and services. DWD Sec. Reggie Newson used proclamation as an opportunity to update the public on the progress the state is making in implementing […]
State Seeks Venture Capital Fund Manager
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2013 - 8:26pm By Hamilton
Wisconsin is one step closer to having its state-funded venture capital fund up and running as the Department of Administration (DOA) has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) soliciting a qualified fund manager. According to the RFQ, “The Investment Manager will be charged with developing an investment plan designed to achieve the goals set forth […]
Roundtable Discusses Opportunities for Expanding the Use of Natural Gas in Wisconsin
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2013 - 8:23pm By Hamilton
The Department of Administration recently hosted a forum to provide information to businesses and citizens about expanding the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel. “Businesses across Wisconsin are looking for ways to offset and reduce high gasoline and diesel prices. The use of natural gas as a transportation fuel is a […]
Cullen to Retire at End of Current Term
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2013 - 8:16pm By Hamilton
Sen. Tim Cullen (D-Janesville) recently announced that he will not seek another term in the State Senate. He will retire at the end of his current term ending in January 2015. In a press release announcing his retirement Cullen says: I have concluded that it is time to retire from public office and continue to […]
Hearing Gathers Public Input on Bulk Sampling at Proposed Mine
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2013 - 9:40am By Hamilton
The Department of Natural Resources held a public informational hearing August 15, 2013 on the proposed bulk sampling activity and the pre-application notice to mine at Gogebic Taconite’s potential mining project near Mellen, Wisconsin. During the public informational hearing, individuals provided oral or written comments and learned about the proposed bulk sampling activity and the […]
Bi-Partisan Social Media Bill Gains Momentum
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2013 - 9:17am By Hamilton
A bill prohibiting requesting or requiring an employee, student or applicant to disclose a user name or password for a personal social media account, like Facebook or Twitter, is gathering broad bi-partisan support ahead of next month’s floor period. The bill, AB218/SB223, which is sponsored by political odd-couple Sen. Glen Grothman (R-West Bend) and Rep. […]
The Search is on for the Capitol Christmas Tree
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2013 - 8:43am By Hamilton
Each fall, the State of Wisconsin searches for a Christmas tree to be displayed in the Capitol rotunda in December. The search for this year’s tree is now underway. Tree donations are based upon requirements listed below: Balsam Fir approximately 35 – 45 feet tall. Full branches throughout the tree, if possible. Otherwise, […]
Stevens Point to Host 2013 Governor’s Small Business Summit
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2013 - 8:23am By Hamilton
Gov. Walker’s third annual Governor’s Small Business Summit will be held on Wednesday, September 25, at the Stevens Point Convention Center. The annual event will include panel discussions with cabinet secretaries and speakers discussing issues like employing people with disabilities and exporting products across the country and around the world. “The third annual Small Business […]
Health Exchange Update
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2013 - 8:14am By Hamilton
On August 14, 2013, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), and Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) held a healthcare forum at the state Capitol. The highlight of the event was an update on how the health exchange implementation is proceeding nationally and what Wisconsinites will see as they transition to the federally operated health […]