As the finance committee wades deeper into the budget mire, the issues become more complex and controversial. On Tuesday, JFC voted, mostly on party lines, on proposals related to public employee benefits, environmental fees, and food share. Double Dipping JFC voted to slightly change the governor’s proposal to limit the ability of retired public employees […]
Wisconsin Natural Resources Board Acts on Mercury
Date Thu, May. 23, 2013 - 10:53am By Hamilton
At its May 21 meeting, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board voted to modify the state mercury rule to begin second phase emissions reductions on April 16, 2016, rather than the current January 1, 2015 compliance date. This change is necessary to ensure Wisconsin EGUs are not forced to comply with two sets of controls on […]
LRB Releases Map Showing Alcohol-Related Crashes
Date Thu, May. 23, 2013 - 10:43am By Hamilton
The Legislative Reference Bureau has prepared a map showing on a county by county basis the 3-Year average of alcohol-related crashes per 10,000 people. According to the LRB’s analysis, “alcohol-related crashes involving a vehicle have decreased dramatically since they peaked in the late 1970s.” The LRB suggests this is due to changes in the law […]
Red Cross Supports the Relief Efforts in Oklahoma
Date Thu, May. 23, 2013 - 10:42am By Hamilton
The American Red Cross continues to expand relief efforts across Oklahoma, with additional kitchens opening today and more trucks and volunteers flowing into the state. “The Red Cross is on the ground in Oklahoma helping people begin the recovery process after this tragic storm,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for […]
WEDC CEO Discusses Audit with WisconsinEye
Date Thu, May. 23, 2013 - 10:40am By Hamilton
WisconsinEye’s Senior Producer Steve Walters interviewed Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Reed Hall on May 17, 2013 about the recent audit that was critical of WEDC and the successful trade mission to China.
Upcoming Budget Action
Date Thu, May. 23, 2013 - 9:34am By Hamilton
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will meet on May 23 at 10a.m. The committee has a full schedule for the day that includes transportation and higher education. Proposed Topics for May 23: Financial InstitutionsJustice–General Agency ProvisionsJustice–Victim and Witness ProgramsJustice–TransfersJustice–DNA CollectionTransportation–Transportation FinanceTransportation–Local Transportation AidTransportation–State Highway ProgramEducational Communications BoardHigher Educational Aids BoardUniversity of Wisconsin System Click here […]
Wisconsin Lemon Law Reforms Garner Attention
Date Wed, May. 22, 2013 - 3:01pm By Hamilton
Sen. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Rep. Bill Kramer (R-Waukesha) have introduced SB182/AB200, which will help bring Wisconsin’s lemon law back into the mainstream with a number of reasonable changes. The bill’s introduction has drawn national attention, as Wisconsin is known for having the worst lemon law in the country. Wisconsin is the only state in […]
Baldwin Delivers First Senate Floor Speech
Date Wed, May. 22, 2013 - 1:26pm By Hamilton
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin today delivered her first speech on the floor of the United States Senate. Baldwin’s speech focused on the economy and growing the middle class. Full remarks as prepared for delivery: M. President: As I make my first remarks on the Senate floor, I have the honor of occupying the same […]
Budget Update
Date Fri, May. 10, 2013 - 11:45am By Hamilton
The Joint Finance Committee continues to vote on various parts of the budget. The committee has mostly voted on non-controversial items thus far, so this week’s session was a change of pace as the committee voted on some more weighty issues. Video of the JFC hearing from WisconsinEye. JFC covered the following items at its […]
WEDC in the Hot Seat
Date Fri, May. 10, 2013 - 11:18am By Hamilton
In response to the Legislative Audit Bureau’s recent audit of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the public-private job-creation agency has faced increased scrutiny and its budget is in jeopardy. Budget Consequences On May 9, the Joint Finance Committee voted to make funding for WEDC conditional upon new compliance and reporting requirements in response to […]