Marquette Law School recently hosted Tim Sullivan, former Bucyrus International CEO and Special Consultant to the Governor for Workforce Development and Education, for one of its popular On the Issues discussions. What do we do about an acute skills gap in Wisconsin, one that combined with an aging workforce could threaten the state’s economic future? […]
Recalls Costs Over $13 Million
Date Mon, Sep. 17, 2012 - 12:07pm By Hamilton
The Government Accountability Board has released local election cost data for elections held earlier this year. Preliminary numbers indicate the May recall primary and June recall election cost taxpayers more than $13 million. At the request of the Legislature, the G.A.B. began last August to collect election cost data from Wisconsin’s 72 counties and 1,851 […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Begins 2012-13 Term
Date Thu, Sep. 13, 2012 - 2:37pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Supreme Court kicked off its 2012-13 term by hearing oral arguments in a number of cases. Two of the first few cases are of interest to Hamilton Consulting clients. Rock-Koshkonong Lake District v. Department of Natural Resources (2008AP1523)Depending on how the court rules, the rights of every riparian landowner in the state could […]
Despite Surplus Walker Directs Agencies to Cut Costs
Date Thu, Sep. 13, 2012 - 2:33pm By Hamilton
Gov. Walker has directed agencies to submit their 2013-2015 budget cycle requests by September 17, 2012. Wisconsin’s biennial state budget sets the financial parameters for virtually all state programs over the two-year budget cycle. Walker’s directions included a discussion of his goals as governor, and a specific directive that “most agencies…maintain their overall fiscal year […]
State Revenues Higher Than Anticipated
Date Thu, Sep. 13, 2012 - 2:30pm By Hamilton
The Department of Revenue has released the preliminary data on general fund tax collections for the 2011-12 fiscal year. According to the Department, collections totaled $13,514,626,000 in 2011-12, which is an increase of 4.7% from the prior year and .9% more than was projected in May. A DOR chart summarizing the collections indicates all revenue […]
Just a Swingin’
Date Thu, Sep. 13, 2012 - 2:21pm By Hamilton
Wisconsin hasn’t backed a Republican for president since Ronald Reagan’s reelection in 1984, but national politicos are looking at Wisconsin as one of the states that could decide the 2012 election. Much attention is given the presidential race at this time of year, but you know the race is getting close when people start talking […]
Wisconsin’s Lawsuit Climate Ranking Increases Thanks to Tort Reforms Enacted in 2011-12
Date Tue, Sep. 11, 2012 - 10:38am By Hamilton
Wisconsin moved up seven spots, from No. 22 to No. 15, in the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s latest lawsuit climate study: 2012 State Liability Systems Survey, Lawsuit Climate: Ranking the States.[1] The survey of over 1100 corporate attorneys and executives focused on a number of criteria, including each state’s overall treatment of tort […]
Wisconsin Women Featured at DNC Convention
Date Fri, Sep. 7, 2012 - 11:29am By Hamilton
Two Wisconsinites spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Rep. Gwen Moore was part of a presentation by the Democratic Women of the House, where she spoke strongly against violence against women. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who is running for Senate, delivered remarks on “the Wisconsin she knows.” Presentation from the Democratic Women of the House […]
GAB Approves Electronic Voter Registration
Date Fri, Aug. 31, 2012 - 1:19pm By Hamilton
The Government Accountability Board (GAB) voted unanimously to allow people to show electronic documents displayed on electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets and laptops to prove they meet Wisconsin residency requirements when registering to vote. When people register on Election Day, they must provide an identifying document to prove residency before they can vote. […]
Affordable Care Act Seminar: What You Need to Know to Be Compliant
Date Fri, Aug. 31, 2012 - 12:12pm By Hamilton
On Thursday, September 6, 2012, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the Alliance of Health Insurers, the Benefit Services Group Inc., Michael Best & Friedrich, Quarles & Brady, and Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, will host a seminar on provisions of the Affordable Care Act and what businesses needs to know to be compliant. It is safe to say […]