Walker Appoints Chief Economic Development Officer

Gov. Walker has removed “interim” from the title of the CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development (WEDC) by appointing Reed Hall to fill the permanent position. “Reed brings a fresh perspective and strong leadership to the WEDC,” said Gov. Walker. “Reed’s experience at the Marshfield Clinic, in numerous civic organizations, and involvement in creating private […]

Continue Reading ›

Employment Law Changes a Necessary Component to Economic Growth

In 2011, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce prepared a report titled “The Impact of State Employment Policies on Job Growth.” The review covered all 50 states and unfortunately, Wisconsin was ranked in the worst tier with 14 other states. Wisconsin joined California, New York, Illinois and Michigan as a state where employment laws are considered […]

Continue Reading ›

Please Join Us For a Celebration

The Hamilton Consulting Group and James A. Buchen Public Affairs cordially invite you to a reception celebrating the formation of James A. Buchen Public Affairs and the addition of Rebecca Hogan to the Hamilton Consulting team.   Please join us February 12, 2013 from 4-5 p.m. in the Club Room at The Madison Club. For […]

Continue Reading ›

Rebecca Hogan Joins the Hamilton Consulting Group

The Hamilton Consulting Group is pleased to announce the addition of a new member to our top-quality government relations team. Rebecca Hogan has been developing and advancing polices and related political strategies for Wisconsin policymakers and businesses for 15 years. Her addition to the Hamilton Consulting team will help us continue to produce political and […]

Continue Reading ›

Transportation Funding Amendment on Fast Track

One of the bills moving quickly this legislative session is a proposal that would take steps toward amending the state constitution to prevent transportation funds from being used for non-transportation related projects. Since 2003, more than $1.3 billion has been redirected from the transportation fund and spent on unrelated programs. SJR4 proposes a constitutional amendment […]

Continue Reading ›

Mining Bills Introduced

It’s only the third week of the legislative session but already two separate mining bills have been introduced and a 12-hour marathon hearing held over one of the proposals. Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) have introduced comprehensive iron-ore mining legislation designed to streamline the approval process for iron mines […]

Continue Reading ›

Transportation Commission Releases Final Report

The Wisconsin Transportation Finance and Policy Commission today gave unanimous approval to its final report on the needs of Wisconsin’s transportation system over the next decade, including a set of recommendations for how those needs can be funded. The Commission report titled, Keep Wisconsin Moving – Smart Investments, Measurable Results, calls for additional annual investments […]

Continue Reading ›

Gov. Walker Announces 2013-15 Biennial Budget Address

Gov. Scott Walker will deliver the 2013-15 Biennial Budget Address on February 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers.

Continue Reading ›

Act 10 Upheld by Federal Appeals Court

In Wisconsin Education Association Council, et al. v. Walker, et al., a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld 2011 Wisconsin Act 10, the controversial budget repair bill that curtailed the collective bargaining rights of certain public employees, in its entirety. The decision is the latest among the long-running […]

Continue Reading ›

LAB’s Financial Statements Audit Uncovers Problems in UW System

The Legislative Audit Bureau has completed its financial audit of the State of Wisconsin as of, and for, the fiscal year (FY) ended June 30, 2012. The LAB provided a “clean” or unqualified opinion on the FY 2011-12 financial statements; however the report identified concerns with the University of Wisconsin System’s statements. [The] financial statements […]

Continue Reading ›