The state Department of Justice has dropped its appeal of a court-ordered redistricting plan for two state Assembly districts and has agreed to pay the plaintiffs’ attorneys $185,000 in legal bills. The lawsuit was brought by Democrats and others challenging the constitutionality of the state’s election maps recently drawn by the Republican-controlled Legislature. In March, […]
Recall Recount Begins
Date Thu, Jun. 21, 2012 - 12:52pm By Hamilton
The Racine County Board of Canvassers started its recount in the 21st Senate District Recall Election between incumbent Sen. Van Wanggaard and Democrat John Lehman. Wanggaard is contesting the results of his 834-vote loss. In his recount petition to the Government Accountability Board (GAB), Wanggaard alleges numerous challenges by election observers were not properly documented […]
State Economic Development Programs Audited
Date Thu, Jun. 21, 2012 - 12:50pm By Hamilton
The non-partisan Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) has completed an audit of the 196 economic development programs administered by the state at some point during the 2007-09 and 2009-11 biennia. In response to the findings and recommendations of the LAB’s 2006 review of state economic development programs (report 06-9), 2007 Wisconsin Act 125 defined economic […]
DHS Seeks Input on Senior Care
Date Thu, Jun. 21, 2012 - 12:38pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is requesting comments on its SeniorCare program as part of its effort to get permission from the federal Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend the program through 2015. SeniorCare is a prescription drug assistance program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or […]
LRB Releases List of State Agencies, Boards, Commissions, or Councils Created, Repealed, or Revised by the 2011 Legislature
Date Tue, Jun. 12, 2012 - 10:33am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) has released a list of state governmental bodies affected by actions of the 2011-2012 Wisconsin Legislature. The list is organized by type of action taken (Units Created, Units Repealed, Units Created and Repealed, or Units Revised), and provides the relevant statute section, act number, and governmental unit affected. This […]
Oh to be a Fly on the Potato Salad at the Beer and Brat Summit
Date Tue, Jun. 12, 2012 - 10:00am By Hamilton
As part of an effort to rebuild working relationships between legislators and the executive, Gov. Walker will be hosting a Beer and Brat Summit at the State of Wisconsin Executive Residence tonight. In an effort to provide a relaxed environment for lawmakers to socialize with each other and with the Governor, the event will not […]
Wisconsin’s Political Outlook: Recall Results
Date Wed, Jun. 6, 2012 - 4:04pm By Hamilton
On June 5th, Wisconsin became the third state to ever attempt to recall its governor, and the first where that governor was able to retain his seat. The implications of the election could spill over to November, but perhaps more interestingly, will change the debate at the national level. While Wisconsin’s 15 minutes months of […]
Cook Elected to State Bar Environmental Law Section Board
Date Tue, Jun. 5, 2012 - 1:20pm By Hamilton
Please join us in congratulating Hamilton Consulting’s Andrew Cook, who was elected to the board of directors of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Environmental Law Section! Cook, and the other newly elected members of the board, Margaret Hoefer, Chris Jaekels, and Matt Moroney, will serve terms beginning on July 1, 2012 and ending on June […]
LRB’s Summary of the 2011–2012 Wisconsin Legislative Session
Date Thu, May. 31, 2012 - 10:40am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau has released its research bulletin providing an overview of the acts and joint resolutions of the 2011–2012 Wisconsin Legislative Session. Legislation is organized by topic with acts described under the appropriate subject heading or headings. Significant acts and joint resolutions are highlighted by shading.
Legislative Audit Bureau Reviews Two DHS Programs
Date Thu, May. 31, 2012 - 10:37am By Hamilton
Wisconsin’s independent Legislative Audit Bureau recently released its audits of the Wisconsin FoodShares program and the state’s Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) Authority. FoodShares Audit Summary FoodShare Wisconsin is the state’s program implementing the federal Food Stamp Act of 1964 to assist low-income individuals and families in purchasing food. The program is administered by the […]