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 […]
Sullivan Releases Workforce Development Report
Date Thu, Aug. 30, 2012 - 4:03pm By Hamilton
Tim Sullivan, the former CEO of Bucyrus International Inc. and current unpaid consultant for business and work force development for the state, has released his highly anticipated report detailing the workforce development issues facing the state and offering solutions. The report, The Road Ahead: Restoring Wisconsin Workforce Development, will now be reviewed by the Council […]
“What’s in the Beer?”
Date Thu, Aug. 30, 2012 - 3:12pm By Hamilton
Wisconsinites played a prominent role at the 2012 Republican National Convention, with the vice-presidential nominee, party chair, and a featured speaker all coming from America’s Dairyland. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus commented that he had been asked what was in the water in Wisconsin, but he thought the more appropriate question might be “What’s in the […]
Walker Approves Updated Homeland Security Strategy
Date Wed, Aug. 29, 2012 - 4:53pm By Hamilton
Gov. Scott Walker recently announced that he has approved the updated Wisconsin Homeland Security Strategy, which is a collaborative interagency effort to guide Wisconsin’s emergency response and recovery efforts to major disasters and emergencies. The strategy focuses on 11 specified priorities that include improving information sharing and analysis, cyber preparedness, maintaining the continuity of government […]