Federal Court Hears Oral Arguments in Redistricting Case

A three-judge panel for the United States District Court in Milwaukee recently wrapped up oral arguments in redistricting case. The lawsuit was filed by a number of citizens arguing that newly drawn electoral maps violate the U.S. Constitution. Before oral arguments began, the court gave the attorneys for the Republican legislators a chance to redraw […]

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Legislature Repeals Punitive and Compensatory Damages under WFEA

On February 21, 2012 the Wisconsin Assembly passed SB 202, which repeals punitive and compensatory damages under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. The Senate has already passed SB 202, so it is now headed to Gov. Walker for his signature. By repealing punitive and compensatory damages and removing an incentive for plaintiff attorneys to sue […]

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Mining Update

This has been a busy week with regard to the proposed mining legislation, Assembly Bill 426/Senate Bill 488. The bills would create new statutes to govern ferrous (iron) mining, which is currently regulated in the same manner as non-ferrous (non-iron minerals like gold or copper) mining under Wisconsin law. On Monday, February 13th, the Senate […]

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Senate Passes Wetlands Bill

Early this morning, the Senate approved legislation that would ease restrictions on development in or near state wetlands. Senate Bill 368, sponsored by Senator Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn), makes significant changes to Wisconsin’s wetlands permitting process. Wisconsin wetlands are currently subject to a myriad of different regulations. For example, some wetlands are subject to both state […]

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DHS Accepting Comments on Long Term Care Sustainability Plan

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is accepting public comments on its outline of initiatives designed to keep the state’s long term care programs sustainable. DHS developed the proposals after months of studying public long term care programs including Family Care, Include Respect I Self-Direct (IRIS) and PACE and Partnership. Family Care and related programs, […]

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Judicial Candidates Square Off in Spring Primary

On February 21st, voters in 6 circuit court districts will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the Spring Primary. This is not to be confused with the Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary, which will be held on April 3rd. The two top vote-getters in each Spring Primary race will square off […]

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$140 Million Allocated to Wisconsin in $25 Billion Mortgage Settlement

A national settlement with Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Ally Financial related to loans issued between 2008 and 2011 that were foreclosed on will provide Wisconsin an estimated $140 million over the next three years. Monetary benefits to Wisconsin will include: Up to an estimated $60 million in benefits from loan […]

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Legislative Fiscal Bureau Projects Budget Shortfall

The latest general fund condition statement generated by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau projects Wisconsin will be $143.2 million in the hole at the end of the current budget biennium. This is $215.9 million below the LFB’s October 2011 projection. According to the LFB, the $215.9 million change is the net result of: (1) a […]

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Court Broadens Towns’ Authority to Regulate Non-Metallic Mining through Police Powers

By Andrew Cook and Pat Osborne The Wisconsin Supreme Court has issued a decision that is likely to negatively affect not just the aggregate industry, but other related industries. The Court’s decision broadens Wisconsin towns’ authority to regulate certain types of land uses under the guise of its police powers, rather than through a zoning […]

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EPA Will Designate Kenosha County as Nonattainment for Ozone

Citing data from the state of Illinois, the EPA has announced it intends to revise its proposed designation for Kenosha County, and recommend it be designated nonattainment for the 2008 8-hour ozone standard. This decision by the EPA is unwelcome, as nonattainment designations carry with them substantial regulatory and related economic burdens. Background Section 109 […]

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