On January 21, the Senate held its first floor day of 2026. The Senate took several partisan votes, including legislation prohibiting foreign adversaries from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in Wisconsin and the so-called “tax on tips” bill, which creates an income tax exemption for cash tips received by employees. The Senate also passed several […]
Assembly Floor Session 1-22-26
Date Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 - 9:45am By Hamilton
On January 22, the Assembly continued its work to advance legislation as the number of remaining calendar days in the session grows limited. The most notable action of the day was passage of legislation to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which advanced along partisan lines amid disagreements over funding levels and proposed limitations on land […]
Who’s Leaving and Why It Matters: Open Legislative Seats to Watch in Wisconsin
Date Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 - 9:26am By Hamilton
As Wisconsin heads into the 2026 election season, a growing number of state lawmakers have publicly announced they will not seek another term, setting the stage for significant turnover in both chambers of the Legislature. While retirements are not unusual in an election year, the number of open seats already confirmed could have meaningful implications […]
Wisconsin Medicaid Director Bill Hanna to Step Down
Date Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 - 9:25am By Hamilton
Wisconsin’s top official overseeing the state’s Medicaid program, Bill Hanna, has announced he will be leaving his post as Medicaid Director for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on February 20, 2026 after more than two years in the role. Hanna, who was appointed Medicaid Director in January 2024 after serving as the department’s deputy […]
Destinations Wisconsin and Wisconsin School Bus Association Hold Legislative Days
Date Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 - 9:24am By Hamilton
Last week, members of Destinations Wisconsin and the Wisconsin School Bus Association traveled to Madison to participate in Legislative Day activities at the State Capitol, meeting with lawmakers to share priorities and advocate for their respective industries. Members of Destinations Wisconsin met with local Senators and Representatives to discuss key issues affecting the travel and […]
Assembly Starts 2026 with Two Floor Days
Date Fri, Jan. 16, 2026 - 9:50am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin State Assembly jumped right into 2026 with two floor days this past week. On January 13, the Assembly adopted two proposed constitutional amendments addressing freedom to gather during emergencies and governmental discrimination, both passing mostly along party lines. In addition, representatives passed numerous Assembly bills related to public safety, criminal justice, housing and […]
Legislative Leaders Outline Priorities for the Remainder of Session
Date Fri, Jan. 16, 2026 - 9:48am By Hamilton
With the new year underway, the Wisconsin Legislature has officially entered the final, and often chaotic, stage of the 2025–26 legislative session. While Wisconsin is considered a “full-time” legislature, it typically adjourns by mid-March in the even-numbered year of the session (2026). This session is shaping up much like recent ones. Assembly leadership has indicated […]
Revenue Estimates Project $2.5 Billion Surplus
Date Fri, Jan. 16, 2026 - 9:45am By Hamilton
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) released updated revenue estimates for the 2025-27 biennium. According to LFB, the state is now projected to end the 2025–27 biennium with a gross general fund balance of approximately $2.5 billion, reflecting a significant improvement in the state’s revenue outlook. Updated estimates show the balance is roughly $1.5 billion higher […]
State Reports $3.9 Billion General Fund Surplus for FY 2024–25
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 3:14pm By Hamilton
Gov. Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin ended the 2024–25 fiscal year with a $3.9 billion positive balance in its General Fund under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), marking the sixth consecutive year the state has finished in the black. According to the state’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Budget Stabilization, or “rainy day,” fund also […]
Governor Evers Signs 34 Bills Into Law
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 2:52pm By Hamilton
Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Acts 49 through 82, covering issues ranging from public safety and education to housing, healthcare, local government operations, and economic development. Acts Signed Into Law 2025 Wisconsin Act 49 (SB 422) – Memorial bridge designation 2025 Wisconsin Act 50 (SB 38) – Gold Star license plate fee exemption 2025 Wisconsin […]