The Joint Committee on Finance (Joint Finance Committee or JFC) of the Wisconsin Legislature has nearly completed its work on the 2023-25 state budget. This article reviews notable provisions adopted by JFC during its three most recent meetings, affecting nine major state agencies. JFC is expected to hold its final budget session later today, June […]
Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions: June 14
Date Thu, Jun. 22, 2023 - 10:00am By Hamilton
Both the Senate and Assembly met June 14. Notably, the Senate passed three bills related to the 2023-25 state budget, and the Assembly subsequently took up and passed those bills in addition to its scheduled calendar. Those budget-related bills were as follows: AB 245: Changes the shared revenue formula to provide increased aid to counties […]
Developing: After Threatening to Pause Budget Votes, Republican Leaders Appear to Reach Shared Revenue Deal with Gov. Evers
Date Thu, Jun. 8, 2023 - 11:47am By Hamilton
Before yesterday’s Assembly session, Republican leadership spoke about the budget process and proposals to change how and how much state revenues are shared with local units of government. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Finance Co-Chair Mark Born said that committee votes on the state budget would stop until a final deal on shared revenue could […]
Joint Finance Committee Budget Votes: May 23 and 25, June 1
Date Thu, Jun. 8, 2023 - 11:41am By Hamilton
The Joint Committee on Finance (Joint Finance Committee or JFC) of the Wisconsin Legislature continues its work on the 2023-25 state budget, taking votes to reshape the budget as initially proposed by Gov. Tony Evers (D). The committee began the process on May 2 by voting to remove many new programs and significant changes to […]
Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions: June 7
Date Thu, Jun. 8, 2023 - 11:22am By Hamilton
Senate (floor calendar) The Senate met on June 7 to consider a variety of measures. The chamber passed 17 Senate Bills, including transportation-related bills on driver contact records, snowmobile trail signs, probationary licenses, temporary license plates, agricultural road grants, and safety, mapping, and communication aids for ATV/UTV organizations. The Senate also passed natural resources-related bills […]
Two Candidates File for AD 24 Special Election
Date Thu, Jun. 8, 2023 - 11:17am By Hamilton
A special election will take place on July 18 to fill the vacant 24th Assembly District. The seat was represented by Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) from 2009 until his resignation in May. Knodl won a special election for the 8th Senate District on April 4, replacing former Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), who resigned last year. […]
WEC Energy Group, Consumer Advocates Negotiating “Ability to Pay” Pilot Program
Date Thu, Jun. 8, 2023 - 11:09am By Hamilton
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a utility bill relief program for low-income households could soon be put to the test in Wisconsin. Organizations that advocate for utility customers are working with WEC Energy Group, a large investor-owned electric utility, to develop a pilot program that would cap utility costs at six percent of household […]
Assembly Passes Shared Revenue Bill; Acts 6-10 Signed Into Law
Date Fri, May. 19, 2023 - 8:59am By Hamilton
In May, the Wisconsin Assembly held one floor session, while the Senate did not meet. No additional floor dates have been scheduled for May. So far, six bills have been signed into law this month. Assembly: May 17 (floor calendar) The Assembly met May 17 and passed one bill and eight resolutions. The Assembly devoted […]
Environmental Policy: DNR Budget, PFAS Legislation, NRB Appointments
Date Fri, May. 19, 2023 - 8:57am By Hamilton
There have been several significant updates on environmental policy in Wisconsin, including PFAS, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the 2023-25 state budget. Finance Committee Approves DNR Budget Motions The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session May 18 to vote on budget motions related to DNR, the Environmental Improvement Fund (EIF), and […]
Legislators Propose Hospital Price Transparency Requirements
Date Fri, May. 19, 2023 - 8:52am By Hamilton
Several legislators have authored a bill to create hospital price transparency requirements in Wisconsin. The authors, Sens. Felzkowski (R-Irma) and Bradley (R-Franklin) and Reps. Brooks (R-Saukville) and Rozar (R-Marshfield), are referring to the legislation as the “Know Your Healthcare Costs Act.” The bill requires hospitals to create a publicly available, machine-readable digital file containing a […]