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 […]
Joel Brennan Launches Bid for Governor
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 2:51pm By Hamilton
Joel Brennan has entered the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor, joining a growing field of candidates seeking to succeed Gov. Tony Evers, who is not running for a third term. Brennan currently serves as president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and previously led the Wisconsin Department of Administration during the Evers administration. His background includes […]
WisconsinEye Shuts Down; Replacement Network Proposed
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 2:50pm By Hamilton
WisconsinEye, the nonprofit public affairs network that for nearly two decades provided gavel-to-gavel coverage of Wisconsin government, shut down in mid-December after failing to secure sufficient funding. The organization cited ongoing financial challenges and an inability to meet fundraising targets needed to access state matching funds. In response, Democratic lawmakers have proposed legislation to create […]
New WEDC CEO Announced
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:56am By Hamilton
Gov. Tony Evers announced that he is appointing John W. Miller to serve as secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, effective December 15, 2025. The position became vacant after former secretary-CEO Missy Hughes resigned earlier this fall to pursue a campaign for governor. Miller previously worked in public service for Wisconsin’s 4th […]
Legislature Convenes for November Floor Periods
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:52am By Hamilton
Both the Wisconsin State Senate and State Assembly met the week of November 17 to take votes on various bills. It is expected this will be the final general business floor period for 2025. The Senate came in first during the week, on Tuesday, November 18 and the Assembly convened the following day on Wednesday, […]
Barnes Joins Crowded Primary Race
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:49am By Hamilton
Mandela Barnes — a former state representative and the Lieutenant Governor during Governor Evers’ first term (2019–2023), and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022 — has officially entered the 2026 race for governor. It had been speculated for months that Barnes would join the race. Barnes joins a crowded Democratic field vying to […]