In a unanimous vote, Wisconsin lawmakers on Wednesday, June 18, passed legislation that allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice independently across the state. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Tony Evers, who is expected to sign it after previously vetoing similar measures. The legislation, AB257/SB258, establishes a formal APRN credential under […]
SCOWIS Sides With AG on Power to Settle Civil Cases
Date Fri, Jun. 20, 2025 - 9:12am By Hamilton
The Supreme Court of Wisconsin unanimously ruled this week that the Wisconsin Legislature cannot prohibit the Department of Justice (DOJ) from settling civil cases without the approval of the Joint Committee on Finance. In the fall of 2018, the legislature passed and former Gov. Walker (R) signed legislation into law requiring the legislature’s budget-writing committee […]
Wisconsin Tourism Sets New Records in 2024, Bolstering State Economy
Date Fri, Jun. 20, 2025 - 9:09am By Hamilton
Wisconsin’s tourism industry reached unprecedented heights in 2024, marking its third consecutive year of record-setting growth. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, the state welcomed 114.4 million visitors, up 1.4 million from 2023. The resulting economic impact totaled $25.8 billion, surpassing the previous year’s record of $25 billion. The industry also generated a record […]
Administrative Rule making proposal
Date Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 - 9:36am By Hamilton
Wisconsin Republican lawmakers are introducing a bill package to review every statewide administrative rule and impose new limits on the rulemaking process. The four GOP sponsored bills aim to exert more control over the administrative process and to limit the authority of state agencies and the governor. AB277/SB289 would require agencies to make cuts to […]
Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Testin Circulate Stewardship Proposal
Date Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 - 9:34am By Hamilton
Rep. Tony Kurtz (R – Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R – Stevens Point) are circulating legislation to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program through 2030 at $28.25 million per year—lower than the current funding and far below Governor Evers’ proposed $100 million annually. Their plan would also cap most individual land purchases at $1 million, […]
Hospital Price Transparency Legislation Unveiled
Date Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 - 9:30am By Hamilton
Sens. Bradley (R-New Berlin) and Felzkowski (R-Irma) and Rep. Wittke (R-Caledonia) are circulating legislation to require hospitals to publicly share with consumers actual pricing information. The legislation is being supported by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Wisconsin business leaders. The bill would allow Wisconsin consumers who purchase healthcare services to know exactly how much it […]
JFC State Budget Updates: May 29th & June 5th
Date Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 - 9:25am By Hamilton
On Thursday June 5, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) met for an executive session to consider motions for the following agencies. The Committee includes 12 Republican members and 4 Democrat members; all 12-4 and 4-12 vote tallies were among party lines. Most notable, was in the Environment Improvement Fund, JFC voted to advance a […]
Governor and Republican Legislature Budget Talks at Impasse
Date Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 - 9:19am By Hamilton
Governor Tony Evers said Wednesday evening that budget talks with Republican leaders had hit a wall, despite his agreement to include their top priority—a tax cut. Evers pointed to GOP resistance on funding priorities like K-12 schools, child care, and the UW System as the reason the deal fell apart. His office noted that meetings […]
Updated State Revenue Estimates Push Leaders Toward Budget Talks
Date Fri, May. 23, 2025 - 9:19am By Hamilton
The much- anticipated updated state revenue numbers for the 2025-27 state budget were released recently by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The latest forecast indicates the state is now expected to have $335 million less available through mid-2027 than previously anticipated in January. According to the LFB, the state’s projected ending balance for the 2023-25 biennium […]
Congressional Districts Challenged
Date Thu, May. 22, 2025 - 4:06pm By Hamilton
Two lawsuits challenging Wisconsin’s congressional boundaries have been filed, asking the Supreme Court of Wisconsin to declare the state’s congressional district map unconstitutional and to redraw the map before the 2026 midterms. Wisconsin is currently represented in the U.S. House by six Republicans and two Democrats. The lawsuit seeks to bypass lower courts and to […]