Based on available results as of Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 10:30 AM. United States Senate Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (50.5 percent) won a third six-year term, defeating Democratic challenger Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (49.5 percent). Governor Democratic Gov. Tony Evers (51.2 percent) defeated Republican challenger Tim Michels (47.8 percent). Evers’ running-mate Rep. Sara […]
2022 Election Preview
Date Wed, Oct. 26, 2022 - 10:05am By Hamilton
Political Environment Historically, midterm elections in the first term of a presidency are rather textbook in nature. Whichever party has recently won the presidency tends to face an unfavorable electoral environment. On average, the party in power loses 36 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and faces challenges in races from the top to […]
Where the Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Environmental and Energy Policy
Date Tue, Oct. 25, 2022 - 3:13pm By Hamilton
A recent poll of Wisconsin voters found that 69 percent are “very” or “somewhat concerned” about climate change, an issue affecting many aspects of environmental and energy policy. This year’s gubernatorial candidates, incumbent Gov. Tony Evers (D) and challenger Tim Michels (R), have addressed these issues in various public appearances throughout the campaign. Although neither […]
Statewide Candidates Hold October Debates
Date Tue, Oct. 25, 2022 - 2:52pm By Hamilton
October has been the month for political debates in Wisconsin as candidates try to close the deal with voters in the final weeks before the general election on November 8. Read on for more information about the debates between candidates for statewide offices. U.S. Senate (October 7 & 13) Incumbent U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R) […]
Study Committees Begin to Consider, Recommend Legislation
Date Tue, Oct. 25, 2022 - 2:28pm By Hamilton
The Joint Legislative Council (JLC) of the Wisconsin Legislature recommends special committees to study major issues identified by the Legislature, typically during even-numbered years after adjournment. This year, seven study committees were established with instructions to gather information and make policy recommendations that could be considered for adoption by the Legislature next year. Bills drafted […]
State Agencies Submit 2023-25 Budget Requests
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 8:12pm By Hamilton
On September 15, Wisconsin state government agencies submitted requests for the next state budget to Gov. Tony Evers (D) and the Department of Administration (DOA). The state budgets on a two-year (biennial) basis, with fiscal years beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The 2023-2025 state budget will cover a two-year period from July 1, […]
New Marquette Poll Forecasts Tight Statewide Races as Candidates Schedule Debates
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 5:03pm By Hamilton
The latest Marquette University Law School Poll, released September 14, shows a tight statewide race between Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and his Republican challenger, construction executive Tim Michels. Among likely voters, 47 percent said they support Gov. Evers, while 44 percent support Michels. The margin of error for likely voters was 4.9 percent. The previous […]
PFAS Update: DNR Begins New Groundwater Rulemaking
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 5:02pm By Hamilton
UPDATE (12/14/2022): NRB voted unanimously to authorize this new rulemaking during its December 2022 meeting. DNR will now begin drafting the rule. According to the scope statement approved by NRB, the department plans to hold a public hearing on the draft rule in July 2024. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is renewing its […]
Federal Officials Approve Wisconsin EV Infrastructure Plan
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 4:58pm By Hamilton
Federal officials have approved Wisconsin’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan, which outlines how the state will spend millions in federal funds. The Federal Highway Administration notified the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) on September 14 that the state’s plan was approved. At the time, Wisconsin and 33 other states had their plans approved. WisDOT submitted […]
PFAS Update: State Rules Move Forward; New EPA Health Advisories; Judge Stays Ruling
Date Fri, Jun. 17, 2022 - 1:15am By Hamilton
Legislature Will Allow PFAS Rules to Take Effect This Year Rules regulating certain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking and surface water, developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), could go into effect as soon as next month, with large public water systems required to begin testing for the compounds as early […]