In April, Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed the first four laws of the 2023-24 legislative session as 2023 Wisconsin Acts 1 through 4. So far, the governor has not issued any vetoes this session. Act 3, originally SB 75, implements the recently approved constitutional amendment regarding bail and pre-conviction release for people accused of a […]
Assembly Floor Sessions: April 2023
Date Wed, Apr. 19, 2023 - 9:46am By Hamilton
April 18 (floor calendar) The Assembly met April 18 and passed five resolutions, including recognizing Earth Day and honoring the lives and public service of former Gov. Anthony Earl and former UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank. The Assembly passed the following bills, primarily related to local government administration and the operation of miscellaneous programs: AB 36: […]
Senate Floor Session: April 19
Date Wed, Apr. 19, 2023 - 9:44am By Hamilton
The Senate will meet April 19 (floor calendar) to vote on bills, resolutions, and executive appointments. The Senate will vote on two agency heads appointed by Gov. Evers (D) and 25 other appointees to several professional examining boards, the Wisconsin Technical College System board, and various other regulatory and advisory bodies. The Senate will consider […]
Tracking the Senate Confirmation Process for the Evers Administration Cabinet
Date Wed, Apr. 19, 2023 - 9:39am By Hamilton
In a January interview, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) said that the Senate would work to hold confirmation hearings on department secretaries and other agency heads appointed by Gov. Tony Evers (D). During Gov. Evers’ first term, the Senate chose not to take confirmation votes on about 185 of the governor’s appointments, including many […]
2023 Wisconsin Spring Election Results
Date Wed, Apr. 5, 2023 - 11:09am By Hamilton
Wisconsin held its 2023 spring general election on April 4. Spring elections in Wisconsin are officially nonpartisan and include offices such as judges, mayors, local legislative bodies, and school boards. Several notable races and referenda were on the ballot this year. Wisconsin Supreme Court In the race for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme […]
State Building Commission Deadlocks on Gov. Evers’ Capital Budget
Date Thu, Mar. 30, 2023 - 2:42pm By Hamilton
The State Building Commission (SBC) met March 23 (agenda) to review Gov. Evers’ (D) 2023-25 capital budget recommendations. The capital budget (highlights) includes plans for purchasing, constructing, maintaining, and disposing of state-owned buildings, facilities, and other properties. Gov. Evers proposed spending $3.8 billion on capital projects over the next two fiscal years, including nearly $1.8 […]
Legislative Council Approves 2022 Study Committee Bills
Date Thu, Mar. 30, 2023 - 2:10pm By Hamilton
The Joint Legislative Council (JLC) recommends special committees to study major issues identified by the Wisconsin Legislature, typically during even-numbered years after the regular session has adjourned. In April 2022, JLC established seven study committees consisting of legislators and members of the public. Those committees held hearings and developed policy recommendations. On March 23, JLC met […]
Tracking the Senate Confirmation Process for the Evers Administration Cabinet
Date Thu, Mar. 30, 2023 - 1:57pm By Hamilton
In a January interview, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) said that the Senate would work to hold confirmation hearings on department secretaries and other agency heads appointed by Gov. Tony Evers (D). During Gov. Evers’ first term, the Senate chose not to take confirmation votes on about 185 of the governor’s appointments, including many […]
VIDEO: Wisconsin Legislature Recognizes American Red Cross Month (March 2023)
Date Thu, Mar. 23, 2023 - 12:55pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Legislature, by unanimously adopting Assembly Joint Resolution 14, has recognized March 2023 as American Red Cross Month in Wisconsin. AJR 14 passed the Assembly on March 14 and the Senate concurred in the resolution on March 22. The resolution was authored by Rep. Donna Rozar (R-Marshfield) and Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan).
Fiscal Bureau Issues Budget Analysis; Finance Committee Schedules Agency and Public Hearings
Date Fri, Mar. 17, 2023 - 8:43am By Hamilton
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau has released its plain-language summary (tables, agency-by-agency) of Gov. Tony Evers’ (D) executive budget proposal for the 2023-25 fiscal biennium. The document explains, in plain narrative terms along with simple financial tables, how state agencies, programs, and policies currently work and how the budget would affect them. Legislators rely on this […]