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 […]
Governor Signs Bipartisan Bills Supporting Wisconsin’s EMS Workforce
Date Thu, Oct. 23, 2025 - 2:13pm By Hamilton
Governor Tony Evers has signed two bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening Wisconsin’s emergency medical services (EMS) system. Authored by Sen. Howard Marklein (R–Spring Green) and Rep. Tony Kurtz (R–Wonewoc), Acts 35 and 36 are designed to help local EMS departments address ongoing challenges with recruitment, retention, and training. Act 35 establishes a tuition reimbursement program […]
Missy Hughes Announces Resignation From WEDC
Date Thu, Sep. 18, 2025 - 2:22pm By Hamilton
Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, has announced she is leaving her position effective September 19. After joining the Evers Administration in 2019, Hughes was unanimously confirmed by the Wisconsin State Senate in 2021 and again in 2023. During Gov. Evers’ tenure and since Secretary Hughes was appointed, WEDC has […]
JFC State Budget Updates: June 10th, 12th & 17th
Date Fri, Jun. 20, 2025 - 9:22am By Hamilton
6/10 Tuesday June 10th the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) met again 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. With a two 13-3 votes each time one of the 4 democrats voted […]
Gov. Evers 2025-27 Executive Budget Highlights
Date Wed, Feb. 19, 2025 - 3:56pm By Hamilton
Gov. Evers gave his fourth biennial budget address on February 18, unveiling his 2025-27 executive budget. He proposes an operating budget of $ $118.9 billion over the next two fiscal years, adding a net 880.94 FTE positions. For comparison, the final 2023-25 state budget spent $97.4 billion with a net reduction of 175.51 FTE (GPR) […]
Wisconsin Policy Forum: Wisconsin’s State & Local Tax Burden Drop to Another Record Low in 2024
Date Fri, Jan. 24, 2025 - 10:20am By Hamilton
According to a report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum, state and local taxes as a share of income fell again in 2024 hitting a low of 9.62% of personal income. That’s down from 9.92% in 2023, which was also a record low after state and local taxes accounted for 9.9% of personal income in 2022. Overall, […]
EdVest May Now Be Used for Apprenticeship Costs
Date Mon, Oct. 21, 2024 - 4:08pm By Hamilton
Bipartisan legislation, authored by Reps. Binsfeld (R-Sheboygan) and Joers (D-Middleton) and Sens. Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) and Hesselbein (D-Middleton), updated Wisconsin law to newly allow for Wisconsin’s 529 college saving program, EdVest, to be used for additional expenses, including apprenticeships. 2023 Wisconsin Act 148 also increases the state income tax deduction for contributions to $5,000, indexed for […]
Legislative Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Continues Work
Date Wed, Sep. 18, 2024 - 10:30am By Hamilton
The Legislative Council Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence continues to meet and learn more about the use of AI in a variety of industries. Chaired by Sen. Julian Bradley, the committee includes legislators and members of the public. The Committee has met three times since it began its work in July. Typically, […]
Governor Signs 24 New Laws, Vetoes GOP Tax Cut Bills
Date Fri, Mar. 15, 2024 - 12:40pm By Hamilton
Since our last update in late February, Gov. Tony Evers (D) has signed 24 bills into law and vetoed three others. The Assembly’s last scheduled floor session was February 22, while the Senate held what we anticipate will be its final day of floor votes on March 12. The Legislature is not expected to reconvene […]
Senate Floor Session: March 12, 2024
Date Fri, Mar. 15, 2024 - 12:38pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Senate met March 12, 2024. See the floor calendar here. We anticipate that this was the Senate’s final day of floor votes for the 2023-24 legislative session. The Assembly voted to adjourn the session at the conclusion of its last scheduled floor day on February 22. The Legislature is not expected to reconvene […]