Wisconsin’s non-partisan Legislative Audit Bureau has released an audit of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) detailing multiple compliance issues in the state’s main jobs agency. WEDC has faced repeated criticism for poor financial controls since its creation in July 2011. The latest audit confirmed many of the earlier concerns still exist and also highlighted […]
PSC Outlines Strategies to Advance Broadband
Date Thu, Mar. 21, 2013 - 3:57pm By Hamilton
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has released a new document designed to advance the spread of broadband across the state. Wisconsin’s Playbook for Broadband Progress presents several “plays” that policy makers, citizens, economic development agencies, planners, and broadband providers can use to explore ways of enhancing broadband availability, adoption, and use throughout the state. […]
Governor Walker Signs Historic Mining Reform Bill
Date Mon, Mar. 11, 2013 - 5:17pm By Hamilton
Gov. Walker has signed into law Senate Bill 1, which streamlines the permitting process for safe and environmentally sound iron mining. Along with signing the bill, Governor Walker released the following statement: Wisconsin’s seal and the state flag both depict mining in our great state. In light of our mining tradition, I’m thrilled to sign […]
Mining Bill Passes Legislature
Date Thu, Mar. 7, 2013 - 7:40pm By Hamilton
This evening, after 9.5 hours of debate, the Wisconsin Assembly voted 58-39 to approve a comprehensive iron mining bill, which, when signed by the Governor, will usher in a mining renaissance in Wisconsin. SB1 would create new statutes to govern ferrous (iron) mining, which is currently regulated in the same manner as non-ferrous (non-iron minerals […]
PSC to Host Broadband Planning Symposium
Date Thu, Mar. 7, 2013 - 12:15pm By Hamilton
The 2013 Broadband Planning Symposium, a part of the LinkWISCONSIN initiative to make Wisconsin more competitive through improved availability, adoption and use of broadband technology, will be held in Madison on April 4-5, 2013. The Symposium will bring together diverse stakeholders and provide an opportunity to build partnerships, explore various broadband planning efforts and facilitate […]
Mining Bill on the Assembly Floor Today
Date Thu, Mar. 7, 2013 - 10:42am By Hamilton
The mining bill, SB1, is being debated on the Assembly floor today. The bill is expected to pass this evening, after the 9.5 hours of scheduled debate expires. This is the last legislative step in the lawmaking process as the Senate passed the bill on February 27. Assembly approval would send the bill to Gov. Walker […]
Walker’s $132 Million Workforce Development Agenda
Date Sun, Feb. 10, 2013 - 4:52pm By Hamilton
Over the weekend, Gov. Walker announced the details of his workforce development agenda. In total, the plan invests $132 million in programs aimed at equipping workers with the skills they need to find jobs in the modern workforce. “Our goal is to help our state and our workers become among the most prosperous and innovative […]
Mining Bills Headed to Joint Finance Committee
Date Fri, Feb. 8, 2013 - 4:28pm By Hamilton
On February 6 the Senate Committee on Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining, and Revenue and the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Mining both met to amend the mining bill, AB1/SB1, and move it forward in the legislative process. Numerous amendments were made to the bill in response to concerns raised during hearings on AB1/SB1 and […]
Democrats Release Detailed Jobs Agenda
Date Fri, Feb. 8, 2013 - 2:28pm By Hamilton
Democrats in the state legislature have released a package of bills they say will create jobs quickly, close the skills gap and rebuild Wisconsin’s middle class. Workforce Growth Skills Training Program SUMMARY: Creates a competitive grant training program based on the needs of Wisconsin businesses aimed at closing the skills gap facing our state. DETAILS: […]
Gov. Walker Announces Investment in Tourism and Economic Development
Date Thu, Feb. 7, 2013 - 5:18pm By Hamilton
As the date of Gov. Walker’s budget address draws nearer, the governor has been releasing some details about proposals that will be contained in it. At the Wisconsin Economic Development Association’s Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, he announced some economic development initiatives aimed at improving the business climate and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation as well […]