On February 12, the Assembly convened to consider a range of bills affecting policies within the state’s university system, including high-profile issues such as campus free speech, admissions policies, and faculty governance appointments. Most of these measures are divided along party lines. However, the chamber also approved several bills by voice vote, including legislation aimed at […]
Senate Floor Session 1-21-26
Date Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 - 9:46am By Hamilton
On January 21, the Senate held its first floor day of 2026. The Senate took several partisan votes, including legislation prohibiting foreign adversaries from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in Wisconsin and the so-called “tax on tips” bill, which creates an income tax exemption for cash tips received by employees. The Senate also passed several […]
Assembly Floor Session 1-22-26
Date Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 - 9:45am By Hamilton
On January 22, the Assembly continued its work to advance legislation as the number of remaining calendar days in the session grows limited. The most notable action of the day was passage of legislation to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which advanced along partisan lines amid disagreements over funding levels and proposed limitations on land […]
State Reports $3.9 Billion General Fund Surplus for FY 2024–25
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 3:14pm By Hamilton
Gov. Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin ended the 2024–25 fiscal year with a $3.9 billion positive balance in its General Fund under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), marking the sixth consecutive year the state has finished in the black. According to the state’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Budget Stabilization, or “rainy day,” fund also […]
Governor Evers Signs 34 Bills Into Law
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 2:52pm By Hamilton
Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Acts 49 through 82, covering issues ranging from public safety and education to housing, healthcare, local government operations, and economic development. Acts Signed Into Law 2025 Wisconsin Act 49 (SB 422) – Memorial bridge designation 2025 Wisconsin Act 50 (SB 38) – Gold Star license plate fee exemption 2025 Wisconsin […]
Joel Brennan Launches Bid for Governor
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 2:51pm By Hamilton
Joel Brennan has entered the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor, joining a growing field of candidates seeking to succeed Gov. Tony Evers, who is not running for a third term. Brennan currently serves as president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and previously led the Wisconsin Department of Administration during the Evers administration. His background includes […]
New WEDC CEO Announced
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:56am By Hamilton
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 […]
Barnes Joins Crowded Primary Race
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:49am By Hamilton
Mandela Barnes — a former state representative and the Lieutenant Governor during Governor Evers’ first term (2019–2023), and the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022 — has officially entered the 2026 race for governor. It had been speculated for months that Barnes would join the race. Barnes joins a crowded Democratic field vying to […]
Legislative Leaders Considering December Extraordinary Session
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:46am By Hamilton
Republican legislative leaders are considering calling an extraordinary session to address the significant increase in state costs tied to recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Wisconsin as FoodShare. In Wisconsin, an extraordinary session can be called by the Legislature, by the committees on organization or through a joint resolution […]
Gov. Evers Signs 19 Bills, Issues Several Vetoes
Date Fri, Nov. 7, 2025 - 9:34am By Hamilton
Gov. Tony Evers signed 19 bills into law on Friday, October 31, advancing a range of bipartisan measures related to public safety, mental health response, transportation, and government operations. He also issued vetoes on several others, including Senate Bill 25. Among the new laws: 2025 Wisconsin Act 41 (SB 309) provides liability protection for 911 […]