The latest audit from the non-partisan Legislative Audit Bureau examined the state’s supervised release program, which allows sexually violent individuals who have been civilly committed to live in the community under the custody of the Department of Health Services. The LAB audit found DHS was spending more money administering the program than the Department of […]
Act 10 Once Again Upheld by Court
Date Mon, Sep. 16, 2013 - 8:34pm By Hamilton
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin has rejected the last remaining federal court challenge to 2011 Wisconsin Act 10, also known as the Budget Repair Bill. The court ruled that the plaintiffs in the case, Laborers Local 236, et al., had failed to prove that (1) Act 10’s restrictions on collective […]
Bi-Partisan Social Media Bill Gains Momentum
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2013 - 9:17am By Hamilton
A bill prohibiting requesting or requiring an employee, student or applicant to disclose a user name or password for a personal social media account, like Facebook or Twitter, is gathering broad bi-partisan support ahead of next month’s floor period. The bill, AB218/SB223, which is sponsored by political odd-couple Sen. Glen Grothman (R-West Bend) and Rep. […]
Wisconsin Tax Reform Update with DOR Sec. Chandler
Date Thu, Aug. 22, 2013 - 8:01am By Hamilton
Taxes are a hot topic in Wisconsin, particularly since several reforms were included in the state budget. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce’s Director of Tax & Transportation Policy, Jason Culotta, discussed the details of some of those budget reforms with Rick Chandler, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, in this video from WMC:
Ban on Joint Ownership of Funeral Homes and Cemeteries Targeted for Repeal
Date Wed, Aug. 21, 2013 - 11:45am By Hamilton
Wisconsin is one of just a handful of states with a law on its books prohibiting the joint ownership of cemeteries and funeral homes. The archaic law has come under fire recently because a new study has estimated it will cost families in the Badger State an extra $15.5 million over the next ten years. […]
Vos and Barca Discuss Upcoming Legislative Session & Elections
Date Wed, Aug. 7, 2013 - 4:36pm By Hamilton
WisconsinEye’s Steve Walters interviewed Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) on August 7, 2013 at the state Capitol. The two leaders discussed many different topics, including, same-sex marriage decisions, what they would like to see in the new University of Wisconsin system president, healthcare, drunk driving, raw milk, personhood, and […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Limits DNR’s Regulatory Authority under the Public Trust Doctrine
Date Tue, Aug. 6, 2013 - 5:54pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently issued a decision limiting the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) regulatory authority under the public trust doctrine. The case is Rock-Koshkonong Lake District v. DNR, 2013 WI 74. The Supreme Court held that the DNR improperly relied upon the public trust doctrine for its authority to regulate non-navigable land or […]
New Bills Signed Into Law
Date Mon, Jul. 8, 2013 - 10:57am By Hamilton
Gov. Walker signed several bills into law on Friday, July 5, 2013. Please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team if you require further information on any of the laws below. Assembly Bill 20 – relating to the notice and degree requirements for the examination to practice as a certified public accountant. This […]
Budget Bill Heads to the Floor
Date Fri, Jun. 7, 2013 - 9:56am By Hamilton
After a marathon hearing that covered three of the biggest policy issues in the budget – medical assistance, K-12 education, and taxes – the Joint Finance Committee finalized its version of the 2013-15 budget. Highlights Medical Assistance As Gov. Walker recommended, the JFC voted (12-4 along party lines) to reject federal funds for expanding Medicaid […]
Court Upholds Voter ID Law
Date Thu, Jun. 6, 2013 - 10:01am By Hamilton
In its recent ruling in League of Women Voters v. Walker the IV District Court of Appeals declared the 2011 voter ID law to be constitutional on its face and, in doing so, vacated a lower court’s injunction against its enforcement. The court found that under the Wisconsin Constitution, the legislature may enact reasonable election […]