Pres. Obama delivered his fifth State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on February 12. In his speech, Obama outlined his policy goals for the coming years, asking Congress to send him legislation to reform immigration, combat climate change, increase the minimum wage, and reduce gun violence. The White House has […]
Medicaid Expansion a Hot Topic
Date Mon, Feb. 11, 2013 - 12:43pm By Hamilton
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) provides incentives for states to expand their Medicaid programs. Gov. Walker has said he will decide whether Wisconsin will expand its program by the time he delivers his budget address on February 20. In states like Wisconsin, that had a relatively expansive Medicaid Program prior to PPACA, […]
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: […]
DWD Sec. Newson Talks About Employment Programs and Unemployment Insurance
Date Wed, Feb. 6, 2013 - 10:38am By Hamilton
In an interview with the Wheeler Report, Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson talked about his agency and plans for the next year. What have been the major accomplishments of your agency recently?We’re working hard to carry out the Governor’s agenda on job creation and developing the workforce. The Governor has put forward five […]
Walker Discusses Budget Priorities
Date Mon, Feb. 4, 2013 - 11:29am By Hamilton
Gov. Walker has indicated that his top priorities for the 2013-15 Biennial State Budget are creating jobs, developing the workforce, transforming education, reforming government, and investing in infrastructure. In the time leading up to the Biennial Budget Address on February 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers, Walker is releasing a series of […]
Sec. Gottlieb Talks Transportation with Wheeler Report
Date Tue, Jan. 29, 2013 - 6:08pm By Hamilton
The Wheeler Report recently sat down with Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb to discuss service, safety, and better roads. What are the biggest accomplishments of your agency in the past few years?We were able to open up over 30 new DMV centers, so now we have DMVs open at least 20 hours a week […]
Employment Law Changes a Necessary Component to Economic Growth
Date Mon, Jan. 28, 2013 - 4:47pm By Hamilton
In 2011, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce prepared a report titled “The Impact of State Employment Policies on Job Growth.” The review covered all 50 states and unfortunately, Wisconsin was ranked in the worst tier with 14 other states. Wisconsin joined California, New York, Illinois and Michigan as a state where employment laws are considered […]
Transportation Funding Amendment on Fast Track
Date Thu, Jan. 24, 2013 - 10:22am By Hamilton
One of the bills moving quickly this legislative session is a proposal that would take steps toward amending the state constitution to prevent transportation funds from being used for non-transportation related projects. Since 2003, more than $1.3 billion has been redirected from the transportation fund and spent on unrelated programs. SJR4 proposes a constitutional amendment […]
Mining Bills Introduced
Date Wed, Jan. 23, 2013 - 10:13pm By Hamilton
It’s only the third week of the legislative session but already two separate mining bills have been introduced and a 12-hour marathon hearing held over one of the proposals. Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) have introduced comprehensive iron-ore mining legislation designed to streamline the approval process for iron mines […]