The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently accepting comments on its proposed extension of Wisconsin’s SeniorCare program through 2015. On October 15, DHS Sec. Dennis Smith announced CMS had certified that Wisconsin’s SeniorCare application met the requirements for complete application and advanced to the next phase of the approval process. “Prior to […]
New DNR Office Designed to Help Wisconsin Businesses
Date Thu, Nov. 1, 2012 - 9:04am By Hamilton
Businesses and industries looking to build or expand in Wisconsin now have a new resource intended to provide enhanced and proactive business support to navigate through Department of Natural Resources rules, regulations and permitting: the DNR Office of Business Support and Sustainability. The new office is designed to strengthen working relationships with key designated business […]
Dane County Judge Rules Act 21 Unconstitutional Only as it Applies to the Department of Public Instruction
Date Wed, Oct. 31, 2012 - 3:21pm By Hamilton
A Dane County Circuit Court judge has narrowly struck down a portion of 2011 Wisconsin Act 21, the regulatory reform bill passed during the 2011-12 Legislative Session and signed into law by Gov. Scott Walker. Background Act 21 made sweeping changes to Wisconsin’s rulemaking process in an effort to ensure greater agency oversight and accountability. […]
Act 10 in Legal Limbo
Date Tue, Oct. 30, 2012 - 4:33pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a Motion to Stay Dane County Circuit Judge Juan Colas’s decision, which declared portions of 2011 Wis. Act 10 unconstitutional, with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV. The motion requests that the Circuit Court decision be stayed pending an appeal to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. […]
Walker Administration Focusing on Economic Development
Date Fri, Oct. 12, 2012 - 10:59am By Hamilton
Gov. Walker has indicated that workforce issues will be a priority for the upcoming legislative session, and there are several stakeholder groups holding ongoing meetings to offer suggestions and solutions to this important, yet challenging policy area. “Be Bold 2: Growing Wisconsin’s Talent Pool” Study Released Coming on the heels of the release of Tim […]
Wisconsin’s Tax Climate Ranks Poorly
Date Thu, Oct. 11, 2012 - 2:16pm By Hamilton
According to a new report from the Tax Foundation, Wisconsin’s tax climate ranks 43rd this year among the 50 states. The 2013 State Business Tax Climate Index looks at over 100 variables in individual income tax, corporate income tax, sales tax, unemployment insurance tax, and property tax, and synthesizes them into a single score. The […]
Agency Budget Request Highlights
Date Wed, Oct. 10, 2012 - 5:28pm By Hamilton
Agency budget requests for the 2013-15 biennial budget bill have been submitted to the Department of Administration (DOA) for review. Requests approved by the Governor will be included in his budget bill, which is expected to be introduced in January 2013. While the bulk of the agency requests submitted to date generally relate to standard […]
Supreme Court Punts on Voter ID, For Now
Date Wed, Oct. 10, 2012 - 5:24pm By Hamilton
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has declined to take up challenges to the state’s voter ID law until an appeals court hears the cases, meaning questions about the law will not be resolved until well after the November elections. Two separate Dane County circuit judges have ruled against the law in Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP […]
WMC to Host EPA Trainwreck Briefing
Date Wed, Oct. 10, 2012 - 1:03pm By Hamilton
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is presenting, Decision 2012, Part IV: EPA Trainwreck. The briefing will explain how EPA rules targeting the energy sector will increase the cost of electricity. Speakers include Congressman Reid Ribble and Ross Eisenberg, Vice President, Energy Resource NAM. The briefing will be held on October 24 in Neenah at the Best […]
Court Rulings Increase Act 10 Confusion
Date Tue, Sep. 25, 2012 - 1:23pm By Hamilton
Gov. Walker’s budget repair bill, Act 10, was thrown into judicial limbo when a Dane County judge recently struck down parts of the law causing some public-sector unions to seek revisions to their contracts. However, Atty. Gen. J.B Van Hollen is currently seeking a stay of the decision and has said the state will appeal […]