Taxes, Regs, Slowdown Are Top Concerns of Wisconsin CEOs

The results of the latest Economic Outlook Survey from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) are in, and Wisconsin CEOs say the state is heading the right direction, but taxes, regulations and the economic slowdown continue to hamper growth. WMC Economic Outlook Survey 2013 Highlights: TOP POLICY PROBLEM – Thirty percent said the economic slowdown is […]

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2012 Annual Report on Wisconsin Homeland Security

The Wisconsin Homeland Security Council has released its 2012 annual report, which includes an overview of the state and federal homeland security funding process. It also provides information on the new and continuing efforts by the council, state agencies, and officials from public, private, and non-profit sectors to implement new homeland security, public health, and […]

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Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Elimination Task Force Issues Quarterly Report

Wisconsin’s Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Elimination Task Force has issued its third quarterly report of 2012. The report includes citizen suggestions and highlights state actions that have helped to save money and make government more efficient. During his State of the State Address in January 2012, Gov. Walker urged citizens and state employees to submit […]

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Deadline for Comments on SeniorCare Program Approaching

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 […]

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New DNR Office Designed to Help Wisconsin Businesses

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 […]

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Dane County Judge Rules Act 21 Unconstitutional Only as it Applies to the Department of Public Instruction

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. […]

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Act 10 in Legal Limbo

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. […]

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Walker Administration Focusing on Economic Development

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 […]

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Wisconsin’s Tax Climate Ranks Poorly

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 […]

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Agency Budget Request Highlights

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 […]

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