LRB’s Summary of the 2011–2012 Wisconsin Legislative Session

The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau has released its research bulletin providing an overview of the acts and joint resolutions of the 2011–2012 Wisconsin Legislative Session. Legislation is organized by topic with acts described under the appropriate subject heading or headings. Significant acts and joint resolutions are highlighted by shading. 

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Legislative Audit Bureau Reviews Two DHS Programs

Wisconsin’s independent Legislative Audit Bureau recently released its audits of the Wisconsin FoodShares program and the state’s Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) Authority. FoodShares Audit Summary FoodShare Wisconsin is the state’s program implementing the federal Food Stamp Act of 1964 to assist low-income individuals and families in purchasing food. The program is administered by the […]

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Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Seeks Public Input

In April, Governor Scott Walker signed Executive Order #65, creating the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The Council is designed to explore ways to improve planning, coordination and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the state. The Council will meet at least four times per year and annually report to the Governor and other relevant state […]

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DHS Sec. Smith Speaks About Medicaid Reforms

At a luncheon sponsored by Wisconsin Health News and Badger Bay Management, Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Dennis Smith gave an update on DHS’s Medicaid reforms. Smith also discussed his unique experiences working on Medicaid waivers at both the state and federal levels. Smith discussed in depth Wisconsin’s decision to retain coverage levels in […]

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Concealed Carry and Firearms Laws in Wisconsin

The Legislative Reference Bureau has released a brief detailing Wisconsin’s recently enacted concealed carry law and other various firearms laws. The brief details: the history of Wisconsin’s concealed carry law; concealed carry licensing; limitations on concealed carry; and other firearms laws. 

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Agencies Searching for Burdensome and Outdated Rules

Gov. Walker’s Executive Order #61 Relating to Job Creation and Small Business Expansion asks all state agencies to conduct a thorough review of  regulations, and to recommend for possible elimination, outdated and overly cumbersome regulations that provide no or little demonstrable benefit. A similar effort last year by Michigan’s Office of Regulatory Reinvention generated a […]

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Walker Issues Few Vetoes

The month after the end of the legislative floor session ends is a flurry of bill signings and last ditch efforts aimed at getting the Governor to veto particular bills. This year was no different except that the number of vetoes was significantly lower than previous years owing since both houses of the legislature and […]

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Governor Walker Calls Second Special Session on Jobs

For the second time this year Governor Scott Walker has called the legislature into special session to address jobs. The “Back to Work Wisconsin” special session is expected to begin on Thursday, September 19, and run through November. Walker’s announcement included a list of 26 pieces of legislation for the session. The list is replicated […]

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