Gov. Evers gave his third biennial budget address on February 15, unveiling his 2023-25 executive budget. He proposes an operating budget of $103.8 billion over the next two fiscal years, adding a net 816.55 FTE positions. For comparison, the 2021-23 state budget spent $87.5 billion with a net reduction of 174.19 FTE positions. The complete […]
PFAS Update: Senate Natural Resources Committee Holds Informational Hearing
Date Wed, Feb. 8, 2023 - 10:35am By Hamilton
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy held a public hearing on PFAS on January 31. The hearing was for information only (no specific bills were discussed) and featured select speakers invited by committee chair Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay). During the hearing, Sen. Cowles stated that the Legislature will take action on PFAS […]
Where the Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Environmental and Energy Policy
Date Tue, Oct. 25, 2022 - 3:13pm By Hamilton
A recent poll of Wisconsin voters found that 69 percent are “very” or “somewhat concerned” about climate change, an issue affecting many aspects of environmental and energy policy. This year’s gubernatorial candidates, incumbent Gov. Tony Evers (D) and challenger Tim Michels (R), have addressed these issues in various public appearances throughout the campaign. Although neither […]
State Agencies Submit 2023-25 Budget Requests
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 8:12pm By Hamilton
On September 15, Wisconsin state government agencies submitted requests for the next state budget to Gov. Tony Evers (D) and the Department of Administration (DOA). The state budgets on a two-year (biennial) basis, with fiscal years beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The 2023-2025 state budget will cover a two-year period from July 1, […]
Federal Officials Approve Wisconsin EV Infrastructure Plan
Date Tue, Sep. 20, 2022 - 4:58pm By Hamilton
Federal officials have approved Wisconsin’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan, which outlines how the state will spend millions in federal funds. The Federal Highway Administration notified the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) on September 14 that the state’s plan was approved. At the time, Wisconsin and 33 other states had their plans approved. WisDOT submitted […]
PFAS Update: State Rules Move Forward; New EPA Health Advisories; Judge Stays Ruling
Date Fri, Jun. 17, 2022 - 1:15am By Hamilton
Legislature Will Allow PFAS Rules to Take Effect This Year Rules regulating certain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking and surface water, developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), could go into effect as soon as next month, with large public water systems required to begin testing for the compounds as early […]
Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions: February 15
Date Wed, Feb. 16, 2022 - 6:27pm By Hamilton
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature met on February 15 for floor sessions to vote on bills and resolutions. Below, we review a few notable items. Senate Floor Calendar, February 15 The Senate passed 39 bills and six resolutions, including: Senate Bill (SB) 365, which makes changes to the broadband expansion grant program administered by […]
Gov. Evers Signs 21 Bills, Including Telehealth Definitions; Vetoes Four More
Date Sun, Feb. 13, 2022 - 4:01pm By Hamilton
On February 4, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced his actions on 18 bills recently presented to him by the Legislature. The governor signed 14 bills into law and vetoed four others. Notably, Gov. Evers signed Senate Bill (SB) 309 and SB 488. SB 309, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 121, incorporates the definitions of “telehealth” and […]
PFAS Update: DNR Will Ask NRB to Approve Three PFAS Rules in February
Date Tue, Dec. 21, 2021 - 1:08pm By Hamilton
In December and January, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting public hearing and comment periods for three rules regulating the allowable levels of certain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other compounds in surface water (NR 105), groundwater (NR 140), and drinking water (NR 809). DNR plans to present its final proposed […]
President Biden Signs Infrastructure Bill Including Billions for Wisconsin
Date Thu, Nov. 18, 2021 - 5:54pm By Hamilton
On November 15, President Joe Biden (D) signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in early November by a vote of 228-206, with most Democratic members supporting the bill and most Republican members opposed. The Senate had passed the bill in August on a 69-30 […]