With another legislative session comes another biennial state budget bill, and Wisconsin is expected to have a surplus of $7.1 billion when the current fiscal biennium ends June 30. The 2023-25 state budget will occupy much of the Legislature’s attention for the next few months. In last night’s State of the State address, Gov. Tony […]
Legislature Votes to Put Bail, Welfare Reform on Spring Ballot
Date Wed, Jan. 25, 2023 - 10:56am By Hamilton
Among the first measures to pass both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature this year were two legislative resolutions that will put questions before voters. Both resolutions passed the Senate on January 17 and the Assembly two days later, largely but not entirely along party lines. Both questions will appear on the next statewide ballot, the […]
Gov. Evers Begins Second Term as GOP Legislature Considers Broad Tax Reform
Date Wed, Jan. 11, 2023 - 9:24am By Hamilton
Tony Evers Sworn in for Second Term as Governor Inauguration Day in Wisconsin took place on January 3. Democratic incumbents Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul began their second terms in office, while Sara Rodriguez was sworn in as the state’s new lieutenant governor. Gov. Evers spent the majority of his second inaugural […]
Spring Election Update: Republican Primary in SD 8; Supreme and Appellate Court Races
Date Wed, Jan. 11, 2023 - 9:20am By Hamilton
A total of four candidates will compete in a special election for the 8th Senate District, which was triggered by eight-term Sen. Alberta Darling’s (R-River Hills) retirement. The general election will take place on April 4, coinciding with Wisconsin’s 2023 spring election, which also features a statewide supreme court race and many nonpartisan and local elective […]
Sen. Darling Retires; Special Election to Take Place in the Spring
Date Tue, Dec. 13, 2022 - 1:57pm By Hamilton
State Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) retired on December 1, stepping down in the middle of her eighth term in office. She announced her retirement two weeks after the November 2022 election. Sen. Darling served in the Wisconsin Legislature for a total of 32 years, representing the 8th Senate District since 1993. She served on […]
2023-24 Legislative Session: Caucus Leaders
Date Tue, Dec. 13, 2022 - 1:51pm By Hamilton
As a result of the November 2022 election, Republicans will continue to control both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature with strong majorities. After the election, the Assembly and Senate party caucuses met and selected their leaders for the 2023-24 legislative session. Senate leadership from both parties will mostly remain the same, save for one new […]
2023-24 Legislative Session: Joint Finance Committee Members
Date Tue, Dec. 13, 2022 - 1:49pm By Hamilton
The 16-member Joint Committee on Finance (or Joint Finance Committee, JFC) is among the most important committees of the Wisconsin Legislature. It is responsible for writing the biennial state budget and has the authority to approve requests for funding, agency position authority, and state lawsuit settlements. The committee has an equal number of members from […]
2023-24 Legislative Session: New Members
Date Tue, Dec. 13, 2022 - 1:43pm By Hamilton
Following the November 2022 election, the Wisconsin Legislature will have 31 new members, nearly 25 percent of its total membership. This turnover was almost entirely due to legislators retiring or seeking other offices. Only Rep. Don Vruwink (D-Milton), who was moved into a differently numbered district due to redistricting, lost his bid for reelection. Shortly […]
2022 Election Results
Date Wed, Nov. 9, 2022 - 10:23am By Hamilton
Based on available results as of Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 10:30 AM. United States Senate Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (50.5 percent) won a third six-year term, defeating Democratic challenger Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (49.5 percent). Governor Democratic Gov. Tony Evers (51.2 percent) defeated Republican challenger Tim Michels (47.8 percent). Evers’ running-mate Rep. Sara […]
Study Committees Begin to Consider, Recommend Legislation
Date Tue, Oct. 25, 2022 - 2:28pm By Hamilton
The Joint Legislative Council (JLC) of the Wisconsin Legislature recommends special committees to study major issues identified by the Legislature, typically during even-numbered years after adjournment. This year, seven study committees were established with instructions to gather information and make policy recommendations that could be considered for adoption by the Legislature next year. Bills drafted […]