Wisconsin’s role in helping decide both party’s Presidential primary winners continues to be in flux. Barring a brokered convention or the emergence of a third party candidate, last night’s results seem to have locked in a Trump vs. Clinton general election. How that affects the voter turnout here remains to be seen, and that turnout […]
Races to Watch on April 5; Stafsholt Runs for Open Murtha Seat
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:42am By Hamilton
Worker’s Compensation Bill Signed into Law
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:33am By Hamilton
On February 29, 2016, Governor Scott Walker signed the Worker’s Compensation “Agreed Upon” Bill for 2016, Assembly Bill 724, into law as 2015 Wisconsin Act 180. Originally introduced by Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) and Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield) in January 2016, the bill is a result of a consensus recommendation from labor and management representatives on […]
Regulatory Reform Legislation Dies in Senate
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:32am By Hamilton
Legislation that would have been a big win for the business community died after the Senate did not take up Assembly Bill 251 on the last day of session. Key provisions in the bill would require legislative approval of rules costing over $10 million and allow for independent economic impacts of rules. This legislation, authored […]
PSC Reform Bill Passes Legislature
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:31am By Hamilton
On their last session day, the Senate concurred in Assembly Bill 804, otherwise known as the Public Service Commission (PSC) Reform Bill. The bill now heads to Governor Scott Walker for his signature. The Assembly passed the legislation in February. Rep. Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Sen. Roger Roth (R-Appleton) introduced Assembly Bill 804 and […]
Prohibition of Regulating Auxiliary Containers Headed to Governor
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:29am By Hamilton
On the last night of session, the Senate concurred in Assembly Bill 730. The bill now heads to the governor for his signature. The legislation prohibits a city, village, town, or county from regulating auxiliary containers (such as a bag, cup, bottle, etc.) made of cloth, paper, plastic cardboard, corrugated material, aluminum, glass, postconsumer recycled […]
Legislation to Allow Out-of-State Companies to Purchase Water & Sewer Utilities Dies in Senate
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:26am By Hamilton
Introduced by Representative Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) and Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) in December, Assembly Bill 554/Senate Bill 432 would have created a new process for out-of-state utility companies to purchase or lease water or sewer utilities in Wisconsin. The Assembly passed AB 554 on a voice vote in January. The Senate Committee on […]
Interest Rates on Judgments Legislation Dies
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:23am By Hamilton
Authored by Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) and Sen. Stephen Nass (R-Whitewater), Assembly Bill 95/Senate Bill 76 sought to change the interest rate for pre- and post- judgment interest for verdicts in small claims court. As passed by the Assembly, the legislation would have revised the formula created in 2011 Act 69 (Act 69) to […]
What Can We Expect in 2017?
Date Wed, Mar. 16, 2016 - 9:16am By Hamilton
While the legislators are headed home to their districts for campaign season, those staying in Madison are already speculating what to expect next legislative session. Inauguration Day is ten months out, however some legislators are already committing to their top issues for next session, and those in the majority will get to decide the legislature’s […]
Court Hears Arguments in Right to Work Lawsuit
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:48pm By Hamilton
On March 10, 2015 the International Association of Machinists Local 1061 and two other unions filed a complaint against the State of Wisconsin alleging the “Right to Work” bill passed by the legislature (2015 Act 1) constitutes an unconstitutional taking of the plaintiffs’ property which violates Wisconsin Constitution Art. I, § 13. The plaintiffs argue […]
New Review of Water Quality Standards Legislation Signed by Governor
Date Thu, Mar. 3, 2016 - 6:36pm By Hamilton
2015 Wisconsin Act 205 modifies the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) multi-discharger variance program to meet the new federal requirements. Act 205 creates a new procedure for when variances must be reviewed. This includes a three-year review standard and a highest attainable review. Under the new law, every three years, DNR must review the water […]