This evening, after 9.5 hours of debate, the Wisconsin Assembly voted 58-39 to approve a comprehensive iron mining bill, which, when signed by the Governor, will usher in a mining renaissance in Wisconsin. SB1 would create new statutes to govern ferrous (iron) mining, which is currently regulated in the same manner as non-ferrous (non-iron minerals […]
Civil Justice Reforms Once Again a Legislative Priority
Date Thu, Mar. 7, 2013 - 2:50pm By Hamilton
The Legislature has introduced several bills designed to further improve Wisconsin’s civil justice system, building on the dramatic reforms passed during the 2011-12 Session. Eliminating Phantom Damages (AB 29/SB 22): This legislation allows juries in personal injury cases to see all the evidence when determining the amount owed to compensate the plaintiff for his or […]
Next Steps for the Budget
Date Thu, Mar. 7, 2013 - 10:44am By Hamilton
Now that the budget has been introduced, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau will take 3-4 weeks to prepare a comprehensive analysis of the bill for the Joint Finance Committee (JFC). Starting in mid-March, JFC will schedule committee hearings and invite selected agency heads to appear and testify before the committee on their respective agency budgets. Public […]
Mining Bill on the Assembly Floor Today
Date Thu, Mar. 7, 2013 - 10:42am By Hamilton
The mining bill, SB1, is being debated on the Assembly floor today. The bill is expected to pass this evening, after the 9.5 hours of scheduled debate expires. This is the last legislative step in the lawmaking process as the Senate passed the bill on February 27. Assembly approval would send the bill to Gov. Walker […]
Celebrate Red Cross Month
Date Fri, Mar. 1, 2013 - 10:05am By Hamilton
March is Red Cross Month, a time to remind everyone of the work of the American Red Cross in communities across the country and around the globe. The American Red Cross was created in 1881 by Clara Barton and officially chartered by Congress in 1900 to provide national and international relief during disasters, and […]
The Legislative Response
Date Thu, Feb. 21, 2013 - 3:32pm By Hamilton
After Gov. Walker’s budget address, members from both parties and both houses were eager to share their opinions on the governor’s proposals. Wisconsin Eye collected responses from legislators on the floor immediately following the address. Both parties held press conferences following the address. Written statements from legislators, and others, are available in […]
Mining Bills Headed to Joint Finance Committee
Date Fri, Feb. 8, 2013 - 4:28pm By Hamilton
On February 6 the Senate Committee on Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining, and Revenue and the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Mining both met to amend the mining bill, AB1/SB1, and move it forward in the legislative process. Numerous amendments were made to the bill in response to concerns raised during hearings on AB1/SB1 and […]
Democrats Release Detailed Jobs Agenda
Date Fri, Feb. 8, 2013 - 2:28pm By Hamilton
Democrats in the state legislature have released a package of bills they say will create jobs quickly, close the skills gap and rebuild Wisconsin’s middle class. Workforce Growth Skills Training Program SUMMARY: Creates a competitive grant training program based on the needs of Wisconsin businesses aimed at closing the skills gap facing our state. DETAILS: […]
Mining Bills Introduced
Date Wed, Jan. 23, 2013 - 10:13pm By Hamilton
It’s only the third week of the legislative session but already two separate mining bills have been introduced and a 12-hour marathon hearing held over one of the proposals. Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) have introduced comprehensive iron-ore mining legislation designed to streamline the approval process for iron mines […]
Mining Bill Introduced
Date Wed, Jan. 16, 2013 - 7:15pm By Hamilton
Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) have introduced comprehensive iron-ore mining legislation designed to streamline the approval process for iron mines while protecting the environment. Video of the press conference where legislators provided details on the bill is available from WisconsinEye. The bill is similar to last session’s joint finance […]