Hamilton Political Tidbits – December 19, 2025

As the year winds down and the Capitol grows a little quieter, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on the moments that mattered most in 2025. At the heart of it all are the relationships—working alongside you through busy legislative days, celebrating wins, navigating challenges, and building trust that extends well beyond the work itself.

We’re incredibly grateful for the confidence you place in us and for the conversations, collaboration, and friendships that continue to make this work meaningful. It’s those relationships that sustain our team and remind us why we love what we do.

As we head into the Christmas season, we hope you find time to slow down, gather with family and friends, and enjoy some well-deserved rest. From all of us at Hamilton, thank you for being part of our year. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to working together again in the year ahead.

From all of us here at the Hamilton Consulting Group, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

The Hamilton Team: Andy, R.J. Rebecca, Caty, and Michelle

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.

Governor Evers Signs 34 Bills Into Law

Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Acts 49 through 82, covering issues ranging from public safety and education to housing, healthcare, local government operations, and economic development.

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Joel Walters, Jill Krueger and James Wolfe from the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association were on hand as Governor Evers signs Act 52 into law. This law allows vehicles in a funeral procession to be equipped with a flashing amber or purple light.

Saul Hernandez representing Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants was in attendance as Governor Evers signed Act 73 which adds the chairperson of the PA Board to the Controlled Substances Board.

State Reports $3.9 Billion General Fund Surplus for FY 2024–25

Gov. Tony Evers announced that Wisconsin ended the 2024–25 fiscal year with a $3.9 billion positive balance in its General Fund under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), marking the sixth consecutive year the state has finished in the black. According to the state’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Budget Stabilization, or “rainy day,” fund also closed the year at a record $2 billion.

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Joel Brennan Launches Bid for Governor

Joel Brennan has entered the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor, joining a growing field of candidates seeking to succeed Gov. Tony Evers, who is not running for a third term.

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WisconsinEye Shuts Down; Replacement Network Proposed

WisconsinEye, the nonprofit public affairs network that for nearly two decades provided gavel-to-gavel coverage of Wisconsin government, shut down in mid-December after failing to secure sufficient funding. The organization cited ongoing financial challenges and an inability to meet fundraising targets needed to access state matching funds.

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Legal

2 Wisconsin congressional redistricting lawsuits may not resolve by 2026 midterm election

Associated Press, December 12, 2025

Employer & Consumer

Port Washington data center groundbreaking shows partnerships, marketing might

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, December 18, 2025

Unemployment is at a 4-year high nationwide. What’s happening in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Public Radio, December 18, 2025

Wisconsin agriculture faces uncertainty heading into 2026

Wisconsin Examiner, December 17, 2025

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