Tensions between political leaders continue to run high around the Capitol as session enters the final six weeks. Passage of the Governor's special session bill, while inevitable, has highlighted the rift between the Republican controlled Senate and Assembly caucuses as they've exchanged public barbs. Even with the apparent gridlock, there is a boatload of legislative action taking place both in committee,on the floor, and in drafting rooms.
Governor Walker has stayed above the fray and focused on the propane shortage and his packed schedule, while the national spotlight seems to be focusing in more on his future aspirations. Hamilton lobbyists cover these things and more in this week's edition of Tidbits.....
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| Joint Committee Hears Testimony on Worker's Compensation Bills |
Last week, a joint public hearing of the Assembly and Senate Labor committees was held on AB 711 and Senate Bill 550.
These companion bills were forwarded to the legislature by the Worker's Compensation Advisory Council, a council made up of management and labor representatives who negotiate worker's compensation policy changes. This Council has been advising the legislature on worker's compensation policy since the law's inception in 1911.
Read more...
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Marquette Poll Measures Governor Race
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The Marquette poll recently released its latest iteration helping us gauge the overall state political climate as we officially enter the election year.
The poll measured the status of the Governor's race as well as some of the hot button issues the legislature is facing. The major change from the last Marquette poll (done in October) to this one is that Mary Burke is the only candidate measured on the Democratic side as potential challenger Kathleen Vinehout previously announced she would not run against her in a primary.
Read more...
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| Gov. Walker Asks for Obama's Help During Propane Shortage |
In the wake of unusually cold winter temperatures, Wisconsin and other Midwestern states find themselves in a major propane supply shortage.
In a letter to President Obama, Gov. Scott Walker asked the President to lead a supply chain to arrange movement of propane from areas it is in excess, to where it is needed.
Read more...
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Business Day in Madison a Success
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The 12th annual Business Day in Madison, hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, was recently held in Madison. Attendees heard speakers from around the United States talk and discuss the state, national, and international business climate.
Read more...
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| Committee Passes Legislation Allowing Strip Searches - Headed to the Floor for Vote |
Legislation ( AB 556/SB 447) introduced by Rep. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukeville ) and Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) amends Wisconsin's current law to allow strip searches if a person is lawfully arrested or detained by law enforcement and if the person will be incarcerated or detained in a jail or prison with one or more persons.
Under current Wisconsin law, a person may be subject to a strip search when arrested for any felony, for certain misdemeanors, or for any misdemeanor or civil violation if there is probable cause to believe that the person is concealing a weapon or something that would constitute evidence of the offense for which he or she has been detained.
Read more...
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| Public Hearing on Bill Limiting Liability for Parents Negligence of Minor Drivers |
Legislation (AB 706) was introduced by Rep. Jim Ott (R-Mequon) and Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) that would protect parents from unlimited liability when their minor child is involved in an automobile accident.
Wisconsin is currently one of only 12 states that imposes unlimited liability to parents who sign their child's driver's license application. AB 706 could cap damages for parents at $300,000.
Read more...
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| Report Helps Returning Veterans Find Services |
State provided services and resources can be hard to find with so many laws and initiatives being passed and discussed across the state and federal government.
In a recent report from the Wisconsin Legislative Bureau, the many services and programs available to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan were compiled to help veterans find the services. The report lists nearly 40 state and federal programs to assist veterans in education, mental health, physical disabilities, transportation, and tax credits.
See the full list of services here.
Read more...
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Elections Update
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Walker gains fundraising support
Fundraising totals for the last six months of 2013 were announced recently, and Gov. Scott Walker has out raised Democratic opponent Mary Burke, from July 1st to December 31st. Walker raised $5.1 million, and reported 75 percent of donations came from donors who gave $50 or less. Burke reported $1.79 million was raised in the second half of 2013.
Rep. Strachota will not seek re-election
Recently announced, Representative Pat Strachota (D-West Bend), will not seek re-election in 2014. Strachota, who has held the 58th Assembly District seat for 10 years, cited family care concerns as her reason for departure. The representative stated in a press release her pride for serving Wisconsin during such a historic time and stated she will continue to pursue her passion for good government.
Sen. Schultz announces retirement, plan for redistricting
Sen. Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) will retire from the legislature this year after 22 years in the state Senate. In stating his reasons for retirement, Schultz stated "democracy thrives when new blood is injected into the system," but he is not retiring from public life.
Schultz also stated he is most proud of the creation of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway and WisconsinEye. Schultz does not plan to leave the Senate without making some final shake-ups.
In a joint press release, Sen. Schultz and Sen. Cullen (D-Janesville), who also announced he will not be seeking re-election this fall announced their plan for redistricting.
This post was authored by Hamilton intern Rebecca Ballweg.
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| Legislative Days at State Capitol |
Legislative Days provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to come to Madison to meet with their elected officials and discuss issues of importance to them. Members from Xcel Energy, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Wisconsin Economic Development Association, and the Wisconsin Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, met with state senators, legislators, and elected officials this past week.
Read more...
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| Wisconsin Court of Appeals Rules on OWI Case |
The Court of Appeals for Wisconsin's Second District recently ruled on Village of Grafton v. Seatz. The case brought to issue whether an Operating While Intoxicated offense received in the past in a state other than Wisconsin could be considered as a "first offense," thus making an offense in Wisconsin a second offense and warranting the installation of an ignition interlock device.
Eric Seatz had done just this, being convicted of an OWI in Michigan in 1997, and a second over ten years later in Wisconsin. The court determined that his conviction was legally his second offense and ordered the installation of an ignition interlock device into his vehicle. Read more...
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Hamilton Consulting: Your Government Relations Easy Button
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As the 2013-14 Legislative Session progresses, the Hamilton team is working to make sure our clients have the tools necessary to accomplish their government relations goals. We encourage our clients to remember to make use of all the many services we provide:
- Political Tidbits - Political Tidbits is our FREE email newsletter on political and policy developments in Wisconsin, including links to relevant news articles, policy papers, and other informative documents. We are constantly updating our mailing list and we could use your help! Please let us know if your email address is changing so you will continue to receive our newsletter. Also, feel free to forward this newsletter to others who may be interested in subscribing.
- News Clips - President Harry Truman once wrote that you can't get all the facts from just one newspaper, and without the facts, "you cannot make proper judgments about what is going on." The right column of Political Tidbits contains a selection of the most important news stories, but did you know you can always get the latest news sorted by subject on the Hamilton Consulting website?
- Tracking Reports - Tracking Reports provide timely, in-depth coverage of your legislative initiatives. If your organization did not have a tracking report last session and you are interested in having one during the coming session, please contact one of our team members.
- Political Fundraising Calendar - Hamilton's political fundraising calendar allows you to see all of the upcoming fundraising events and import them to your own calendar.
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