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 | February 21, 2020 |
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| Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues. |
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The 2019-20 legislative session is starting to wrap up, with the Assembly adjourning last night and the Senate this week holding its second-to-last votes before adjournment, likely in March. This edition of Political Tidbits covers:
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| Floor Report: Assembly Adjourns Regular Session, Second-To-Last Senate Floor Day |
After meeting on Feb. 11 and 18, the Assembly met last night, Feb. 20, for what Speaker Vos publicly said would be the last day of regular session until January 2021. The Senate met on Feb. 19 and has indicated it will meet for one more regular session day in late March before adjournment.
With so little time left in the 2019-20 legislative session, the Senate and Assembly calendars were packed as legislators pushed to get their bills over the finish line before heading into the 2020 election season.
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| PFAS Update: Status of PFAS Legislation, Agency Council Meets, EPA Action |
In what is likely the last Assembly floor session of 2019-20, the Assembly passed provisions to address PFAS contamination in Wisconsin. Wisconsin agencies have also met to discuss PFAS regulation in the past several weeks, and EPA has proposed new rules on the federal level.
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Legislature Passes Bill to Create Certificates of Qualification for Employment for Ex-Offenders
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This week, the Wisconsin Legislature sent to Gov. Evers's desk a bill that would create a Council on Offender Employment to issue certificates of qualification for employment (CQEs) to ex-offenders. The bill seeks to reduce recidivism by helping ex-offenders re-enter the workforce. The bill additionally provides some immunity from liability for employers who hire employees with CQEs.
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| Assembly Passes CARES Act to Eliminate Workforce Barriers for PAs, Expand Access to Care |
This week, the Wisconsin Assembly voted to pass the Collaboration and Rural Expansion of Services (CARES) Act (AB 575), which would update Wisconsin statutes related to physician assistants (PAs).The bill seeks to reduce workforce barriers for PAs, thus maintaining and increasing access to high quality medical care, particularly in underserved rural areas of the state.
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| Signed by Governor: Protecting Health Care Professionals, Banning PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam |
After several floor sessions this month and in January, there are many bills awaiting the governor's review. Gov. Tony Evers recently signed into law several notable bills, including bills on health care and firefighting foam containing PFAS.
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Spring Primary Results: Wisconsin Supreme Court, 7th CD
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In the Feb. 18 spring primary election, Wisconsin voters chose candidates to advance to general elections in two high profile races: Wisconsin Supreme Court and the 7th Congressional District.
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Solar Farm Projects Approved By PSCW
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The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) approved Wisconsin's fourth solar farm project on Jan. 30, 2020. Commissioners unanimously approved the 149-megawatt Badger State Solar Farm in Jefferson County, developed by Ranger Power.
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| Business Day in Madison - Feb. 26 | 
Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce's Business Day in Madison is a must-attend event for business leaders from around Wisconsin. Make sure to register for this year's conference on February 26th and find out any info you need here: https://www.wmc.org/event/business-day-in-madison/ |
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