|
January 31, 2024
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.
| |
|
Articles in this edition of Political Tidbits:
Other updates in this edition:
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.
| |
|
Bits & Pieces
Evers Signs Healthcare Workforce Bills
Gov. Evers announced today that he signed five bipartisan bills into law, all aimed at improving the state’s healthcare workforce. This includes legislation to allow for the licensure of dental therapists, ratify the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, and allow for assignment of dental benefits under health insurance, as well as two bills to fund training programs for dental hygienists and assistants and scholarships for dentistry students.
Third Congressional District Race
The field of Democratic challengers to first-term U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R) has narrowed from five to three. By fundraising, state Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) and Eau Claire-area entrepreneur Rebecca Cooke are the leading candidates. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D) has endorsed Shankland. Eric Wilson, of Eau Claire, also remains in the race. Tara Johnson, former chair of the La Crosse County Board, exited the race earlier this month. Aaron Nytes, a current Harvard Law School student, also ended his campaign. Meanwhile, as anticipated, Rep. Van Orden recently announced his campaign for reelection. News coverage available here.
Taylor Appointed to Milwaukee Judgeship
Last week, Gov. Evers announced the appointment of Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) to an open position on the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, effective as of yesterday. The post was formerly held by Audrey Skwierawski, who resigned to become the director of state courts (background on that here). Taylor will fill the remainder of Skwierawski’s term, ending July 31, 2025, after which she will be eligible to run for reelection to a full six-year term. The governor will call a spring special election to fill the vacancy in Senate District 4; that seat will also be on the ballot again in the fall along with all other even-numbered Senate districts. News coverage available here.
Considine Plans to Retire
Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo), who represents Assembly District 81, announced today that he will not seek reelection this fall.
| |
Key Issues as 2023-24 Session Nears Conclusion: Budget Surplus, Redistricting, Abortion | |
As we approach the end of the 2023-24 legislative session in Wisconsin, several key political and policy issues are dominating conversations among the Republican-led Wisconsin Legislature and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Continue reading this article
| |
PSCW Leadership Changes: Valcq Leaving, Strand Confirmed, Huebner Rejected, Nieto Appointed | |
Several leadership changes have occurred at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the state’s utility regulator. Chairperson Rebecca Valcq is resigning from the commission effective this Friday, February 2. Gov. Evers selected current Commissioner Summer Strand to take over as chairperson.
Continue reading this article
| |
Assembly Floor Session: January 25, 2024 | |
The Wisconsin Assembly met January 25, passed 31 bills, and adopted four resolutions.
Continue reading this article
| |
Assembly Floor Session: January 18, 2024 | |
The Wisconsin Assembly met January 18 and passed 18 bills.
Continue reading this article
| |
Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions: January 16, 2024 | |
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature met January 16 to vote on bills, resolutions, and executive appointments. This was the first floor day of the new year, and January will be one of the last regular floor periods of the 2023-24 legislative session.
Continue reading this article
| |
ICYMI: Gov. Evers Discusses Workforce, Healthcare, PFAS in Sixth State of the State Address | |
From last week's edition: Gov. Evers began his address by reviewing some of his administration’s priorities and bipartisan initiatives that have passed during the 2023-24 session, including new legislation and funding in the 2023-25 state budget. In particular, he highlighted affordable housing, roads and infrastructure, agricultural exports, and conservation.
Gov. Evers spent the rest of his address discussing several ongoing policy priorities for his administration, including new initiatives and directives to state agencies:
- PFAS
- Reproductive Healthcare
- Mental Health
- Workforce Development
Our comprehensive coverage includes quotes and summaries, links to further information, and reactions from legislative leaders.
Continue reading this article
| |
|
PolitiFact: President Joe Biden distorts income tax rates for the richest Americans
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 28, 2024
Van Orden announces campaign, opens headquarters
WXOW, January 28, 2024
Gov. Evers appoints longtime state Sen. Lena Taylor to be Milwaukee judge
Associated Press, January 26, 2024
Wisconsin’s budget surplus is shrinking but still large
Wisconsin Public Radio, January 26, 2024
A Wisconsin redo election signals growing ballot scrutiny in US
Wisconsin Watch, January 26, 2024
Assembly passes referendum on 14-week abortion ban that faces certain Evers veto
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 25, 2024
Republicans send new legislative maps to Evers as redistricting lawsuit nears final stages
Wisconsin Public Radio, January 24, 2024
Republicans’ new legislative maps are dead on arrival to Evers
The Capital Times, January 24, 2024
Wisconsin GOP aims to settle district maps before state Supreme Court steps in
WISN 12, January 24, 2024
Democratic field narrows in bid to oust Rep. Derrick Van Orden in 3rd District
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 24, 2024
Four takeaways from Tony Evers’ state of the state address
The Capital Times, January 23, 2024
Wisconsin Republicans bring back tax cut legislation for third time
Associated Press, January 23, 2024
Joe Parisi backs Melissa Agard’s bid for Dane County executive
Wisconsin State Journal, January 23, 2024
| |
|
DNR says fish and wildlife account is approaching a roughly $16M deficit
Wisconsin Public Radio, January 25, 2024
Wisconsin bill would limit local authority over animal welfare regulations
Wisconsin Watch, January 25, 2024
Gov. Tony Evers bypasses GOP on Pelican River Forest conservation project
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 24, 2024
Rural Wisconsinites see farm pollution, PFAS as big threats to clean drinking water, UW survey finds
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 24, 2024
Wisconsin lawmakers want to exempt sturgeon from possible endangered designation
Wisconsin Public Radio, January 23, 2024
| |
Transportation & Infrastructure | |
'Blackout' license plates, popular in Iowa and Minnesota, could hit the road in Wisconsin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 29, 2024
Biden's Superior visit highlights Twin Ports infrastructure
Superior Telegram, January 26, 2024
US Department of Transportation funds $1 billion for Blatnik
Superior Telegram, January 22, 2024
Madison road conditions lead to 120 crashes, 29 injured people
The Capital Times, January 22, 2024
| |
|
GOP bill creating new advanced nursing licenses heads to governor’s desk
Wisconsin Public Radio, January 25, 2024
Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls leaders say news of hospital closures shocked communities
Wisconsin Public Radio, January 23, 2024
Marshfield Clinic Health System to discontinue oral surgery services
Wausau Daily Herald, January 23, 2024
BadgerCare recipients to receive free over-the-counter contraceptives
Wisconsin Public Radio, January 23, 2024
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation wants to offer health coverage
Wisconsin Watch, January 22, 2024
Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls closing
WEAU, January 22, 2024
| |
|
Political Tidbits is a free newsletter on Wisconsin political and policy developments, written and compiled by the Hamilton Consulting Group. Please forward it to others who may wish to receive this service.
If you require additional information about a topic addressed in Tidbits for your organization's board meeting or trade publication, please do not hesitate to contact a Hamilton Consulting Group lobbyist.
To ensure that Political Tidbits never gets caught in your spam filter, please add publications@hamilton-consulting.com to your address book/contacts list. If you are receiving these emails via a workplace email account, please advise your IT service desk to do this for you.
| | | | |
