Hamilton Political Tidbits – July 2, 2021

Political Tidbits - July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021

Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.

This week, the Legislature voted to approve a state budget bill for the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium. In this edition of Hamilton Political Tidbits, we cover the latest information on the state budget as well as the Legislature's police reform efforts. Visit here and here for additional coverage of the state budget process.

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

Legislature Passes State Budget and a Package of Related Bills

This week, the Wisconsin Legislature passed a state budget for the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium, which began on July 1. The Assembly approved the budget bill (Assembly Bill 68) on June 29, with the Senate concurring in the bill the following day. The two-year budget proposal, assembled by the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee (JFC), would spend $89.2 billion and cut income and property taxes by $3.4 billion.

Continue reading about the budget

Governor Signs Four Police Reform Bills; Legislature Considering Several More

On June 22, Governor Tony Evers (D) signed into law four bills related to law enforcement use of force and community relations. These bills were part of the “Public Safety PACT,” a package of eight bills introduced in February by Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine).

Continue reading about the bills

Vaccine Update: Wisconsin Nearing 50 Percent Vaccinated; Positive Cases at Lowest Level in More Than a Year

As of June 30, Wisconsin had administered nearly 5.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, with about 2.73 million Wisconsin residents or 46.9 percent of the state’s population fully vaccinated. About 84.6 percent of Wisconsinites aged 65 and older have received at least one dose.

Continue reading the vaccine update

News Clips

Politics

Gov. Tony Evers vetoes bill that would have banned accepting most private election grants

Wisconsin State Journal, July 1, 2021

Legislature approves state budget, sends to Gov. Tony Evers

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 30, 2021

Wisconsin lawmakers pass bill that labels legislators’ discipline records ‘confidential’

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 30, 2021

Evers signs bill giving portion of potential opioid settlement to local governments

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 30, 2021

Wisconsin Senate sends police use-of-force bill to governor

U.S. News, June 30, 2021

Wisconsin lawmakers change tax legislation to prevent break for out-of-state manufacturers

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 29, 2021

Gov. Tony Evers vetoes bill that would end extra unemployment benefits

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 29, 2021

Conservative law firm takes aim at absentee ballot procedures used in Madison

The Capital Times, June 29, 2021

U.S. Senate candidate Sarah Godlewski didn’t vote in 2016 election despite working on Hillary Clinton campaign

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 29, 2021

Racine now has its mobile election vehicle, thanks to CTCL grant

The Journal Times, June 27, 2021

Following warning by Trump, Vos announces former Justice will lead Assembly GOP election probe

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 26, 2021

In a sign he may run for governor, Bill McCoshen calls for a state constitutional amendment on elections

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 24, 2021

Biden announces bipartisan deal on infrastructure

The Hill, June 24, 2021

Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes hires key political adviser as he edges toward 2022 U.S. Senate run

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 23, 2021

Wisconsin Assembly sends election bills to Gov. Evers, who is sure to veto them

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 22, 2021

Wisconsin Assembly passes bills restricting food labeling

TMJ 4, June 22, 2021

Gov. Evers signs bipartisan police reform bills

Channel 3000, June 22, 2021

Outside investigation could not confirm harassment allegations against top Department of Justice staffers, records show

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 18, 2021

Health

Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital raised more than $300 million for cancer research and public health

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 30, 2021

Wisconsin long-term care facilities struggle with funding after pandemic

WKOW, June 29, 2021

After reaching 50% getting COVID-19 shot, Wisconsin doesn’t “move the needle”

WBAY, June 29, 2021

Sanofi to invest $477M annually in mRNA vaccine research

The Hill, June 29, 2021

EU picks antibody treatments, arthritis drug as preferred COVID-19 therapies

Reuters, June 29, 2021

Wisconsin DHS warns of rising non-COVID respiratory virus cases

News 8000, June 28, 2021

COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin prisons drop to zero for 1st time since pandemic hit

Wisconsin State Journal, June 29, 2021

Is the ‘Delta Plus’ COVID variant a new concern?

U.S. News, June 25, 2021

5.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, Wisconsin on verge of 50% getting a shot

WBAY, June 25, 2021

Average of new COVID-19 cases declined to a low not seen since March 2020

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 22, 2021

Biden administration announces plan to share 55 million Covid-19 doses abroad

CNN, June 21, 2021

Wisconsin at lowest percent positivity since start of pandemic, doctors say summer will be normal for many

CBS 58, June 21, 2021

In health care, more money is being spent on patients' social needs. Is it working?

National Public Radio, June 21, 2021

Utilities and Energy

Cardinal-Hickory Creek: Secret messages with former regulator prompt utilities to seek new permit for power line

Wisconsin State Journal, June 28, 2021

Xcel scrapping plan to build new 800-MW gas-fired plant

Power Magazine, June 27, 2021

Federal licensing board considers challenge to Wisconsin's last nuclear plant

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 23, 2021

Potosi residents appeal state's approval of 1,400-acre solar farm

Telegraph Herald, June 21, 2021

Environment

President Biden addresses PFAS issue in La Crosse speech

WXOW, June 29, 2021

Blue Mound Park group sues DNR over new snowmobile trail

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 29, 2021

No PFAS in food packaging in Minnesota by 2024

Minnesota Star Tribune, June 25, 2021

Study finds PFAS chemicals in hundreds of cosmetics

News 8000, June 25, 2021

State regulators can begin crafting standards for more PFAS chemicals

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 23, 2021

State board backs 220-acre addition to Devil's Lake State Park for $1.64M

Wisconsin State Journal, June 24, 2021

Local governments, water utilities join industry groups in effort to slow state PFAS regulations

Chippewa Herald, June 23, 2021

Wisconsin bill would tie PFAS grants to lawsuit immunity

U.S. News, June 22, 2021

Legal

Judge rules Assembly violated open records laws in delaying release of former lawmaker's sexual harassment records

Wisconsin State Journal, July 1, 2021

Madison sued over police civilian oversight board membership

The Capital Times, June 30, 2021

Wisconsin Supreme Court gives law grad 'benefit of the doubt’ after marijuana arrest, OKs bar admittance

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 29, 2021

Republicans say they will try to take case over redistricting attorneys to the Wisconsin Supreme Court

Wausau Daily Herald, June 28, 2021

Supreme Court of Wisconsin rules regarding coverage denial for a home insurance policy

National Law Review, June 28, 2021

Wisconsin Supreme Court throws out latest election lawsuit because the issues weren't 'cleanly presented'

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 25, 2021

Supreme Court: Mortgage overseer structure unconstitutional

Wisconsin Law Journal, June 23, 2021

Supreme Court: Withdrawal may satisfy favorable-termination element of malicious-prosecution action

Wisconsin Law Journal, June 22, 2021

Supreme Court rules against union organizers’ access to California farms

The Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2021

Court orders DOC to allow Archdiocese of Milwaukee to resume religious services in prisons

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 22, 2021

Supreme Court win for college athletes in compensation case

Associated Press, June 22, 2021

Court orders SBA to halt aid to restaurant owners of color, women

The Capital Times, June 17, 2021

Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear RUSD referendum case

Lake Geneva Regional News, June 19, 2021

Employer Issues

U.S. Sen. Baldwin backs Hufcor workers, crafts bill that would pressure private equity owners

GazetteXtra, June 30, 2021

Wisconsin Legislature considering several pro-growth tax reforms

Tax Foundation, June 29, 2021

She quit her job to care for her children during COVID. Now, Wisconsin demands $30K repayment for unemployment benefits.

Channel 3000, June 29, 2021

CEO, President of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce asks Evers to end unemployment benefits

WBAY, June 27, 2021

Baraboo businesses struggle with worker shortage as more customers reemerge

Baraboo News Republic, June 26, 2021

$140M flows to Wisconsin tourism, entertainment industry but worker shortage remains

CBS 58, June 24, 2021

WMC survey finds nearly 9 in 10 businesses struggling to find workers

Milwaukee Business News, June 24, 2021

Survey reveals 86% of area businesses struggling to hire

WBAY, June 23, 2021

Group of Eau Claire restaurants, bars increase hourly wage to $16, moving away from tipping

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 21, 2021

U.S. employers wrestle with COVID vaccine requirements in regulatory "hairball"

Reuters, June 21, 2021

Wisconsin unemployment rate unchanged at 3.9%, officials say

Fox 6, June 18, 2021

Economic Development

Mount Pleasant blocks couple from accessing their own business near Foxconn

The Journal Times, June 30, 2021

Madison TIF district closure will deliver $30 million windfall

Wisconsin State Journal, June 28, 2021

Regional planning organization to offer web training to businesses in nine counties

News 8000, June 25, 2021

WWBIC opens regional office in La Crosse

La Crosse Tribune, June 27, 2021

Summerfest lands $10 million federal small business grant under COVID-19 relief

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 23, 2021

Wisconsin Assembly passes bill designed to save paper mills

Wisconsin State Journal, June 23, 2021

State's largest private affordable housing project draws hundreds for Milwaukee groundbreaking

Milwaukee Business Journal, June 20, 2021

Legislature's budget committee rejects $100 million investment in venture capital funds

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 19, 2021

Green Bay Packaging cuts ribbon on Wisconsin’s first new paper mill in 30 years

WBAY, June 17, 2021

Transportation

House to vote on $715 billion transportation bill amid infrastructure push

CBS, July 1, 2021

Locks and dams, bridges top list of tri-state infrastructure needs

Telegraph Herald, June 27, 2021

Wisconsin Assembly passes bill allowing drivers to get instruction permit at age 15

News 8000, June 22, 2021

'Risky behavior' on roads has Wisconsin safety officials concerned

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 22, 2021

Gov. Evers approves Highway 29 improvements in Shawano County

WSAW, June 18, 2021

Education

NCAA adopts interim policy to allow players to benefit from name, image, likeness

Spectrum News 1, June 30, 2021

It's been 10 years since Act 10 became law. Here's what suburban Milwaukee teachers and administrators say has changed

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 29, 2021

DPI distributes $1.74 billion to Wisconsin schools

Lake Mills Leader, June 30, 2021

Records show some UW institutions used software US officials say was compromised by Russian hackers

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 28, 2021

Wisconsin to issue second round of benefits to children who missed free or reduced price school meals

WJFW, June 25, 2021

A proposed law has Wisconsin's two public college systems at odds — but may give students more options

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 24, 2021

‘We’ve got to get them in the door,’ Thompson encouraged by record freshman applications as UW System looks to bounce back

WKOW, June 23, 2021

WIAA rule may prevent student athletes from playing sports this upcoming school year

TMJ 4, June 23, 2021

Free COVID-19 testing will be offered at Wisconsin schools next year, DHS says

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 22, 2021

UW System reports student applications up nearly 30 percent for fall semester

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 21, 2021

Gov. Evers vetoes bill increasing eligibility for private school voucher program

TMJ 4, June 18, 2021

Click here for more news clips

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