Hamilton Political Tidbits – July 3, 2025

This week in Tidbits, we break down the fast-moving developments around the state budget, which made its way through both chambers and was signed by the governor early this morning. We’re also recapping several major Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions that have come out in recent weeks. From all of us at Hamilton Consulting, have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

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

Gov. Evers Signs into Law $111.1 Billion State Budget Bill

Early in the morning on July 3, the Wisconsin legislature passed a $111.1 billion budget bill for the 2025-27 biennium and Gov. Evers quickly signed it. Overall, the plan is a 12 percent increase in spending.



The vote came just days after the state’s fiscal year closed on June 30. With new legislative maps resulting in narrower margins—particularly in the Senate, where Republicans hold an 18-15 majority—the budget faced added pressure to gain enough support to move forward and be signed by Democratic Governor Evers.

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Supreme Court Issues Rulings on Several Cases

The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently issued a series of major rulings on key legal and political issues. It struck down a partial veto of a non-appropriation bill and overturned the state’s 1849 abortion ban. The Court also declined to hear challenges over congressional redistricting and ruled that the state need not define what qualifies as an “emerging contaminant.”

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Legal

Wisconsin Supreme Court invalidates the state's strict 1849 abortion law

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 2, 2025

Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down 19th-century abortion ban

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 2, 2025

Unpacking the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s rejection of congressional redistricting lawsuits

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 27, 2025

Wisconsin Supreme Court rejects bid to reconsider congressional maps before the 2026 midterms

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 25, 2025

Unanimous Supreme Court rules Evers exceeded authority in partially vetoing reading bill

WisPolitics, June 25, 2025

Wisconsin Supreme Court reinstates corrections officers’ class action lawsuit

Wisconsin Examiner, June 24, 2025

Employer & Consumer

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce: New report shows strength of Wisconsin manufacturing

WisBusiness, June 30, 2025

What to know about a bill in the Legislature that seeks to recruit workers to the state

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 26, 2025

Business leaders join the push for child care investment in the state budget

Wisconsin Examiner, June 25, 2025

Wisconsin’s labor shortage is a barrier to economic growth, report says

Wisconsin Public Radio, June 25, 2025

Democrats express frustration after Assembly passes bill to address labor shortage without funding

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 25, 2025

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