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June 6, 2025
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.
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This week in Tidbits we cover how the budget talks are at an impasse, the JFC meetings held so far, hospital transparency, the Knowles-Nelson stewardship bill, and the administrative rule making bill package.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.
| | Governor and Republican Legislature Budget Talks at Impasse | | |
Governor Tony Evers said Wednesday evening that budget talks with Republican leaders had hit a wall, despite his agreement to include their top priority—a tax cut. Evers pointed to GOP resistance on funding priorities like K-12 schools, child care, and the UW System as the reason the deal fell apart. His office noted that meetings had picked up recently, happening daily this week, and expressed frustration that Republicans walked away after months of negotiation.
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JFC State Budget Updates: May 29th & June 5th | | |
On Thursday June 5, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) met for an executive session to consider motions for the following agencies. The Committee includes 12 Republican members and 4 Democrat members; all 12-4 and 4-12 vote tallies were among party lines.
Most notable, was in the Environment Improvement Fund, JFC voted to advance a bi-partisan 16-0 budget motion to increase $732.3 million to in revenue bonding authoring for clean water and safe drinking water projects.
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| | Hospital Price Transparency Legislation Unveiled | | |
Sens. Bradley (R-New Berlin) and Felzkowski (R-Irma) and Rep. Wittke (R-Caledonia) are circulating legislation to require hospitals to publicly share with consumers actual pricing information. The legislation is being supported by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and Wisconsin business leaders. The bill would allow Wisconsin consumers who purchase healthcare services to know exactly how much it is going to cost by ensuring that hospitals are complying with federal transparency rules.
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| | Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Testin Circulate Stewardship Proposal | | |
Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) are circulating legislation to reauthorize the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program through 2030 at $28.25 million per year—lower than the current funding and far below Governor Evers’ proposed $100 million annually. Their plan would also cap most individual land purchases at $1 million, with any larger acquisitions requiring separate legislation. The bill creates a new structure for major projects, giving lawmakers more oversight and input on high-dollar conservation deals.
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| | Administrative Rule Making Proposal | |
Wisconsin Republican lawmakers are introducing a bill package to review every statewide administrative rule and impose new limits on the rulemaking process. The four GOP sponsored bills aim to exert more control over the administrative process and to limit the authority of state agencies and the governor.
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Budget committee approves over $700 million in bonding for clean water programs
Wisconsin Examiner, June 6, 2025
What to know about new Democratic legislation to push back on Trump cuts in Wisconsin
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 4, 2025
State budget talks called off as Gov. Tony Evers, Republican lawmakers hit impasse
Wisconsin Public Radio, June 4, 2025
Wisconsin Senate committee passes gig worker benefits bill
WKOW, June 3, 2025
Wisconsin Democrats reintroduce gun regulations after Republicans pull them from budget
Wisconsin Public Radio, June 4, 2025
Republicans at odds with Evers administration over who controls $171M in interest from federal COVID aid
Wisconsin Public Radio, June 2, 2025
Cracking down on fake emotional support, service animals among notable bills from May
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, May 30, 2025
Legislature's budget committee takes first set of votes as talks between Evers, GOP leaders unfold
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, May 29, 2025
Uber, DoorDash drivers could get benefits if this law passes
Capital Times, May 29, 2025
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US Supreme Court sides with Catholic Charities in Wisconsin religious-rights case over unemployment taxes
Wisconsin Public Radio, June 5, 2025
What to know about Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley ahead of the 2026 election
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 4, 2025
Who is Chris Taylor? Where Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate stands on abortion rights, voter ID
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 4, 2025
Republicans want Supreme Court to reject redraw of congressional lines, ACLU backs new map
WisPolitics, June 3, 2025
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