Hamilton Political Tidbits – March 1, 2023

Political Tidbits - March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.
Bits & Pieces:

  • Yesterday, Gov. Tony Evers released his capital budget recommendations for the 2023-25 biennium. Gov. Evers proposes spending $3.8 billion on capital projects, financed by $1.9 billion from his executive budget and another $1.9 billion in borrowing. The State Building Commission will meet March 23 to vote on the governor’s recommendations, which must be submitted to the Joint Finance Committee by April 4.

  • Last week, Gov. Evers appointed Summer Strand to the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities in Wisconsin. Commissioner Ellen Nowak, appointed by former Gov. Walker, resigned effective today at the conclusion of her six-year appointed term. The three-member commission is now made up entirely of Gov. Evers’ appointees, also including Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq and Commissioner Tyler Huebner. This is the first time in more than a decade that the commission has been composed entirely of commissioners appointed by a Democratic governor.

  • Former Gov. Tony Earl, who served as the state’s 41st governor from 1983 to 1987, passed away last week at the age of 86. Gov. Evers announced Gov. Earl’s passing and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
Supreme Court Candidates Kelly, Protasiewicz Win Primary
In Wisconsin’s spring primary, four candidates were on the ballot for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Former Justice Daniel Kelly, a judicial conservative, and Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz, a judicial liberal, were the top two vote-getters. They will face off in the general election on April 4.
Rep. Knodl Wins Republican Primary in SD 8
In Wisconsin’s spring primary, Rep. Dan Knodl defeated two other candidates in a Republican primary for the 8th Senate District. Rep. Knodl will face Democratic candidate Jodi Habush Sinykin, an attorney specializing in environmental law. She did not have a primary opponent.
Judge Rules Bail, Welfare Reform Questions Can Appear on Spring Ballot
Dane County Judge Rhonda Lanford ruled February 20 that two questions, a constitutional amendment on bail reform and an advisory referendum on welfare eligibility, will appear on the April 4 spring ballot in Wisconsin.
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