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March 28, 2025
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.
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As some Wisconsinites head out of state for spring break, key political developments back home are heating up. Two major races—Wisconsin’s Supreme Court and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) elections—are drawing attention, with big implications for the state’s future. The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) has scheduled hearings for April, though budget delays could throw a wrench in the process. Meanwhile, the conversation around the capital budget continues to evolve as leaders work on addressing the state’s infrastructure needs. These stories offer a glimpse into the political happenings that could shape Wisconsin’s coming months.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.
| | Wisconsin’s Key Races: Supreme Court and DPI Elections | | |
For those hoping to tune out politics for a bit after the ad barrage that happened during the Fall of 2024, sorry, you are out of luck.
Control of State Supreme Court Up for Grabs
Wisconsin’s race for the State Supreme Court has become a proxy war for Republicans and Democrats on a national scale. The April 1 election is significant, as the candidate who wins will help determine the ideological direction of the Court.
Race For DPI State Superintendent Enters Toss-up Territory
While the Supreme Court race dominates headlines, the election for State Superintendent of Public Instruction is emerging as a competitive and potentially impactful contest.
Continue reading this article
| | JFC Hearings Scheduled for April, but Budget Delays Possible | | |
In a typical state budget cycle, April marks the end of the Joint Finance Committee’s (JFC) traveling public hearings, followed by agency heads testifying on their respective budgets. By the end of the month, the committee usually begins taking up portions of the state budget to meet the June 30 deadline.
But these are not typical times.
Since the beginning of 2025, there have been ongoing questions about the timing of the 2025–27 state budget. Several pending Wisconsin Supreme Court cases could significantly impact the powers of both the Governor and the Legislature.
Continue reading this article
| | 2025-27 Capital Budget Sent to JFC with No Recommendation | |
This Tuesday, the State Building Commission (SBC) convened to review Governor Ever’s 2025-27 Capital Budget. In the end, the commission deadlocked 4-4 on the Governor’s plan and are now sending the $4.1 billion proposal to the Joint Finance Committee with no recommendation. This is the fourth consecutive biennium the SBC has deadlocked on the capital budget with Republicans in control of the Legislature and Governor Evers in the East Wing.
Continue reading this article
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Evers responds to SBC deadlock on Capital Budget recommendations
In Business, March 27, 2025
State Building Commission split and won’t recommend Evers’ capital projects proposal
Wisconsin Examiner, March 26, 2025
Work on state budget will wait for court rulings on Evers' veto power, Vos says
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 20, 2025
Assembly passes bill requiring local law enforcement cooperation with ICE
Wisconsin Examiner, March 19, 2025
Wisconsin sheriffs forced to aid federal immigration authorities under GOP bill
Wisconsin State Journal, March 18, 2025
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Enbridge says no leaks found at other sites along Line 6 oil pipeline
Wisconsin Public Radio, March 28, 2025
What bill drew the most lobbying in Wisconsin last session? You might be surprised
Wisconsin State Journal, March 26, 2025
Major Wisconsin wind power project generates controversy
Capital Times, March 26, 2025
Natural gas opponents call on PSC to block largest piece of We Energies’ $2B plan
Wisconsin Public Radio, March 26, 2025
As Line 5 tunnel set to be fast-tracked, Great Lakes tribes withdraw from cooperating on environmental review
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 25, 2025
Oak Creek We Energies natural gas plant plan sees pushback
Fox 6, March 18, 2025
Grid expansions embroiled in utility industry politics
E&E News, March 18, 2025
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Tesla is suing to open dealerships in Wisconsin. It’s become a big deal in the Supreme Court race
Associated Press, March 26, 2025
Get ready, Wisconsin. Tuesday's election begins six straight years of state Supreme Court races.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 26, 2025
Top House Democrat says liberal Supreme Court majority only path to revisit Wisconsin’s congressional maps
Wisconsin Public Radio, March 25, 2025
Federal judge Diane Sykes will move to semi-retirement, giving Trump a 7th Circuit Appeals Court pick
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 20, 2025
| | Transportation & Infrastructure | | |
As DOGE slashes funding source, Wisconsin behavioral treatment centers worry about programs
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 28, 2025
First-term state representative urges Wisconsin to match Minnesota’s medical reimbursement rates
Wisconsin Public Radio, March 27, 2025
States try to rein in health insurers’ claim denials, with mixed results
Stateline, March 25, 2025
Wisconsin Assembly approves restrictions on trans kids’ participation in sports, gender-affirming health care
Wisconsin Public Radio, March 20, 2025
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