Hamilton Political Tidbits – May 4, 2023

Political Tidbits - May 4, 2023
May 4, 2023
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.
Articles in this edition of Political Tidbits:


Other updates in this edition:

  • Bits & Pieces
  • ICYMI: April Legislative Updates
  • Issue Update: 2023-25 State Budget
  • News Clips

If you have additional questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.
Bits & Pieces:

  • “Green Bank” Innovation Fund: By executive order, Gov. Evers announced the creation of a Green Ribbon Commission on Clean Energy and Environmental Innovation. The commission’s primary purpose will be to “advise the Department of Administration and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation” on establishing a “Green Innovation Fund” or “Green Bank.” The fund will leverage public and private funding “to invest in projects that provide environmental and clean energy solutions to businesses, reduce pollution, lower energy costs for families, and expand access to clean, affordable energy options.”

  • The Green Ribbon Commission will be attached to DOA and consist of members appointed by the governor. According to Gov. Evers, the commission’s work will help Wisconsin apply for federal programs that require matching funds. The Evers Administration views the commission and a Green Bank as part of its strategy “to ensure all electricity consumed within the state is 100 percent carbon-free by 2050, as outlined by Gov. Evers in Executive Order #38.”

  • Medicaid in the Media: The WisBusiness podcast recently interviewed Paul Nobile and Ted Osthelder, the commercial and Medicaid plan presidents, respectively, of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. They discussed the importance of ensuring an orderly Medicaid redetermination process as the public health emergency ends and how to keep Wisconsin’s uninsured rate low.

  • Democratic WEC Commissioner Retires: Former Milwaukee County Clerk Joseph Czarnezki will replace Julie Glancey on the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Glancey retired on May 1; Czarnezki will serve the remainder of her term ending in 2026. The commission has six members, three Republicans and three Democrats, appointed to staggered five-year terms by the governor and legislative leaders.
Assembly Republicans Release Shared Revenue Proposal
On April 27, Assembly Republican legislators outlined their 2023-25 state budget proposal for “shared revenue,” state tax revenue that is divided among local governments to support various programs and services. The proposal shares some similarities with what Gov. Evers proposed in his executive budget, in particular dedicating one-fifth of the state’s sales tax revenue to fund additional shared revenue payments. 

Finance Committee Begins Voting on 2023-25 Budget Motions, Removing Hundreds of Gov. Evers’ Proposals
This week, the Joint Committee on Finance began voting on motions to reshape the 2023-25 state budget as originally proposed by Gov. Tony Evers. At its May 2 meeting, the committee began by approving a motion to remove hundreds of spending proposals and non-fiscal policy items from the budget, effectively resetting spending levels to the 2021-23 baseline. The motion removed many significant changes to state law proposed by Gov. Evers.

Lawsuit Against Burford Capital Reveals Dangers of Litigation Financing
Third party litigation funding or “litigation financing” is a form of investing in which hedge funds and other financiers invest in a lawsuit in exchange for a portion of any settlement or judgement award. The investment provides cash to plaintiffs to litigate a claim, while the financier—thanks to its sophisticated underwriting—anticipates the case to end in a large enough judgement or settlement to satisfy its obligations.

Tracking the Senate Confirmation Process for the Evers Administration Cabinet
In a January interview, Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu said that the Senate would work to hold confirmation hearings on department secretaries and other agency heads appointed by Gov. Evers. During Gov. Evers’ first term, the Senate chose not to take confirmation votes on about 185 of the governor’s appointments, including many cabinet positions.

ICYMI: April Legislative Updates
The Wisconsin Legislature held several floor days in April, and Gov. Evers signed the first acts into law of the 2023-24 session:

Issue Update: 2023-25 State Budget
For updates on the 2023-25 state budget in Wisconsin, the Hamilton Consulting Group maintains an issue update page providing comprehensive coverage of the budget process.

News Clips
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Employer & Consumer
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