Hamilton Political Tidbits – Primary Preview Edition – August 13, 2024

Political Tidbits - August 13, 2024

August 13, 2024

Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.

Articles in this edition of Political Tidbits:



Other updates in this edition:


  • Bits & Pieces
  • News Clips


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

Bits & Pieces


Wisconsin Policymakers Continue to Study AI Impacts and Regulations

The regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and its uses in many areas of society and industry has become a major topic for policymakers.

 

This year, the Wisconsin Legislature established a Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin, chaired by Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin) with Rep. David Armstrong (R-Rice Lake) serving as vice chair. That committee first met July 24 and is expected to meet again in August and several more times this year. See more information about this and the other 2024 study committees here.

 

Separately, the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence released its final report late last month. The task force began meeting in October 2023 and held seven meetings before issuing the report. The report includes policy recommendations across the areas of education, workforce development, economic development, and other government policy (such as adopting AI to improve government functions, “prioritizing equitable and affordable access to high-speed broadband,” and establishing a state office of data and privacy). Gov. Tony Evers (D) created and appointed members to the task force and announced the release of the final report.

 

In 2023, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) created an AI task force, led by Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Fox Crossing), that held four informational hearings and then released a report and five draft bills.


ABC-WI Hits Apprenticeship Record

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin is celebrating a new record: More than 2,475 apprentices are now enrolled into the association’s apprenticeship program. Of those, 600 apprentices are beginning their first year. This number is up by nearly 100 from the year before and reflects an increasing interest in the skilled trades.

 

“We celebrate the growing interest we see in skilled trades. Apprentices entering our program are employed by our members, and receive a salary that grows with their experience,” said John Mielke, ABC-WI President. “A career in construction is a path to success. There is great demand for skilled workers and these jobs mean a family sustaining wage.”

 

Read more from ABC-WI here and see local news coverage here.

Primary Election 2024: Races to Watch

The Wisconsin Supreme Court appears to have concluded its 2023-24 regular term. The court typically finishes an annual term by releasing a series of decisions in June and July. According to one Wisconsin historian, the court issued the fewest decisions during this one-year term since at least 1900. Recently, the court issued several notable rulings in politically contentious cases. These decisions will have implications for this year’s election, the 2025-26 legislative session, the 2025-27 state budget process, and beyond.


Continue reading this article

Primary Election 2024: Constitutional Amendments

The Wisconsin Supreme Court appears to have concluded its 2023-24 regular term. The court typically finishes an annual term by releasing a series of decisions in June and July. According to one Wisconsin historian, the court issued the fewest decisions during this one-year term since at least 1900. Recently, the court issued several notable rulings in politically contentious cases. These decisions will have implications for this year’s election, the 2025-26 legislative session, the 2025-27 state budget process, and beyond.


Continue reading this article

ICYMI: SCOWIS Finishes 2023-24 Term with High-Profile Cases, Record Low Number of Decisions Overall

From the July 23 edition of Political Tidbits: The Wisconsin Supreme Court appears to have concluded its 2023-24 regular term. The court typically finishes an annual term by releasing a series of decisions in June and July. According to one Wisconsin historian, the court issued the fewest decisions during this one-year term since at least 1900. Recently, the court issued several notable rulings in politically contentious cases. These decisions will have implications for this year’s election, the 2025-26 legislative session, the 2025-27 state budget process, and beyond.


Continue reading this article

News Clips

Politics

Both Trump and Harris are missing many moderate voters, poll says

The Capital Times, August 8, 2024

Latest Marquette poll shows Harris, Trump in dead heat in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 7, 2024

RFK Jr., Cornel West clear first hurdle to appear on Wisconsin presidential ballot

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 6, 2024

Harris picks Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as running mate

The Wall Street Journal, August 6, 2024

Democratic contest in western Wisconsin to take on Rep. Derrick Van Orden turns heated

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 6, 2024

Baldwin outraises Hovde in Wisconsin US Senate Race

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 2, 2024

GOP primary in 8th Congressional District puts Trump endorsement to test

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 1, 2024

It’s a 4-way race for Dane County executive: But is Melissa Agard unstoppable?

Wisconsin State Journal, August 1, 2024

Wisconsin child care is becoming harder to afford, state report finds

Wisconsin Examiner, July 31, 2024

Spending federal funds in Wisconsin: What voters need to know about the referendums

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 30, 2024

Proposed constitutional amendment triggers fight over control of federal funds

Wisconsin Examiner, July 30, 2024

Milwaukee County faces $19M deficit, with looming sales tax shortfall

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 30, 2024

Wisconsin sales tax revenue posts biggest decline since the pandemic

Wisconsin State Journal, July 30, 2024

Who is funding the Milwaukee school board recall?

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 29, 2024

Is the press working hard or hardly working? Biden’s cognitive issues were right under journalists’ noses, and they didn’t report it

Shepherd Express, July 29, 2024

Andre Jacque may be using state campaign fund to help out with his congressional race

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 29, 2024

Utilities & Energy

As Wisconsin goes green, energy regulators face pivotal decisions

The Capital Times, August 5, 2024

U.S. energy secretary joins state, Milwaukee officials to launch home rebate program

Urban Milwaukee, August 3, 2024

Substation in Parkland would connect Nemadji Energy Center to grid

Superior Telegram, July 29, 2024

Environment

Madison expands air quality monitors to pinpoint causes of pollution

The Capital Times, August 8, 2024

Wisconsin DNR admission stickers to be valid for full year from purchase starting in 2025

Wisconsin State Journal, August 5, 2024

How many manure spills is too many? St. Croix County residents scrutinize big farm

Wisconsin Watch, August 2, 2024

Should Wisconsin hold a sandhill crane hunt? A committee will study that and more.

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 2, 2024

After 3 years on bottled water, French Island residents weary of political fight over PFAS

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 31, 2024

A Wisconsin city brought No-Mow May to the US. Now, the city is changing its approach.

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 30, 2024

Right-wing opponent to conservation lists Wisconsin as part of 2024 plans

Wisconsin Examiner, July 29, 2024

To conservative environmentalists, Trump could have been better, could have been worse

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 29, 2024

Legal

Inmate hangs himself at Waupun Correctional Institution; 5th death since lockdown

Wisconsin State Journal, August 6, 2024

Dodge County Sheriff investigating another death at Waupun Correctional Institution

Urban Milwaukee, August 5, 2024

Biden calls for ethics overhaul at SCOTUS. In Wisconsin, the rules are different.

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 1, 2024

Judge dismisses Bangstad motions in zoning cases

River News Online, July 30, 2024

After brief win, Wisconsin sex offenders again want off GPS monitoring

The Capital Times, July 30, 2024

Appeals court affirms conviction tied to DOJ backlog project

River News Online, July 30, 2024

Biden calls for sweeping Supreme Court changes

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 29, 2024

Employer & Consumer

Is U.S. industrial renaissance built to last? Problems overseas indicate it's 'here to stay.'

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 7, 2024

Wisconsin startup investment down in 2023 following pandemic boom

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 6, 2024

Survey: Only half of Wisconsin’s child care slots are affordable for families

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 31, 2024

State task force recommends using AI technology in classrooms, support for businesses

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 30, 2024

Microsoft buys more land in Mount Pleasant near data center development

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 30, 2024

New report finds housing permitting in Wisconsin lagging behind pre-2008 levels

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 29, 2024

Building a data center economy: Microsoft’s Mount Pleasant project could be game changer for Wisconsin

Milwaukee Business News, July 28, 2024

Amazon to break ground on $200 million Cottage Grove facility September, despite delays

Wisconsin State Journal, July 25, 2024

Transportation & Infrastructure

Wisconsin firefighters say they don’t have funds to respond to all calls

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 5, 2024

Evers’ broadband task force says ‘internet for all’ requires affordability, digital literacy

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 1, 2024

Pete Buttigieg visits Milwaukee to highlight port investments, ride Amtrak line

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 31, 2024

See what boulevard replacing I-794 in downtown Milwaukee would look like

Urban Milwaukee, July 30, 2024

State railroad commissioner's decision could sink South Side Madison bike path

Wisconsin State Journal, July 27, 2024

Health

Health systems are using AI. UW Health wants to help them do it ethically.

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 8, 2024

States want to lower drug prices. A federal law stands in their way.

Stateline, August 8, 2024

Advocates for people needing long-term care hope state fee changes lead to more sustainable workforce

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 6, 2024

Survey: More than half of Wisconsin teens say had a mental health challenge in last year

Wisconsin State Journal, July 31, 2024

Madison may see patient influx after Iowa abortion ban

The Capital Times, July 29, 2024

Education

Wisconsin teacher sues district after being fired for not using students’ preferred pronouns

Wisconsin Public Radio, August 6, 2024

UW-Milwaukee suspends student groups after antisemitic social media post

Wisconsin Public Radio, July 31, 2024

Fewer UW system students have applied for financial aid. Will enrollment drop, too?

Wisconsin State Journal, July 31, 2024

UW-Milwaukee faculty group backs plan to lay off branch campus faculty

Wisconsin State Journal, July 30, 2024

Exiting tech college leader reflects on decades in Wisconsin education

The Capital Times, July 29, 2024

Click here for more news clips

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