August 13, 2024
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.
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Articles in this edition of Political Tidbits:
Other updates in this edition:
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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