Hamilton Political Tidbits – September 16, 2019

Political Tidbits - September 16, 2019
Hamilton Consulting Group
 September 16, 2019
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.

Activity in the state capitol is ramping up as fall floor sessions approach. The Senate won't meet in September but is planning floor dates in early October and early November. The Assembly plans to meet next in early October.
 
Meanwhile, this Tidbits takes a look ahead at the races for newly open congressional seats and Marquette poll results on 2020 candidates. Also in this edition, water quality issues, updates on Gov. Evers's appointments, and more.
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Candidates for Duffy & Sensenbrenner Congressional Seats Take Shape

Two U.S. Congressional seats have recently opened up in Wisconsin that could change the Wisconsin political landscape at both the federal and state level in the next few years. U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Weston) announced he is resigning from the 7th Congressional District on Sept. 23. U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) announced he will not seek reelection to the 5th Congressional District in 2020.
 
 
  
Latest MU Poll Evaluates Wis. Politicians, Shows Dem Candidates Head-to-Head with Trump

Marquette University (MU) Law School recently released its third poll of 2019. Along with its standard questions evaluating voter opinions on Wisconsin politicians, the poll looks ahead to the Democratic primary for president, posing head-to-head matchup questions between potential candidates and President Donald Trump for the first time. The Sept. 4 poll surveyed 800 Wisconsin voters from Aug. 25-29, 2019.
 
 
PFAS Update: Evers EO, DNR Scope Statements, Hearing on Fire Fighting Foam Bill

Regulation of PFAS compounds is quickly moving forward in Wisconsin at both the legislative and administrative rule levels. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that are found in many everyday products, including nonstick pans, cleaning products, paints, and firefighting foam. PFAS are present in the bloodstream of 98 percent of Americans. Competing studies debate whether or not PFAS have negative health effects, and, if they do, at what level they are harmful. 
 
 
Water Quality Task Force Meets in Northern Wis. to Discuss PFAS

After meeting in 15 locations around the state, the Speaker's Task Force on Water Quality has likely wrapped up its public hearings. Below is an update on the last four meetings in northern Wisconsin, where the task force discussed several topics, including PFAS.
 
 
EPA Finalizes WOTUS Revisions

On Sept. 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final rule repealing the 2015 definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The revised rule is intended to increase predictability and stability in water pollution enforcement.
 
 
Gov. Evers Announces New WEDC CEO

On Sept. 5, Gov. Tony Evers announced his appointment of Missy Hughes as secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Hughes replaces former WEDC CEO Mark Hogan, who left the agency at the beginning of the month. 

 
Hughes joins the list of Gov. Evers's other cabinet secretaries, all of whom have yet to be confirmed by the Senate. However, the appointments are working their way through committees. 

 
PSCW Releases Summary Memo on Investigation of Electric Vehicles

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) has released a summary memorandum of initial comments in its docket to investigate electric vehicle (EV) policy and regulation. Comments were submitted by 24 parties, six utilities, and 12 members of the public in response to 28 questions categorized under the eight investigation topics initially laid out by PSCW.
 
 
Bills of Note: Direct Primary Care

The Assembly Committee on Small Business Development held a public hearing on Sept. 4 on a bill that would establish parameters for the practice of direct primary care (DPC) in Wisconsin.
 
 


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News Clips
Politics
Health
Utilities and Energy
Dane County featured in national climate change study: Wisconsin Public Radio, September 16, 2019.

Environment
Legal
Economic Development
Evers protests proposed food stamp rule: River News Online, September 14, 2019.
Wisconsin Department of Tourism names new marketing agencies of record: Milwaukee Business Journal, September 12, 2019.

Transportation
Education
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