Hamilton Political Tidbits – September 25, 2026

Welcome to fall! Things are starting to pick up around the Capitol but the real action continues on the campaign trail. State agencies are submitting their budget requests, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is considering challenges to the state’s congressional map, and legislators are diving into Legislative Council study committees, all while looking ahead to the 2026 election. In this edition of Tidbits, we will cover these topics and more.

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

State Agencies Submit Budget Requests

On September 15, state agencies submitted their requests to the Department of Administration (DOA), marking the first step in the 2027–29 biennial budget process. The Governor directed agencies to focus on the cost of continuing current operations and inflationary increases, without requesting new general purpose revenue (GPR) funding. Several agencies nevertheless included new or expanded initiatives. The Governor and DOA will review the requests as they prepare the executive budget proposal. 

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Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Congressional Redistricting Cases

The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases challenging the state’s congressional district map. The cases raise different questions about whether the map is an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander or improperly limits competition in congressional elections. The court is now considering whether the challenges can move forward.

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Study Committee Examines AI in Health Care

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in health care, from assisting with medical documentation and clinical care to supporting insurance and administrative functions. The Wisconsin Legislative Council’s Study Committee on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care is examining how the technology is being used and whether additional state standards may be needed.

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Study Committee Examines District Attorney Funding Formula

The Wisconsin Legislative Council’s Study Committee on the District Attorney Funding Formula is examining whether the state’s current method for determining staffing and funding for district attorney offices accurately reflects their workload. The committee is reviewing Wisconsin’s weighted caseload formula and will consider whether changes are needed.

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Legal

Key questions with the Wisconsin attorney general candidates that highlight their stark differences

Wisconsin Watch, September 21, 2026

Wisconsin Supreme Court justices hear challenges to congressional maps

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, September 16, 2026

What to know about 2 Wisconsin congressional redistricting cases

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, September 16, 2026

Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear congressional map arguments

Wisconsin Public Radio, September 14, 2026

Employer & Consumer

American hemp sellers prepare for a looming ban on most of their products: ‘This is devastating’

Wisconsin Public Radio, September 23, 2026

Manufacturing closures hit rural communities in Tomahawk, Marshfield

Wisconsin Public Radio, September 16, 2026

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