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February 7, 2025
Wisconsin political news for clients and colleagues.
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As the legislative session ramps up, it’s time for another edition of Political Tidbits! This week, we’re diving into the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling on Meagan Wolfe’s job, a heated 3-way primary for State Superintendent, and some surprisingly positive new budget estimates. Plus, Justice Hagedorn’s Act 10 recusal and a sneak peek at next week’s Senate Health committee hearing. Let’s get to it!
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.
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Breaking: Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Elections Administrator Can Remain in Role | |
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The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously ruled today, February 7, that Meagan Wolfe can continue serving as the state’s top elections official indefinitely, rejecting efforts to remove her from the position. The court determined that under state law, the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) is only required to appoint a new administrator if a vacancy occurs, and Wolfe’s continued service does not constitute a vacancy.
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Wisconsin’s February 18 Primary Preview: State Superintendent Race | |
On February 18, Wisconsin voters will participate in a primary election for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the state’s top education official. Three candidates are running: incumbent Jill Underly, Sauk Prairie School District Superintendent Jeff Wright, and education consultant Brittany Kinser. The top two candidates will advance to the general election on April 1.
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Wisconsin’s Budget Surplus Grows to $4.3 Billion, Setting the Stage for Budget Debates | |
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The Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) now projects that Wisconsin will end the 2023-25 biennium with a $4.3 billion surplus, an increase from the $4 billion forecasted in November. The revision is largely driven by an expected $894.3 million increase in tax revenue, primarily from higher sales tax collections. LFB attributes the increase to updated economic forecasts, which account for inflation and consumer spending trends, including potential effects of proposed federal tariffs. Additionally, LFB anticipates an extra $1.85 billion in tax collections over the next two years.
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Justice Hagedorn Recuses Self from Act 10 Challenge
Will Justice Protasiewicz Follow Suit?
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Justice Brian Hagedorn recently recused himself from participating in a case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court reviewing collective bargaining reforms affecting public union employees. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is considering a motion to bypass an appellate court review of a Dane County judge striking down elements of law.
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Senate Health Committee to Hold First Hearing of the Session on Direct Primary Care and Postpartum Medicaid Extension Bills | |
On Wednesday, February 12, the Senate Committee on Health will hold a public hearing on two familiar pieces of legislation.
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Wisconsin Supreme Court rules Meagan Wolfe can remain state’s top elections official
Wisconsin Public Radio, February 7, 2025
Bill to protect police from John Doe cases gets a hearing
Wisconsin Examiner, February 7, 2025
Evers proposes $80M for farmers, food in next state budget
Wisconsin Public Radio, February 5, 2025
Election commissioners pitch proposed observer rules to Assembly committee
WisPolitics, February 5, 2025
Wisconsin GOP wants to cut state aid to counties with sheriffs who don’t cooperate with ICE
Wisconsin Examiner, February 5, 2025
Republicans raise questions about proposed election observer rules
Wisconsin Public Radio, February 4, 2025
Evers vows to veto GOP legislation cutting funds to counties that don't help ICE operations
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 3, 2025
Republicans target governor’s partial veto power with another constitutional amendment proposal
Wisconsin Examiner, January 28, 2025
Republican lawmakers propose arming teachers and financial support as ways to address gun violence
Wisconsin Examiner, January 28, 2025
Evers proposed the largest investment in children's mental health services in history. Why?
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 28, 2025
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Transportation & Infrastructure | |
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Education committee considers bills on test scores, money for local districts
Wisconsin Examiner, February 7, 2025
She's running to lead Wisconsin schools. But she doesn't have a teacher's license. Does it matter?
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 6, 2025
Race for Wisconsin education chief lacks traditional conservative candidate
Wisconsin Watch, February 3, 2025
These three Wisconsin legislators all had child care careers. Here's how this shapes their policy:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 5, 2025
Milwaukee Public Schools to sue social media companies over youth mental health crisis
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, January 28, 2025
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