Political Tidbits – March 7, 2025

Legislature Starts from Scratch on State Budget – This week in Tidbits, we explore the growing differences in budget priorities between the Governor and Republican legislative leaders, take a look at the latest Marquette Poll, and break down a new report on income tax relief efforts over the past decade. Stay informed on these key policy updates!

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

Key Policy Divides Emerge Early in Wisconsin Budget Debate

Now that the dust has settled and the legislature has begun to dissect the Governor’s 2025-27 state budget, Republican legislators are ready to start over and craft their own budget. Before that, however, the majority leaders plan to introduce their own tax relief proposal using the state’s surplus. Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August has said Republicans could hold up adopting a new state budget if the GOP tax cut plan isn't first signed into law by Gov. Evers. 

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Marquette University Poll Released

According to the poll, voters are still mostly unfamiliar with candidates running for both the Wisconsin Supreme Court and State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Among registered voters, 38 percent don't have an opinion of former Attorney General and current Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Brad Schimel and 58 percent don't have an opinion of his opponent, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Susan Crawford. The candidates for State Superintendent are even more unfamiliar to voters. 64 percent of voters didn't have an opinion of current State Superintendent Jill Underly and 71 percent had no opinion on her opponent Brittany Kinser.

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American Red Cross Holds Legislative Day

Last week, the American Red Cross hosted its Legislative Day in Madison. Red Cross staff and volunteers spent the morning engaging with speakers from legislative, regulatory, and administrative sectors. Maggie Gau, Chief of Staff to Governor Evers, presented the group with a Proclamation from the Governor’s office declaring March as American Red Cross Month. Participants also had the chance to meet with their local legislators, discussing the vital services the Red Cross provides and the positive impact the organization has had in their districts. In addition, a blood drive was held at the Capitol in conjunction with Legislative Day, further supporting the Red Cross’s mission.

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Legal

Law Forward sues city of Madison over lost absentee ballots

Wisconsin Examiner, March 6, 2025

Large numbers of Wisconsin voters don't know the Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates, Marquette poll finds

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 5, 2025

Michael Gableman refusing to testify before lawyer disciplinary board over issues tied to election review

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 4, 2025

Employer & Consumer

How new tariffs on Mexico and Canada affect Wisconsin industries

Wisconsin Public Radio, March 5, 2025

Fewer than half of Wisconsin manufacturers say business climate heading in right direction

Wisconsin Public Radio, March 4, 2025

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