Hamilton Political Tidbits – May 15, 2026

In this edition of Tidbits, we cover the late-night vote on the bipartisan plan Gov. Tony Evers and Republican leaders spent months negotiating, a recent court ruling on the Legislature’s ability to delay publication of administrative rules, the Badger State Sheriffs’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award, $248 million in projects approved by the State Building Commission and additions to the growing list of legislators not seeking reelection.

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

After a Dramatic Push, Senate Votes Down Property Tax & Education Package

Since the conclusion of the regular session in March, there has continued to be discussion among Governor Evers and Republican legislative leaders about a possible property tax and education package. This week, the Governor and GOP leaders announced a compromise package and hailed it as a bipartisan achievement. However, just a few days later, the deal fell apart when the Senate voted the package down 18-15, with all Senate Democrats voting no, joined by Republican Senators Steve Nass, Chris Kapenga and Rob Hutton.

Continue reading this article

Judge Rules Legislature Cannot Block Rules by Delaying Publication

A Dane County judge has ruled that Wisconsin legislative committees cannot block administrative rules from taking effect by delaying their publication, reinforcing a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that limited legislative oversight powers over agency rules.

Continue reading this article

Badger State Sheriffs' Association Honors Senator Van Wanggaard with Lifetime Achievement Award

The Badger State Sheriffs’ Association presented Senator Van Wanggaard with the BSSA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his longstanding support of law enforcement and public safety in Wisconsin.

Continue reading this article

Wisconsin State Building Commission Advances Major Community Improvement Projects

Gov. Tony Evers announced the Wisconsin State Building Commission approved approximately $248 million in projects across Wisconsin, including $50 million for 71 community development and infrastructure projects through the state’s Non-State Grant Program. The funding will support projects ranging from libraries, community centers, and housing developments to healthcare facilities, fire stations, and cultural attractions.

Continue reading this article

Lawmakers Retiring or not Seeking Reelection to Wisconsin Legislature     

As the 2026 election cycle takes shape, several members of the Wisconsin State Legislature have announced they will not seek reelection or are retiring from public office. These departures will create open seats in both the Assembly and the Senate, setting the stage for new candidates and potential shifts in legislative priorities in the sessions ahead.

For more information of the 2026 elections, visit our Issue Updates page.

Continue reading this article

Legal

Judge: Legislature cannot block administrative rules by delaying publication

Wisconsin State Journal, May 9, 2026

Employer & Consumer

Health care, transportation jobs continue to grow

In Business, May 8, 2026

Political Tidbits is a free newsletter on Wisconsin political and policy developments, written and compiled by the Hamilton Consulting Group. Please forward it to others who may wish to receive this service.

If you require additional information about a topic addressed in Tidbits for your organization's board meeting or trade publication, please do not hesitate to contact a Hamilton Consulting Group lobbyist.

To ensure that Political Tidbits never gets caught in your spam filter, please add publications@hamilton-consulting.com to your address book/contacts list. If you are receiving these emails via a workplace email account, please advise your IT service desk to do this for you.