Howard Marklein

Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds

Nine months after Legislature set aside $125 million to address PFAS, funding still stalled.

Committee Blocks $258 Million Home Health Care Pay Plan

Providers fear losing workers, while others fear providers themselves will drop out.

Gov. Evers Vetoes PFAS Bill, Calls Special Meeting of Budget Committee

Governor urges GOP legislators to release budgeted funds for PFAS and hospitals.

GOP Leaders Urge Gov. Evers to Sign Divisive PFAS Bill 

It provides funding but restricts Wisconsin DNR's enforcement powers against polluters.

How Higher Ed Institutions Are Shrinking

It's a stunning trend: Four-year and two-year campuses are cutting back, merging, closing.

Governor Signs Marklein’s Electric Vehicle Charging Bills

New law removes obstacles for private businesses to participate in EV industry.

Visiting Eau Claire, Evers Chides Legislators for Blocking Hospital Funds

As Republicans withhold aid, hospital closings create health-care gap in western Wisconsin.

Bill Expands State’s EV Charging Network

Legislature passes law allowing businesses to own and operate charging stations without being regulated as utilities.

Marquette University School of Dentistry Statement on release of funding for dental general practice residency program

Evers Seeks Compromise on Republican PFAS Bill

Threatens veto of GOP plan, saying 'I'm not signing bill letting polluters off the hook.'

State of the Tribes Speech Emphasizes Diversity

Potawatomi chairman James Crawford notes diversity of 11 tribes and their common needs.

Department of Public Instruction Asks Lawmakers To Approve New Reading Curriculum

Proposal overrides the Literacy Council, which DPI says failed to meet deadlines.

Budget Committee Approves $2 Billion Tax Cut, UW Funding

Proposal now heads to Assembly, but will Evers sign bills?

Evers Silent on New GOP Tax Plan

Latest Republican plan tailored to meet governor's past comments. How will he respond?

Legislators Push Judicial Security Bills

142 threats against Wisconsin judges in past year, with 44 threats of death or physical harm.

State Budget Surplus Shrinking But Still Huge

Latest projection says surplus will be $3.25 billion at end of current, two-year budget cycle.

Revenue Re-estimates Support Tax Relief

Collections remain strong, surplus over $3 billion

Republicans Offer Revised Tax Cut Plan

'Governor, we heard you and we look forward to your signature' on this bill.

Legislative Leaders Announce Bills to Return Surplus to Taxpayers

Senate Leader Shoots Down Government-Run Marijuana Dispensaries

Republicans in Assembly proposed idea. Senate still working on tax cuts.

Marklein Statement on UW Regents’ Decision to Accept Negotiated Deal

GOP Legislators Battle Lac du Flambeau Tribe

Reacting to tussle over access to tribal land, Finance Committee withholds gaming revenue.

UW Regents Consult Attorneys In Fight Over DEI, Pay Raises

Evers has sued Legislature on issue. GOP legislators threaten to remove some regents.

GOP Legislators Push Bills to Double State’s EV Charging Stations

Using federal funds and exempting charging stations from being regulated as utilities.

Bipartisan Proposal Would Create Mental Health Crisis Centers Across State

Current model has police offers driving individuals for hours.

Supreme Court Justice Pushes For Judicial Protection Police Force

Proposal from Justice Annette Ziegler comes after retired Wisconsin judge was murdered.

Republicans Endorse Raises For All State Employees, Except UW System Workers

Raise denial is latest salvo in fight over UW System's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Milwaukee Wants More Reckless Drivers Towed

United council backs state law change. But proposal could die in Legislature.

GOP Senators Introduce Protectionist Transmission Line Bill

Proposal would make it difficult for competitors to ATC to enter market.

Following Speed Improvements, State Licensing Agency Wants Longterm Funding

Stimulus funding will run out next year, imperiling continued operation of DSPS.

State’s Child Care Industry Struggles with Worker Turnover

Low pay, widespread vacancies leading to burnout, turnover among workers.

Wisconsin Licensing Division Will See Budget Increase

The Department of Safety and Professional Services has been criticized for delays.

Governor’s Veto Gives $20 Million For Land Stewardship Program

Evers' partial budget veto releases funding for wide variety of DNR efforts.

How Evers Can Change Budget With Partial Vetoes

He could veto top tax bracket cut. He could also veto entire budget bill.

GOP Plan Merges UW Campus in West Bend With Tech College

Joint Finance passes plan to address declining enrollment in Washington County.

The Last Hurrah For Rep. Goyke

At his last budget hearing Milwaukee legislator Evan Goyke gets teased and praised.

Republicans Approve $3.5 Billion Income Tax Cut

GOP legislators also approve cutting $32 million from UW System budget as part of DEI cut.

Missing Ventilators Restart Fight Over Federal Funds Oversight

Auditors found some COVID-19 supplies missing, triggering debate about who should control aid dollars.

In Transfers, Public Schools Often Deny Students With Disabilities

Charter and choice "cherry picking" is well known. But public schools also involved through open enrollment.

GOP Strips Gov. Evers $750 Million Broadband Plan From Budget

Green Bay gets $2 million for 2025 NFL Draft.

State Budget Surplus Dips… To $6.9 Billion

Legislative Fiscal Bureau finds tax revenues dropped by $365 million in 2022-23 fiscal year.

Is Vos Allowing ‘Bipartisan’ Compromise?

Budget and shared revenue bills don't quite match vision articulated by Assembly Speaker.

Evers Vision Trashed by Republicans

It's governor's vision vs. 12 Republicans on Joint Finance Committee. Who's right?

DNR Leader Says State Budget Needs More Money For Clean Water

Republican-controlled Legislature will determine funding, with some members indicating support.

Can Bipartisan Effort Save State Arts Funding?

Wisconsin ranks 50th in arts support. Group of 'heavy hitters' hopes to change that.

Legislative Committee Rejects Funds for State’s Largest Land Conservation Plan

Republicans spike proposal to preserve 70,000 acres of forest in northern Wisconsin.

DNR Secretary Promises Review of How Agency Works With Local Governments

Potential changes coming as a result of Pelican River Forest mix-up.

One Third of State Prison Jobs Are Vacant

Legislative hearing discusses state corrections budget, pay hikes proposed by Gov. Evers.

Senator Agard Statement: JFC Co-Chair to Remove Firearm Safety Proposals from State Budget

Analysis Details Evers’ Paid Leave Plan

$243 million state spending starts trust fund, payroll tax on employers and employees would sustain it.

Speaker Vos Downplays $7 Billion Surplus Size As Budget Debate Begins

Vos says Gov. Evers lives in "fantasyland" with his plans for spending.

Republicans Giving Up On Flat Tax?

Top GOP legislators say they don't expect it to be passed in the state budget.

DNR Member Warns Wisconsin Needs Money To Maintain Its Conservation Land

The state has acquired approximately 1.5 million acres of land through stewardship programs.

Republicans Hide Details on Stewardship Fund

Legislators reduce project grant without revealing who objected or what exactly is funded.

Dan Kelly Makes His Case for High Court

'Where do our rights come from?' asks former state Supreme Court justice. 'God!'

State’s Budget Surplus Hits $7.1 Billion

Projected total up by $500 million in two months, on top of $1.7 billion rainy day fund.

Republican Lawmakers Oppose Record-Breaking Wisconsin Land Conversation

Sen. Felzkowski leads opposition to preserving 56,000 acres of forest near Rhinelander.

The Top Donors to Wisconsin Political Parties in 2022

Billionaires and millionaires, most supporting Democrats, continue to dump huge sums into Wisconsin politics through a loophole left open by state Republicans.

The Vast Gulf Between Evers, Legislators

A difference of at least $2.8 billion on how they want to spend historic surplus.

State Surplus Projected to Hit $6.5 Billion!

Wisconsin's fiscal condition the 'strongest in state history,' says DOA report.

Legislators Still Sitting on Opioid Funding

Democrats, health officials says lives could be lost if settlement funds not used to fight drug epidemic.

Joint Finance Committee Meets, Refuses to Discuss Knowles-Nelson Grants

Republicans Demand Transparency While Hiding Behind “Anonymous Objections”

GOP Lawmakers Far Ahead in Campaign Cash

Four times more money than Democratic legislators going into 2022 year.

Robin Vos ‘Selling Out Democracy’?

Hintz looks back at four years as Assembly minority leader and how Republicans ‘lost their way.’

DPI, Legislators Clash On Federal Pandemic Aid

$77 million for state’s schools at stake. Republican rule violates federal law, US Education Secretary says.

Federal-State Battle Over School Pandemic Aid

US Education Department nixes GOP plan to favor schools that stayed in person in 2020-21.

Most Will Get Lower Property Tax Bill

Average homeowner in state will see 3% reduction.

State Tax Revenues Exceed Expectations

Wisconsin saw 12% revenue increase over previous year.

Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council Announces Membership, Sets Ambitious Goals

Evers Offers GOP a Second Chance to Fund Schools

Newly revised federal guidelines could take away pandemic aid to state unless education funding increased.

Dental Medicaid increases in state budget represent Wisconsin’s first significant investment in oral health in two decades

State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget

Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.

Republican Lawmakers Advance $3.4 Billion Tax Cut

State legislators propose cuts to income, property and business taxes.

Legislators Approve $125 Million for Broadband Expansion

But Gov. Evers allocated money for it. Republican proposal uses borrowed money.

Can We Please Discuss Criminal Justice Reform?

Democratic legislators plead with Republicans, who cut off any attempt to discuss reforms.

Surplus Leaves Evers, Legislators Even Further Divided

Unprecedented $4.4 billion surplus is huge opportunity. But for what?

Budget Surplus Offers ‘Golden Opportunity’

Report details how $4.4 billion state surplus could be used to improve Wisconsin.

Republican Plan Loses $2.3 Billion for Schools

State lawmakers slashed education funding below federal minimum requirements.

State Now Projects $4.4 Billion Windfall

Fiscal bureau projects far more tax revenue than expected for 2021-2023.

Can We Talk About Marijuana? Democrats Ask

GOP legislative leader won’t allow a vote or even discussion of medical marijuana.

GOP Lawmakers Reject Unemployment System Improvements

Republicans in State Legislature vote down $15 million to fix unemployment system.

Are Employers ‘Competing With The Couch’?

GOP legislators say jobless benefits causing worker shortage. Studies don’t back them up.

Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget

Reduction in spending could mean state loses $1.5 billion in federal pandemic relief funding for education.

Evers Credited for Budget Surplus

Federal stimulus money, new Foxconn contract, Evers call for state agency cuts all credited by nonpartisan analysis.

GOP Legislators Refuse Special Session on Medicaid Expansion

The Republican-controlled Senate and Assembly both adjourn sessions without debate or votes.

Rep. Tony Kurtz and Sen. Howard Marklein Disappointed in Governor’s Political Games in Reedsburg

Legislators given 59 minutes of notice for press conference about pork barrel project

Republicans Gut Housing, Homeless Aid

Finance committee rejects Evers' proposals, legislator calls it “embarrassing.”

GOP Legislators Target Jobless Pay

Bill restores work-search requirement, ends supplemental pandemic aid to unemployed.

Marklein, Vos Author Workforce Recovery Legislation

Bill to encourage individuals to return-to-work amid massive worker shortage

Voces Protests GOP Cutting ID’s for Immigrants from Budget

The group and other activists also protested the elimination of tuition aid for immigrant students.

Republicans Cut Billions from Evers’ Budget Proposal

Medicaid expansion, marijuana legalization and unemployment reform all gone.

GOP Sends Mixed Message To Evers

Republican legislators trash his budget, then ask to meet with him.

Are State’s Schools Rolling In Dough?

Republican legislators think Milwaukee Public Schools getting away with something.

Public Testimony Backs Evers Budget

Hearings held only in state’s smaller cities but Evers budget favored 284 to 30 by speakers.

Democrats Call for Virtual Joint Finance Hearing

Pandemic created 'significant barriers’ for many citizens who couldn’t attend in-person hearings.

Historic Frank Lloyd Wright school to get new life as arts center

WEDC investment helps historic renovation of the Wyoming Valley School

Parties Bash Heads on State Budget

Evers budget and Republican proposals are miles apart. A compromise won’t be easy.

Republicans Miffed By MPS Pandemic Aid

MPS gets 16 times more per pupil than Wauwatosa schools under federal formula awarding more to low-income students.

DNR Secretary Says PFAS Efforts Need Funding

PFAS identification and cleanup and public land purchases are budget priorities for the agency.

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

GOP sniping at Evers plans for workforce training, minimum wage hike, funding to fix UI system.

GOP Pushes Stimulus Approach Evers Already Vetoed

11 Republican bills try to dictate how governor allocates federal pandemic aid.

GOP Legislators Question Federal Pandemic Aid for MPS

MPS getting 36% of $2.2 billion for state schools under federal formula prioritizing high poverty districts.

Village of Argyle receives $250,000 state grant to support redevelopment of former Ford building

WEDC investment to help fund renovations for commercial space and apartments

Legislature’s Budget Roadshow Coming Soon

Since 1985 regional budget hearings have been held. Planned for April, all in small towns.

Thousands of Wisconsinites Sign Petition in Support of Cannabis Legalization

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.

The Hammer of Student Testing

Republican legislators may use tests as a way to force schools to reopen.

GOP Legislators Cast Doubt on Evers’ Plans

Resistance to school funds hike, local sales tax, upping minimum wage, legalizing pot.

Evers Pushes New Programs, Spending

Republicans warned him not to include budget items they oppose. He will anyway.

GOP Plan Puts Students, Teachers At Risk?

Legislators require federal education aid to be used to push in-school instruction.

Federal COVID-19 Aid Funneled to In-Person Schools

State GOP lawmakers' plan penalizes school districts that provided virtual instruction.

PPP Business Expense Tax Break Approved by Committee

Democrats tried to narrow the tax break on expenses paid for with federal relief money.

State Revenue Surplus Higher Than Expected

State officials will begin next budget with a projected balance of $1.9 billion.

LeMahieu Struggles in Vos’s Shadow

New Senate majority leader a surprise choice who's trying to resist the dictates of Robin Vos.

New Finance Co-Chair Expects Challenges

Republican Rep. Mark Born expects partisan disagreements, expects compromises will be reached.

Wisconsin Republicans Join New Federal Election Lawsuit

Suit seeks to toss results from five states in advance of Electoral College.

Pandemic Ends Holiday Traditions

It's a special time in Wisconsin’s grand Capitol. But not this year.

$1 Million Legislative Races Now Common

For a job paying $52,000. This year the Democrats are out-spending Republicans.

City of Lancaster receives $250,000 state grant to assist in the development of a new hotel

WEDC investment to help fund the construction of a Sleep Inn & Suites

Legislature Hasn’t Met in 100 Days

No action since April 15 on pandemic, police reform, budget shortfalls.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Creating Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access

Will Senate Act on Assembly-Passed Bills?

160 bills passed by Assembly haven’t gotten consideration by state Senate.

Catholic School Tax Change Would Cost City

Archdiocese seeks legislation whereby schools leased for profit would still be tax exempt.

Bill to Impound Cars Costly for Cities

Republican bill could cost local governments $50 million per year and charge owners of autos that are stolen.

Farm Pollution Rules May Get Killed

Big business lobby WMC and Big Agriculture donors oppose the rules.

The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing

Why GOP legislators shot down Agriculture Secretary. And why Evers was incensed.

A World Without Scott Fitzgerald

Capitol insiders wonder who will be senate majority leader if Fitzgerald wins race for Congress.

School Groups Push Tobacco, Vaping Laws

In response to vaping crisis, bill restricts tobacco products sales to those 21 and older.

Evers Touts $75 Million Local Grants Fund

Competitive grants for local transportation replace state roads fund, includes mass transit.

Why the Minimum Wage Won’t Rise

It's all about the stories we’re told and who is getting paid to tell them.

Legislators Okay $1 Billion for UW Projects

Budget committee approves some 40 projects, including UWM Chemistry Building.

Factory Farms Oppose Clean Water Fees

Evers wants fees to fund pollution oversight. GOP legislators oppose this and got $1.4 million from Big Dairy.

10 Evers Proposals GOP Will Kill

Top priorities for the governor which Republicans aim to kill.

Republicans Call for Reset of Evers’ Budget

Governor’s cabinet members get hammered on many issues by GOP legislators.

Evers Budgets $78 Million for High Speed Internet

Expansion of broadband key issue for small towns, rural areas.

$35.8 Million Spent on Legislative Races

New record set: 2018 spending was 27% more than in 2016, double that in 2014.

8 Ways to Increase Highway Funding

Lots of possible taxes and fees, but can legislators agree on any?

Secretive Fund Spent $715,480 On Democrats

High Ground Political Fund, connected to Nation Consulting, funded six state senate races.

Governor Evers Announces Transportation Stakeholder Task Force

Together, this group will discuss the state’s critical transportation issues and seek solutions to these challenges.

Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald Statement on Republican Plans to Cut Taxes

"Middle-class families in Wisconsin should keep more of what they earn."

Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald Announces Senate Standing Committees, Chairs

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate this session as we continue to pass reforms that put hard-working families first."

GOP Legislative Candidates Have 3-1 Edge in Cash

But state’s Democratic legislative candidates raised nearly as much since January.

Dems Back More Openness, GOP Mostly Mum

Freedom of Information Council survey gets little response from GOP candidates.

Liberal Outside Groups Spend Big

More spending for Democrats in five of six key state senate races.

Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates

Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.

Kimberly-Clark Won’t Get Tax Break

Company demands subsidy by September 30. Why that won’t happen.

6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control

Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.

Fall Election Could Be Fascinating

More contested seats, tough campaign tactics could make for tighter, intense races.

Highways Issue Will Hurt Republicans

Democrats used LFB report to eviscerate GOP record at legislative hearing.

Legislative Committee Approves Highway Funding

“The roads in Illinois are much better,” Republican Sen Alberta Darling charges.

Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance

93 bills signed into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol

Governor Walker Signs Bills on Improving Family Access to High-Quality Child Care, Creating Transitional Jobs Program for Wisconsin Veterans, and Increasing Funding for Watershed Protection Grants

Governor Walker signs 64 bills into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol

Legislators’ Donations Up 40% in 2017

Most of it to Republicans, who have 3.2 times more campaign cash than Democrats.

Governor Walker Signs Bill Directing Additional State Funding to Rural Public Schools

Rural school funding included in his Ambitious Agenda for 2018

Can Democrats Win State Senate?

Schachtner win gives hope. But everything would have to go right.

Governor Walker Highlights Historic K-12 Education Investments at Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ State Education Convention

"We increased funding by $200 per student for every school in the state this year, and we’re adding another $204 per student on top of that next year."

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.

Conservative Group Pushes Renewable Energy

It’s about dollars and cents and jobs, new state group’s leaders say.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations

Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements

Elected officials, grassroots activists and business owners unite behind Leah

Bipartisan Bill Legalizes Hemp

Big farm groups support it, state police chiefs oppose it.

Governor Walker Signs 20 Bills Into Law

Acts 37 - 56

H.O.P.E. for Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Four Special Session Bills into Law at Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay

"Like many states in our great nation, Wisconsin is experiencing a dangerous trend – a growing number of cases of opioid abuse and overdose."

Hospitals Group Pays for Capitol Clout

Wisconsin Hospital Association spends millions on lobbying, campaign donations.

Democrats Still Need a Clear Message

Yes, GOP gerrymandering matters. But they also have stronger candidates and message.

Governor Walker Announces Cheese as Official State Dairy

Governor signs two bills into law at Mineral Point Elementary

Republican Legislators Rejecting Student Loan Refinancing Themselves Attended College at One-Fifth the Cost Today

Cost of Their Own Schooling May Explain Ignorance of Student Loan Debt Crisis, But it Doesn’t Excuse Their Refusal to Help

Ag Interests Want Legalized Hemp

Farm groups back bill, gave legislators $1.3 million.

Sales Tax Holiday Bad for Budget

Walker wants it, some GOP legislators condemn it. Why?

Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year

Department of Corrections estimates minimum cost of get-tough bill.

Governor Walker Signs Senate Bill 2 into Law

"We are constantly looking for new ways to make Wisconsin state government more effective, efficient, and accountable'

Heavy Trucks Cause Most Road Damage

State isn’t enforcing weight limits. Big donors support bigger trucks.

Rep. Novak Supports Bill to Increase Funding for Rural Broadband

The proposed legislation allocates an additional $15.5 million for broadband grants.

Senator Fitzgerald Reelected Majority Leader

“I am honored to once again be representing this group of outstanding conservative leaders and thrilled to be growing our ranks for the upcoming legislative session.”

Hard Right Dominates GOP Senate

Eight or nine senators could dictate much of Gov. Walker's 2017-19 state budget.

”CPA Caucus” Seeks Major Tax Changes

Four Republican lawmakers would simplify taxes and end some sales tax exemptions.

Shullsburg Selected as Wisconsin’s Newest Main Street Community

City is only Wisconsin community to receive select honor in 2016

Governor Scott Walker Signs Legislation Modernizing the Collection of Hospital Data

It is Act 287.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law

Acts 200 - 257.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Rep. Novak’s Bill to Fight Drug Use in Rural Wisconsin Passes Assembly

“One of the reasons I ran for office was to fight rural crime and drug use.”

Governor Scott Walker’s 2016 State of the State Address

"The state of our state is strong. We are moving Wisconsin forward."

Working for Wisconsin: Governor Scott Walker Highlights College Affordability Legislative Package

Proposals to Build on Historic Four-Year UW-System Tuition Freeze; Freeze Saved Students an Average of $6,311 Compared to Average 8.1 Percent Yearly Increases in Prior 10 Years

Working for Wisconsin: Governor Scott Walker Rolls Out College Affordability Legislative Package

Proposals to Build on Historic Four-Year UW-System Tuition Freeze; Freeze Saved Students an Average of $6,311 Compared to Average 8.1 Percent Yearly Increases in Prior 10 Years

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Governor Scott Walker Signs Senate Bill 236 Into Law

The bill relates to temporary alcohol beverage retail licenses.

Budget Included Big Changes on Taxes

Changes slash Alternative Minimum Tax on the wealthy and reduce “marriage penalty.”

Conservative Power Rises in Senate

With the replacement of two key GOP moderates, Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has far more power.

AFP Disappointed in Sen. Marklein’s Vote Against Prevailing Wage Repeal

"We are disappointed in Sen. Marklein’s decision to side with special interests over Wisconsin taxpayers."

The Long Arms of Scott Jensen

Former Assembly Speaker, now a school choice lobbyist, targeted six Democrats with negative ads that never mentioned the issue.

GOP Had More Campaign Cash — And Votes

Republican victories weren't about redistricting, but about more votes. But they did have a huge cash advantage.

Republicans Purge Their Elders

No matter how experienced, moderates willing to negotiate with Democrats are getting purged from the party.

Say Goodbye to the Party of Lincoln

State Sen. Dale Schultz retires, shaking his head at how the Republican Party has changed.

No Compromise is Possible

State Sen Tim Cullen retires, saying the Capitol is run by the moneyed and powerful.

Legislative Musical Chairs

A new Republican leader and many other changes coming this fall.

The GOP’s Young Guns

Some of the newest Assembly Republicans, including four accountants, dictated the final budget.