Jim Steineke

Rep. Gallagher’s Supporters Chide ‘Grifters’ Backing His Expulsion

GOP division as Marjorie Taylor Greene pushes House Speaker to expel Gallagher.

Capitol Has New Generation of Leaders

44% of Legislature's 132 members changed in last four years.

Legislators Close to Agreeing on Medical Marijuana Bill

But Vos warns it will be strictly regulated, only for those having a true medical condition.

Mesec joins Wisconsin Dental Association as director of government services

Record Number of Legislators Retiring

At least 31 incumbents, one quarter of state Legislature retiring, highest since 1942.

Gableman Rallies With Extremists, Including Vos’s Primary Opponent

Wall Street Journal warns Gableman could help Republicans lose state in 2022.

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.

Little Change In Voting Rules For April

After 16 months of controversy only one change in rules, though not for lack of Republican efforts.

Farrow, ‘Margaret Thatcher of Wisconsin,’ Dies At 87

First women Lt. Governor in state history had five-decade career in public service.

GOP Leader Says Legal Pot Likely ‘At Some Point’

Assembly Majority Leader Steinke points to national trend of states legalizing cannabis.

The Gableman Conspiracy ‘Circus’

Offers hours of conspiracy-laden testimony and new report pushing to decertify 2020 election which Republican calls illegal, a ‘fool’s errand.'

School Choice Splits Legislators, Educators

Republican bill removes all limits on voucher program, as Democrats predict huge costs.

Assembly Passes Early Vote Counting Bill

A raft of election related bills passed, some adding additional requirements to absentee voting.

Assembly Blocks ‘Recall’ of 2020 Electors

Resolution demanding recall killed in committee. Democrats insist Republicans vote on it.

Police Transparency Bill Passed Quietly

Unanimous support for new law that could help get rid of bad cops.

Ramthun, Brandtjen Lead Rally to Overturn 2020 Election

Capitol event organized by Jefferson Davis pushes bill to recall state’s 2020 electors.

State Rep. Timothy Ramthun Running for Governor

Ramthun gained national attention when he tried to decertify the 2020 election results.

Vos Disciplines Trump-Backed Legislator

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos stripped Rep. Timothy Ramthun of his legislative staff.

Majority Leader Steineke Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection to Assembly

Paychecks Show Big Cut In Taxes

$2 billion cut in state income taxes begins this year. Who benefits and who deserves the credit?

Sen. Ramthun Wants To Hijack Election

Offering no evidence of fraud, legislator would cancel the ballots of every voter in the state.

Legislature Passes Bills Restricting Abortions

Republicans try again with bills that Evers previously vetoed.

State Republicans Propose New Zoning and Development Bills

Gov. Evers called it a "good step" toward addressing affordable housing shortage.

Nass Pushes Legislature to Sue UW System

Thompson, system leaders refuses to submit mask and testing rules for Republican approval.

Assembly Majority Leader Opposes Suing UW

Steineke backs Thompson’s resistance to legislative oversight of UW System pandemic rules.

When Will We Get Reform of Police?

State government has done little, police union threatened us, but we’re still pushing for change.

Legislative Session Much Ado About Nothing

School spending issue gaveled in and out. Failed veto override generates many speeches.

GOP Donor, Not Legislature, Announces Agenda

WMC reveals that surprise legislative session seeks to override Evers veto of bill slashing unemployment benefits.

Activists Say Police Reform Bills Not Enough

Elected officials, policing activists say task force bills are not substantive reforms.

State Legislature Passes Policing Bills

The governor called on lawmakers to pass additional policing reform legislation.

Surplus Leaves Evers, Legislators Even Further Divided

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

Assembly Leaders Accused of ‘Systemic Racism’

Republicans use racist retaliation, punish free speech, Democratic legislators charge.

State Now Projects $4.4 Billion Windfall

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

Rep. Bowen Statement on Speakers’ Task Force on Racial Disparities Policing Bills

“These Bills Do Not Rise to the Occasion, or Go Far Enough”

Legislative Committee Reviews Policing Bills

Wanggaard, Taylor push legislation on use-of-force policies, chokeholds and whistleblower protections.

Evers Revises Plan to Expand Medicaid

Will Republican legislators turn down “projects in their own districts”?

Wisconsin State Representatives to go “On the Issues” to discuss Task Force on Racial Disparities report May 19

Milwaukee FPC Bans All Chokeholds

Commission scraps policy allowing chokeholds in deadly force situations when "all other options and tactics" are exhausted.

GOP Legislators Push Mexican Border Wall

Including a video. With music. 'Trump wall’ better than 'Obama wall.’

GOP Lawmakers Seek to Prevent Non-Citizens from Voting

State constitution does not explicitly prohibit non-citizens from voting.

Police Reform Task Force Unveils Proposals

Recommendations include a statewide use of force policy and requiring law enforcement to maintain and share disciplinary files.

Legislature Has Dramatic Debate

Over its power, purpose, prestige... and whether Robin Vos hates Tony Evers.

Legislators Pass Bill Blocking Vaccine Mandates

And giving Legislature oversight over federal stimulus funds. Veto by Evers likely.

Bill Would Stop Lawmakers From Deleting Their Emails

Currently, legislators and their staff can delete emails that are public record.

State Would Recieve $1.25 Billion Under Medicaid Expansion

GOP gearing up to remove provision from Governor's budget, despite additional funding for expansion in latest stimulus bill.

GOP Spends Big on Appeals Court Race

Led by Republican fat cats Richard Uihlein, John Menard. Cost of state appeals court races up 700%.

Should Waupun Prison Be Closed?

Two legislators say it may be time. Committee chair calls prison the "essence" of the city

Medical College of Wisconsin Applauds Mental Health Investments

Evers Wants Unemployment Insurance Reforms

GOP controlled legislature refuses to take up reform bills.

GOP Lawmakers Blasted for Racial Disparities Task Force Comments

Email from Majority Leader Jim Steineke to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos showed little expectation of producing actual legislation.

Rep. Hintz: Statement on Assembly Republican Plan to Use A Speaker’s Task Force to do Nothing About Racial Disparities

Vos ‘Behaving Like a Bully,’ Democrats Charge

After 10 months with no COVID-19 response bill, frustrated Democrats condemn their colleagues.

Do State Election Laws Need Reform?

After months of Trump’s false claims, legislators still squabbling, but a bipartisan bill is possible.

GOP Rejects Special Session on Unemployment

Republicans gavel in and then quickly adjourn session.

Evers, Senate Agree on Pandemic Bill

Bipartisan bill goes back to Assembly, where leader says GOP will resist compromise.

18 States Now Aim to Sue Wisconsin

Trump campaign also joins last chance effort to overturn the election in four swing states.

Texas Attorney General Seeks to Sue Wisconsin, Three Other States

Motion to U.S. Supreme Court repeats arguments of Trump campaign on election.

Democrats Slam Assembly Elections Committee

A ‘forum for debunked conspiracies’?

Wisconsin Recount Grows Biden’s Margin, But Trump Says Fight Isn’t Over

President promises a lawsuit while Biden's margin grows by 87 votes.

Kaul Sues Legislature Over Lame Duck Laws

Lawsuits can’t be settled, consumers lose out on potential settlements, AG charges.

The 2020 War On Christmas?

Evers announces ornaments for Capitol 'holiday' tree. Will Republicans convene to condemn this?

What Robin Vos Will Find

He cites “mail-in ballot dumps” in Milwaukee, but his own aide found no irregularities.

Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders

Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.

Vos Makes Appointments to Racial Disparities Task Force

This, after the speaker refused to hold a session on racial justice legislation.

Mask Mandate Targeted by Another Conservative Lawsuit

New lawsuit filed this week by Heartland Institute board member.

4 Reasons Legislature Won’t Reconvene

Haven’t met since April, won’t return this year. Republicans explain why.

Policing Protests Is More Than ‘Law and Order’

Police officials and experts say responding to protests is a complicated job.

Will Legislature Pass Any Policing Reforms?

Some 20 proposed bills with more to come. Will any pass and when?

Task Force Seeks Bipartisan Policing Reform

And racial equity reforms. Will begin meeting in fall, propose legislative bills by next year.

GOP Legislators Skip Special Session on Police

Evers called on lawmakers to consider reforms. Session quickly ended with no debate or votes.

Legislature Hasn’t Met in 100 Days

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

Democrats Want to Ease Unemployment Restrictions

New legislative package targets state's struggling unemployment system.

Assembly GOP Pitches Unemployment Loans

Instead of convening and legislating, Republican legislators pitch a personal loan program.

Everybody Wants Action From Gov. Evers

Madison protesters want protection. Republican legislators want tougher policing.

UW Tests Tommy’s Legacy As a ‘Builder”

Former governor has huge legacy of bipartisan success, but leading UW won’t be easy.

272 Candidates Running for State Legislature

Highest number since 2012, many contested primaries.

Wisconsin Politicos Respond to Safer At Home Ruling

Politicians, lobbyists and activists fall back on party line in attacking or praising decision.

GOP Road Show Attacks Evers’ Plan

Analysis: Republicans want a Badger Bounce Back, but distort details of Evers' plan.

Supreme Court Case Could Affect Abortion Access in Wisconsin

The High Court weighs case that could effectively overturn Roe v. Wade.

Kaul Calls for More Gun Safety Laws

Molson Coors shootings reignite debate over background checks, red flag laws.

Veto Keeps $392 Million in State Treasury

Evers and Republicans can’t agree on how to spend budget surplus.

Assembly Rejects Bipartisan Rape Kit Bill

Republicans pass bill with "poison pills' that will force veto by Gov. Evers.

Records Fees Mean Records Denials

Some legislators charge more than $100 to forward digital records. Is that open records?

Who’s the Most Partisan?

Republican legislators suddenly embrace bipartisan peacemaking, blast Evers as partisan.

Republicans Bash Evers Before He Speaks

Condemn governor as too partisan, but his State of State speech is mostly conciliatory.

GOP Targets Three Democratic Reps

Their Assembly districts voted for Trump. They now face Republican challengers.

Assembly Republicans Fail to Override Evers’ Veto

First floor session of 2020 saw partisan attacks and the passage of controversial legislation.

Clean Water Becomes Hot Political Issue

Gov. Evers and legislators in both parties call for action. Will they work together?

What Is State Doing About School Security?

$96.2 million for security upgrades and training. Has that addressed the problem?

How Homeless Got Frozen Out

With no explanation, Fitzgerald stopped bipartisan bill providing grants to homeless shelters.

Legislature Passing Few Bills

Assembly and Senate seldom in session. Just 21 bills passed in 2019 while typical average is more than 300.

Assembly Debates Christmas, er, Holiday Tree

"I don’t expect a big issue” or “holy wars”, Rep Hintz says. Wrong.

State Supreme Court Reviews Lame Duck Laws

Justices question both sides in challenge to laws reducing powers of governor, attorney general.

Rep. Anderson Votes Against His Own Accommodation. Why?

Republicans pass controversial rule changes, and accommodation for quadriplegic lawmaker, on party line votes.

But Wait, There’s More. Lawyer/Lobbyist Hired by Joint Committee on Finance Previously Defended GOP Legislators in Open Records Case

Defended Top Legislative Republicans Over Allegations They Sought to Discourage Release of Public Documents

Kaul Says Lame Duck Law Costs Taxpayers

AG says legislative oversight stalls cases, makes lower settlements for taxpayers likely.

Lame Duck Laws Opposed Overwhelmingly

Records show Legislature fielded nearly 48,000 contacts from people and 98% opposed lame duck laws.

Evers, Democrats Unveil Background Checks Bill

“Universal background checks” on gun sales shouldn’t need “permission from NRA,” Evers says.

Budget Bill The Shortest in Decades

Republicans worked for “veto-proof” bill so Gov. Evers has little room to reshape legislation.

Assembly Passes Bills to Help Homeless

Also approves grant program changes that could attract more minority teachers.

The Curious Job of Lieutenant Governor

Mandela Barnes finding out there is no manual — and few certainties — for the job.

New Leaders at Republican State Convention

Ryan, Walker no longer key players, but focus remains on Trump 2020 victory.

GOP Defends Anti-Abortion Bills

Bill offers more restrictions on abortions. Medical professionals oppose legislation.

Evers Wants $2.5 Billion Capital Budget

Fitzgerald assails “alarming... level of spending and bonding”.

Evers’ Budget Allows Immigrants In-State Tuition

Proposal praised by Democrats, slammed by Republicans.

Evers Vetoes GOP Tax Cut

Says plan too risky, lacked long-term financing, and wasn’t bipartisan.

Republicans and Colin Kaepernick

Legislators opposition to honoring the NFL star is part of an ugly, historic pattern.

Legislators Clash on Black History Month

Republicans remove Colin Kaepernick from resolution, Rep. Bowen cries foul.

Republicans May Oppose Medical Marijuana

Vos, Steineke say Evers’ support for full legalization has poisoned the discussion.

Evers Tells Kaul to Drop ACA Lawsuit

Governor says people voted for this, but GOP legislators insist AG must obey their new law.

Kimberly-Clark Won’t Get Tax Break

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

Governor Walker Calls on Department of Transportation to Evaluate Expanding the Interstate 41 Corridor in the Fox Valley

"...I am calling on the Department of Transportation to evaluate expanding the Interstate 41 section between Appleton and DePere."

Governor Walker, State Officials Push to Keep Kimberly-Clark Jobs in the Fox Valley

"We are committed to fighting for Wisconsin workers and communities."

Counting Down to Capitol “Chaos”

Legislature faces a rush of many proposed bills. Which will pass?

Sen. Taylor, Bipartisan Legislators, Introduce Bill to Fund Suicide Prevention Text Hotline

“Wisconsin’s suicide rate has increased between 2005 and 2015, and the suicide rate among teens has doubled between 2007 and 2015,” said Senator Lena Taylor.

Governor Walker Signs 19 Bills Into Law

Acts 65-83.

New Study Shows Bipartisan Session Agreements Make a Positive Impact

"We wanted to have a more transparent process that allows for greater public participation in the legislative process."

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

New development in Fox Valley receives support from WEDC

New distribution center leased by Nestlé in Little Chute expected to create 100 jobs

Hunters, Wildlife Groups Oppose Wetlands Bill

Bill threatens 1 million acres of wetlands, pushed by state’s largest business lobby.

What Happened to Wisconsin?

Decades of bipartisan commitment to protecting environment have been abandoned. Why?

One Million Acres of Wetlands Endangered

Republican bill backed by big business could eliminate one-fifth of state’s wetlands.

Committee Holds Hearing Today on Regulatory “Sunset” Bill

Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin today called on lawmakers to approve AB 384, a measure that would require the re-adoption of government rules every seven years under a rigorous review process.

Moody’s State Debt Upgrade is Perplexing

Walker says it’s due to his reforms. But... the deficit is rising.

Bill Buries State Regulations

After 7 years they would expire. Kochs and WMC back the bill.

Bear Hunters Association Has Big Clout

Donated $369,000, wants less rules on guns, no photos of hunters.

GOP’s Redistricting Lawyers Are Big Donors

Lawyers paid $2.1 million to defend gerrymandering, give $76,000 to politicians.

Representative Vos Re-Elected Assembly Speaker

“I’m humbled to receive this vote of confidence from the 64-member Assembly majority, the largest GOP majority in 60 years.”

The Incredible Decline of Democrats

GOP soared, Democrats floored, in state vote. Dem decline since 2010 is stunning.

Rep. Neylon Releases Statement on Assembly Republicans’ Forward Agenda

“I’m honored to stand with my fellow Republican colleagues in releasing next session’s Forward Agenda.”

The Report That Walker Killed

Its warning: Ending civil service means less qualified will serve. Why didn’t legislators see it?

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

The Republican Spoils System

The bill to kill civil service aims to create a one-party government, from top to bottom.

AFP Applauds Efforts to Modernize State Recruitment and Retention

Bill would reform outdated employment policies improving government efficiency and accountability

Governor Scott Walker Releases Statement on Recruitment and Retention Reforms

Governor Scott Walker today released the following statement regarding recruitment and retention reform legislation to be introduced by Senator Roger Roth and Representative Jim Steineke

GOP leaders dispute Scott Walker’s account of union battle

GOP leader: Assembly should have votes to pass arena plan

When will Wisconsin Assembly convene on $250M arena funding bill?

Measure Limits Recalls But Allows Unlimited Fundraising

Republican proposal would provide great protection to incumbent politicians.

Legislative Musical Chairs

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