Van Wanggaard

Without Gerrymander, Democrats Flip 14 Legislative Seats

The Democratic gains in a strong Republican year set up a chance for them to win majorities in 2026.

Advocates Want An Ombudsman For Wisconsin’s Prisons, The State Has Other Plans

Department of Corrections pursuing outside contractor. Lawmakers could complicate both options.

Wisconsin is Now Midwest Leader In Deadly Police Encounters

A sudden surge follows a period where Wisconsin had lowest-in-the-nation rate. What changed?

Letters from Evers, Republicans Show Clash on Juvenile Corrections

Battling over court-mandated changes at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.

Future of Lincoln Hills Remains In Limbo

Troubled youth prison needs to meet consent decree terms, or compliance monitoring will follow system to new facility.

Only 10 of State’s 56 Races for Circuit Court Judge Are Contested

Just one of 12 judges in Milwaukee County face an opponent on April ballot.

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'

Bill Would Pay Schools To Buy Gun Detection Equipment

Critics raise privacy concerns over systems that use AI and camera feeds.

Why Legislature Won’t Create Task Force on Missing Black Women & Girls

Wisconsin has worst rate of Black females murdered or missing. One senator opposes bill.

Parties Seek New Candidates in New Districts

New state legislative maps means races are the fairest and most wide open in 12 years.

Rep. Shelia Stubbs Speaks in Favor of Assembly Bill 965 to Protect Judiciary

GOP Bill To Limit John Doe Cases Against Police Passes Legislature

Officers involved in shootings can currently face charges from judges after prosecutors decline.

GOP Senators Pass Parental Bill of Rights

And reject free school meals. Bill passed earlier by Senate next goes to governor.

GOP Bill Ends John Doe Cases Against Police Involved in Fatal Shootings

Law being 'abused' by vengeful families, activists, and lawyers, legislator says.

Republicans Fire Regulator Over Solar, Low-Income Assistance Decisions

Tyler Huebner didn't follow the law say GOP senators. Democrats say move is purely partisan game.

GOP Committee Votes to Toss Utility Commissioner Tyler Huebner

RENEW Wisconsin leader on PSC board since 2020, but never confirmed by Legislature.

State Republicans Now Pushing Agenda Through Constitutional Amendments

The GOP seeks to lock in policy wins by bypassing courts, governor.

GOP Proposal Adds Voter ID Law to State Constitution

Amendments would prevent state Supreme Court from overturning the 2011 law.

Bill Prevents Write-In Campaigns by Losing Primary Candidates

'Sore loser bill' follows write-in campaign that nearly defeated Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

Bill Would Allow New Bars To Offer Indoor Cigar, Pipe Smoking

City of Milwaukee could support the bill, but raised questions over regulation.

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.

State Superintendent, GOP Legislators Duel Over Education

Underly defends DEI, public schools; Republicans push culture war, school choice.

Rep. Clancy Says Police Work Has ‘No Dignity Or Value’

Republican legislators call him 'clueless" and 'divisive' as Clancy doubles down.

Gov. Evers Keeps Rising in Stature

Becoming a national figure with ever more effective leadership. Just ask the Republicans.

Former Senator Erpenbach Could Be Confirmed As New Parole Board Leader

His former Republican colleagues will decide whether he can keep job Gov. Evers appointed him to.

Why Does April Ballot Have Two Bail Proposals?

Why two constitutional amendments and what impact would they have?

Rep. Donovan’s Reckless Driving Bills Approved By Legislature

And: Republicans block rule that bans conversion therapy, allowing controversial practice to continue.

Bill Hikes Jail Time In Drug Overdose Cases

Republican bill ups penalty for reckless homicide by delivering drugs to 60 years in prison.

Republicans May Rewrite Bail Amendment

Legislators passed amendment giving judges more latitude on bail but now want to rewrite it before April election.

Parties Argue Over April Ballot Questions

Evers calls referendum on welfare 'ridiculous.' but huge majority of legislators disagree.

Republicans Advance Cash Bail and Welfare Referendum Questions

Both likely to be on April ballot, could influence turnout for state Supreme Court election.

Legislators Debate Changes to Cash Bail

Republicans pushing constitutional amendment to expand use of cash bail.

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.

Menominee Tribe Renews Push for Kenosha Casino

7 years after Gov. Walker rejected bid, tribal officials now want scaled-down version.

Will New State Treasurer Make Changes?

Democrat Sarah Godlewski took expansive view of office. What will Republican John Leiber do?

State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races

Why newcomers Ryan Clancy on East Side, Dave Maxey in New Berlin face no opponent.

Just How Purple Is Wisconsin?

Election results going back three decades show an almost perfectly divided state.

Gathering To Spread the Big Lie

‘Election Integrity’ event in Kenosha offers a cash bar and lots of debunked conspiracy theories.

Evers Vetoes 43 GOP Proposals

Killing Republican bills on guns, election changes, COVID-19, but does sign 35 other bills.

Why Brewers Stadium Conflict Erupted

Legislature has squeezed the five-county ballpark district, leaving it less flexibility.

State Senate Votes on Guns, Vaccines, China

Against vaccine mandates and China and for guns on school grounds.

Bill Overrules Milwaukee’s No-Knock Ban

The 'search warrants have been demonized by the anti-police mob,’ says GOP legislator.

Will Lincoln Hills Youth Prison Finally Close?

And at what cost? Legislature debates the issue anew.

Legislature Passes Raft of Law Enforcement Bills

14 bills increase funding, restrict local control; some directly target Milwaukee.

Bipartisan Support for Legalizing Fentanyl Testing Strips

Republicans and Democrats say bill will save lives.

Milwaukee National Lawyers Guild: Changes to Bail System do not Prevent Crime

Lawyers Caution Against Changing Bail System

Waukesha parade killings spark calls for higher bail, more punitive pretrial detention.

Johnson Seeks ‘True Partnership’ With State Government

Council president, who could soon become acting mayor, says city’s future depends on this.

Charges Against Election Officials Are Partisan Stunt

Using unproven allegations to cause distrust of democracy.

Senate Passes New Reading Test for Early Grades

Modeled on Mississippi plan. Democrats call it meaningless without more spending on education.

Bill Increases Criminal Penalties for Butane Hash Oil

Bill passed state Senate committee on a 5 to 1 vote.

Bill Ends Criminal Penalties for Minors Engaging in Prostitution

Sen. Alberta Darling wants minors being trafficked to be treated as victims.

GOP Continues Pushing Riot Legislation

New bill could make it a felony to protest if there has been an act or threat of violence.

Sen. Jacque’s Wife Asks Public to Get Vaccinated

Five of eight family members have tested positive for COVID-19.

Republican Lawmakers Defunding Milwaukee Police

Republican controlled Legislature refuses proposals that would provide Milwaukee with additional annual revenue.

Lawmakers Back Milwaukee Youth Prison

Bipartisan group seeks $43 million to fund replacement for scandal-plagued Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.

Legislators Clash On Police Funding

A heated debate as Republicans condemn Milwaukee and Milwaukee legislators defend the city.

State Senate Debates Anti-Defund Police Bill

Bill cuts state aid to cities at same level as any reductions in law enforcement spending.

People’s Revolution Marks One Year of Marches

Group’s members vow to continue pushing for change.

Nearly Half of State’s Prison Population Vaccinated

Despite incarcerated people becoming eligible early on, vaccinations lagged in prisons.

Bill Would End ‘Municipal Shuffle’ of Police Officers

Legislation by Rep. Moore Omokunde would decertify police officers trying to avoid firing, investigation.

Legislative Committee Reviews Policing Bills

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

Bill Allows Billboard Ads To Hire Corrections Workers

State law currently doesn’t allows this, but legislators cite need for more staff.

Bill Would Expand Community-Oriented Policing

Bipartisan legislation funds additional COP houses in high-crime neighborhoods.

Bill Punishes Milwaukee, Madison

GOP bill backed by Lena Taylor gives police power in FPC disciplinary actions of cops.

Legislature Passes Many Bills

Full agenda on Tuesday of mostly partisan legislation, much of it heading for governor’s veto.

Bill Would Limit Police Chokeholds

But not a total ban. Bipartisan legislation supported by Sen. Lena Taylor.

Racial Bias Found in Pot Prosecutions

Black Wisconsinites 4.3% more likely to be prosecuted for pot possession, new study finds.

GOP Bill Cuts Funding for Cities that ‘Defund Police’

Any reduction in law enforcement spending would be matched by a reduction in state funding.

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

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

Evers Pushes Juvenile Justice System Changes

Sweeping reforms would close youth prisons and end Serious Juvenile Offender Program.

Assembly Passes Business Tax Waiver on Pandemic Aid

And Senate passes GOP COVID-19 bills that could be vetoed by Gov. Evers.

Bill Blocks Vaccine Priority for Inmates

Rep Wangaard seeks to correct ‘mistake’ by Gov. Evers.

COVID-19 Infects Half of State Inmates

Five times the overall state rate; 10,786 prison inmates, 2,153 staff infected.

Activists Demand Police Firings But Mayors Can’t

Barrett, McBride lament lack of control over police chief. Law insulates police from elected officials.

Republican COVID Callousness

Legislators wrong to criticize inmates getting the vaccine when prison infection rates are so high.

Vos and Wanggaard Continue to Gaslight Public on Foxconn Development

“Foxconn is failing to fulfill financial obligations in Mount Pleasant while local spending continues in preparation for a factory that is not happening.”

Vos ‘Behaving Like a Bully,’ Democrats Charge

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

Republicans Have ‘Blood On Their Hands”

Evers signals he will ignore Legislative restriction, challenges GOP to present their pandemic plan.

4 Reasons Legislature Won’t Reconvene

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

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.

DOJ announces $41 million for Wisconsin Law Enforcement

But, no one seems to know how the money will be spent.

Republicans Angry Yet Asleep on Policing

Unwilling to meet yet offering legislation to micro-manage police reforms in Milwaukee and Madison.

Republican Senators Offer 8 Police Bills

One requires cities in Wisconsin to maintain current police funding or lose state aid.

Senate Won’t Vote on Special Session Bills

Majority leader said they will gavel the session in, and that's it.

Troubling proposal seeks to harm cities that reduce funding for police

Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey August 27, 2020

Trump Says Evers Accepts Federal Troops

But Evers says he’s authorized more Wisconsin guard troops as officials argue over what should be done.

A Mask Mandate is Not Enough

It's a step in the right direction, but not enough to suppress the virus.

Ten Years After Act 10

Most of those who voted for it are gone. How has the Capitol changed?

Evers Introduces Police Reform Legislation

Bills banning police use of chokeholds, no-knock warrants part of legislative package.

State, City Elected Officials Call for Police Reform

Activists, Alders, lawmakers and the governor are calling for policy changes.

Could Floyd’s Killing Lead to State Reform?

Evers calls for long-delayed bill on deadly use of force by police to be taken up by Legislature.

Do Probation Agents Need Protection?

Legislators debate bill adding penalties, possible jail time, if probation agents or their families threatened.

The Foxconn Road to Ruin

$630 million for roads and infrastructure for Foxconn while highways across state fall apart.

Bill Preventing Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Stalls in Senate

GOP amendments muddy passage of the bi-partisan legislation.

Bill to Ban “Sanctuary Cities” Returns

GOP proposal penalizes cities, counties that don't cooperate fully with immigration enforcement.

Pipeline Bill Opponents Hope for Veto

Republican-created bill would limit protests of oil, water, fuel pipelines. If it passes, will Evers veto it?

VP Pence’s Wisconsin Trip Cancelled

VP was to visit the plant of Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein, who’ve donated millions to Republicans.

A World Without Scott Fitzgerald

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

4-Year-Old Kindergarten Gets Bipartisan Support

Senate taking up bills in committee that would expand early childhood education programs.

Take It EZ, Donovan Urges

New public-private initiative targets reckless driving in the city.

Pilot project aims to put the brakes on reckless driving in Milwaukee

News conference set for Monday at 11 a.m. to launch unique public-private partnership called Operation Take it EZ Milwaukee

The Battle to Sunset the Miller Park Tax is Finally Over

"I am happy to see this is finally happening."

Wisconsin Senate Sends Crime Victim Rights Amendment to Voters

Voters will weigh in on amendment during April 2020 election

Gov. Evers Moves Forward on Plans to Close Lincoln Hills

"We are committed to getting kids out of Lincoln Hills and closer to home as soon as we safely and responsibly can."

Evers Proposes Delay Of Youth Prison Closure

Proposal would also stop the practice of 17-year-olds being tried as adults.

Algorithms Can Decide Pre-Trial Jail

Counties increasingly use controversial data tools when deciding to bail or jail people.

Evers Wants Pay Hike for Corrections Officers

Aims to reduce staff shortage with more competitive pay.

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."

Outside Group Targets Republican Legislators

Will spend $1 million against four state senators, including Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.

Harley Gave Generously to Republicans

So did Sartori Foods. Both now hurt by Trump tariffs.

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

Mayor Tom Barrett Applauds Passage of Bill Prohibiting Straw Purchasing

Senate Bill 408 criminalizes gun purchases on behalf of felons and acting as ‘human holster’

Bill To Expand Abele’s Power Dies

Too much opposition from many state groups.

Bill usurps authority of Milwaukee citizens and could bring financial hardship to taxpayers

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy - February 19, 2018

GOP Legislators Push Harsher Bail Rules

State constitutional amendment opposed by defense lawyers, supported by City of Milwaukee.

Governor Walker Announces Plan to Provide a Long-Term Solution for Wisconsin’s Juvenile Corrections and Treatment Systems

"Republicans and Democrats alike agree this is the way forward to reform juvenile corrections..."

Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records

Defendant couldn’t request, jury couldn’t see records unless victim allows it.

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

Proposed state law would reduce local control over Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy - November 1, 2017

Bill Keeps Accused Cops on the Job

State bill would also let cops union grab power on Fire & Police Commission.

Bill to Limit Shackling of Incarcerated Women during Labor and Childbirth Passes Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety

SB 393 would restrict shackling of incarcerated women during labor and childbirth.

The Water Council Supports the Wisconsin WINS Act

The Wisconsin WINS Act will help transform economic growth in communities across Wisconsin.

Representative Subeck Testifies on Bill to Limit Shackling of Incarcerated Women during Labor and Childbirth

"We must put an end to this inhumane practice."

Governor Walker Signs 20 Bills Into Law

Acts 37 - 56

Foxconn Loves Wisconsin, Walker

Gou says governor is top reason Foxconn coming. Abele has county site in play.

GOP’s “Riot” Bill Is Unconstitutional

Aimed at college students, infringes freedom of speech, assembly

Governor Walker Signs Legislation Allowing Wisconsinites to Use Cannabidiol Oil to Treat Medical Conditions

This bill builds upon 2013 Wisconsin Act 267.

Big Agriculture Rewards Legislators

Industry wants high capacity wells, gives $220,000 to key committee members.

Governor Walker Appoints Racine County Judge

"I am pleased to appoint Robert Repischak as a Racine County judge."

Methamphetamine Abuse in Wisconsin Expands 250 Percent

Wisconsin DOJ, FBI, DEA, and Marshfield Clinic Brief Legislators

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.”

Vonco Products Relocating from Northern Illinois to Kenosha County

Manufacturing facility, headquarters to be located in Town of Salem

Governor Walker Signs Legislation to Protect Wisconsin’s Children Against Internet Crimes

“Alicia’s Law” gives hope to victims and works to prevent future victims

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law

Acts 200 - 257.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Top 5 false claims made by local ID supporters

Voces de la Frontera apparently can’t handle the truth.

Proposal to Transform Delivery of Local Veterans Services a Bad Idea

“I know that the authors of this proposal believed they were putting forward a proposal built through consensus which is simply not true.”

What will it take to get Republican leaders to intervene?

Reports of child abuse, sexual assault not enough to spur GOP investigation

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

AFP Applauds Occupational Licensure Reform

Bill Expands Access to Opportunity for Wisconsin Entrepreneurs

Why Wisconsin’s a Magnet for Wild Animals

It's one of five states with no laws against keeping dangerous animals as pets.

Capitol Clout Shifts to Republican Lawmakers

Given a governor distracted by his run for president, legislators are taking control of budget process.

Low-Turnout Election Had Big Results

For first time, voters could elect two female candidates to top state-wide offices.

Pick Tuesday’s Primary Winners

Burke v. Hulsey won't be close. But the 19th Assembly District Democratic primary looks to be very competitive, who will win it?

Senator Wanggaard’s Double Dipping

State Sen. Van Wanggaard cuts benefits for workers while getting ever more for himself.