Luther Olsen

South Dakota Expands Medicaid

39 states have now expanded Medicaid. What is Wisconsin waiting for?

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

Pushing for more public funding of private schools.

Democrats Lose Experience In Legislature

10 years of Republican control helps creates Legislature with less experienced Democrats.

GOP Obamacare Lawsuit a Cynical Political Stunt

U.S. Supreme Court strikes down suit. Meanwhile, Vos and and state GOP obstruct Medicaid expansion.

Nation Has Changed, Expand Medicaid

38 states have done so, Wyoming may be next. When will Wisconsin wise up?

The Hammer of Student Testing

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

City of Ripon receives $190,000 state grant to support redevelopment of a vacant grocery store

WEDC investment to help fund renovation of vacant building into an urban vertical farm

The Banality of State Sen. Luther Olsen

Retiring Republican moderate has rolled over repeatedly for the most extreme GOP ideas and politicians.

Senator Jennifer Schilling Calls It Quits

Resigning Friday to take an unidentified job that would create a conflict of interest.

Can Democrats Retake State Senate?

An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.

Janet Bewley Is New State Senate Minority Leader

Sen. Bewley sets her sights on overcoming GOP opposition, re-taking the senate.

Clean Water Becomes Hot Political Issue

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

All They Want for Christmas

The Christmas wish lists of Gov. Evers, Mayor Barrett and other politicians.

Lawmakers Held Accountable for Votes on Education with Report Cards

s districts statewide receive state-mandated report cards, public education advocates demand an assessment of lawmakers who set budgets that determine schools’ ability to succeed

Riverwood Eagle’s Nest breaks ground on construction of new senior community project in Wisconsin Dells

WEDC will provide $250,000 to the City of Wisconsin Dells to help fund project

Senate Republicans Choose Special Interest Cash Over Public Safety of Wisconsinites

Lawmakers with history of NRA backing refuse to support Gov. Evers call for legislation to address gun violence

A World Without Scott Fitzgerald

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

New Bills Would Fully Fund And Expand 4-Year-Old Kindergarten

Bills could help close the achievement gap, says State Sen. Luther Olsen

4-Year-Old Kindergarten Gets Bipartisan Support

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

State School Spending Hits Record $6 Billion

Both parties take credit for K-12 schools funding hike. But can it be sustained?

NRA’s Favorite Wisconsin State Politicians

Former Gov. Walker was Wisconsin’s top NRA beneficiary.

School Groups Divided About State Budget

Happy Evers increased spending, but it’s still short of what’s needed, they say.

Why GOP Opposes Federal Medicaid Funds

It’s cost state taxpayers $1.1 billion. Why won’t Republicans accept the money?

10 Evers Proposals GOP Will Kill

Top priorities for the governor which Republicans aim to kill.

Can Any ”Dark Store” Reform Get Passed?

Evers wants full reform but big lobbying groups oppose it. Lawmakers seek compromise.

Legislators Resist Many Evers Proposals

GOP push back on minimum wage, water quality, corrections worker wages, unemployment compensation and more.

Evers Backs Off On Killing Vouchers

Governor admits it can’t be done. His own DPI data shows why it shouldn’t be done.

Experts Praise New State Superintendent

Evers’s choice, Stanford Taylor, is state’s first black superintendent of public instruction.

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."

About That Republican Victory

Voters rejected Democrats for the Assembly, Robin Vos declares. Er, not exactly.

Kimberly-Clark, Unions, Push for Subsidy

State Senate lacks votes to approve $70 million subsidy for 400 jobs.

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

Supporting Wisconsin’s Children and Families: Governor Walker to Sign 11 Bills to Improve Outcomes for Children in Foster Care

This legislative bill package was created by the 2017 Speaker’s Task Force on Foster Care.

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

Bi-Partisan Legislation to Update County Population Threshold Passes the State Assembly

In the next census, Dane County will surpass 500,000 residents and would, without this change, be subject to laws written for application only in Milwaukee County.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

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

The Strange Rage of Scott Fitzgerald

His call to fire elections commission leader defies the law and common sense.

Politics May Doom School Funding Panel

Nearly everyone agrees system needs reform, but can’t agree how to do it.

Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records

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

New Approach to Funding Schools Needed

Blue Ribbon Commission studying the many problems with current approach.

Governor Walker Signs “Dillon’s Law” at Mishicot High School, Expanding Access to EpiPens to Save Lives

"This commonsense bill makes it easier to equip the people of Wisconsin with EpiPens to help save lives."

Walker Signs Vulnerable User Bill

Increases penalties for careless drivers who kill or injure bicyclists, pedestrians.

The Fall and Rise of WEAC

Once mighty state teachers union has lost its clout, yet many members stick with it.

WILL Sues State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers

The lawsuit claims that Evers and DPI are refusing to follow the newly enacted REINS Act.

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

Bi-partisan early childhood bill is a positive step in the right direction

Statement of Alderman Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson - October 31, 2017

Buyers’ Remorse for Voucher Backers

School choice backers donated generously to Walker, but he’s vacillated on the issue.

Governor Walker Signs Senate Bill 293 Into Law

Act 36 makes several technical changes to the state’s voucher programs.

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

Sales Tax Holiday Bad for Budget

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

How Legislature Rigged the Game

2015 campaign finance law gives more power to wealthy and corporations.

$28 Million Spent on 2016 Legislative Races

A new record, 66% more than 2014, huge special interest spending.

Walker Will Unveil A Reelection Budget

Proposals in 2017-2019 budget made with eye to running for a third term.

Special Interests Spend $9 Million on Legislative Races

Led by Greater Wisconsin Committee, Democratic-leaning groups spent more, 53% of money.

Record Elections Spending by Special Interests

$7.8 million spent so far, with more by Democratic-leaning groups.

Sen. Luther Olsen’s Lead Paint Gang Rides Again

Gov. Walker and Senate GOP Leader Fitzgerald to headline Luther Olsen campaign fundraiser

What Else is Luther Olsen Hiding?

Despite moderate rhetoric, Senator Olsen’s record shows he votes for extreme Republican agenda at expense of kids and veterans.

Sen. Luther Olsen: “We Don’t Need Everybody To Go To College”

Olsen's comments are indicative of his failed leadership on the issue of college affordability.

Sen. Luther Olsen Plays Hide And Seek With The Voters

In a candidate forum the Senator Olsen refused to disclose if he would vote for his party's presidential nominee.

Luther Olsen Won’t Say Whether He’ll Vote for Trump

Senator once gain fails Wisconsin women and veterans.

Wisconsin Republicans Abandon Veterans

Attacks on military families and problems at King nursing home piling up

Sen. Olsen Unapologetic For Vote Gutting Open Record Laws

“It was a bad vote. I knew it at the time.” – Sen. Olsen

Luther’s Choice: Pie > Veteran

Longtime Legislator Sen. Luther Olsen Chose Pie Tasting Over Tour of Veterans Home.

Tax-dodging millionaire leading GOP’s budget blockade

Sen. Stroebel calling the shots as Republicans block funding for schools, roads and vet care

Open Records Request Further Reveals Sen. Luther Olsen’s Negligence of Wisconsin Veterans

Sen. Olsen skipped a meeting at the King Veterans home to attend another very "important obligation" - judging a baking contest.

Video shows secret backroom meeting between Olsen and Harsdorf prior to lead paint vote

Senate GOP leader doesn’t dispute pay-to-play scheme with lead paint donor

Harsdorf, Olsen and Tiffany Go The Extra Mile for Big Corporate Donors, and Themselves

Changed State Law to Benefit Dark Money Donors and Make it Harder to Investigate Political Corruption

Republicans Regret Assault on Open Records Law

But Rep. John Nygren is still open to changes to the Open Records Law, just not now.

Luther’s Law: Benefitting from $750,000 in Contributions and Voting for Legal Immunity for the Donor is Somehow Not Pay to Play

‘Indictment of His Character’ That Longtime Legislator Sees Nothing Wrong With What He’s Done

Top Senate Republican won’t deny Pay-To-Play scheme

Majority Leader refuses to say whether votes were promised to lead paint manufacturers in return for dark money campaign contributions

Color Them Corrupt: Doe Documents Paint Republican Senators Olsen, Harsdorf as Key Players in Payoff to Major Donor

Voted to Provide Immunity From Legal Liability to Major Donor to Group That Attacked Their Election Opponents

Senate Republicans caught in Pay-to-Play scheme

Olsen and Harsdorf sided with lead paint producers over sick children

Republicans Ignore Pattern Of Neglect At King Veterans Home, Shrug Off Whistleblower Complaints

According to reports, complaints from whistle-blowers and families of veterans in the home have persisted for years.

Did Walker Raid Veteran’s Home Fund?

Cap Times story on nursing home shows funding was diverted while care declined.

Neglect Ignored, Problems Denied, Solutions Delayed

GOP inaction once again jeopardizes vulnerable residents at state facility

GOP Legislators Back Veteran Home Budget Raid

Walker raids veteran home fund with support of Harsdorf, Tiffany, and Olsen

Luther Olsen Turns His Back on Wisconsin Veterans

Sen. Olsen authored budget motion resulting in cuts to veteran grants

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 Three Bills Into Law

All three bills focus on building dementia-friendly communities throughout Wisconsin.

Senate Republicans Block Out Sunshine

"Elected officials should work for Wisconsin families, not out-of-state special interests," said Matt Ullsvik, SSDC Executive Director.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law

Acts 200 - 257.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Wisconsin Going Backwards on Achievement Gap

Critics say changes in state education programs could worsen black-white learning gap.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced Modernizing Infant Passenger Safety Laws

September 13-19 is National Child Passenger Safety Week.

GOP shuns accountability, opts for further voucher expansion

Cost of Gov. Walker’s $1.1 billion entitlement program set to grow again

Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal

Joint Finance Committee needs nine of 16 members to approve it. That could be tough.

Pressure Mounting to Overturn Walker’s Budget Stances on BadgerCare and UW System Cuts

“We have not seen this level of activity in our grassroots networks since the protests of 2011.”

Meet Michael S. Murphy: Architect of GOP upheaval

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.

Governor Signs Vulnerable User Bill

Bill to protect bikers and pedestrians and a separate bill allowing biking on state trails after 11 p.m. were both passed by legislature.

Watered-Down Bill Protecting Bicyclists Passes

Tougher bill to protect bicyclists and pedestrians had broad bipartisan support but a few Republicans prevented passage.

Nine Bills That Got Killed

Why the legislature failed to pass laws on nine hot issues.

Will Walker Change State’s School Standards?

Once again, Walker threatens to replace Common Core standards. Is he bluffing?

Common Core is Here to Stay

And the black helicopters are coming!

Bicyclists Vs. Motorcycle Group

Law defining bicyclists and pedestrians as "vulnerable users" who need more protection from motorists is opposed by the motorcycle lobby.

How School Choice Got Expanded Statewide

Deal by GOP legislators and pushed by voucher lobbyists expanded it beyond Gov. Walker's proposal.

Landlord registration program could be eliminated

Statement from Alderman Nik Kovac June 20, 2013

Legislators think they know what’s best for Milwaukee neighborhoods

Statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy June 20, 2013

Bicycle Lobbyists Hit the State Capitol

More than 100 advocates met with legislators and pushed for pro-bicycle policies. Will it have an impact?

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Joe Dudzik

Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Voucher Madness

Gov. Walker wants lots more choice schools, except in Republican districts. Why?

Superintendent Burmaster Slaps The Governor Around

My, how times have changed.