Janet Bewley

Democrats Crushing GOP in Fundraising

A 4-1 edge for state Democratic party last year, the biggest ever. And they have Scott Walker and Republicans to thank.

Former State Senator Janet Bewley Won’t Be Charged For Fatal Crash

Bewley was pulling onto highway, other driver was going more than 100 MPH, tested positive for THC in blood.

WDVA Secretary-designee Bond Announces Leadership Team

Senator Agard Thanks Senators Bewley, Erpenbach, and Ringhand

Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership

Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.

Democrats Retain Capitol ‘Firewalls’

Barnes sets record, the most telling campaign quote and Northwest Wisconsin turns red.

Legislative Democrats Review Losses, Strategy

Party lost 4 more seats, hopes for compromise on some issues with Republicans.

Republicans Seek Veto-Proof Legislature

GOP supermajority possible if they flip one senate district, five assembly seats now held by Democrats.

Woman In Crash With State Senator Was Driving 100 MPH

Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley was involved in July collision that killed speed motorist and her child.

Republicans Hope to Flip Three Legislative Seats in Northern Wisconsin

Gerrymandering could help them gain supermajority and veto-proof Legislature.

State Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley Involved In Fatal Crash

27-year-old mother and her 5-year-old daughter killed in collision.

State GOP Lawmakers Reject Special Session on Abortion

GOP-controlled Senate adjourned in 15 seconds a special session to repeal 1849 law banning abortion.

Record Number of Legislators Retiring

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

‘Tangled Series’ of Abortion Laws Since 1849

Wisconsin has had many laws passed on abortion which could cause confusion if Roe overturned.

Three Northern Assembly Districts Held By Democrats Up For Grabs

Retirement of three representatives creates opportunity for Republicans.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Picks Republican-Drawn Maps

Ruling gives Republicans chance at veto-proof majority, reverses earlier decision to pick Evers' maps.

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

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

Wisconsin Legislative Democrats Introduce Hazard Pay for Frontline Workers

Senate Passes a Dozen Voting Bills

Republicans say bills address election ‘irregularities.’ Democrats charge ‘voter suppression.'

State Senate Votes on Guns, Vaccines, China

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

Both Parties Face Pre-Election Turmoil

Republicans struggle with deep divisions, Democrats with sinking poll numbers.

Assembly Democrats Take The Long View

Youngest leadership team ever lays out its vision, hopes and concerns.

Senate Minority Leader Voices Strong Support for Governor Evers’ Surplus Plan

State Supreme Court Hearing Redistricting Case

Court says it favors few changes to heavily gerrymandered state legislative districts.

Democrats’ Revolving Door Swings Again

Assembly minority leader Gordon Hintz's decision to step down the latest of many leadership changes.

Senate Approves Republican Redistricting

Party-line vote okays plan. Evers says he will veto ‘gerrymandered maps.’

City of Spooner receives $119,000 state grant to support a new green space

WEDC investment to help transform former post office into a new green space that will link popular destinations

Tax Cut Divides Democrats

Evers and some Democratic legislators supported it. GOP hopes to gain new seats from swing-district opponents.

Whose Vision Will Prevail In Budget Battle?

Republicans got their way in budget rewrite, but Evers' vetoes loom.

State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget

Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.

Gov. Evers Expresses Disappointment After Assembly Fails to Adopt Bipartisan Amendment Supporting Verso, Park Falls Paper Mills

Failure to adopt amendment proposed by bipartisan coalition jeopardizes federal funds, paper mill support

State Senate Debates Anti-Defund Police Bill

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

GOP Legislators Target Jobless Pay

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

State Restrictions Often Bar Disabled Voters

Republican legislators latest proposals will make this worse.

Legislature Passes Federal Stimulus Plan

Yet again. And passes election law changes. Evers likely to veto all of it.

Legislature Passes Cocktails-To-Go Bill

It awaits the governor's signature. The Senate also passed a bill allowing home deliveries of alcohol.

Legislators Pass Bill Blocking Vaccine Mandates

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

Weather Shield expands operations in Park Falls

New expansion will create 40 jobs, $3.6 million capital investment

State Senate Beset by Culture Wars

Rush Limbaugh vs. Black history, LGBT protectors vs GOP objectors, the arguments get ugly.

Senate Passes Bill To Prevent Rape Kit Backlog

Bipartisan bill passed one year ago, but Assembly resisted.

As State Looks to Bounce Back from Pandemic, Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for $2.38 Billion in Capital Budget Investments to Provide Estimated 29,000 Family-Supporting Jobs, $4.3 Billion in Economic Impact 

Governor's 2021-23 capital budget to be taken up by State Building Commission this week includes major projects in both Republican and Democratic districts

34 State Legislators Endorse Jill Underly for State Superintendent

GOP Legislators Reject Local Sales Tax Hikes

“Dead on arrival,” lawmakers say of Evers’ enabling legislation.

Evers Vetoes GOP COVID-19 Bill

Senate abandons bipartisan legislation and includes provisions Evers promised to veto.

Legislative Campaign Committee Spending Soars

Total spending by four state legislative committees up from $2 million in 2014 to $12 million in 2020.

Evers Likely to Veto GOP COVID-19 Bill

Bill includes mask mandate repeal and other 'poison pill' provisions.

Eliminating Mask Mandate Could Cost Wisconsin $49 Million in Food Assistance

Ending public health emergency voids state eligibility for emergency food assistance.

Pandemic Worsens State’s Broadband Gap

Rural areas and urban poor left out. Evers calls 2021 the "Year of Broadband Access."

City of Superior receives $250,000 state grant to support construction of new downtown hotel

WEDC investment to help fund development of 60-room Cobblestone Hotel & Suites

State Legislature Has Most Women Lawmakers Ever

31% of state legislators are women.

LeMahieu Struggles in Vos’s Shadow

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

Senator Janet Bewley announces hire of new Communications Director

Republicans Dare Evers to Veto Bill

Their COVID-19 bill includes immunity from liability for businesses violating pandemic restrictions.

Unemployment System Audited After Pandemic Failures

Massive delays in claims, duplicate payments and an unreliable call center among issues found in report.

Hospital Association Wants State Action on COVID-19

Healthcare workers and hospitals straining under surge in hospitalizations.

Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders

Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.

Is Trump a Problem for Down Ballot Republicans?

If he is, Wisconsin's gerrymandered districts could soften the blow.

Bayfield County receives $250,000 state grant to support expansion of a retreat center

WEDC investment to help fund the construction of the Wild Rice Retreat

GOP Legislators Attack Evers’ New Restrictions

But Republicans have proposed zero plans for dealing with the coronavirus.

Did Pompeo Violate Federal Law With Visit?

The secretary of state's visit to the state capitol may have broken law against his office engaging in domestic political activities.

GOP Mum on Special Session on Police Reform

Gov. Evers called special-session this week. Bucks Players called for Legislature to convene.

Age, Race, Politics, and Conservation – Addressing the Elephants in the Room

Wisconsin’s Green Fire announces Annual Meeting Series, September 9-26, 2020

First Lady Evers Announces the Wisconsin 19th Amendment Celebration Committee’s Next “Women Who Inspire” Nominees

Committee celebrates Ntxhais "Chai" Moua, Stevens Point and Inez “Midge” Montano, Bayfield

Pence Hypes Economy, COVID-19 Response

The vice president campaigned for Trump in Darien Wednesday.

Opioid Overdoses Skyrocket During Pandemic

Opioid overdoses are up 117 percent compared to the same period in 2019.

Ten Years After Act 10

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

Legislature Hasn’t Met in 100 Days

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

Legislative Democrats Introduce Bill Package to Remove Barriers to Unemployment Insurance

Task Force on Broadband A Step in the Right Direction

Senator Jennifer Schilling Calls It Quits

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

Wisconsin Politicos Respond to Safer At Home Ruling

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

Bewley Statement on Supreme Court Decision

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.

Many Democratic Legislators Resigning

But Assembly Minority Leader Hintz seeks reelection to his post.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rep. Hintz Congratulates Senator Janet Bewley on Election as Senate Democratic Leader

How Will State Party Pick DNC Delegates?

Complicated formula to assure geographic, gender, racial balance for 84 delegates.

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to 2020 Census Complete Count Committee

Voucher Programs Cutting Into Public School Funding

State Sen. Erpenbach and Rep. Pope introduce legislation requiring a referendum before state aid to school districts can be cut.

Hot Debate, Limited Action by Senate

Limited bills on homeless, clean water passed, nothing on dark stores tax loophole.

City of Shell Lake receives $250,000 state grant to support renovation of medical center

WEDC investment to help fund new construction of a new primary and specialty care clinic and renovation of Indianhead Medical Center building

Dozens more Wisconsin elected officials endorse Judge Jill Karofsky for Wisconsin Supreme Court

Karofsky earns support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents from across Wisconsin

Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power

Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.

Strange Bedfellows Back Pipeline Protest Bill

Businesses and unions support bill limiting protests of oil, gas, and water pipelines.

Pipeline Bill Opponents Hope for Veto

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

$44 Million Soldiers Home Project Launched

Huge group of politicians, dignitaries, salute project to redevelop Civil War-era VA complex.

Parties Eye Candidates For Duffy’s Seat

Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany and Democratic Rep. Nick Milroy consider run for Congress.

Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bills Relating to Equal Treatment of Liquor Sales, Improving Wisconsin’s Competitiveness by Eliminating Tax Benefits

Senate Bill 83, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 6, creates the equal treatment of retail sales of all types of liquor for off-premises consumption.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #19 Relating to the Creation of the Committee to Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Wisconsin’s Ratification of the 19th Amendment

Gov. Evers today designated Mrs. Kathy Evers as the Chairwoman of the Executive Committee.

$35.8 Million Spent on Legislative Races

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

Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?

27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.

Statement on Senate Democratic Leadership Election

"I am honored that my colleagues have once again entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as Senate Democratic Leader."

6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control

Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.

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

Walker’s no good, very bad, jobs record

Wisconsin’s 118,000 jobs deficit grows after another dismal jobs report

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.

Senate “Hatchet Job” Removes Haas, Bell

What did they do wrong? “I have no idea,” Fitzgerald admits, but demands firings.

Can Democrats Win State Senate?

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

Legislation to Allow Municipal Officials to Serve as Election Officials Passes State Assembly

The bill is supported by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and the Wisconsin Towns Association.

Senate GOP Calls for Investigation into Organization They Dismantled Two Years Ago

"This request of the Attorney General is an egregious abuse of power..."

Brad Schimel’s Opioid Problem

Attorney General has been reluctant to pursue opioid manufacturers. Why?

State Leaves Counties to Sue Drug Companies

Opioid costs hurting counties, but legislature, Schimel won’t take action.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

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

Strong families and communities start with early education

Statement by Alderman Cavalier Johnson - October 27, 2017

Does UW System Have Too Many Colleges?

Cross addresses what’s long been whispered: 26 UW institutions is too many.

Walker picks Foxconn over Wisconsin schools and roads

Senate Democratic leaders released the following statements critical of Gov. Scott Walker’s decision to sign the largest taxpayer giveaway to a foreign corporation in U.S. history

School aid payments delayed amid GOP budget fiasco

Worse yet, Legislative Republicans budget actions cut rural school funding

State grant to help boost redevelopment project in downtown Superior

WEDC awards $109,877 grant to support plans to convert former warehouse into city’s first brewery in 50 years

Voters Deserve Say on Voucher Schools

Bill requires local referendums on any district's funding of choice schools.

Voters Approved $1.8 Billion for Schools

And have given 24 districts permission to exceed state spending limits.

What ever happened to the Gold Standard?

GOP denies reality on job losses while defending lavish tax break to the top 1%

GOP Agenda is Failing Wisconsin Families

State loses over 4,000 manufacturing jobs despite lavish GOP giveaways

Senators Give Themselves 31% Increase

In non-public meeting they approve 31% raise in their per day expenses.

A Proud Legacy to Build On

Our priority must be Wisconsin’s roads, schools and jobs.

Walker Will Unveil A Reelection Budget

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

A Drop In The Bucket

And There’s A Hole In The Bucket

State Of The State Isn’t Found In Madison Speech

"Instead of a vision for our future, we were treated to an incomplete, and in many ways unconvincing, defense of the status quo."

Statement on Senate Democratic Leadership Election

“I am honored that my colleagues have once again entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as Senate Democratic Leader.”

Governor Walker Announces Members of the Task Force on Opioid Abuse

Group to hold its first meeting on October 28 in Green Bay

Bewley Announces Bill to Increase Local Road Aids

“What’s more important – a handful of millionaires or 100,000 miles of local roads?”

Wisconsin GOP Plan? Tax Giveaways For Not Creating Jobs?

It’s time to stop picking working taxpayers’ pockets for this entitlement for the already entitled.

Republicans’ Plan: Tax Breaks For Millionaires and Tax Increases For Local Property Owners

“Is this really the Senate Republicans’ plan?”

More For Millionaires, Less For Our Schools

“My Republican colleagues’ budget priorities are out of whack.”

Manufacturers Tax Credit

Republican’s Economic Development Plan = 2/3 Fewer New Jobs

GOP Shortchanges 854,000 Students to Benefit Voucher Operators

Bewley noted that even including categorical aids, public schools will likely see virtually no biennial increase compared to the recession-era budget of 2009-10.

Speed and Secrecy Killing Democracy

Citizen after citizen testified: "We don't know what's in the bill."

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

Legislative Leaders and Citizen Action Call on Walker to Make Course Correction on BadgerCare

Wisconsin is adding mostly poverty-wage jobs, which is increasing BadgerCare enrollment.

Gogebic Mine Dies Without a Whimper

After all the controversy, it’s been killed, with barely a word from partisans on either side. Why?

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Announces Endorsements

Slate highlights problem solvers.

More Women Run for Top Capitol Jobs

The number of women candidates running for state Capitol jobs is coming back.

The Coming War Against Common Core

Top priority for Republican legislators next year is to kill Common Core educational standards.

Casualties of War

The war over Act 10 may be a key reason 46% of legislators have left or will leave in just over two years.

Top Lobbyists Will Replace Your Windows!

Bill Broydrick's Window Replacement Co., new women political candidates, and a MacArthur genius comes to town.

Retiring With Guns Blazing

Several politicians have announced retirement, some diplomatically, others firing shots at their opponents.

Mining Company Uses Paramilitary Guards

Gogebic says guards will continue patrolling land, two legislators object.

Rep. Barca announces Democratic committee assignments for upcoming legislative session

Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the Assembly Democratic members of the standing and joint committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session.