Chris Kapenga

Republicans Replace Senate President, Keep Majority Leader

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski will preside over slightly smaller GOP majority in upcoming legislative session.

Wisconsin Supreme Court To Hear Case About Firing Election Chief

The court will weigh in on whether it was illegal for Republican lawmakers to vote to fire Meagan Wolfe.

On 89th Anniversary of Social Security, Democrats Fight to Strengthen Program While MAGA Republicans Threaten Cuts

Advocates Plead for Task Force on Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls

Bill to create task force passed by the state Assembly, but never voted on by Senate

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes

Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.

Vos Says Recall Effort ‘Plagued With Fraud and Criminality’

Assembly Speaker also claims recall can't happen because state Supreme Court struck down GOP-drawn legislative maps

Controversial Power Line Bill Dies In Legislature

Opponents of 'Right of First Refusal' bill say it would have hiked utility rates.

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

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

Republican Committee Recommends Firing Two UW Regents

Because John Miller and Dana Wachs opposed a deal ending diversity-related positions.

Republicans Appeal Court Order Protecting Top State Election Official

Dane County judge ruled that GOP legislators can't remove Meagan Wolfe from office.

Hoping To Avoid Court Drawing Them, GOP Approves New Legislative Maps

But Gov. Tony Evers said he will veto proposal, which leaves Wisconsin Supreme Court in control.

UW Pay Raises Approved After Nearly 6-Month GOP Blockade

Some 34,000 workers had to wait since July for standoff on DEI issue to be settled.

UW Regents Backtrack, Take Republican DEI Deal

Regents vote to accept limits to DEI programs in return for pay raises for 34,000 employees and new engineering building.

UW Regents Consult Attorneys In Fight Over DEI, Pay Raises

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

LeMahieu Grows Into Majority Leader Role

Republican Senate leader has worked at times with Democrats to get legislation passed.

After Campaign Shames Him, Vos Advances Impeachment of Elections Administrator

Speaker advances legislation to impeach Meagan Wolfe.

Court Injunction Prevents Ouster of Election Administrator, At Least For Now

Dane County grants temporary protection for Meagan Wolfe's job while case plays out.

Will Senate Oppose Brewers $546 Million Subsidy?

Easily passed Assembly, but facing bipartisan opposition in the Senate.

Legislators Battle Over Redistricting Bill

Democrats, civic groups argue bill has loophole to maintain Republican control over drawing of legislative maps.

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.

Republicans Continue to Hold UW Employees’ Pay Hostage

GOP Legislators Admit They Can’t Fire Top Elections Official

In court filing Republican leaders say vote to fire Meagan Wolfe was 'symbolic.'

Fair Maps Advocates Condemn GOP Redistricting Plan

Still battling, Vos says U.S. Supreme Court will make Protasiewicz recuse.

Vos Won’t Attempt To Impeach Elections Administrator Until Lawsuit Finished

Senate President Chris Kapenga has asked the Assembly to start process.

Evers’ Child Care Proposal Might Get A Second Life

After inaction by GOP leaders, Senate quietly moves legislation forward.

Senate Votes To Fire Elections Commissioner, Triggering Legal Fight

Republicans vote to fire Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Megan Wolfe, AG Kaul says vote is illegal.

Wisconsin Billionaires Bankroll Efforts To Shrink State’s Social Safety Net

Quiet lobbying backed by major GOP benefactors like the Uihleins and Bradley Foundation.

Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills

Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.

Capitol Has New Generation of Leaders

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

Inside the Dome Deals Are Common

La Follette's resignation, Godlewski appointment latest example of insider Capitol deals.

Why Republicans Push ‘Flat’ Income Tax

Could mean big increases for lower and middle income taxpayers.

Sen. Alberta Darling Is Retiring

Veteran Republican will resign Dec. 1. Special election will decide if GOP keeps supermajority.

Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership

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

State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races

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

Debate About Whether To Enforce Abortion Ban Could Hurt OB-GYN Recruitment, Retention

Wisconsin's 1849 ban could result in felony charges for doctors.

Republicans Immediately Adjourn Evers’ Special Session On Abortion Referendum

Proposal would have allowed a referendum to overturn 1849 abortion ban.

What’s Next For Lawsuit Over Wisconsin’s 1849 Abortion Ban?

Attorney General Josh Kaul pursuing lawsuit to block law's enforcement.

Will Republicans Give Milwaukee a Sales Tax?

Meeting to ‘reset’ relationship between city and state legislators raises doubts, hopes.

GOP Lawmakers Want Lawsuit Against Abortion Ban Dismissed

The three legislative leaders being sued by state DOJ say they aren't the right people to sue.

How Governor’s Power Was Weakened

Recent high court decision latest of several rulings reducing governor's power.

Kaul, Evers Sue to Challenge 1849 Abortion Ban

Suit says 1849 law superseded by later laws, names GOP legislative leaders as defendants.

Gov. Evers, AG Kaul Announce Direct Legal Challenge to Wisconsin’ s 1800s-era Criminal Abortion Ban

In wake of U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, lawsuit challenges archaic abortion statute banning nearly all abortions in Wisconsin, including in cases of rape and incest

State GOP Lawmakers Reject Special Session on Abortion

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

GOP Bill Cuts Social Safety Net To Boost Hiring

Republican lawmakers would restrict access to healthcare, food assistance and unemployment insurance.

Legislators Withhold Chisholm’s Pay Raise

Every state worker except Milwaukee DA given a 2% raise in pay.

Rural Hospitals Lose Few Workers Due to Vaccine Mandates

Loss of 20% expected, but actual figure about 2%, survey of state hospitals finds.

The Return of McCarthyism

Michael Gableman is the new Joe McCarthy, with the same bullying, sneering, demagogic style.

Why The GOP Push To Oust Wolfe

If elections commission administrator resigned and board deadlocks on who should replace her, Vos and Republicans get to choose new leader.

Charges Against Election Officials Are Partisan Stunt

Using unproven allegations to cause distrust of democracy.

Senate Targets Elections Commission

Three separate elections investigations pushing for changes. What's the likely impact?

Why Foxconn Jilted Wisconsin

Plans electric car plant in Ohio, which offered no state subsidy. Why?

Republicans Want Yet Another Election Probe

After non-partisan report finds 2020 election was safe and secure, Senate leaders call for another investigation.

State Senate Approves Longer Work Hours for Teens Under 16

Bill passed on divided vote. It applies to small businesses exempt from federal labor act.

State Senate Advances Abortion Bills

The Republican controlled Senate has advanced similar bills before. Evers expected to veto.

Rebecca Kleefisch Announces Campaign for Governor

Kleefisch served as Lieutenant Governor under former Gov. Scott Walker.

Evers Considering Vaccine Mandate for State Employees

The governor expressed support for private sector mask, vaccine mandates.

Fisker Wants State Law Changed For Potential Foxconn Car Factory

The electric vehicle company wants to sell cars directly, as opposed to Wisconsin's franchise dealer system.

Spectrum Awards $7,500 to Family Promise of Waukesha County

Legislative Session Much Ado About Nothing

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

Evers, Johnson Rake In Campaign Funds

Outpacing challengers, Evers raises $5 million and Johnson $1.2 million in first half of 2021.

‘Governor Wins’ on State Budget?

Experts suggest Evers will win the political spin over budget and tax cut.

6 Months on from their Insurrection, WI Republicans Haven’t Learned Anything

Federal and state reps deny accountability and continue to push the Big Lie

Vos Picks Gableman To Lead Election Probe

Announcement comes just one day after GOP Assembly Speaker attacked by Trump.

Surplus Leaves Evers, Legislators Even Further Divided

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

Evers Announces Reelection Bid

Speech at state Democratic convention touts education spending and new Foxconn contract.

Wisconsin Senate President Chris Kapenga Threatens Education Funding

GOP Legislators Refuse Special Session on Medicaid Expansion

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

Evers Revises Plan to Expand Medicaid

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

Wisconsin Governments Getting $19.9 Billion In Federal Aid

New report warns: how state and local governments spend it could create later 'fiscal cliff.'

Who’s the Most Right Wing Of All?

Conservative group ranks state’s most conservative members of Congress and Legislature.

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

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

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

Plastics firm expands operations in Sussex

Sussex IM expansion will create 84 jobs, draw $9.9 million capital investment

Evers Pushes New Programs, Spending

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

Race and Income and ‘Back to School’

Republicans decry virtual schooling for Black students. But Black families more likely to support it.

LeMahieu Struggles in Vos’s Shadow

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

Unemployment System Audited After Pandemic Failures

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

The Hunger Games, Wisconsin Edition

You’re on your own as pandemic rages and Republican legislators again refuse to meet.

State Officials Can’t Agree on Pandemic

Just as Vos agrees with Evers that some measures needed, Senate leader says no.

Rising Cases, Stress at One Hospital

As legislator leaders fail to take action, health care workers see no end in sight.

State Response To COVID-19 a Trainwreck, Pocan says

The congressman wants an end to the partisan battle over a COVID-19 relief bill.

What’s the Magic Number for Robin Vos?

How many COVID-19 cases and deaths are needed before the Legislature takes action?

Right-Wing vs Left-Wing Lawyers

WILL has more funding, more staff, more Harvard. Can a new liberal law group compete?

Trump Rally Becomes Confrontation

Crowd resists Health Department rules, Serb Hall hit with city citations, its manager in fracas with crowd.

Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders

Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.

WILL Hires Kyle Koenen to be Policy Director Koenen brings extensive legislative experience to WILL policy team

Koenen brings extensive legislative experience to WILL policy team

Election Shakes Up State Senate Leadership

LeMahieu becomes Majority Leader after Fitzgerald's election to Congress.

A Mask Mandate is Not Enough

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

The War Against Masks

It’s the most cost effective way to slow the pandemic. So why such opposition?

15+ Wisconsin Lawmakers May Attend ALEC Annual Meeting in Orlando Amid Spiking Coronavirus Cases

GOP, Dems Battle Over Unemployment Backlog

Democrats say Walker administration failed to update the system, now it can't handle unprecedented wave of unemployment claims.

GOP Adds More “Tougher On Crime” Legislation

New bills increase penalties for offenses like car theft and reckless driving.

Brostoff Slams Occupational Licensing Legislation

The Milwaukee representative assails legislation, says it could have a hazardous outcome.

GOP Legislators Push “Tougher on Crime” Bills

Stiffer penalties on variety of crimes even as Evers moves to reduce prison population.

Sen. Craig Authors Bills in “Tougher on Crime” Initiative

Crime must not pay and courts must enforce current laws

State Occupational Licenses Under Scrutiny

Legislators, pushed by conservative groups, seek to review, relax occupational licensing.

Another Evers Cabinet Pick Under Fire

Republicans won’t approve Dawn Crim, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

All They Want for Christmas

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

Who Lost the City Residency Rule?

Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?

State Senate Inaction Kills Homeless Funding for this Winter

Apparently, there were three Senators who were opposed to homeless funding: Senators Kapenga, Nass, and Craig.

A World Without Scott Fitzgerald

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

Can Democrat Tom Palzewicz Win the 5th Congressional District?

He lost to Sensenbrenner with 38% of the vote in 2018, better than previous Dems had done

Congressional Primaries Can Be Unpredictable

Sensenbrenner seat could draw a wide field.

Fitzgerald Will Run for Congress

Senate Majority Leader to run for Sensenbrenner’s 5th Congressional district seat.

Line Forming for Sensenbrenner’s Seat

8 Republicans (Vukmir, Nicholson, Fitzgerald, Farrow etc.) considering a run, along with one Democrat.

50 Years of Jim Sensenbrenner

The numbers, the gruffness, the tales. And who will run for his seat?

About Those UW Free Speech Violations

Not one violation on 26 campuses of UW Regents’ policy. But legislators want to pass tough law.

UW Students Oppose Free Speech Bill

Student groups say UW Regents policy already protects free speech, law not needed.

Republican State Legislators Offer White Nationalism Protection Act

With Nationalism on the Rise GOP Threatens Students Protesting Hate Speech on Campuses With Suspensions, Expulsion and Lawsuits

GOP Got 5 Times More Corporate Cash

State Republicans get $321,910 in corporate donations, Democrats $64,875 in first half of 2019.

Evers Uses 78 Partial Vetoes on Budget

Vetoes will help pay for $65 million more in education funding in revised budget.

Republican State Budget: No Help For One Million Student Loan Borrowers, But a Special Favor For One Electric Car Enthusiast

Including ‘Kapenga Kickback’ to Pass Budget Adds Insult to Injury

Senate Sends $82 Billion Budget to Evers

Governor can reject, approve or partially veto the Republicans' revised version of budget.

Tesla, Sen. Kapenga Helped by State Budget

Republicans add item letting Tesla sell vehicles directly to consumers. Kapenga owns business that sells Tesla parts.

Assembly Passes State Budget By 60-39

To secure Senate approval adds amendment to help a company championed by Republican senator.

Steve Nass Won’t Vote For Budget

Nass making it harder for GOP colleagues to pass their budget.

The Anti-Gas Tax Gang

Why just five Republican naysayers could kill a gas tax hike.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Pitches a Fit Over a State Budget, Again.

2019 Budget Complaints Echo Petulant Past Behavior

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."

Kimberly-Clark Won’t Get Tax Break

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

UW Officials Stonewall State Audit Bureau

Legislators consider ways to compel their compliance.

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.

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

Voters Want Checks and Balances

That’s the message on Supreme Court race, Treasurer referendum. Was message received?

Governor Walker Signs Wisconsin Works for Everyone Welfare Reform Plan

Welfare reform a key item on the Governor’s Ambitious Agenda for 2018

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

New GOP Senators Have Clout

They may decide if Walker gets last minute laws he’s pushing for his reelection campaign.

Legislature Partially Restores Historic Preservation Program

Has state finally decided on new rules for program or will they continue to make changes?

Governor Walker Thanks Legislature for Passing Wisconsin Works for Everyone Welfare Reform Bills

Welfare reform package included in Governor Walker’s Ambitious Agenda for Wisconsin

Wisconsin Works for Everyone: Governor Walker Calls for Special Session on Welfare Reform

"We want to remove barriers to work and make it easier to get a job, while making sure public assistance is available for those who truly need it."

Republican Bills Prohibit Local Labor Rules

WMC and Kochs favor overriding long list of local government laws.

Governor Walker Signs State Leasing Bill into Law

It is Act 132.

Governor Walker Signs 19 Bills Into Law

Acts 65-83.

AFP-WI Applauds Assembly for Passing Legislation to Remove Barriers to Opportunity

Bills help working class Wisconsinites enter the professions of their choice

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

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

Bill Lets Tesla Sell Cars in State

Opposed by auto and truck dealers, who’ve donated $1.1 million to state politicians.

Memo to Robin Vos: It Wasn’t Terrorism It Was ‘Executive Favor’

Senate Republican Troika Still Needs to Answer Why They Violated WI Statute 13.06

Did Gov. Scott Walker Issue Executive Order to Win Republican Senate Holdouts’ Budget Votes?

One Wisconsin Now Requests Investigation of Possible Violations of Law in GOP Senators’ Shady Budget Deal With Gov. Walker

AFP – WI Praises Governor Walker, Senate Conservatives for Improving State Budget

Walker pledges to veto shady PFA power grab targeted by AFP activists

Governor Walker Signs 20 Bills Into Law

Acts 37 - 56

We Hate DOT, But Here’s $712 Million

GOP senators would borrow big for Department of Transportation they distrust.

Vos Goads WMC for Their Roads Plan

Business group's lobbying killed trucks fee, leaving roads budget still far short.

Regent Nominees Gave Walker $22,550

The two nominees also gave more than $64,000 to other candidates.

Radical Plan To Scrap U.S. Constitution

State legislators support constitutional convention, banning all deficit financing.

GOP Bill Bars Abortions by UW Doctors

UW doctors under contract with Planned Parenthood targeted.

Constitutional Convention, No Dems Allowed

State bill says GOP picks all delegates to convention championed by Kochs.

Commerce Groups Want Highway Funding Deal

But only if legislature adopts certain changes they propose.

Will Schools, Health Care Pay for Roads?

Republicans argue over how to fund highways, could raid other funding.

Speaker Vos Calls Out Senators for Fear Mongering

"...I will work in good faith to work toward the best possible solution to this problem, taking into account all options available.”

Keeping Our Promises

"In our upcoming budget proposal, we will put forward a plan that focuses on the safety and maintenance of Wisconsin’s roads and bridges."

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.

Top 10 Victories Over Walker

10 policy changes Gov. Walker and Republicans failed to pass in the last year.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law

Acts 200 - 257.

AFP Reacts to Debate on Pro-Market Reforms In Senate

"State Senate Taking A Bold Stand For Economic Liberty," says State Director Eric Bott

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

Walker’s Failed Presidential Bid Should be a Wake Up Call to Republicans Trying to Defund Planned Parenthood

Republican leaders are fast tracking two bills aimed to further defund Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

Senator Kapenga and Representative Jacque: Women and Men Need and Value Planned Parenthood

Reason for Defunding Planned Parenthood Falls Flat with Wisconsinites

Governor Scott Walker Announces Special Election for 99th Assembly District

Governor Scott Walker today announced a special election for the 99th Assembly District.

Bipartisan talks begin in Senate for Milwaukee arena dea

Conservative Power Rises in Senate

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

Governor Scott Walker Signs Freedom to Work Legislation

New law makes Wisconsin 25th state to give workers power to choose

Bowen Calls Living Wage Bill in Legislature an Attack on the Working Poor and Local Control

Bill Would Prohibit Municipalities from Establishing a “Living Wage”

Southeast Wisconsin Rules the Capitol

Almost every Republican -- and Democratic -- leader is from a small part of the state.

Rep. Richards calls on Gov. Walker to renounce arresting federal officials who are doing their jobs

Today Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), the ranking member on the Assembly Committee on Health, released the following statement calling on Gov. Walker to oppose any legislation that would call for the arrest of federal officials who try to implement the Affordable Care Act in Wisconsin.