John Nygren

Regardless of Who Wins Presidency, Health Experts Believe Affordable Care Act Is Safe

Panel of Wisconsin health leaders predicts next president will be focused on prescription drug costs.

Will Lena Taylor Change Her Style As Judge?

Will in-your-face style of state senator be tempered as a Circuit Court judge?

How La Follette Helped Save Democracy

But his sudden retirement as Secretary of State has been blasted by Republicans.

Free Speech Champion Rep. Sortwell Blocks Facebook Comments

Republican turns off Facebook comments on his page after facing claims of child abuse.

Foxconn Shows Folly of Cheesehead Revolution

Walker, Ryan, Priebus pushed business-friendly policies. The result: an abysmal failure.

Officials Use Secret Portals to Hide Records

UW-Madison administration, Republican legislators use digital dodges to violate open records law.

Biden Plan Is a Lead Pipe Cinch

His infrastructure proposal could provide enough funding to replace all lead pipes in Milwaukee.

New Finance Co-Chair Expects Challenges

Republican Rep. Mark Born expects partisan disagreements, expects compromises will be reached.

Gov. Evers Calls Special Election for 89th Assembly District

More Legislators Become Lobbyists 

Nygren and Shilling are the latest to take the lucrative road well-traveled.

John Nygren Announced as Association Executive Director

State Rep. John Nygren Resigns

Surprise decision by Finance Committee member from Marinette known for his work on opioid crisis.

Rep. Nygren to Resign Seat in State Assembly

Kaul Sues Legislature Over Lame Duck Laws

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

Thousands Still Await Jobless Aid

Some 93,000 applications for pandemic aid have yet to be processed or adjudicated by state.

State GOP Convention Decries Anarchy, Socialism

Hundreds at in-person convention in Green Bay despite fliers warning they ‘assume any potential risk’.

Borgerding Joins Wisconsin Dental Association as Director of Government Services

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

Wisconsin Leads 22-State Coalition on PFAS

They support federal standards to prevent ‘forever chemicals” from polluting drinking water.

State DNR Forges Ahead on ‘Forever Chemicals’

Despite pandemic, regulators continue work on enforcement standards for PFAS in drinking water.

GOP Lame-Duck Law Blocks COVID-19 Aid

State GOP was warned of unintended consequences to their law in 2018.

Shipbuilder Donates, Gets State Grant

Marinette Marine gives $45,000 to Democratic Governors; Evers awards $29 million grant.

Nygren Sentencing Shows Power of Addiction

Cassandra Nygren, daughter of Republican state Rep. John Nygren, sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Johnson Controls Must Expand Inspection of PFAS Pollution

DNR requiring the company to look further for pollution from forever chemicals.

Assembly attempts to provide political cover while constituents suffer the consequences

Playing politics with PFAS crisis is cowardly

State Assembly Pushing For Constitutional Convention

State GOP is pushing the legislature to join others around the country in an attempt to ratify controversial amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Bipartisan Water Quality Bills Pass

Though, they do not make it through the sharply divide legislature without some disagreement.

GOP Tax Cut, Farm Bills Pass Budget Committee

Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee ignores Evers’ proposals, passes Republican package.

Records Fees Mean Records Denials

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

Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Push $10M Clean Water Fund

Trust fund would support clean water projects, though a cash source for the fund remains uncertain.

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.

Assembly Passes PFAS, Nurse Assault Bills

Will go to governor for signature. Five other bills passed need Senate approval.

Homelessness Decreasing in Wisconsin

Nationwide homelessness is increasing. Meanwhile, state lawmakers argue over funding to combat the issue.

Pollution Records Shouldn’t Be a Secret

Bipartisan bill requires government pollution test results to be disclosed in a timely fashion.

Robin Vos Stonewalls on Public Records

John Q. Public can’t get anything from Assembly Speaker

How Homeless Got Frozen Out

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

‘Shhh! It’s a Secret…’

Legislators’ refusal to release records violates law, requires legal challenges.

State Jobs Will Go Unfilled

Republican Finance Committee co-chairs refuse Evers request for 60 new hires in state government.

Legislators May Hike Public Defenders Pay

Plan would more closely align state public defenders’ pay with that of state prosecutors.

Good News, Bad News on State Budget

Report finds 2018-19 year had $1.7 billion surplus, but new budget will exceed projected revenues by $800 million.

Suicide Texting Hotline Money Finally Released

Republican-led Joint Finance Committee held up releasing funds for almost three months

Committee Approves Loans for Lead Laterals

$550,000 loan program for any resident, regardless of income, to replace lead laterals.

Democrats’ Bill Repeals Lame Duck Law

Would end new requirement that Attorney General get Legislature’s approval for lawsuits.

Lame Duck Laws Hurting the State

Tying hands of Attorney General stalls 15 lawsuits, could cost taxpayers millions.

Questions Swirl Around State Budget Committee Republicans’ Hiring of Lawyer/Lobbyist at Taxpayer Expense

Republicans’ Proposed Solution to the Mess They Made is a Farce

Legislators Use Fees to Keep Records Secret

Charging citizens making open records requests means less scrutiny of government.

GOP Legislators Hire Private Attorney In Clash With AG

15 state lawsuits have been stalled by legislators' dispute with Kaul over confidentiality agreement.

Republicans Reject Attorney General Effort to Comply With Law They Passed

GOP Legislators Agreed to Confidentiality When Leaders Rigged District Lines for Their Benefit, Refuse Request By Democrat to Discuss Legal Action Potentially Benefiting Wisconsin

Shipbuilder Gives to Fund for Democrats

Donation followed by Gov. Evers announcing plan for $31 million in state support to help company expand.

Legislators Urge New Strategy on Budget

Stung by Republican cuts in funds to Milwaukee, city-based legislators search for new approach.

Clean Drinking Water Effort Falls Short

$40 million state funding to replace lead laterals cut from budget by Republicans.

Evers Uses 78 Partial Vetoes on Budget

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

Assembly Passes State Budget By 60-39

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

Assembly Passes Bills to Help Homeless

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

Dueling Visions of the State’s Future

5 major areas where Evers, Republicans differ on state policies, spending.

Rep. Taylor, Democrats mock the Obamacare exchange and the affordability of ACA health insurance

"Expanding Medicaid even further to include able-bodied individuals living above the poverty line would put an even greater weight on the taxpayer."

GOP Kills Spending Bump For UW System

UW leader Ray Cross decries Budget Committee: "I feel like I've been kicked in the shins."

State Lawmakers at Odds on Education Funding

Republican legislators approve $25M increase in funding state tech schools, but nix Evers’ plan to increase financial aid proposal. Democrats say it falls short.

Attack on Milwaukee continues – even with a new occupant of the Governor’s Office

Statement of Alderwoman Chantia Lewis May 16, 2019

GOP Lawmakers Reject Pillars of Evers Budget

Joint Finance drops Medicaid expansion, medical pot, reduction in manufacturing tax credit.

GOP Legislators Kill Medical Pot Proposal

Budget committee snuffs out Evers plan. It's “off the wall scary,” says Sen. Darling.

GOP Legislators Defend Foxconn

They offer positive slant to Foxconn executive expressing doubt about 13,000 jobs.

Bill Speeds Up Health Insurance Appeals

Legislators consider bill in response to citizens' complaints about "step therapy," delays in getting needed pain medicine.

Report Urges Action on Schools’ Drinking Water

State gets “F” grade for not preventing lead in schools’ drinking water. But lead paint still biggest issue.

A House Divided: Comments from State Rep Show the Current Chasm in Wisconsin

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy April 10, 2019

Legislators Resist Many Evers Proposals

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

Republicans Call for Reset of Evers’ Budget

Governor’s cabinet members get hammered on many issues by GOP legislators.

Evers Budget Targets Rich Taxpayers

And helps middle class. But Republicans oppose plan.

Governor’s Veto Power Looms Large

What Legislature gives, veto can take away. The battle has begun.

Opioid Prescriptions in State Down 29%

Doctors writing fewer prescriptions since 2015, but overdoes deaths still rising.

GOP May Resist Kaul on ACA Lawsuit

Attorney General wants to drop lawsuit, Republican legislators hint they won’t let him.

New Revenue Projection Below Walker’s

LFB report shows $1.8 billion, not $2.1 billion in new revenue for next state budget.

Vos May Amend Pre-Existing Conditions Bill

Open to some changes Evers wants, but not others. Vote scheduled for today.

Legislators Can’t Block Liberals On Twitter

Federal judge rules that One Wisconsin Now can’t be blocked from twitter feed of Vos, other GOP lawmakers.

Federal Court Sides With One Wisconsin Now in Twitter Blocking Lawsuit Against Republican State Representatives

‘A Victory for Open, Transparent and Accountable Government’

Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power

Limits on early voting, constraints on Evers campaign promise on health care.

Bill Curbing Evers’ Power Moves to Legislature

All 12 Republicans on Joint Finance back plan to reduce governor’s power, restrict early voting.

MacIver Cheers New Revenue Projections, Urges Gov.-Elect Evers To Stay The Course

"Eight years of sound fiscal management by Gov. Walker and the conservative legislature have put Wisconsin back on the right track."

Secrecy Hides State Legislators’ Actions

Anonymous budget amendments and "Body Snatcher” bills reward special interests, limit public input.

Highways Issue Will Hurt Republicans

Democrats used LFB report to eviscerate GOP record at legislative hearing.

One Wisconsin Now Seeks Summary Judgement in Lawsuit Over Republican State Representatives Twitter ‘Blocking’

‘The Facts in the Case and First Amendment to U.S. Constitution Are Clear’

Why Mitchell Street Sun Fair Was Cancelled

Republican law aimed at Milwaukee BIDs made it harder to raise money for fair.

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

Combating the Opioid Crisis: Governor Walker Signs Bipartisan Bills on Opioids into Law

All 30 bills signed by the Governor were created as a part of the HOPE (Heroin, Opiate, Prevention, and Education) Agenda.

Our Agenda for Wisconsin Is Working

Low taxes, low unemployment, plus a six-year freeze on UW tuition.

GOP lawmakers again embrace anti-Milwaukee stance with BID measure

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy - March 15, 2018

Governor Walker Signs Bill Directing Additional State Funding to Rural Public Schools

Rural school funding included in his Ambitious Agenda for 2018

Vukmir, Nygren Lead Efforts to Combat the Opioid Epidemic

"It is critical that our communities have the tools necessary to combat the rising problems that stem from heroin abuse."

Governor Walker Highlights Historic K-12 Education Investments at Wisconsin Association of School Boards’ State Education Convention

"We increased funding by $200 per student for every school in the state this year, and we’re adding another $204 per student on top of that next year."

Governor Walker Takes Additional Action to Fight Opioid Crisis

Wisconsin continues to lead the way forward

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

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

Student Success: Governor Walker Champions Sparsity Aid and Low Revenue Ceiling Increase for Rural Schools

"Our top priority is driving student success and ensuring our children receive a quality education, regardless of where they live."

GOP Bill Restricts Suits Against Businesses

Special interests supporting legal restrictions donated $14 million to Republican legislators.

Why Does GOP Want To Raise My Taxes?

And why do I get nothing back in return but a bigger federal deficit?

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

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

Anti-Fraud Law’s Repeal Hurts Taxpayers

State losing millions in federal settlements because Walker, GOP killed whistleblower law.

Governor Walker Signs Bill Banning Synthetic Types of Fentanyl

The bill adds forms of fentanyl to the synthetic opiates category under Schedule I.

Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements

Elected officials, grassroots activists and business owners unite behind Leah

Governor Walker Directs DHS to Increase Investment, Improve Access to Treatment for Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders

Behavioral health rate increase builds on historic efforts to address mental health needs and fight the opioid epidemic

Nygren, Sidener Dramatize Opioid Problem

Daughter of GOP legislator and former Democratic leader’s problems call for state response.

State Budget Is Good, Bad for Biking

Includes a last minute, anonymous proposal hostile to cyclists, pedestrians.

Officials Shouldn’t Block Twitter, Facebook Users

Courts have ruled against blocking certain users of official Facebook pages, Twitter feeds.

H.O.P.E. for Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Four Special Session Bills into Law at Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay

"Like many states in our great nation, Wisconsin is experiencing a dangerous trend – a growing number of cases of opioid abuse and overdose."

Oregon Passes Bike Tax

$15 on purchase of new bike. Will Wisconsin follow suit?

John Nygren’s War on Drug Abuse

His daughter’s drug abuse problem brought the issue home to him.

Bill Expands Winery Retail Hours

It pits Koch Brothers and Farm Bureau (supporters) against Tavern League (opposed).

How Trucks Destroy Our Roads

And how a fee on trucks could solve state’s transportation problem.

MPS Loses Most Under Assembly GOP School-Aid Plan

Gov. Walker's school-aid plan provides $14.8 million more than Assembly plan for MPS.

Why Does GOP Oppose Student Debt Reform?

Republican legislators still resist bill allowing students to refinance loans.

Koch-Funded Group Backs Tax Cut

Cut could reduce state forestry funding.

Governor’s Race Influences Budget

Joint Finance Democrats raise issues that could be used against Walker.

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

State Targets Tax Evaders

New enforcement agents could collect $400 million in taxes owed.

Tax Cyclists for Road Upgrades?

Bike registration fees could be used for transportation infrastructure.

Walker Would End State Property Insurance

Local governments then must buy from private insurers, who donated to Walker

Will Walker Go Back to the Future?

He offered transportation-funding plan in 2011 that may get reconsideration.

Opioid Crisis Demands Bipartisan Solutions

In 2015 more people in state died from drug overdoses than car crashes.

Kleefisch, Nygren go ‘On the Issues’ to discuss opioid abuse

Kleefisch and Nygren, both Republicans, are co-chairs of the Governor’s Task Force on Opioid Abuse.

Legislators Could Trim Walker Budget

Does governor expect them to throw out his bag of goodies?

AG Schimel Renews Rebate Agreement with Manufacturer of Lifesaving Opiate Antidote

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals has agreed to continue providing a $6 rebate for each Amphastar naloxone syringe purchased by public entities in Wisconsin from now until February 1, 2018.

Governor Walker Calls Legislature into Special Session and Orders New Actions in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse

“This is a public health crisis, and that’s why I’m calling a special session of the Legislature and directing state agencies to ramp up the state’s response”

Budget Talks Focus on Transportation

So what about biking, part of industry that adds $1.5 billion to Wisconsin economy?

Speaker Vos Announces JFC Assembly Chair

He will be serving his third term as the JFC co-chair.

Governor Walker Announces Members of the Task Force on Opioid Abuse

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

Republicans Regret Assault on Open Records Law

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

WEDC Awards $500,000 Grant for Wisconsin Maritime Center of Excellence in Marinette

Award will be used to help fund cleanup work for new facility

4 Issues Democrats Will Use Against GOP

Party leaders expect running on these issues will elect Democrats on Nov. 8.

Governor Walker Works to Combat Opioid Addiction in Wisconsin, Across the Nation

46 of the nation’s governors sign the Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction

Walker Administration, JFC Republicans Must Educate Wisconsinites on Photo ID Law

GAB requests $250,000 from Joint Finance Committee To Educate Voters

Three Ways to Cut Cost of Prisons

A trio of proposed bills would save taxpayers money and help offenders.

The Pothole Repair Act

Republican legislators debate allowing counties 0.5% sales tax for road repairs and maintenance.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

21% of Gas Tax Will Go to Repay Debt

Debt level has doubled in a decade, yet legislators approve plan.

Weeks after uproar, Robin Vos sought open records law change

How Republicans Worked to End Public Records

Planning began last September and would have ended open records for all local governments as well.

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

Why Republicans Tried to Repeal Open Records

Frustrated with open records requests that have embarrassed them, GOP leaders decided they’d had enough.

Governor Scott Walker and Legislative Leaders Make Statement on Government Transparency

Governor Scott Walker, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and the Joint Finance Committee Co-Chairs, Senator Alberta Darling and Representative John Nygren, released the following statement

Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records

Legislature's proposal used language previously crafted by Walker administration, but governor and Vos won't discuss governor's involvement. Update of story published on July 3rd.

Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal

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

No Christmas In May For Republicans

Tax collections haven’t risen so GOP lawmakers may have to swallow Walker budget cuts they opposed.

Republicans Target Utility Fighter CUB

Proposal would kill funding for Citizen’s Utility Board, which advocates for consumers.

Legislators Hope Tax Windfall Rescues Them

If state tax collections don’t go up -- soon -- lawmakers must swallow Walker’s unappetizing budget cuts.

Don’t Change UW System’s Governance

There’s already an exodus of top faculty concerned about ending tenure.

Budget Could Delay Local Highway Projects

Republican legislators want to reduce borrowing in Walker transportation budget, but this could delay numerous projects.

Rep. Barca Responds to GOP Finance Co-Chairs’ Attacks

"It almost appears as if Republicans are putting together a Nixon-style enemies list for anyone who dares to disagree with their agenda."

Walker’s Budget Borrows Big

$1.3 bonding for transportation means 23% of taxes for roads will pay interest on bonds by 2016.

The Republican Revolution Part II

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has a really big agenda for Wisconsin. It reads like a papal encyclical.

Unopposed Legislators Still Love Campaign Cash

Retiring and unopposed legislators are sitting on $1.2 million in donations.

State Freezes Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Worried about the cost, Gov. Walker and WEDC have halted program with big benefits for Milwaukee.

Regional Symposium on Heroin/Opiates Addiction is Wednesday

Southeast Wisconsin Regional Heroin/Opiates Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 4.

Meet Michael S. Murphy: Architect of GOP upheaval

WEDC Data Shows Partisan Correlation to Job Creation

Report finds WEDC job creation/retention figures much higher in Republican districts, large geographic variation

Should Internet Sales Be Taxed?

Federal bill could yield more than $70 million in annual sales tax for Wisconsin. Walker says he would use for income tax relief.

An Attack on Student Journalism?

What lesson does legislators attack on the Center for Investigative Journalism teach young journalists?

Don’t Mess with the Press

The state budget bill has huge consequences, but the media is most concerned about its impact on... the media.

Rep. Taylor statement on voucher petition drive

Democratic lawmakers delivered 16,809 petitions to Governor Scott Walker and state budget committee co-chairs.

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.