Mark Spreitzer

2024 Roundup- Gov. Evers Completes Annual 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Robin Vos Will Continue as Assembly Speaker

Senate Democrats also reelected Diane Hesselbein as minority leader

Sen. Mark Spreitzer Elected Senate Democratic Caucus Chair

Transformational Green Amendment Will Protect Wisconsin’s Environment for All Current and Future Generations

All People in Wisconsin Should Have the Right to a Safe and Stable Climate

Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Officers Association and Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Local 215 Endorse Jack Eckblad for Milwaukee County Board Supervisory District 4

Endorsed by 14 Organizations and 13 Leaders Before Election Day

Wisconsin Political Ads Now Must Disclose Use of AI

Bipartisan bill signed by Gov. Evers, who vetoes a number of other proposals.

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

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

Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees

GOP boots one from DNR board, three from UW Health board.

Republicans Pass Evers’ Legislative Maps

Governor had promised to sign such a bill. Democrats warn of trickery.

Constitutional Amendment Would Block Ranked Choice Voting

Proposal designed to halt bipartisan bill.

GOP Bill Requires UW To Tell Out of State Students How to Vote at Home

Could lower youth vote in Wisconsin, add 'substantial administrative burden'?

Wisconsin Democrats Propose State Protections For Same-Sex Marriages

Proposal follows 2022 federal law, overturning of Roe vs. Wade. Would strike 2006 constitutional amendment.

WI Secretary of State Calls for Removing Election Commissioner Robert Spindell

Spindell admitted serving as fake elector and also celebrated voter suppression.

Anti-Election Grant Amendment Could Appear on April Ballot

Proposal is Republican response to perceived issues with private grants 2020 from Facebook founder.

Proposed Bill Would Require Political Ads With AI-Enhancements To Be Labeled

AI-generated content makes it increasingly easy to generate video or audio of something that didn't actually happen.

GOP Senators Renew Fight Over Abortion, Tax Cuts

And override an Evers' budget veto, part of busy session Tuesday.

Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees

Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.

Milwaukee County Board Supervisory District 4 Candidate Jack Eckblad Earns Endorsements of Milwaukee County Register of Deeds, State Representative Ortiz-Velez, and Trio of Supervisors: Adds to List of Local Leaders Supporting Eckblad’s Campaign for Bold, Responsible Leadership

Republican Legislators Deny Evers’ Appointment to Elections Commission

Vote nixes Joe Czarnezki, the Democratic appointee to bipartisan commission.

Republicans Vote Down 4 of Evers’ 5 DNR Board Nominees

But full Senate must still weigh in.

Milwaukee County Board Supervisory District 4 Candidate Jack Eckblad Announces First Slate of Endorsements: Local Leaders Endorse Vision of Bold, Responsible Leadership

Taxpayers Paying For Both Sides of Senate Lawsuit Over Redistricting

Democrats and Republicans both charging State of Wisconsin for redistricting legal fight.

Senate Committee Votes to Fire State Elections Administrator

Attorney General has said firing of Meagan Wolfe is illegal. Now up to full state Senate.

Election Deniers Make False Charges at Senate Hearing on Top Election Official

Attorney General says Republicans' hearing to consider ousting Meagan Wolfe is illegal.

GOP Senators Block Building Code Update Supporters Say Saves Energy, Improves Safety

Party-line vote leaves 2015 building code in place. Concerns over cost.

Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Expand Vaccine Access

The bills, aimed at addressing state's decreasing vaccine rates, are unlikely to advance in the Republican-led Legislature.

Artificial Intelligence Being Used To Generate Election Ads

"Synthetic media" allows coordination with super PACs, deep faces. Will it be regulated?

Despite Legal Gay Marriage, Wisconsin Laws Still Centered On Husband and Wife

From birth certificates to court documents, same-sex parents have concerns.

Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills

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

Gov. Evers Raises LGBTQ+ Flag At Capitol, Celebrates Pride Month

"We will keep working to build a Wisconsin that is more welcoming, more inclusive and more just for everybody," said Evers.

Senate Mulls Milwaukee’s Financial Peril

Struggling to create plan for shared revenue and sales tax that's acceptable to Assembly and Gov. Evers.

County Executive David Crowley Public Testimony on Senate Bill 301

Republican-Backed Bill Would Remove Ineligible Voters From State Database

But election officials say its unnecessary and could actually make elections less secure.

Vote Tracking Bill Has Bipartisan Support

Proposal would allow state's absentee voters to track status of their vote.

Biden Takes Victory Lap in Wisconsin

His speech in Madison suburb stands up for Social Security, unions and family supporting jobs.

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes 2022 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Jodi for State Senate Announces First Round of Endorsements for Senate District 8

Longtime area resident also announces campaign manager

Republicans Don’t Win Veto-Proof Legislature

Had to flip five Assembly seats and one Senate district and fell short.

Republicans Seek Veto-Proof Legislature

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

Gableman Hints at Revolution in Speech to Republicans

Former supreme court justice fired from election probe criticized for ‘violent rhetoric'.

Federal Judge Allows Ballot Assistance for Disabled Voters

Judge strikes down state Supreme Court ruling that all voters must return ballots themselves.

Record Number of Legislators Retiring

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

Vos Keeps Gableman Investigation Going

Though contract for probe was expiring, Speaker says it will continue, after pressure from Trump.

Who Is Conducting Gableman’s Investigation?

Private lawyer and partisan group heavily involved in taxpayer funded election probe.

Barnes Campaign Aims to Bring State Together

Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate candidate running hard in rural, urban areas of state.

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

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

Open Letter to the People of Ukraine

The Gableman Conspiracy ‘Circus’

Offers hours of conspiracy-laden testimony and new report pushing to decertify 2020 election which Republican calls illegal, a ‘fool’s errand.'

Assembly Passes Early Vote Counting Bill

A raft of election related bills passed, some adding additional requirements to absentee voting.

Assembly Blocks ‘Recall’ of 2020 Electors

Resolution demanding recall killed in committee. Democrats insist Republicans vote on it.

Assembly Committee Hears Unsupported Claims of Voter Fraud

A convicted fraudster, who once worked with Michael Gableman, makes wild allegations.

Speaker Vos Struggles to Maintain Control

Assailed by GOP rebels. ‘Conspiracy theorists have taken over the party.’

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces Healthcare Heroes Act

Democrats’ Revolving Door Swings Again

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

Hintz Will Quit As Assembly Minority Leader

Democrat will resign position in January, cites need to spend more time with family.

Gableman Asks Court to Arrest Madison, Green Bay Mayors

It’s “comic buffoonery,” says attorney for Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich.

Michael Gableman Has No Shame

Head of GOP election probe was a nasty bully, making slanderous, irresponsible charges to Assembly committee.

Gableman Reveals Staff in Election Probe

Nine staff earning up to $10,000 month in Republican-backed investigation.

Democratic Legislators Refuse to Meet Privately With Gableman

Head of elections probe refuses to answer questions in public, committee members charge.

The Return of McCarthyism

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

Mandela Barnes Earns Over 100 Endorsements from Wisconsin Elected Officials in Race for U.S. Senate

Barnes Has Built an Unparalleled Statewide Coalition to Defeat Ron Johnson

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces Epi Access Legislation

GOP Legislators Push To Continue Gerrymandering

Pushing for redistricting to diverge from current districts as little as possible.

The Rise of Rep. Janel Brandtjen

A leader in election lies and demagoguery has become a state Republican power.

Republicans Divided Over Election Audits

Are you with Team Vos or Team Brandtjen? Fish for unproven problems or overturn 2020 election?

Trump Praises Brandtjen ‘Election Audit’

Puts more pressure on Vos as Pocan calls for firing Gableman.

Sen. Agard Unveils Marijuana Legalization Bill

Outside a dispensary in Illinois, the state lawmaker called for legalization.

Vos Backtracks on Election Audit

After criticizing Brandtjen for pushing yet another audit, he caves. “It’s red meat for the base.”

Whose Vision Will Prevail In Budget Battle?

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

Legislature Passes Absentee Voting Restrictions

And proposal cutting funding to municipalities that reduce police funding.

State Assembly Passes Transgender Athlete Bill

Legislation would bar transgender women from playing on female athletic teams.

Assembly Leaders Accused of ‘Systemic Racism’

Republicans use racist retaliation, punish free speech, Democratic legislators charge.

Assembly GOP Doubles Down On Racism, Retaliates Against Member of Color’s Efforts to Address Systemic Racism

Democratic state representatives lift the curtain on racist retaliation in the legislature

Legislature Passes Many Bills

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

Who’s the Most Right Wing Of All?

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

Bills Cap Predatory Lending at 36%

Average payday interest rate is 517%. Industry has given generously to legislators

Legislature Tries Again to Control Federal Stimulus Money

Evers twice vetoed bills to do this. Assembly’s latest bills violate federal rules, LRB warns.

Legislature Has Dramatic Debate

Over its power, purpose, prestige... and whether Robin Vos hates Tony Evers.

34 State Legislators Endorse Jill Underly for State Superintendent

Republicans Attack Zuckerberg Election Grants Again

Using emails from Green Bay's former clerk, GOP lawmakers are calling for an investigation.

Republican Bill Makes Voting Harder

List of restrictions will make it less likely that disabled, nursing home residents and others vote.

Will Supreme Court Act on Mask Mandate?

State high court has sat on case for months, could decide fight between governor and Legislature.

Underly Campaign Announces Endorsement of 12 State Legislators

Do State Election Laws Need Reform?

After months of Trump’s false claims, legislators still squabbling, but a bipartisan bill is possible.

GOP State Legislators Asked Pence to Not Certify Election

15 legislators signed the letter. Four of them serve on Assembly elections committee.

Why Republicans Won’t End Election Complaints

It’s no longer about electing Trump. It’s laying the groundwork for voter suppression.

Democrats Slam Assembly Elections Committee

A ‘forum for debunked conspiracies’?

Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders

Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.

Hintz Re-Elected to Lead Assembly Democrats

Rep. Hesselbein Re-Elected Assistant Democratic Leader

Democratic Committee Members Reject Speaker’s Manufactured Controversy

Elected Officials Across the State Join Call for Peaceful and Fair Vote Count

State’s Health Care Workers Demand Hazard Pay

As COVID-19 cases rise again, Democratic bill provides increased pay, paid medical leave.

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces Healthcare Heroes Act

Wisconsin Politicos Respond to Safer At Home Ruling

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

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces “Epi Access” Legislation

Assembly Rejects Bipartisan Rape Kit Bill

Republicans pass bill with "poison pills' that will force veto by Gov. Evers.

Proposal Would Ban Gerrymandering

Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment would amend state constitution, require non-partisan redistricting.

Bill Pushes Ranked Choice Voting

Democratic legislation would switch to approach used in Maine and numerous cities.

Budget Bill The Shortest in Decades

Republicans worked for “veto-proof” bill so Gov. Evers has little room to reshape legislation.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer and LGBT Caucus Introduce Bipartisan Equality Agenda

"As an out gay man, I am proud to stand by my fellow LGBT legislators today to present the Equality Agenda in honor of Pride Month."

Rep. Mark Spreitzer Applauds Gov. Evers’s Budget Address

“Governor Evers is leading Wisconsin into a new era of bipartisanship."

Rep. Spreitzer Supports Gov. Evers’s Redistricting Reform

"Gerrymandering has undermined our state’s democracy for too long."

Rep. Spreitzer, Sen. Ringhand Propose Lame Duck Limits

"Less than one month after the 2018 November elections, a lame duck session fundamentally changed the balance of power in Wisconsin state government."

Rep. Spreitzer statement on latest Foxconn news

"Today’s comments by Speaker Robin Vos and Majority Leader Fitzgerald demonstrate that they have not learned from their mistake and they continue to lack a coherent vision for the future of our state."

Rep. Mark Spreitzer Applauds Gov. Evers’s State of the State Address

"Governor Evers’s State of the State address laid out a clear agenda to move Wisconsin forward."

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Signs Executive Order Protecting LGBTQ State Employees

Wisconsin is one of 28 states without explicit non-discrimination protections on the basis of gender identity.

Shilling Announces Senate Office Staff

Tony Palese will serve as Chief of Staff to Senator Shilling.

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

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

Representative Mark Spreitzer statement on UW-System funding for agriculture educators

"Only three years after Governor Walker slashed UW System funding, rural communities and farmers are seeing the negative effects."

Rep. Mark Spreitzer Receives WEDA’s “Champion of Economic Development” Award

WEDA is presenting the award to 20 state lawmakers who exhibited an exceptional commitment to growing Wisconsin’s economy.

City of Evansville receives $250,000 state grant to support downtown project

WEDC investment to help fund construction of new mixed-use building

Why We Need a State Treasurer

The referendum to eliminate position will give more power to governor.

Speaker Vos leads State Assembly Delegation to a Trade Summit

"With the current negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and newly imposed tariffs, it’s essential that we’re actively engaged in a dialogue to protect our state’s interests."

Representative Spreitzer Votes Against Wetlands Rollback

"Assembly Republicans just voted to support a bill that deals a serious blow to Wisconsin wetlands protections."

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

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

Republican Bill Second-Guesses, Restricts Local Governments

Assembly bill would add restrictions to local governments raising money for transportation projects

Rep. Spreitzer named to tax review committee

Wisconsin, along with the rest of the United States, has learned that trickle-down economics do not work.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

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

A Tale of Two Millennials

Two young Assembly reps in each party, two very different tales.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer statement on denial of Great Lakes Basin Rail Line

"Today is a victory for the people of southern Wisconsin."

Rep. Mark Spreitzer pushes to protect Wisconsin taxpayers

"Due to Governor Walker’s weak negotiating, Wisconsin will be forced to use taxpayer dollars to write Foxconn yearly checks for up to $312 million..."

Rep. Mark Spreitzer statement on Article V convention

"An Article V convention is an untested, uncontrollable, and undemocratic risk that would open Pandora’s Box to rewrite our U.S. Constitution."

Big Agriculture Rewards Legislators

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

Rep. Spreitzer Announces New Program to Attract New Farmers

As Wisconsin’s current farmers age, our economy must find new farmers to take their place.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer’s and Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa’s statement on the withdrawal of federal protections for transgender students

"The reasoning of the Trump administration’s decision in withdrawing federal protections for transgender students is hurtful, discriminatory, and baseless."

Rep. Mark Spreitzer’s statement on redistricting ruling

"Clearly, Republicans will stop at nothing to secure their grip on power."

Donald Trump to Attempt to Fill Stolen U.S. Supreme Court Seat

Time for Elected Officials to Put Patriotism Before Party and Demand Answers for American People Before Trump Allowed to Influence Nation’s High Court for Decades

Rep. Mark Spreitzer’s statement on redistricting ruling

"Today’s order is a victory for all Wisconsin residents."

Rep. Mark Spreitzer reacts to State of the State address

“Wisconsin can and must do better.”

Rep. Mark Spreitzer sworn in for second term, receives committee assignments, takes leadership post

This will be Rep. Spreitzer’s second term in the State Assembly.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer unanimously elected Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair

Rep. Spreitzer will begin his second term representing the 45th Assembly District in Janua

Rep. Barca Statement on Democratic Leader Reelection

“I am honored and humbled by my reelection.”

Rep. Mark Spreitzer’s statement on latest Voter ID rule

“We are a month away from a major election, and there is mounting evidence that voting and voter registration has become chaotic and complicated by design.”

Rep. Mark Spreitzer’s statement on Gov. Walker’s threat

"Governor Walker should immediately retract his comments."

Why buy elections? Why purchase judges? Because Scott Walker asked.

The documents suggest that Governor Walker collaborated and traded favors with lobbyists, third-party shadow groups, and even Donald Trump.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer praises same-sex parentage ruling

“While I’m thankful for this decision, I hope we can codify this decision by passing the MFEA, and bring permanent certainty to Wisconsin families.”

DVDs Cannot Replace Teachers

Ron Johnson’s ideas for schools would lead to less learning, less critical thinking, less global competitiveness.

“To Not Only Survive, But Thrive!”

The mass shooting in Orlando was a tragic reminder of the need for LGBT equality.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer statement on redistricting trial

“To create and protect their own political advantage, Republicans drew some of the most gerrymandered legislative maps in the entire country.”

Contribution to David Crowley of $150

Rep. Spreitzer’s statement on PSC approval of Riverside Energy Center

Rep. Mark Spreitzer released the following statement upon the Public Service Commission’s approval of Alliant Energy’s Riverside Energy Center expansion project near Beloit:

Redistricting reform to get real hearing: APRIL FOOL’S!

The committee will allow only invited guests to speak.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer pushes for meaningful college affordability measures

“Democrats are proposing meaningful assistance and relief to Wisconsinites who have borrowed to fund their education and have a desire to pursue their dreams.”

Rep. Mark Spreitzer opposes elimination of SRDs

“Nothing good happens at 2 a.m. in the legislature.”

Rep. Mark Spreitzer proposes halt to legislative frenzy

On February 16, the State Assembly will consider 110 bills while the State Senate will consider 47.

Rep. Mark Spreitzer pushes back against attacks on local control, environment

“I promise to continue the fight for local control and to preserve our shared environment.”

Assembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388

Bills Will Have a Devastating Impact on Wisconsin’s Tradition of Clean, Open and Transparent Government

Conservation Voters Convene

Former congressmen Obey and Petri make a League of Conservation Voters fundraiser a stop on their bipartisan road trip.

Rep. Barca Welcomes New Members to Legislature

Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) welcomed seven new Democratic representatives to the Wisconsin State Legislatur