With Budget Debate Looming, Assembly Fills Remainder of Powerful Finance Committee
Rep. Mark Born and Sen. Howard Marklein will continue to chair JFC.
Dec 19th, 2024
‘We Still Hold the Majority’ Wisconsin GOP Senate President Warns
Are there any issues where Republicans and Democrats are likely to agree?
Dec 18th, 2024
Wisconsin Senate Democrats Plan To Work Across The Aisle
With major gains in the number of seats, Democrats see opportunity.
Dec 13th, 2024
Minority Leader Neubauer Believes Democrat’s Gains Will Change Assembly
Republicans will be forced to take up a number of "really popular issues" they've previously sidelined.
Dec 12th, 2024
As DEI Efforts Targeted, DPI Leader Wins Diversity Award
Superintendent Jill Underly notes challenges facing minority, LGBTQ+ students.
Dec 9th, 2024
Legislative Committee Considers Artificial Intelligence Regulations
The pitfalls and potential of AI; possible legislative guard rails and state investments.
Dec 8th, 2024
State Superintendent Underly Seeks Reelection, Faces Challenger
Her opponent is Democrat and Sauk Prairie schools superintendent Jeff Wright.
Dec 7th, 2024
Proponents Say Universal School Meals Could Help Wisconsin’s Schools
State survey finds students with grades of D’s or F’s more likely to report going hungry.
Nov 28th, 2024
Legislative Committee Studying Whether To Create Long-Term Youth Psychiatric Care Facilities
Seventy-eight children were placed out of state for care in 2023.
Nov 22nd, 2024
Greta Neubauer Reelected as Assembly Minority Leader
Democrats gained 10 seats, the largest increase in more than half a century.
Nov 20th, 2024
Superintendent Jill Underly Proposes Lead Water Removal Program For Schools
Milwaukee has already targeting replacing lead service lines serving schools.
Nov 15th, 2024
Kaul Says DOJ Will Defend Wisconsin’s Rights Following Trump Election
Attorney General will fight any threats to 'the freedoms of Wisconsinites.'
Nov 10th, 2024
U.S. Supreme Court Declines RFK Jr’s Request To Get Off Wisconsin Ballot
Kennedy has endorsed Trump, but only after applying to appear on Wisconsin ballot.
Oct 30th, 2024
GOP-Connected Super PAC Spending To Help Jill Stein’s Candidacy
Green Party candidate is viewed as potential spoiler to Harris.
Oct 28th, 2024
Committee Discusses Separating UW-Madison From Rest of System
Part of larger discussion about future of system, including funding.
Oct 25th, 2024
Green Bay Area Congressional Race is Test of Power of Trump Endorsement
Open seat features former gas station chain owner and OB-GYN.
Oct 20th, 2024
DLCC Spotlights 14 Democratic Candidates for State Legislature
National group helps with funding, messaging; goal is Democratic Assembly takeover.
Sep 18th, 2024
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups File Federal Complaint Against Kettle Moraine Schools
Charging school district created 'hostile environment for trans and nonbinary kids.'
Sep 10th, 2024
MPS Pushed to Bring Back Police Officers In Schools
Pressure from DPI, legislators. Union says this will cause more student arrests, suspensions.
Sep 9th, 2024
Most Wisconsinites Oppose Criminalizing Abortion, Poll Finds
78%, including 57% of Republicans, do not want abortion criminalized before fetal viability.
Sep 5th, 2024
MPS Failures Result In GOP-Called Audit of DPI
GOP-controlled committee moves to audit DPI practices, DNR fish and wildlife account.
Aug 30th, 2024
Regents Approve UW President Rothman’s $855 million Budget
Budget comes as state investment in system continues to fall.
Aug 23rd, 2024
Most Incumbents Beat Challengers in State Legislature Primaries
Wisconsin had the most contested Assembly primary races since 2012.
Aug 14th, 2024
Wisconsin Student Mental Health Issues Persist, DPI Report Finds
35% of students reported experiencing depression, 20% reported self harm.
Aug 3rd, 2024
Lawmakers Approve Funding, Positions for Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center
Joint Finance Committee finally acts after holding up request for six months.
Jul 23rd, 2024
Gov. Evers Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris
Says he's 'excited' to endorse her and she can beat Donald Trump in race for president.
Jul 22nd, 2024
Wisconsin RNC Delegation Puts Differences Aside on Abortion
'Unity is the key word' after shooting, even on hot button issue of abortion.
Jul 16th, 2024
Study Committee Will Consider Future of UW System
Declining enrollment and fiscal constraints among the issues being considered.
Jul 14th, 2024
WI Pro-Life Groups Criticize RNC Platform For Dropping Federal Abortion Ban
Accusing GOP of weakening position on abortion for political expediency.
Jul 9th, 2024
Disability Rights Wisconsin Faces Huge Funding Cut
Federal funding for victim advocacy program slashed.
Jun 30th, 2024
On 2nd Anniversary of Dobbs Ruling, Democrats Say Abortion Rights Still Key Issue
Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, causing 1849 law to go into effect in Wisconsin until challenged.
Jun 24th, 2024
Wisconsin Democrats Rally Around High Stakes 2024 Election
But state convention shows division, protest against Baldwin on Israel-Palestine issue.
Jun 10th, 2024
Evers Urges Legislators to Release Funds for Communities Losing UW Branches
Legislature passed budget with $20 million for economic loss due to campus closures.
May 25th, 2024
Evers Requests Release of $25 Million for Child Care and Tourism
Yet another battle between governor and Republican legislators over funding allocations.
May 22nd, 2024
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
May 18th, 2024
Republicans Fail To Override Any of Evers’ Vetoes
Two-day review session ends without any formal attempts.
May 17th, 2024
Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes
Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.
May 15th, 2024
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference Explores Issue Amid Attacks
DEI has 'become so politicized and used as wedges to divide people.'
May 12th, 2024
DPI Disagrees With Legislature Over Literacy Program Implementation
Law was signed last July, but parties at odds on implementation.
May 3rd, 2024
UW-Platteville Vacating Richland Campus
Democrats blame Republicans for cutting UW system funding.
Apr 28th, 2024
Two Wisconsin Lawmakers Push “Right To Contraception” At State and Federal Levels
Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Rep. Lisa Subeck say protection would ensure personal autonomy.
Apr 25th, 2024
Seclusion and Restraint Incidents Down Slightly at Schools in 2022-23
But still affects thousands of students in Wisconsin; nearly 80% of them are disabled.
Apr 24th, 2024
UW Campuses Face Challenging Financial Futures, Reports Show
Wisconsin's funding for public universities ranks 42nd in the nation.
Apr 14th, 2024
Trump Endorses Former Gas Station Owner for 8th Congressional District
Trump calls on Republican state Sen. Roger Roth to drop out of race for open seat.
Apr 10th, 2024
Gov. Evers Vetoes PFAS Bill, Calls Special Meeting of Budget Committee
Governor urges GOP legislators to release budgeted funds for PFAS and hospitals.
Apr 10th, 2024
School Districts Take Stock of Referendum Results
Across state, 56 of 93 of April ballot requests for more money passed.
Apr 8th, 2024
OB-GYN Dr. Kristin Lyerly Enters Race for 8th Congressional District
Democrat running in open seat held by retiring Republican Mike Gallagher.
Apr 7th, 2024
Hmong and Asian American Histories Now Required Subjects in Wisconsin Schools
Evers signs bipartisan law requiring such instruction in state schools.
Apr 7th, 2024
Evers Vetoes Nursing Licensure Bill
Evers, Republicans couldn't agree on supervision requirements.
Apr 5th, 2024
GOP Leaders Urge Gov. Evers to Sign Divisive PFAS Bill
It provides funding but restricts Wisconsin DNR's enforcement powers against polluters.
Apr 2nd, 2024
Evers Aggressively Uses Veto Pen on Republican Bills
Governor blocks proposals related to wolves, income tax cuts and school licensing.
Mar 30th, 2024
State Department of Revenue Secretary Barca Will Resign in April
Peter Barca, a political veteran, is reportedly eyeing a congressional race.
Mar 29th, 2024
Wisconsin Is First State Approved For New Summer Youth Aid Program
Federal program aims to feed childen when schools are closed.
Mar 29th, 2024
85 School Districts Asking Voters for $1.4 Billion Funding
April ballot referendums driven by rising costs and inadequate state funding, officials say.
Mar 28th, 2024
Evers Signs Bills Addressing Judges’ Safety and Human Sex Trafficking
29 bills signed by governor also address school safety and crime victims.
Mar 28th, 2024
Evers Signs Legislation To Protect Students From Strip Searches
'Being treated with dignity and basic privacy is something every student should expect.'
Mar 23rd, 2024
Seclusion and Restraint of Kids in Wisconsin Schools
Nearly 13,000 incidents reported in 2021-22. ‘Districts should not torture children.’
Mar 18th, 2024
Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments
Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'
Mar 13th, 2024
Republican Committee Rejects DPI Reading Curriculum Recommendations
Stroebel defends shorter list. DPI says legislators didn't thoroughly review curriculum.
Mar 12th, 2024
Republican Senator Joins Democrats Against Transgender Sports Bill
Sen. Joan Ballweg cites higher rate of depression, suicide for transgender youth.
Mar 10th, 2024
State Democrats Make Push To Codify Right To Birth Control
But Republicans aren't expected to advance proposal.
Mar 8th, 2024
New Life For Bill Aimed To Help Missing, Murdered Black Women
Committee switch creates pathway to passage, possible task force.
Mar 7th, 2024
State Sen. André Jacque Will Run for Open 8th Congressional District
Sets up GOP primary against former Sen. Roger Roth. Several Democrats mulling a run.
Mar 4th, 2024
Lawmakers Release $32 Million They Previously Withheld From UW System
Money was previously cut by GOP legislators as part of DEI fight.
Feb 29th, 2024
Why Legislature Won’t Create Task Force on Missing Black Women & Girls
Wisconsin has worst rate of Black females murdered or missing. One senator opposes bill.
Feb 28th, 2024
Assembly Passes Constitutional Amendment To Limit Evers’ Veto Power
After school funding move, amendment would block Governor from increasing funding.
Feb 21st, 2024
Republicans’ Medical Marijuana Bill Is Likely Dead
Election-year proposal doesn't find support in Senate.
Feb 18th, 2024
Assembly Passes Bill To Protect Judges’ Privacy
Proponents say it protects judge's when at home, opponents say it limits free speech.
Feb 16th, 2024
Assembly Committee Votes To Overhaul Voucher School Funding
Governor Evers has already signaled his opposition.
Feb 15th, 2024
GOP Senators Pass Parental Bill of Rights
And reject free school meals. Bill passed earlier by Senate next goes to governor.
Feb 14th, 2024
Budget Committee Approves $2 Billion Tax Cut, UW Funding
Proposal now heads to Assembly, but will Evers sign bills?
Feb 8th, 2024
Republicans Seek to Ban DEI Statements ‘Once and For All’
But proposed bill could make it harder to hire conservatives at Wisconsin's universities.
Feb 7th, 2024
Evers Signs Bills Releasing UW Pay Hikes
GOP legislators withheld pay raises to force cuts in DEI staff, hirings.
Feb 3rd, 2024
Republicans Seek To Limit Governor’s Veto Power
Proposal follows Evers' school-funding line-item vetoes in latest state budget.
Feb 1st, 2024
Legislative Hearing a Debate Over DEI
Proposed constitutional amendment bars 'preferential treatment' by state offices, universities.
Jan 31st, 2024
Evers Will Offer Free Contraceptives for Badger Care Recipients
Governor proposes state initiatives on mental health and reproductive care.
Jan 24th, 2024
Evers Offers Roadmap for Workforce, Environment and Health Agenda
Vos says governor's State of the State speech 'didn't have a lot of new ideas.'
Jan 24th, 2024
Experts Analyze Medical Marijuana Bill
Based on Minnesota plan, 'one of most restrictive and expensive programs in the country.'
Jan 22nd, 2024
Assembly Passes Broad Parental Rights Bill, Firearm Tracking Ban
Also bills on reciprocal credentialing and expanding definition in statute against strip search.
Jan 21st, 2024
Senate Votes to Fire Evers Appointee from Public Service Commission
Tyler Huebner rejected. Senate also passes electric vehicle, nudity ban and tax cut bills.
Jan 17th, 2024
Senate Leader Shoots Down Government-Run Marijuana Dispensaries
Republicans in Assembly proposed idea. Senate still working on tax cuts.
Jan 12th, 2024
What To Expect in 2024 Legislative Session
Issues could include DEI, child care, medical marijuana and abortion referendum, Assembly leaders say.
Dec 27th, 2023
Evers Signs Bills Overhauling Alcohol Regulation, Driver Ed
Governor also vetoed a handful of election bills.
Dec 7th, 2023
Evers Vetoes Bill Blocking Gender Affirming Medical Care
Governor blocks GOP proposal to ban gender-affirming care for minors.
Dec 6th, 2023
Former Employees of Voucher School Discuss Safety Issues, ‘Third Friday’ Push
HOPE Christian School comes under scrutiny following gym injury.
Dec 5th, 2023
Public Unions Challenge Act 10 In New Lawsuit
Seeing liberal control of court, unions seeking to overturn Scott Walker's signature legislation.
Dec 1st, 2023
Anti-Transgender Bill Would Change Where Inmates Are Held
Bill would require detention in facility that aligns with gender at birth. Gov. Evers promises veto.
Nov 3rd, 2023
Legislative Democrats Propose Legalizing Abortion, Requiring All-Options Counseling
Proposal would repeal restrictions in place before Roe vs. Wade was overturned.
Nov 2nd, 2023
Assembly Bill Would Allow Milwaukee, Other Cities To Count Absentee Ballots Early
Day-before processing seeks to end late night results.
Nov 1st, 2023
Senate Indicates Changes Required For Brewers’ Subsidy
Despite Assembly passage, initial Senate hearing yields plenty of concern.
Oct 26th, 2023
Bipartisan Bill Restarts Driver Education
Funding driver education for first time since 2004, with costs covered for students eligible for free or reduced price lunches.
Oct 25th, 2023
Will Senate Oppose Brewers $546 Million Subsidy?
Easily passed Assembly, but facing bipartisan opposition in the Senate.
Oct 23rd, 2023
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.
Oct 18th, 2023
Bills Targeting Transgender Youth Draw Heated Hearing At Capitol
Gov. Evers has vowed to veto bills.
Oct 5th, 2023
State Superintendent, GOP Legislators Duel Over Education
Underly defends DEI, public schools; Republicans push culture war, school choice.
Sep 25th, 2023
Assembly Approves Tax Cut Bill And 2 Constitutional Amendment Proposals
Legislation would next go to state Senate.
Sep 13th, 2023
Bipartisan Legislative Task Force Takes On Artificial Intelligence
Other task forces will address childhood obesity and human trafficking, Vos announces.
Aug 28th, 2023
Rep. Clancy Says Police Work Has ‘No Dignity Or Value’
Republican legislators call him 'clueless" and 'divisive' as Clancy doubles down.
Aug 21st, 2023
Brewers Continue Push for Stadium Subsidy
Team threatening to move as Republican legislators craft plan including local tax support.
Aug 14th, 2023
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.
Aug 8th, 2023
Judge Dismisses Rep. Brandtjen’s Military Ballot Lawsuit
Criminal case against former Milwaukee election official continues.
Aug 1st, 2023
Vos Defends Country Singer Jason Aldean
Assenbly Speaker 'proudly' backs Aldean, whose new song is accused of glorifying racist ideas, gun violence.
Jul 24th, 2023
Special Election for Assembly Seat Tuesday
Republican Paul Melotik vs Democrat Bob Tatterson for open seat in WOW counties.
Jul 17th, 2023
Republicans Outraged By Evers’ Vetoes
Blasting 'trickery' of 'radical governor,' they vow to 'stand up and fight.'
Jul 7th, 2023
Evers, Vos Argue Over Amended State Budget
Evers reshaped budget with 51 partial vetoes, trades words with Republicans.
Jul 6th, 2023
How Evers Can Change Budget With Partial Vetoes
He could veto top tax bracket cut. He could also veto entire budget bill.
Jul 3rd, 2023
State Leaders, Educators Push Legislators to Fund School Safety
Republicans resist this, though Office of School Safety created in 2018 under Gov. Walker.
Jun 27th, 2023
The Last Hurrah For Rep. Goyke
At his last budget hearing Milwaukee legislator Evan Goyke gets teased and praised.
Jun 25th, 2023
Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills
Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.
Jun 15th, 2023
Bipartisan Bill Allows Pharmacists To Prescribe Birth Control
Shortage of primary-care doctors in many parts of state limits access to birth control.
Jun 7th, 2023
Senate Mulls Milwaukee’s Financial Peril
Struggling to create plan for shared revenue and sales tax that's acceptable to Assembly and Gov. Evers.
May 24th, 2023
GOP Legislators Approve Pay Hike for Prosecutors, Public Defenders
Evers budget called for $35 per hour. Joint Finance plan goes $1 higher.
May 17th, 2023
Is Vos Allowing ‘Bipartisan’ Compromise?
Budget and shared revenue bills don't quite match vision articulated by Assembly Speaker.
May 15th, 2023
Bipartisan Bill Gives Suicide Prevention Grants to Gun Shops
'We lost 888 Wisconsinites last year to suicide,' says Rep. Jesse James.
May 10th, 2023
Dan Knodl Declares Victory in 8th District Senate Race
Democrat Jodi Habush Sinykin hasn't conceded. Republican supermajority at stake.
Apr 5th, 2023
DSPS Secretary, Republicans Debate Licensing Staffing, Backlog
Secretary-designee wants to use its revenue to hire staff, Republicans question backlog, push for fewer licenses.
Mar 31st, 2023
Bipartisan Support For Extending Medicaid Benefits For Postpartum Mothers
Approximately 50 post-partum deaths annually that the Wisconsin health department believes are preventable.
Mar 30th, 2023
Bill Bars State Employees From Promoting Abortion
Democrat assails Republican bill as an attempt to 'gag free speech.'
Mar 28th, 2023
Legislature Weighs Constitutional Amendments To Take Control of Federal Grants
1930s law has given Governor Evers control of how American Rescue Plan Act funding is used.
Mar 17th, 2023
Assembly Passes School Crime, Conversion Therapy Bills
Bill provides no funding for school resource officers. Democrats oppose both bills.
Mar 15th, 2023
Democrats Hold State Budget Listening Session in Milwaukee
Republican leaders scheduled sessions in four cities in state, but not Milwaukee, Madison.
Mar 14th, 2023
Anti-Abortion Groups Unite to Defend State Law
Opposing Vos proposal of exceptions for rape and incest. Working to elect Dan Kelly.
Mar 13th, 2023
Republicans Again Block Student Vaccine Requirements
Legislative body blocks Department of Health Services rules regarding meningitis and chickenpox.
Mar 10th, 2023
Bill Would Ban Shackling of Pregnant Inmates, Create Doula Program
An estimated 58,000 pregnant people are incarcerated every year, and thousands give birth while in custody.
Mar 10th, 2023
Democrats Push Free School Meals Plan
Evers' budget includes $120 million to create 'Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids' program.
Mar 7th, 2023
Republican Legislators May Suspend Vaccine Requirements
Committee may suspend DHS rules for students on chickenpox, meningitis.
Feb 26th, 2023
Will Democratic Ad Boost Election Denier Brandtjen?
Ad in open state Senate race seems designed to help most extreme GOP candidate.
Feb 19th, 2023
Meet The Candidates Seeking Open State Senate Seat
Three Republicans, one Democrat running for seat held by retiring Sen Alberta Darling.
Feb 13th, 2023
Wisconsin Sees Spike in Toxic Shock Syndrome Cases
State officials urge education about tampon use.
Feb 11th, 2023
Republicans May Rewrite Bail Amendment
Legislators passed amendment giving judges more latitude on bail but now want to rewrite it before April election.
Feb 7th, 2023
Momentum Growing For More State Shared Revenue
State flush with cash. One proposal gives one-fifth of sales tax back to local governments.
Feb 6th, 2023
Caucus Kicks Off Black History Month
'Black history is American history,' says a member of the Legislative Black Caucus.
Feb 2nd, 2023
Democrats Offer Abortion Referendum. Again
Asks voters if 1849 ban should be repealed. But referendum must wait for April 2024.
Jan 24th, 2023
Republicans Advance Cash Bail and Welfare Referendum Questions
Both likely to be on April ballot, could influence turnout for state Supreme Court election.
Jan 18th, 2023
Conservative UW-Madison Center Advises School Board Members
Bradley Foundation-funded center's symposium at water park excludes the media.
Jan 9th, 2023
Wisconsin Advocates Urge Congress to Pass Maternal Health Care
Pushing for three maternal health care provisions in year-end omnibus bill.
Dec 19th, 2022
Committee Advances Native American Education Bills
Joint Finance Committee will decide their fate. GOP legislator promises to champion bills.
Dec 14th, 2022
Vos Wants More Than $3.4 Billion in Tax Cuts
With most of it to higher income taxpayers. Legislative leaders offer contrasting views.
Dec 13th, 2022
Madison Planning For Possible Amtrak Expansion
With potential for federal funding, Madison studying six station sites.
Dec 10th, 2022
First Democrat Enters Race To Replace Sen. Darling
Attorney Jodi Habush Sinykin declares for race that already has four Republicans.
Dec 8th, 2022
Crowley Pushes Affordable Care Coverage
Open enrollment deadline for coverage is Dec. 15. Crowley, health officials urge uninsured to sign up.
Dec 7th, 2022
Republican Rep. Knodl Announces Run To Replace Retiring Sen. Darling
Republicans would lose super majority if Democrats take seat.
Dec 2nd, 2022
Ramthun Won’t Rule Out Future Run for Governor
Election denier got just 6% of vote in GOP primary but blames it on negative press.
Nov 29th, 2022
Sen. Alberta Darling Is Retiring
Veteran Republican will resign Dec. 1. Special election will decide if GOP keeps supermajority.
Nov 26th, 2022
Health Officials Urge Flu, COVID-19 Vaccinations Amidst Three-Virus Surge
RSV, flu and COVID-19 cases are all on rise, stressing hospitals.
Nov 17th, 2022
Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership
Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.
Nov 16th, 2022
Legislative Democrats Review Losses, Strategy
Party lost 4 more seats, hopes for compromise on some issues with Republicans.
Nov 14th, 2022
Republicans Don’t Win Veto-Proof Legislature
Had to flip five Assembly seats and one Senate district and fell short.
Nov 9th, 2022
State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races
Why newcomers Ryan Clancy on East Side, Dave Maxey in New Berlin face no opponent.
Nov 8th, 2022
