Protect The Press From Bogus Lawsuits
Legal costs can put publications out of business. Other states' laws help stop this.
Oct 14th, 2023
This Is First Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court In Living Memory
Media says court was liberal 15 years ago. Dead wrong. This is a radical change.
Apr 17th, 2023
Opee Awards Honor Open Records Champions
And chastise those who block transparency.
Mar 12th, 2023
Dan Kelly Makes His Case for High Court
'Where do our rights come from?' asks former state Supreme Court justice. 'God!'
Feb 10th, 2023
Public Still Paying for Gableman Probe
Taxpayers paying for court fights by Vos and Republicans to hide records, pushing total cost to $2 million.
Feb 1st, 2023
Vote, Your Neighbors Are Watching, GOP Flyer Warns
A 'creepy' Republican ploy 'to guilt-trip residents of a long-term care facility into voting.'
Nov 2nd, 2022
Open Records Law Treated With Contempt
Both Vos and Gableman cited for contempt of court for trashing open records law.
Jul 4th, 2022
Could Sleepy State Office Nix Wisconsin’s Pick for President?
GOP candidate for Secretary of State says job gives veto power over presidential election.
Jun 15th, 2022
Open Records Imperiled in Wisconsin
Led by Robin Vos, public officials more likely to obstruct open records requests.
Mar 16th, 2022
State Lawmakers Want Records of Misconduct Hidden
Assembly members are fighting to keep personal misconduct records confidential.
Jul 29th, 2021
Open Records Fees Discourage Government Transparency
Public record custodians can charges thousands of dollars to process a public records request.
Apr 2nd, 2021
Both Parties Delay on Open Records
Long delays by state officials to open records requests have been the norm for the last decade.
Dec 2nd, 2020
Remembering Mark Anthony Role
Late great Native American writer from Wisconsin leaves a legacy of thoughtful columns.
Nov 28th, 2020
More Police Transparency Needed
Law allows unnecessary delays for release of data.
Jul 1st, 2020
Public Bodies Find New Ways to Meet
State and local governments meeting virtually; no complaints from public about access.
Apr 6th, 2020
Opee Awards For Open Records Leaders
Plaudits for Abrahamson, others. A “Nopee” for secretive state Legislature.
Mar 16th, 2020
Robin Vos Stonewalls on Public Records
John Q. Public can’t get anything from Assembly Speaker
Dec 1st, 2019
Evers Should Get Religion on Open Records
Recent statements and foot dragging by governor’s staff raise questions about transparency.
Nov 14th, 2019
‘Shhh! It’s a Secret…’
Legislators’ refusal to release records violates law, requires legal challenges.
Nov 2nd, 2019
Evers Can Do Better On Openness
Evers Administration excludes right-wing news service from receiving media notifications and shutdown a website to track open records requests.
Oct 2nd, 2019
About Those UW Free Speech Violations
Not one violation on 26 campuses of UW Regents’ policy. But legislators want to pass tough law.
Aug 27th, 2019
State Agencies Give Zero Days for Comment
Evers Administration uses lame duck law to make policy changes with no chance for public comments.
Aug 14th, 2019
Racine Officials Hid Public Records
And spent $18,000 in taxpayer dollars to do it. The public trust has been violated.
Feb 6th, 2019
Check Candidates’ Stance on Open Records
If they want your vote, shouldn’t they support transparency in government?
Sep 3rd, 2018
Don’t Chip Away at Open Records Law
Access to public information should not be limited based on who's requesting it.
Jun 5th, 2018
Opees Honor Good Deeds and Bad
Freedom of Information Council's awards go to Gov. Walker and several journalists.
Mar 9th, 2018
New Battles Over Open Records
Suits by citizens now trying to restrict public information.
Oct 2nd, 2017
Legislators Can Destroy Public Records
Because they exempted themselves from the open records law they passed.
Jun 30th, 2017
Public’s Trust Abused on Police Videos
Flynn, Barrett gave misleading statements on Sylville Smith video, yet it still hasn’t been released.
Dec 29th, 2016
Some Legislators Still Crave Secrecy
Some routinely destroy correspondence and other materials, making government less open.
Jun 29th, 2016
A Tough Year for Transparency
State leaders have worked to restrict open records and succeeded in several ways.
Dec 29th, 2015
Back Open Government? Prove It!
Assembly voted 96-1 for resolution backing open government, but legislators continue to look for ways to limit it.
Oct 1st, 2015
Legislators’ Shocking Attack on Open Government
Budget provision with no author will decimate open records rules for legislature. It will pass unless there is an outcry from legislators.
Jul 3rd, 2015
UW Shouldn’t Hide Finalist Names
Provision slipped into budget allows universities to hide names of top candidates for key positions. No other state agencies enjoy this exemption.
Jul 2nd, 2015
How Political Money Corrupts
A columnist says goodbye with thoughts about our money-driven political system and what can be done about it.
May 20th, 2015
State Public Employment Lowest in 20 Years
And yes, those background checks on guns do catch felons.
May 13th, 2015
Did Doe Investigators Trash the Rule of Law?
National Review and Fox News run stories about "fascist midnight raids." Are they right?
May 6th, 2015
State Crackdown on Food Stamp Fraud
12-fold increase in recipients suspended under Walker. Critics assail it as politically motivated.
May 4th, 2015
Walker Has Access to Unlimited Donations
By not declaring for presidency he can grab unlimited donations to his "ideas" committee and a separate, super PAC.
Apr 29th, 2015
New Party For the Politically Homeless?
Mike McCabe, former head of WI Democracy Campaign, launches political party that's "neither elephant nor ass."
Apr 22nd, 2015
Prison Guard Fired for Sexually Harassing Inmates
State Department of Corrections releases records of this seven months after they were requested.
Apr 16th, 2015
Did Judge Violate Disclosure Law?
Circuit Court judge rules on case involving city police he was paid to give training sessions, yet he didn't disclose this.
Apr 15th, 2015
Campaign Finance Laws Will Be Rewritten
Court decisions have made them outdated. Some fear new rules will allow unlimited spending.
Apr 9th, 2015
Did Walker Cave In to Hunting Lobby?
Chronic Wasting Disease in deer is at all-time high because of changes in how DNR handles it.
Apr 2nd, 2015
Battle Over Iron Mine Leaves Scars
The battle "tore the community apart" for mine that was never going to happen, Jauch charges.
Mar 18th, 2015
Justice Bradley Has Republican-Leaning Challenger
April election pits 20-year liberal incumbent against circuit court judge getting Republican Party support.
Mar 11th, 2015
Campaign Lies Difficult to Prosecute
Law against flagrantly false campaign ads makes prosecution difficult.
Mar 4th, 2015
Walker’s Christmas Tree Budget
The budget has a flock of non-financial items -- 58 in all -- that will quietly change state polices.
Feb 25th, 2015
Don’t Let UW Hide Research Records
Walker's budget adds a blanket exemption that would allow UW to deny public record requests on controversial research, conflicts of interest or how tax dollars are spent.
Feb 18th, 2015
Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session
That's about $150,000 for each of the 380 bills that became law.
Feb 17th, 2015
Did Sen. Tiffany Lie On Political Fliers?
Northwoods dispute over local elections leads to legal complaint filed against the Republican legislator.
Feb 4th, 2015
Controversy Over Assembly Members Per Diems
Is the 56% increase in legislators' daily expenses "outrageous" or overdue?
Jan 28th, 2015
The “We Hate Shirley” Amendment
Republicans' constitutional amendment to end seniority as method to choose chief justice is a shot at Shirley Abrahamson, opponents argue.
Jan 20th, 2015
State Spending on Outside Services Soars
Spending on outside contracts was $451 million in 2014, up 56% since 2010, when Gov. Walker took office.
Jan 13th, 2015
Milwaukee Has Two-Thirds of State’s Gun Killings
76 of 111 victims in 2014 were in Milwaukee. Blacks were 20 times more likely to die in gun homicides.
Jan 12th, 2015
Walker Sees End to Massive Spending on Gov’s Race
The 2014 race and its total of $60 million in campaign donations, won't be repeated, he assures reporter.
Jan 6th, 2015
Walker Won’t Rule Out Signing Right to Work
In a wide-ranging interview Tuesday with WCIJ, governor declines to take a stand on numerous issues.
Dec 30th, 2014
Twas A Night In Wisconsin
Tis the season for a wry, poetic reflection on Wisconsin politics.
Dec 23rd, 2014
State Fights Plan to Cut Carbon Emissions
Plan would cut emissions by 34% and costs for state, Walker administration figures show. So why the resistance?
Dec 17th, 2014
State Prisons Reducing Use of Solitary Confinement?
New policy outlined by state official says prisoner "segregation" not effective for disciplining or rehabilitating inmates.
Dec 10th, 2014
The Long Arms of Scott Jensen
Former Assembly Speaker, now a school choice lobbyist, targeted six Democrats with negative ads that never mentioned the issue.
Dec 3rd, 2014
The Wealth of Wisconsin’s Senate & House Members
10 members of state's congressional delegation worth between $54 million and $171 million, new research group shows.
Nov 25th, 2014
GAB Judges Return Fire Against Vos
They defend GAB leader Kevin Kennedy, criticize Vos and say no legislative changes in ethics and elections board are needed.
Nov 19th, 2014
Advocates Say State Not Serious About Drunken Driving
Four members of state task force on drunk driving resigned, calling it "a hollow process." Meanwhile legislative bills on issue have gone nowhere. Second story in a series.
Nov 12th, 2014
GOP Had More Campaign Cash — And Votes
Republican victories weren't about redistricting, but about more votes. But they did have a huge cash advantage.
Nov 11th, 2014
Why Wisconsin Has Weak Laws on Drunken Driving
Legislators reject tougher penalties, even for repeat offenders. First of a series.
Nov 10th, 2014
Walker Has Huge Cash Advantage
He's raised $24.5 million compared to Burke's $15.5 million, with twice as much of his donations coming from out of state.
Oct 29th, 2014
Billionaire Sheldon Adelson Gives $650,000 to State GOP
Most of last minute campaign donation may go to Gov. Walker, who made trip to Las Vegas to woo the casino magnate.
Oct 27th, 2014
38,000 TV Ads in Governor’s Race
And still rising, with percentage of negative ads higher than in nearly any state, study shows.
Oct 21st, 2014
How Rivals for Governor, Attorney General Would Handle Drunken Driving
Only Burke calls for making first-offense OWI a crime in Wisconsin.
Oct 16th, 2014
Pols Raise Cash Behind Closed Doors
Both parties have ever-more secret fundraisers attended by lobbyists and insiders who influence state policy.
Oct 15th, 2014
Wisconsin Lags on Alternative Energy
Conservative businessman Matt Neumann blasts Republicans for state's "rotten" record on renewable energy.
Oct 8th, 2014
Underdogs for Congress
Only one congressional race is (barely) competitive in Wisconsin. The seven incumbents have a 14-1 advantage in campaign cash.
Oct 1st, 2014
State Falls Behind on Energy Conservation
Walker administration is years behind in enacting new energy conservation standards for buildings. Second in a series.
Sep 30th, 2014
Walker Administration Lets Building and Safety Codes Slip
Critics say anti-regulatory bent means state hasn't addressed potential hazards and adapted cost-saving advances. First of a series.
Sep 29th, 2014
Mike McCabe Blasts Both Parties
“We have one party that is scary and another that is scared,” writes Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, in his new book.
Sep 17th, 2014
Lawmakers Demand Response to Allegations of Inmate Abuse
Milwaukee Democrats call on the Department of Corrections to respond to allegations of abuse at Waupun Correctional Institution.
Sep 15th, 2014
Redistricting Success Story?
Rep. Amy Loudenbeck’s margin of victory was almost exactly what strategists redrawing the boundaries predicted.
Sep 11th, 2014
Will TV Political Ads Get More Scrutiny?
New FCC rule may make it easer to track the many thousands of ads that will run this fall.
Aug 27th, 2014
Attorney General Race Could Be a Sizzler
Happ's dramatic victory sets up clash between two county DAs.
Aug 25th, 2014
Where Does All That Campaign Cash Go?
Scott Walker, Mary Burke campaign cash buying more than just ads.
Aug 13th, 2014
The Biggest Lobbyists in the State
Anti-tax group, Wisconsin Property Taxes Inc. led the way this year, followed by WMC and big hospitals group.
Aug 6th, 2014
State Prisons “Routinely Engage in Torture,” Group Claims
Faith-based advocacy group asks Gov. Walker to investigate allegations of prisoner abuse at Waupun.
Jul 31st, 2014
Brett Hulsey’s Crazy Campaign for Governor
The unorthodox Democrat says he will be the next governor, but he's invisible in the polls.
Jul 30th, 2014
State Officials Rethinking Use of Solitary Confinement
Other states are reforming. Some argue it's torture. Part 2 of series.
Jul 24th, 2014
Most of Walker’s Support from Outside Wisconsin
Just 46% of his campaign donations from Wisconsin residents versus 73% for Burke.
Jul 24th, 2014
Waupun Prison Guards Accused of Abusing Dozens of Inmates
Many of prisoners are from Milwaukee; critics call for an investigation. Part 1 of a series.
Jul 23rd, 2014
John Doe Probe is Not About Good vs. Bad
It's really a legal issue that courts must settle: can campaigns coordinate with outside advocacy groups?
Jul 16th, 2014
Democrats Blast GOP Opponent for Attorney General
Was Brad Schimel lax in prosecuting alleged pay to play or are Democratic AG candidates blowing smoke?
Jul 9th, 2014
Are John Doe Subjects Still Coordinating?
Scott Walker says they did nothing wrong. Will he coordinate with "independent" groups in upcoming campaign?
Jul 3rd, 2014
Campaign Coordination With Outside Groups is Common
Study says Walker's coordination with independent groups doesn't compare to some other states.
Jul 2nd, 2014
Gun Bill Dies Without Shots Being Fired
Despite overwhelming support for bill toughening penalties for felony firearms offenses, Alberta Darling and Republicans give up on it.
Jun 25th, 2014
Two Parties Have Wildly Different Platforms
Annual conventions show Democrats and Republicans now have dramatically different philosophies.
Jun 18th, 2014
The Changing Legislature
Study finds turnover of lawmakers has increased but challenges in party primaries have greatly declined.
Jun 11th, 2014
Gun Bills Fail, Shots Fly
Chief Flynn implores legislature to pass bill targeting illegal gun possession. Will Republicans respond?
Jun 4th, 2014
John Doe Ruling Opens Door To Dark Money
Wealthy groups with unnamed donors could coordinate campaign ads with candidates they favor.
May 22nd, 2014
Lobbyists Oppose Various Bills Limiting Voting
Bills with photo ID, limiting absentee voting, making it tougher to register -- got scant support from lobbyists.
May 14th, 2014
Mary Burke, Underdog Millionaire
She's raked in $1.8 million but is still far behind Walker in fundraising.
May 7th, 2014
Republicans Should Retain Legislature This Fall
Democrats hope to retake Senate but their chances don't look good.
Apr 23rd, 2014
Say Goodbye to the Party of Lincoln
State Sen. Dale Schultz retires, shaking his head at how the Republican Party has changed.
Apr 15th, 2014
Big Money Backfires in Local Elections
Attempts by Koch Brothers and other outsiders to outspend locals and elect friendly parties doesn't work.
Apr 8th, 2014
The Lobbyist Law Nobody Likes
Except the WMC business lobby and Realtors Association, who are glad Walker signed it.
Apr 2nd, 2014
Why Reform of Unemployment Comp Failed
Health care lobbyists kill bill that would have cut program's medical costs.
Mar 27th, 2014
Why Open Records Are Important
Moves to make government records less accessible are well-meant -- but wrong.
Mar 19th, 2014
Bill Requiring Background Check On Gun Buyers Won’t Pass
92% of poll respondents favor it, but a high percentage of Wisconsin legislators disagree.
Mar 12th, 2014
Locals Can’t Prevent Huge Broadcast Towers
Rule quietly tucked into state budget ends local power to restrict broadcast towers.
Mar 4th, 2014
Will Grothman Kill Mental Health Reform Bill?
Bill has overwhelming bipartisan support but Sen. Grothman runs committee that can stall it.
Feb 25th, 2014
How Walker Handled Open Records Request
Emails show his staff irked by requests and responding slowly, except when it benefits Walker.
Feb 21st, 2014
Why Switch to Nonpartisan Redistricting?
Packed meeting at state Capitol hears experts testify on Iowa's system and why it's fairer and cheaper for taxpayers.
Feb 20th, 2014
$32 Million Spent Lobbying State Legislators in 2013
End of year reports also show Walker raised three times more campaign dollars than Burke.
Feb 12th, 2014
State Hires Company That Screwed-Up Voter Registration System
Walker administration gives $59 million IT contract to Accenture, which won headlines for its poor work under Doyle.
Feb 5th, 2014
We Don’t Want Your Stinking Drones
A (gasp) bipartisan bill to protect privacy from drones raises interesting issues.
Jan 29th, 2014
Lawton Takes Aim at Campaign Cash
Former Lt Governor will run national group pushing for campaign finance reform.
Jan 23rd, 2014
State Spending Now an Open Book
Web site tracking state spending is a font of information, not all of it useful.
Jan 14th, 2014
Walker’s No-Pardon Stance Is Risky
He argues it's a matter of principle not to undermine judicial system. Will the decision hurt him in an election?
Jan 7th, 2014
Walker Says Campaign Cash Corrupts
At least if it comes from unions. As to other reforms in campaign finance, he's elusive.
Dec 31st, 2013
Money Flow to Politicians Never Stops
The past year has seen union coffers decline, while other donors keep the cash coming.
Dec 26th, 2013
Will Walker Veto Bill on Schools Using Indian Names?
He offers sympathy to both sides while reiterating his goal for job growth.
Dec 18th, 2013
Talk is Cheap on John Doe Probe
Are conservatives trying to smear the investigators probing Walker's reelection campaign and third party groups?
Dec 10th, 2013
The Legislature’s Unfinished Business
Bills still waiting deal with background checks for gun sales, campaign finance, drone attacks, and woodchuck hunting.
Dec 3rd, 2013
Finally, Something the Parties Agree On
Republican and Democratic legislators both support tax credits to rehab old buildings, but cost could be high.
Nov 26th, 2013
Citizens Demand Action on Redistricting
Emails from the public to Republican legislators overwhelmingly support reform, but GOP won't budge.
Nov 19th, 2013
Walker’s Book is Very Revealing
There are fascinating sections, including Walker giving staff a top ten list ridiculing public workers.
Nov 12th, 2013
New Bill Would Make Asbestos Suits More Difficult
GOP legislators say law needed to protect builders, manufacturers from "double dipper" plaintiffs.
Nov 6th, 2013
Is Republican Reid Ribble a (Gasp) Moderate?
The state's only GOP member of congress voting to raise debt ceiling explains why.
Oct 30th, 2013
Will Mary Burke Spend Big?
Democrats hope she'll spend plenty of her personal wealth in the race against Scott Walker, but she's giving mixed signals.
Oct 22nd, 2013
Obamacare Haters Help People Sign Up
State's Republican politicians who oppose law are helping enroll their constituents.
Oct 9th, 2013
An Army of Poll Workers
Nearly 35,000 workers handle Wisconsin's elections. GOP wants to tinker with system.
Oct 2nd, 2013
We Want Better Wages!
Workers pressure Family Dollar for higher wages, right to unionize.
Sep 26th, 2013
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.
Sep 18th, 2013
Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change
Republicans join Koch Brothers, opposing actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Sep 12th, 2013
We Want Redistricting Reform!
Newspapers and good government groups across the state are pressing Republicans to adopt a non-partisan method of redistricting.
Sep 4th, 2013
Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill
Mandatory three-year term for illegal gun possession has support of Flynn and Barrett. But will it pass?
Aug 28th, 2013
Buried in Campaign Contributions
How the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign methodically tracks the countless contributors and millions in campaign donations.
Aug 21st, 2013
Governor Walker Shapes State Labor Board
All three appointees on little known, powerful labor board now appointed by Republican Governor
Aug 15th, 2013
Lobbyists Spend $17 Million on Legislature
Despite 96% drop in union spending, 600 groups spent $17 million on bills they favored in 2013.
Aug 5th, 2013
Millions in Out-of-State Donations for Walker
For true believers with ready pocketbooks, he is America's governor.
Jul 31st, 2013
Why is Anti-Abortion Lobby So Powerful?
Despite spending far less than groups like Planned Parenthood, Pro-Lifers keep winning legislative battles.
Jul 24th, 2013
Walker Spent Almost $1 Million on Outside Counsel
He's now ending pact with Michael Best firm, which advised on Act 10 legislation.
Jul 22nd, 2013
Feingold’s Progressive Front
His Progressives United group gives more than $1 million to political candidates.
Jul 11th, 2013
Fun With Budget Numbers
An insider's take on the state budget and how it was put together.
Jul 3rd, 2013
Public School Staff Hasn’t Declined
Despite state changes, Wisconsin schools held steady last year, but are down by 5,200 positions since 2009.
Jun 26th, 2013
Legislators Blast UW Yet Again
Legislators accuse officials of "flagrant violations" for continuing to use Internet service provider WiscNet.
Jun 19th, 2013
An Attack on Student Journalism?
What lesson does legislators attack on the Center for Investigative Journalism teach young journalists?
Jun 11th, 2013
Did Public TV Censor Koch Film?
After David Koch withdrew his offer to donate to public TV, a public TV group withdrew support for documentary film about him.
Jun 5th, 2013
Legislators’ Double Standard on Food Bans
One budget provision regulates how food stamps are spent and another prohibits local governments from any regulations on how food and beverages are sold.
May 28th, 2013
School Choice Lobby Spends $10 Million
Choice supporters donated $2.8 million to state candidates and $7 million for electioneering activities, according to nonpartisan watchdog group.
May 22nd, 2013
Loading Up the Budget With Policy and Pork
In violation of his campaign promise, Walker's budget has 58 policy or non-monetary items and 15 pieces of pork.
May 15th, 2013
Hey Ho, Palermo’s Gotta Go
Protestors pressure UW to end relationship with Palermo's Pizza in Milwaukee, citing its labor violations.
May 8th, 2013
State Takes Passive Approach as Fatal Deer Disease Spreads
Chronic Wasting Disease has risen tenfold but state has cutback testing of deer. Is political pressure to blame?
May 1st, 2013
Triumph of the Koch Brothers
An award-winning documentary and a new book both describe how public unions were crushed in Wisconsin.
Apr 25th, 2013
Huh? Lobbying Spending Drops In Wisconsin
After rising steadily for 10 years, dollars spent lobbying the legislature declined in 2011-2012. Why?
Apr 18th, 2013
Act 10 Hits Jail Employees
Counties across Wisconsin are slashing benefits for correctional employees, but some sheriffs say it's causing staffing problems.
Apr 15th, 2013
Legislation You Should Worry About
A tax handout to TV and radio stations and more restrictions on wind power are among some questionable new bills.
Apr 11th, 2013
State Doctors Rake in Millions from Drug Companies
Data base shows pharmaceutical companies gave $10 million in speaking fees, meals and gifts to WI doctors.
Apr 4th, 2013
Spending Lower in High Court Race
Unlike the last four races, this one won't cost $4 million or so. Why is spending down?
Mar 27th, 2013
Rent-To-Own Industry Wants Less Disclosure
Seeks to overturn law making it disclose interests rates. Industry supported Gov. Walker, who backs the change.
Mar 20th, 2013
How Former Lawmakers Cash In
16 ex-lawmakers -- including former Assembly speakers and Senate majority leaders -- make big money lobbying the legislature.
Mar 18th, 2013
State Department Has Not-So-Open Records
Department of Administration takes a long time to respond to records requests, especially from journalists.
Mar 13th, 2013
Concealed Carry Law Shields Law Breakers
Law protects identities of felons, abusers and fugitives, and makes it difficult to study impact of concealed carry.
Mar 12th, 2013
Roggensack’s Recusal Policy at Issue in High Court Race
She has an "astounding disregard for legal ethics," the New York Times declared.
Mar 6th, 2013
A Wiser Prison Policy
Alternatives to prison cost less and are more effective, as a new group lobbying the legislature contends.
Feb 27th, 2013
Did State Pick the Wrong Bidder?
Skyward rose to become the biggest student information system provider. But the Wisconsin business lost a state bid to a Minnesota company.
Feb 21st, 2013
High Court Race May Cost Millions
Roggensack's reelection effort will determine if Supreme Court retains a conservative majority. Millions could be spent on both sides.
Feb 13th, 2013
The Money Behind the Mining Bill
Is it $15 million in campaign contributions? The tally is inexact, but it's way more than environmentalists donate.
Feb 7th, 2013
A Solution to Our Billion-Dollar Democracy
11 states support a constitutional amendment to overthrow Supreme Court decision allowing unrestrained campaign spending. What about Wisconsin?
Jan 30th, 2013
The Secret Lobbyists
Lobbyists must register to lobby the legislature but can work in secret to get the big money from government contracts. Why?
Jan 24th, 2013
What’s Stopping Tougher Drunk Driving Laws
The cost of enforcement has been estimated at $200 million annually, but some scoff at this figure.
Jan 18th, 2013
The Rising Cost of State’s Outside Contractors
Wisconsin spent more on outside contractors than any year since 2004.
Jan 10th, 2013
Republicans Will Oppose Gun Controls
There may be national outrage on the issue, but Gov. Walker and others oppose changes.
Jan 7th, 2013
Walker Backs Transparency in Campaign Funding
He's open -- in theory - to changes that address the problem of "dark money" in elections.
Jan 2nd, 2013
Walker Will Veto Same-Day Registration Ban
Governor says if there is "any cost" to ending same-day voter registration, he will veto the bill.
Dec 20th, 2012
Sullivan’s Travels
Former Bucyrus CEO Tim Sullivan isn't a registered lobbyist, but runs around promoting a mining bill while accepting a paid post with a mining company.
Dec 12th, 2012
A Call for Redistricting Reform
Given the distorted election results, good government groups want to reform the process of redistricting.
Dec 5th, 2012
Mining Bill Compromise?
State Sen. Dale Schultz expects this. But will his Republican party colleagues play along?
Nov 28th, 2012
