Dane County

State Dairy Farms Losing Immigrant Workers

51% of workers are immigrants. Trump’s policies threaten needed workers.

Senators Give Themselves 31% Increase

In non-public meeting they approve 31% raise in their per day expenses.

Gov. Walker’s Risky Self-Insurance Scheme: More Chaos and Higher Costs

In a self-insurance model, the state is on the hook for the actual costs and liability of the health care covered employees receive.

Milwaukee Catching Madison On Startups

Two new venture funds could push this city ahead in startup companies.

Let the Public Decide on Medical Marijuana

Introduces legislation calling for statewide referendum

The Last Syrian Refugees Arrive

State has taken in 75,000 refugees since 1970s, but Trump could slam door shut.

Senators Want 31% Hike In Expenses

Republicans want per diem pay raise, but oppose minimum wage increase for state workers.

Fair Housing Council Settles Discrimination Complaint Against Waukesha County

MMFHC’s complaint alleged that Waukesha County engaged in illegal housing discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin.

Most Reversed Judge Of The Year

Judge William Gabler had four cases overturned by higher courts in 2016.

Coalition of Retired Judges to Ask Wisconsin Supreme Court to Adopt Standards to Limit Cash Influence in Judiciary

The retired judges have submitted their petition to the State Supreme Court requesting strong new rules for when judges must disqualify themselves in order to remove even the appearance of bias.

Justice Ziegler, 37 Judges Unopposed

Just 11 of 48 Circuit Court judges face opponents in April Election

League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Releases Election Observation Report

Findings and recommendations

AG Schimel Announces Charges in Megabucks Lottery Fraud

The complaint alleges that the two defendants conspired to win the December 29, 2007, Wisconsin Megabucks lottery game.

Lax Rules Expose Kids To Lead-Tainted Water

Gaps in federal drinking standards leave schools and day care centers untested.

Wisconsin Recount Completed Ahead of Schedule With Relatively Small Changes to Final Totals

Trump’s margin over Clinton increased by 131 votes.

The Truth about Self-Insurance

States like North Carolina have seen a $200+ million budget deficit due to an accumulation of unexpected claims when shifting to a self-insurance model.

An Open Letter from One Wisconsin Now to Rep. Sean Duffy

"To be clear, we support free and fair elections. We think most people in the real world do. The question is, Rep. Duffy, do you?"

Rep. Pocan Calls Out Rep. Duffy for Saying Madison is a Communist Community that does not Believe in Democracy, Demands Apology

"...Congressman Duffy’s ‘Trumpizing’ of Wisconsin is the wrong direction for our state."

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Announces New Executive Director

Jason Sidener to be the Democratic Party of Wisconsin's next Executive Director.

How Technology Is Changing Our Lives

Appleton native and Microsoft exec Brad Smith comes here preaching the new gospel.

Study to Determine if Voter ID Law Reduced Wisconsin Turnout

Milwaukee County Clerk Czarnezki backs UW-Madison effort to survey those who didn’t vote

Clean Wisconsin challenges high capacity well permits

Constitution requires DNR to consider impacts on lakes, rivers, and streams

Northern Wisconsin’s Decline in Children

In last five years, number of children dropped 3.2% statewide, but more than 10% in many northern counties.

Why Felons Can’t Vote

Republicans across country oppose laws making it easier to vote, disenfranchising 62,343 state residents.

Law Doesn’t Protect Water From Pesticides

Despited “strict” state law, one-third of private drinking wells are contaminated.

Wisconsin Elections Commission Reverses Course on Absentee Ballots

Thousands of Absentee Ballots No Longer at Risk of Rejection

Dane County Bets Big on Bikes

2017 budget includes three new trail projects, 25 miles of bike lanes.

The Hypocrisy of the WMC

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce wants no judge recusals -- except when it benefits them.

Walker’s Pay to Play Revealed

Why the D.A. should investigate deals made by the governor.

Supreme Court Decision a Gift to Walker

Decision not to hear John Doe case a blow to democracy and legal precedent.

New $0 Deductible Health Plans Introduced

Wisconsin health consumers will save over $209 million

Agenda Items for Walker’s Second Act

Gov. Walker needs to focus on policy, including job creation in Milwaukee, not politics.

State Tougher on Open Records Than Federal Law

Walker administration has sought federal exemption that isn’t allowed under Wisconsin law.

New Commission Must Resolve Voting Mess

Partisan Elections Commission replaced state GAB; how will it perform?

Statewide Property Values up 3% in 2016

Yet values are still below the pre-recession peak in Wisconsin.

Cars Do NOT Own the Road

Hit-and-run driver kills bicyclist in Dane County. TV reporter asks why bicyclist was on the road.

Pocan Promotes Awareness and Benefits of Cooperatives at Visits to Local Businesses

Dane County is home to 80 cooperatives, has the highest number of co-ops per capita of any county in country

Walker’s Bizarre Choice for High Court

From a state with countless judges, he picks a crackpot lawyer named Daniel Kelly.

Wisconsin’s New Economy Taking Off

More than half a billion was invested in startup companies in last two years.

The Further Adventures of John Doe

U.S. Supreme Court signals it might take appeal of decision shutting down John Doe probe.

HUD Awards Nearly $520,000 to Help Low-Income Residents in Wisconsin Received Job Training and Employment

“This funding will help individuals and their families access empowering resources to reach their full-potential,” said Antonio R. Riley, HUD Midwest Regional Administrator.

Environmental groups prevail in case over DNR’s authority to protect drinking water

Recent Dane County Circuit Court ruling requires additional groundwater monitoring, animal unit cap for Kewaunee County Dairy.

Governor Walker Appoints Clayton Kawski to Dane County Circuit Court

"Clayton Kawski has established himself as an attorney of high integrity and intellect in the Madison legal community."

Dump Trump Efforts Could Still Succeed

Some Wisconsin delegates are among those who plan to fight him at convention.

**VL-JUNK** U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces More Than $18.2 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Wisconsin

More than 9,500 AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers are serving in 1,430 locations across Wisconsin this year

Top 10 Victories Over Walker

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

Here Lies the Government Accountability Board

Whether GAB should be praised or damned depends on who you ask.

Chisholm Challenger Skips Debate

Verona Swanigan objects to moderator and drops out of debate with DA John Chisholm.

Governor Walker Presents 2016 Trailblazer Awards to Women Business Leaders

How Colorado Reduced Solitary Confinement

It’s nearly been eliminated, while Wisconsin has made only a small reduction in solitary confinement.

American Packaging Corporation Building New Facility in DeForest

Project expected to create 60 new jobs

The Bizarre War Against John Chisholm

What’s more peculiar, his opponent, or the complicated plot to defeat him?

Hunger Strike Against Solitary Confinement

Some states banned it but not Wisconsin. Waupun inmates plan strike beginning June 10.

County Clerk Czarnezki to Issue Domestic Partnerships to Opposite Sex Couples

Milwaukee County Clerk Czarnezki also announced that he will be joined in this effort by Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell.

Did John Doe Threaten High Court?

Two Supreme court justices were deeply implicated in probe, yet voted to shut it down.

Human Waste Pollutes State Drinking Water

Problem often caused by septic systems; Tougher laws needed, experts say.

Impact of Walker’s 59 Judicial Choices

He’s already replaced nearly one-fifth of judges in the state.

What Did Primary Mean for Wisconsin

Will Walker be Cruz’s choice for running mate? And why can’t Hillary win here?

Statement from Senator Larson on “Right to Work” Court Ruling

"Today is a huge victory for Wisconsin workers."

Rep. Shankland Statement on “Right to Work” Ruling

“So-called 'Right to Work' has not worked for Wisconsin’s working families, and today is a victory for everyone who works hard and deserves the chance to get ahead.”

Rep. Barca Statement on “Right to Work” Ruling

“This ruling is a victory for workers’ rights and middle class families.”

Speaker Vos Statement on Right-to-Work Decision

Wisconsin became the 25th Right-to-Work state on March 9, 2015 in 2015 Wisconsin Act 1.

The Little Potato Company Selects Deforest for U.S. Head Office and Processing Facility

WEDC award supports $11.7 million capital investment projected to create 129 jobs

Wisconsin Women in Government Announces 2016 Board of Directors and Leadership Team

Wisconsin Women in Government was founded in 1987 to celebrate and support the talented women who choose a career in government service.

Five Years After Act 10

Most players in the contentious Act 10 drama have since moved on to other positions.

Milwaukee County Residents At Risk of Leaving Millions on the Table this Tax Season

Milwaukee Metro Area Residents at Risk of Missing Out on >$60 million in tax credits

Fitzgerald Issues Request for Records to City, County of Madison

"Ultimately, the closure of the Oscar Meyer facility took place in the City of Madison under Mayor Soglin’s watch."

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Teaching Poor Kids Where They Live

Learning centers in subsidized housing target low-income and black achievement gaps.

GOP Bill Targets Democratic County Exec

Would prevent Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris from holding state Senate seat

WisDOT announces 2015 Excellence in Construction Awards

Contractors honored for projects in St. Croix, Sauk, Milwaukee, Lafayette, Brown and Dane counties

Legislators Leap into 2016 with Assault on Natural Resources

Seven Bills Rolling Back Natural Resource Protections to be heard on Tuesday and Wednesday

A Tough Year for Transparency

State leaders have worked to restrict open records and succeeded in several ways.

State Has Worst Black-White Learning Gap

Despite decades of efforts to close gap, little improvement has occurred.

3 DA’s Appeal John Doe

“This is great news for anyone who is concerned about money in politics,” said Matt Rothschild, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Walker Aides Ordered To Avoid State Phones, Email?

Two cabinet members say Huebsch instructed them to use private channels for state business.

Walker’s Assault on Open Records

Walker and Republicans are methodically working to end any scrutiny of their actions.

Rep. Barca Joins Call for District Attorney to Investigate Potential Open Meeting Violation

Assembly Democrats will Pursue Legislative Fixes to Preserve Open Records Access

Chisholm Considering Appeal of John Doe Ruling

Four DAs discussing whether to appeal state high court decision to U.S. Supreme Court.

Will Any DA Appeal High Court John Doe Ruling?

Court “fires” chief prosecutor, Democracy Campaign calls on other prosecutors to appeal decision

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

Statement on the closing of Oscar Mayer in Madison

“At the end of last week, Wisconsin had 9,341 workers affected by mass layoffs and plant closings; add 1,000 more.”

Wisconsin’s Waterways Haunted by Pollution

Scary Facts about WI waters

Governor Scott Walker Holds Press Conference Regarding Wisconsin Department of Transportation Contingent Bonding Request in Neenah

Governor Scott Walker held a press conference today in Neenah regarding the request by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Dave Obey Endorses Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg for Wisconsin Supreme Court

Former Congressman Dave Obey, who represented Wisconsin’s largest congressional district stretching over 20 Counties from Marathon to Polk, Douglas to Oneida, has endorsed Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg for Wisconsin Supreme Court.

SafeRide Program Cuts Drunk Driving Deaths

Tavern League program take keys away from drunk customers, helped cut fatalities in half.

Walker’s Post-Campaign “To Do” List

Back from his failed presidential campaign, what are his policy priorities for the state?

Many Killed by Teens Illegally Carrying Guns

Laws make possession illegal, but 6% of MPS teens reported having guns.

Wisconsin’s Growing Teacher Shortage

The number of education majors and teaching candidates is drastically declining. Why?

Statewide crackdown on drunken driving begins Friday

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign runs from August 21 to September 7

Civil Rights Pioneer Vel Phillips Endorses Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg for Supreme Court

Vel Phillips, a trailblazing civil rights and community leader, has endorsed Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg for the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The John Doe Fiction Continues

National Review doubles down on dubious claim of “paramilitary raids.”

Questions for Steely Dane

The band performs Steely Dan classics and will be playing at Jazz in the Park this Thursday.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Examines Challenges Facing Federal Prison System

Baldwin highlights significant racial disparities in Wisconsin’s prison population

Walker Obstructed Probe of Missing Veterans Funds?

In newly unsealed records, investigators say then-county exec was uncooperative, triggering first John Doe.

Governor Scott Walker Announces Administration Staff Changes

Governor Scott Walker announced the following administrative staff changes today.

More Problems at Gov. Walker’s Jobs Agency

Two companies fail after getting $1.4 million from WEDC.