Content referencing State of Wisconsin - Page 6
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 by Bill Lueders
Is Walker Serious About Ending Income Tax?
It brings in $7.5 billion per year. How would he replace it?
Dec 30th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Minnesota Trumps Wisconsin on Health Care
By cooperating with Obamacare Minnesota will cover 225,000 more people and spend $104 million less than Wisconsin.
Dec 27th, 2013 by Nora G. Hertel and James Nord
13-time Loser Kills 61-Year-Old Bicyclist
James R. Erdmann Jr, who had 13 previous traffic violations, is arrested in hit-and-run of bicyclist.
Dec 27th, 2013 by Dave Schlabowske
Money Flow to Politicians Never Stops
The past year has seen union coffers decline, while other donors keep the cash coming.
Dec 26th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
We’re Driving Less, Cycling More
Milwaukee ranked 2nd and Madison 3rd in national decline of driving, while biking rose 280%.
Dec 13th, 2013 by Dave Schlabowske
How Walker Worries About Polls
His book shows he frequently adjusts strategy based on poll results.
Dec 2nd, 2013 by Steven Walters
Police Scam Artists
Why does the cop’s union protect officers who rip off taxpayers?
Nov 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Walker’s Book is Very Revealing
There are fascinating sections, including Walker giving staff a top ten list ridiculing public workers.
Nov 12th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Walker’s Year Of Political Danger
Weak poll results and tricky issues face the governor in the year before he runs.
Nov 4th, 2013 by Steven Walters
The Decline of Local Control
Republicans favor local control. So why are they passing so many laws ending it?
Nov 1st, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
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 by Bill Lueders
Why Walker’s Job Strategy Has Failed
He’s followed a much-touted strategy used by successful companies. Why hasn’t it worked?
Oct 17th, 2013 by Bruce Thompson
Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General
Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.
Oct 16th, 2013 by Michael Horne
How Legislators Grab Big Pensions
A move into higher-paying state jobs greatly increases their pensions.
Oct 14th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Obamacare Haters Help People Sign Up
State's Republican politicians who oppose law are helping enroll their constituents.
Oct 9th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Walker Faces Tough Choice on Kenosha Casino
Any decision he makes will anger some, and could affect his potential run for president.
Sep 23rd, 2013 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change
Republicans join Koch Brothers, opposing actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Sep 12th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
The Debtor Governor
Figures from non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau figures show Walker’s debt level the worst since 1970.
Sep 10th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
How School Choice Got Expanded Statewide
Deal by GOP legislators and pushed by voucher lobbyists expanded it beyond Gov. Walker's proposal.
Sep 3rd, 2013 by Steven Walters
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 by Bill Lueders
How to Reelect Freshmen Legislators
Party leaders let them sponsor high-profile bills likely to win votes.
Aug 26th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Which Governor is Best At Growing Jobs?
The truth is far more complicated than either party would claim.
Aug 22nd, 2013 by Bruce Thompson
The State’s Spin Machine
Dept of Workforce Development spins job numbers to make Walker look good. Does it matter?
Jul 30th, 2013 by Bruce Thompson
State Ban on Same Sex Marriages Could Hurt Economy
Gay couples and businesses looking to recruit gay employees may see an economic incentive to move out of state.
Jul 29th, 2013 by Avrum Lank
Gov. Walker’s Gender Gap
Men approve and women disapprove of him by large margins. Could that decide 2014 election?
Jul 29th, 2013 by Steven Walters
The Truth About State Taxes
They were never lower than under Jim Doyle, as new data shows.
Jul 25th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
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 by Bill Lueders
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 by Bill Lueders
More Jobs, Less Pay
Wisconsin sees the largest month-to-month gain in a decade but most are low-wage jobs.
Jul 19th, 2013 by Jack Norman
Grant Langley’s Dour Ranch Home
It may be one of the dullest, most invisible homes in Milwaukee, and just barely.
Jul 12th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Why We Trail America in Jobs Growth
In 21 of the last 23 months we have trailed the nation. Walker’s policies get much of the blame.
Jul 2nd, 2013 by Jack Norman
Seven Issues That Could Decide 2014 Election
Wisconsin's choice for governor will depend on where voters stand on these issues.
Jul 1st, 2013 by Steven Walters
Final Tally on State Budget
The numbers show some surprising priorities, with spending on health care leading the way.
Jun 24th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Who Will Run Against Walker?
The list of possible candidates isn't long, as discussions at the state Democratic convention made clear.
Jun 17th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Peter Barca for Governor?
Some Democratic insiders see Assembly minority leader Peter Barca as the best hope to run against Scott Walker.
May 28th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Declines in National Bike Rankings
Since 2010, we've dropped from 2nd most bike-friendly state to 8th place. State funding cuts are main reason.
May 24th, 2013 by Dave Schlabowske
Bail Bond Bill Will Create Debtor’s Prisons
Why are Republicans pushing a bill opposed almost unanimously by criminal justice professionals?
May 21st, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Not-So Fiscally Conservative Governor
Scott Walker hasn’t solved the state’s longterm fiscal deficit. He may actually make it worse.
May 16th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
How Scott Walker Got Snookered
Excerpt from new book describes how Walker was fooled by a phone call from a blogger posing as conservative billionaire David Koch.
May 6th, 2013 by Jason Stein and Patrick Marley
Why Experts Avoid Alarm on Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
Experts avoid exposing themselves and their children to these chemicals but don't have enough evidence for public warnings.
Apr 24th, 2013 by Kate Golden
DNR Doesn’t Test Wisconsin Waters for Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
State lags behind Minnesota in testing lakes & rivers for chemicals that hurt reproduction and could cause diabetes, cancer.
Apr 22nd, 2013 by Kate Golden
Bicycle Lobbyists Hit the State Capitol
More than 100 advocates met with legislators and pushed for pro-bicycle policies. Will it have an impact?
Apr 19th, 2013 by Dave Schlabowske
County Board Violates Its Own Law
Lobbyists have worked without board approval, which could be a cause for “discharge” of board chair Dimitrivjevic.
Apr 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
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 by Bill Lueders
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 by Bill Lueders
Thousands Could Lose Food Stamps Under Walker Proposal
Job training requirements could mean more hunger in Milwaukee, advocate predicts.
Mar 18th, 2013 by Brendan O’Brien
Democrats in Disarray
The firing of its state spokesperson is just another sign the party has lost its way.
Mar 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
A Wiser Prison Policy
Alternatives to prison cost less and are more effective, as a new group lobbying the legislature contends.
Feb 27th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
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 by Bill Lueders
How to Regulate Guns
Liberals need to better understand firearms if they have any hope of passing regulations.
Feb 11th, 2013 by John Norquist
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 by Bill Lueders
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 by Bill Lueders
Act 10 Could Still Be in Trouble
Federal appeals court decision looks shaky, and state lawyers made mistakes defending anti-union law.
Jan 22nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Robin Hood in Reverse
Republicans’ tax plan assures that Wisconsin follows other states in the race to the bottom.
Jan 11th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Rising Cost of State’s Outside Contractors
Wisconsin spent more on outside contractors than any year since 2004.
Jan 10th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Why We Need a Part-Time County Board
For 125 years, the board was part-time. Then Tom Ament and company nudged it up to full-time. Why?
Jan 9th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
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 by Bill Lueders
A Call for Redistricting Reform
Given the distorted election results, good government groups want to reform the process of redistricting.
Dec 5th, 2012 by Bill Lueders
How State Aid to Cities Has Plummeted
Milwaukee is getting killed by declining shared revenue, violating a century-old state agreement.
Dec 3rd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Rise of Chris Larson
Is he a young liberal heavyweight? Or a punching bag for Republicans?
Nov 27th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Anti-Health Care Governor?
Even as Scott Walker throws people off health care, he opposes federal programs that would increase coverage and lower costs.
Nov 21st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Death By Auto
Bicyclists are getting killed by negligent drivers. A proposed law could address the problem.
Nov 2nd, 2012 by Dave Schlabowske
Did Republicans Blow It?
The court decision striking down collective bargaining law exposes obvious constitutional problems with it.
Sep 17th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Will State Screw Milwaukee?
Expert condemns state for switching Milwaukee’s foster care funding to help other counties.
Aug 31st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Why Photo ID is Dead
The Republican law will never become legal, because of Wisconsin’s unique constitution
Jul 23rd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Our Downtown Hub
The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is much closer to the Downtown action than you might think. Part II of a series.
Jul 2nd, 2012 by Jeff Jordan
Did the State Screw Talgo?
The train company's stunned CEO blasts Wisconsin for breaching its contract “like a Third World country.”
May 31st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Bob Donovan’s Shadowy Charity
Operation Impact raises money to combat crime. But where are its records?
May 17th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin’s TIF policy needs changes
A couple years back, I authored a report for the Public Policy Forum about tax incremental financing (TIF), and warned that communities can use TIF too much, or too little.
Apr 5th, 2011 by John Kovari
Governor Walker’s Pro-Sprawl Agenda
It was clear that the election of Scott Walker to the Governorship was going to negatively impact transit as well as other services in Milwaukee, but beyond the 'fiscal' matters the agenda he has laid out goes far behind what even we predicted.
Mar 15th, 2011 by Dave Reid
History and Walker’s Jobs Claim
On election night, Governor-elect Scott Walker promised Wisconsin 250,000 news jobs by the end of 2014. Critics claim the goal is unrealistic and his jobs plan as lacking and juvenile.
Nov 11th, 2010 by John Kovari
Obesity & Urbanism
The obesity predicament in this country and particularly the state of Wisconsin came to light last week with a report that showed 26% of people in the state are considered obese. The fact that over one quarter of the people in the state are overweight leads to increased costs in many areas of society, most prominently health care.
Aug 12th, 2010 by Matthew Trussoni
An Urban Benefit to the Smoking Ban
The indoor smoking ban goes in to effect in Wisconsin on July 5th, 2010, and certainly there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue.
Jun 1st, 2010 by Dave Reid
Exit Freeway, Get Drunk?
A driver pulls his Ford 150 off at an exit on I-94, and proceeds to cut across the parking lot of the newest sprawling mall development in Wisconsin. He then takes two spots in the Flingers parking lot, far enough from other cars to avoid door dings, but more importantly aimed perfectly for a quick exit. At Flingers he orders extreme fajitas, throws down a few bombs, be it the car bomb, Jaeger bomb, cherry bomb, and a couple that he's convinced the bartender just made up.
Dec 11th, 2009 by Dave Reid
What Would Alderman Donovan Do?
The 2010 City of Milwaukee budget faces a series of hurdles. There is the $50 million pension fund contribution, brought on because of the stock market crash. There is also the $33 million decline in property tax levy due to declining home values.
Oct 7th, 2009 by Dave Reid
State Expands Investment in Freight Railroads
WisDOT and Governor Doyle announced a substantial rail investment yesterday, it wasn't the oft-discussed KRM commuter rail line, but instead a serious upgrade to the aging railroad infrastructure that Wisconsin's railroads and businesses depend on.
Sep 25th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Drinking Problem? or Driving Culture?
Fifth offense. Right now that's when a drunk driving conviction in Wisconsin becomes a felony. Lower it to the fourth, third, second, or first, because clearly the fifth offense is way too many, but there's more to the drunk driving problem than how many times someone has to be caught before it becomes a felony. Further, this problem isn't because some bartenders play a game of dice with customers, have a round with regulars, or have a drink at the end of the night.
Aug 30th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Doyle’s Decision Could Send Ripples Through Milwaukee’s Political Landscape
Governor Doyle's announcement that he will not be seeking a third term could send ripples through Milwaukee's political landscape. The most commonly mentioned named Democratic Party members that may run for Governor include, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, State Sen. Jon Erpenbach, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.
Aug 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Encourage More Bicyclists by Bringing the Idaho Stop Law to Wisconsin
An important part of building a more bicycle friendly city, and for that matter state, is to update Wisconsin's biking laws so that they in encourage more ridership instead of discouraging it. For example, in June 2009 Governor Doyle signed a new "anti-dooring" law that corrected existing regulation which required bicyclist to ride three feet away from parked cars. This law actually protected drivers who opened their doors into bike lanes or streets without looking which often resulted in injured bicyclists.
Aug 6th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Governor Doyle, County Executive Walker, Some Explanation is Needed
On Wednesday Governor Doyle announced plans to spend the first $300 million out of $550 million stimulus funds on 63 road construction and repair projects in 30 counties.
Feb 14th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Lake Michigan Under Fire
Our beloved Lake Michigan is in trouble. In the last year alone “the small fish” that sustain the big salmon and trout had their numbers cut in half. Thanks to a growing number of mussels that are able to live at deep depths and rob the water of energy (the plankton), the ecosystem is under fire. But fear not, Jim Doyle is coming to the rescue (how about that for a change). The state of Wisconsin will spend $6 million to build an experimental ballast water treatment system for the state’s Great Lakes ports, most importantly Milwaukee. As you hopefully know, most of the invasive species in Lake Michigan today enter through the discharged ballast water of ships. Wisconsin and the United States have been slow to pass legislation regulating this discharging, which can be largely prevented by discharging the ballast water in the open ocean. This system will hopefully serve as the catalyst for a movement by all Great Lakes ports to finally do something about allowing ballast water to be discharged.
Jan 24th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Breast Cancer House Picketed
Workers say "House of Dreams" is "House of Unpaid Bills"
Jun 8th, 2007 by Michael Horne
We Need Necro Laws Now!
Schultz says he hopes to introduce a bill in the legislature next session to remedy this lacuna in Wisconsin jurisprudence.
Sep 7th, 2006 by Michael Horne
Buffett Tour on Hold
“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.
Jun 27th, 2005 by Michael Horne
Chest of Drawers Nets $1,808,000
Exclusive to milwaukeeworld.com
May 16th, 2005 by Michael Horne
Jeff Stone Punk’d?
Seems like somebody is messing around with Rep. Jeff Stone's campaign identity.
May 2nd, 2005 by Michael Horne
When the Wealthy Serve
A Look at the Commerce Secretary’s Statement of Economic Interests
Feb 25th, 2005 by Michael Horne
Riemer: “Ready to Run”
This terse note from Riemer almost sounds like a Bill Christofferson soundbite, which means it's a good one.
Feb 14th, 2005 by Michael Horne
At it Again
Alderman asked to make big money decision on 24 hour notice.
Feb 7th, 2005 by Michael Horne
City Image Logo to be Unveiled Soon
The nonprofit Spirit of Milwaukee is undertaking an image rebranding for the community.
Jan 10th, 2005 by Michael Horne
Kennedy Walks
Substantial Fine for Possession of Forged Artwork
Jan 3rd, 2005 by Michael Horne
More OIC – George Connections
Although the Gary George – OIC-GM connections are well documented, particularly those that have led to the convictions of George, Mark Sostarich and Carl Gee, recently-released audit information and other source documents indicate that perhaps the OIC-George connection needs to be further investigated. Nobody is accusing anybody of wrongdoing, but perhaps investigators should dig a little deeper into the dealings of George and those connected with him, if only to remove any hint of suspicion from settling on the mantle of the innocent. Take, for instance, the relationship between Todd Robert Murphy, OIC-GM and Gary George. Murphy was recently relieved of his Public Relations contract with OIC-GM, and was replaced by Martin Schreiber and Associates. The recent audit of the OIC-GM accounts indicated that payments made by OIC-GM to TRM Marketing Consultants, Murphy’s firm, were “unallowable expenses,” according to Paul Steiber of the State of Wisconsin. His review included two months during which Murphy received $4,000 per month from OIC-GM. Was this a “cushy consulting job,” as Leon Todd has suggested? Todd said the Murphy-planted cover story about OIC-GM that appeared in the Shepherd Express (and, interestingly, in newspapers in the African-American community) was “not enough” to save him his job. According to the audit, OIC-GM was not authorized to hire a public relations consultant with W2 funds. The Ethics Board did not have a complete accounting of the amount of money Murphy’s firm was paid over the years. The board was investigating “direct” payments, and Murphy’s were considered “indirect.” According to John Becker of the Ethics Board, the payments to Todd Robert Murphy’s firm “were not something we focused on.” Nor has the board “seen any checks,” from OIC-GM to Murphy, he said. One wonders if the State of Wisconsin Ethics Board should have done a better job reviewing its own documents, for the Statements of Economic Interests filed by George for the years 1999-2001 show that George received more than $1,000 per year from Murphy’s firm. It would be interesting to know how much exactly per year Murphy sent to George, and what he got in exchange. George also reported receiving funds from Petrie and Stocking, the firm that employed Mark Sostarich, who gave George kickbacks from OIC funds. George also received money from Coleman & Williams, Ltd., an accounting firm. Coleman & Williams also received money from OIC – to conduct an audit of the OIC books. Isn’t it odd that an accounting firm that received money from OIC-GM would also, coincidentally, be sending more than $1,000 per year to George, who was systematically swindling OIC-GM out of money, with the connivance of Carl Gee, the group’s director, and Mark Sostarich, the Petrie and Stocking lawyer? Bill Coleman, of the accounting firm, said the relationship was quite innocent, and that he had hired Gary George to do unspecified legal work for his firm. Since many aspects of attorney-client relationships are privileged, we’ll have to take his word for it. Still, workers at the Ethics Board, the United […]
Nov 15th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Mequon Turns Voter Away
The City of Mequon told a local man who tried to register and vote at City Hall last week that he was “too late.”
Nov 1st, 2004 by Michael Horne
Feds Stop Funding School, Library Internet and Phone Service
Two months ago, the federal grants stopped.
Oct 4th, 2004 by Michael Horne
Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat
The disarray of the Republican 20th Senate District has convinced the Democratic Party to field a write-in candidate for primary.
Aug 23rd, 2004 by Michael Horne
Morales V Darling Race Set
Milwaukee School Board member Jennifer Morales has decided to challenge Alberta Darling and her hold on the 8th Senate District Seat.
Jul 5th, 2004 by Michael Horne
