Dale Kooyenga

Trump Tariffs a Threat to Wisconsin Manufacturing?

Report warns of possible trade war affecting state's $12 billion in annual exports.

Vining Win Reduces Republican Majority in Assembly

Robyn Vining defeats Tom Michalski in newly remapped district.

Bipartisan Coalition, Business Leaders Support New International Terminal

County pursuing federal grant to replace shuttered concourse with new international terminal at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Milwaukee County Pursuing Federal Funding to Advance Economic Development Project at Mitchell International Airport

RNC Host Says Visitors, Locals Need To Spread Across Downtown

"It's quieter than I would like it to be," says host committee COO. MMAC encourages long-term view.

National Media Discovers Mayor Johnson

Gaining lots of positive press during RNC, now talking of running for governor.

Streetcar Begins Daily Service To The Couture, BRT Will Soon Follow

Long-awaited milestone restores transit service to lakefront. Officials herald it as future of transit.

Milwaukee Public Schools Referendum Narrowly Passes

Union touts passage as a win for Milwaukee's youth.

MTEA President Ingrid Walker Henry: Statement on Passage of MPS Referendum

85 School Districts Asking Voters for $1.4 Billion Funding

April ballot referendums driven by rising costs and inadequate state funding, officials say.

Longtime M7 Leader Jim Paetsch Announces Retirement; Rebecca Gries to Helm M7 Corporate Attraction and Expansion Efforts

STEM Forward to Honor STEM Outreach and Engineering Excellence at the 71st Annual Celebration of STEM Event

MMAC Shares Achievements, Addresses Challenges, Looks to the Future During 162nd All-Member Meeting

MMAC announces changes in leadership; board members address school funding; workplace equity numbers improve; mayor, county executive honored

Kooyenga Will Take Over MMAC In 2024

Longtime leader Tim Sheehy will retire at year's end.

Imagine MKE to Convene Greater Milwaukee Creative Economy Forum with Support from Partners Including MMAC and VISIT Milwaukee

The Nov 1 session will gather a diverse group of civic, non-profit, private sector, philanthropic and educational leaders to discuss the influence of the creative economy on economic and social vibrancy

Milwaukee Sales Tax Deal Reached, Referendum Dropped

Deal at Capitol requires Common Council, County Board to pass new taxes with two-thirds votes. Includes substantial policy measures.

MMAC senior VP to kick off ‘Get to Know’ Series at Marquette Law School Lubar Center, April 25

Republicans Seek Veto-Proof Legislature

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

Democrats Want Audit of Gableman’s 2020 Election Review

Request comes after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Gableman "an embarrassment."

Record Number of Legislators Retiring

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

State Democrats Push Gun Restrictions After Texas Shootings

Kaul calls for law requiring background checks and preventing sale of 'ghost guns.'

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

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

Workers Seeking Raises Find Open Ears, Empty Pockets

Pension cliff and stagnant wages are pushing city toward a 'tipping point.'

City-County Sales Tax Proposal Dead

Push for state legislation will have to wait until 2023, MMAC leader says.

GOP Legislators Reject Evers Tax Rebate, Approve MPS Breakup

Last day of session also passes parental bill of rights, expanded vouchers, replacing Lincoln Hills.

Gableman, Vos Sign New Contract on Election Probe

Judge orders Gableman to release 700 pages of documents from probe.

GOP Lawmakers Far Ahead in Campaign Cash

Four times more money than Democratic legislators going into 2022 year.

State Approves $96 Million Harbor Cleanup Facility

Part of federally-backed effort to remove "area of concern" designation from Milwaukee's waterways.

GOP Lawmakers Seek Control of Federal Aid

Proposed constitutional amendment gives Legislature control over spending federal funds.

GOP Lawmakers Try to Strip Evers Power Over Federal Aid

Republican controlled state Senate would change state law to place authority with legislature.

Absentee Ballot Boxes Helped Republicans, Too

Many of the 500 drop boxes in state were in districts voting heavily for Trump.

Johnson Seeks ‘True Partnership’ With State Government

Council president, who could soon become acting mayor, says city’s future depends on this.

Why Foxconn Jilted Wisconsin

Plans electric car plant in Ohio, which offered no state subsidy. Why?

Redistricting Plan Seeks Republicans’ Gain Of Another Congressional Seat

The GOP uses Stevens Point "like a football,” non-partisan group complains.

College Grads Are Leaving Republican Party

While less educated voters ditch the Democratic Party. How is that changing the state?

Bipartisan Efforts Honor AmeriCorps Members’ Service by Exempting the Segal Education Award from State Income Tax

Police Union Gets Change in Legislation

Milwaukee union, frequent donor to legislators, gets bill regulating police use of force weakened.

Surplus Leaves Evers, Legislators Even Further Divided

Unprecedented $4.4 billion surplus is huge opportunity. But for what?

Assembly Leaders Accused of ‘Systemic Racism’

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

GOP Budget Lifts UW Tuition Freeze

Committee votes to end tuition freeze on undergraduate students maintained for 8 years.

Republicans Gut Housing, Homeless Aid

Finance committee rejects Evers' proposals, legislator calls it “embarrassing.”

Dems Object to GOP Slashing State Budget Provisions

Sen. LaTonya Johnson challenges cuts to Black History Museum.

Foxconn Shows Folly of Cheesehead Revolution

Walker, Ryan, Priebus pushed business-friendly policies. The result: an abysmal failure.

Representative Hong’s Statement on Passage of APIDA Heritage Month Resolution

Are State’s Schools Rolling In Dough?

Republican legislators think Milwaukee Public Schools getting away with something.

Drexel Building Supply, Inc. expands operations in New Berlin

New facility will create 50 jobs, $11 million capital investment

Republicans Miffed By MPS Pandemic Aid

MPS gets 16 times more per pupil than Wauwatosa schools under federal formula awarding more to low-income students.

Legislators Pass Bill Blocking Vaccine Mandates

And giving Legislature oversight over federal stimulus funds. Veto by Evers likely.

Will State Judges Protect Voting Rights?

Expert at state forum suggests federal courts may be less important as state courts rule on election laws.

State Senate Beset by Culture Wars

Rush Limbaugh vs. Black history, LGBT protectors vs GOP objectors, the arguments get ugly.

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.

11 Bills Would Change State Voting Laws

One is bipartisan. The others are not.

The Hammer of Student Testing

Republican legislators may use tests as a way to force schools to reopen.

Why the War on Masks? Gerrymandering

Republicans legislators with safe seats needn’t worry about voter blowback.

Republicans End Mask Mandate, Evers Puts It Back In Place

Governor issues new health order after Republicans end his prior one.

Race and Income and ‘Back to School’

Republicans decry virtual schooling for Black students. But Black families more likely to support it.

Vos ‘Behaving Like a Bully,’ Democrats Charge

After 10 months with no COVID-19 response bill, frustrated Democrats condemn their colleagues.

Senate Votes to Kill State Mask Mandate

State Assembly will likely vote on repeal later this week.

Rep. Robyn Vining & Sen. Dale Kooyenga Statement Regarding Shooting at Mayfair Mall

Right-Wing vs Left-Wing Lawyers

WILL has more funding, more staff, more Harvard. Can a new liberal law group compete?

Surplus Property Law Results in Just One Vacant Milwaukee School Sale to Charter School

WILL Policy Brief revisits how state law was thwarted by local actors for the last five years

Milwaukee Suburbs Key To Controlling Assembly

Dems target suburban districts, Republicans try to gain a veto-proof majority in the Assembly

Election Donors Operate in the Shadows

One third of all state campaign donations, some $12 million, from secretive outside groups.

Non-Profit Didn’t Report Campaign Spending?

Jobs First Coalition spent $1 million to elect Republican legislators but left it off tax forms, complaint to IRS says.

Catholic School Tax Change Would Cost City

Archdiocese seeks legislation whereby schools leased for profit would still be tax exempt.

GOP Adds More “Tougher On Crime” Legislation

New bills increase penalties for offenses like car theft and reckless driving.

Representative LaKeshia Myers Issues Statement Regarding Governor Evers’ Signing of Act 84

Hot Debate, Limited Action by Senate

Limited bills on homeless, clean water passed, nothing on dark stores tax loophole.

It’s time to Hold Lawmakers Accountable for Votes on Education

SOS Wauwatosa calls on legislators to provide adequate school aids.

State Republican Lawmakers Oppose Barrett’s Budget

Seven Republicans take aim at proposal to reduce police staffing, but don't mention sales tax request.

$44 Million Soldiers Home Project Launched

Huge group of politicians, dignitaries, salute project to redevelop Civil War-era VA complex.

Bill Toughens Penalty for Assaulting a Nurse

Advocates note 1 in 4 nurses are assaulted on the job, a “silent epidemic.”

Legislation seeks to make BID/NID options more effective and efficient

Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan September 18, 2019

Betsy DeVos Comes to Town

U.S. Education Secretary visits St. Marcus Lutheran School, promotes $5 billion federal plan for private schools.

Line Forming for Sensenbrenner’s Seat

8 Republicans (Vukmir, Nicholson, Fitzgerald, Farrow etc.) considering a run, along with one Democrat.

Bill Expands Minority Teacher Loan Program

Would bring more minority teachers to 20 additional school districts.

Legislators Use Fees to Keep Records Secret

Charging citizens making open records requests means less scrutiny of government.

Gov. Evers Announces Task Force on Payroll Fraud and Worker Misclassification Appointments

The task force will report to the governor on or before March of each year on their activities.

Gov. Evers Signs Electric Scooter Bill, Expanding Transportation Options and Attracting Startup Companies to Wisconsin

"Electric scooters improve access to low-cost transportation options and can serve as a first or last-mile solution to residents and visitors in communities throughout our state."

Gov. Evers Signs Bipartisan Bills Relating to Equal Treatment of Liquor Sales, Improving Wisconsin’s Competitiveness by Eliminating Tax Benefits

Senate Bill 83, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 6, creates the equal treatment of retail sales of all types of liquor for off-premises consumption.

Requiem for the Commons

Mutilated Marcus Center grove is just one of county’s many public spaces threatened by actions leaving citizens out in the cold.

Electric Scooters Could Return This Year

Bill working its way through state Legislature to legalize electric scooters.

Average UWM Student Debt Rose 194%

New study shows Wisconsin has more students in debt than 44 states. Any solution?

Evers Wants Study of Student Loan Debt

Average grad has $30,000 in debt, state's total student debt is $24 billion.

$35.8 Million Spent on Legislative Races

New record set: 2018 spending was 27% more than in 2016, double that in 2014.

Secretive Fund Spent $715,480 On Democrats

High Ground Political Fund, connected to Nation Consulting, funded six state senate races.

Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald Statement on Republican Plans to Cut Taxes

"Middle-class families in Wisconsin should keep more of what they earn."

State Senate Celebrates Swearing-In Ceremony Ahead of Upcoming Legislative Session

"Senate Republicans will continue to fight for hard-working families, taxpayers, and the future of our state just like we have for the last eight years."

Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald Announces Senate Standing Committees, Chairs

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate this session as we continue to pass reforms that put hard-working families first."

Tony Evers Faces Tough Choices

With a structural deficit and transportation fund debt, delivering a “people’s budget” won’t be easy.

Doomsday Headlines on State Budget Are Silly

State revenues are increasing, but spending requests are unrealistic.

Will Referendums Lead to Legal Pot?

Some legislators hope for change after medical or fully legai pot approved in 18 local referendums.

GOP Legislative Candidates Have 3-1 Edge in Cash

But state’s Democratic legislative candidates raised nearly as much since January.

Rep. Kooyenga caught lying about cuts to schools

Kooyenga hides voting record as reports surface of drinking on the job

Liberal Outside Groups Spend Big

More spending for Democrats in five of six key state senate races.

Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates

Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.

Big Walker Donor Gets $250,000 Grant

Badger Meter donates $26,000 to governor, gets big state grant from WEDC.

3 months later, Dale Kooyenga still hasn’t refunded taxpayers $30,000 for Signgate

What excuse will Kooyenga make this time?

Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin Backs Dale Kooyenga for State Senate

Activist Group Hails Brookfield Assemblyman’s Principled Leadership

Foxconn Deal Has Divided the State

Even Republicans disagree about the deal.

Primary opponent withdraws, endorses Vining for the 14th Assembly District

This week Vining also received the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction.

A State MPS Reform Proposal. Again

Scott Walker joins a list of governors and others who’ve proposed reforms.

UW-Oshkosh Criminal Charges a Mistake

Smells of prosecutorial overreach, but shows need for tightening UW System rules.

Wisconsin Mother of the Year declares for the 14th Assembly District

"I’m determined to fight For The People on three fronts: people, planet and profit."

Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance

93 bills signed into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol

Kooyenga and Freedom of Speech

Legislator taking down sign he disagreed with violates a bedrock American principle.

Governor Walker Signs Bills on Improving Family Access to High-Quality Child Care, Creating Transitional Jobs Program for Wisconsin Veterans, and Increasing Funding for Watershed Protection Grants

Governor Walker signs 64 bills into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol

Taxpayers Shouldn’t Pay $30,000 for Rep. Kooyenga Crime

Kooyenga should reimburse Wisconsinites for the money we paid to settle his lawsuit for theft

Legislators’ Donations Up 40% in 2017

Most of it to Republicans, who have 3.2 times more campaign cash than Democrats.

GOP Legislators Push Harsher Bail Rules

State constitutional amendment opposed by defense lawyers, supported by City of Milwaukee.

Governor Walker Signs 19 Bills Into Law

Acts 65-83.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

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

Governor Walker Reaffirms Support for Israel, Prohibits Discriminatory Boycotts of Israel in State Contracting

"We stand firmly against discrimination in any form and we wholly support our friends in Israel."

Vukmir, Kooyenga author bill to show Wisconsin’s strong support of Israel

The bill would also prohibit state agencies and local governments from establishing their own policies to boycott Israel.

Republicans Heap Hate On Streetcar

Three different legislative changes to oppose the project; all will have no impact.

Another GOP candidate declines to challenge Tammy Baldwin

"The weak field of GOP candidates willing to challenge Tammy Baldwin continues to dwindle with Rep. Dale Kooyenga declining to run."

Richard Uihlein, GOP Kingmaker

Should one billionaire dictate the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate?

MKE Brewing Co. Celebrates New Brewery

Breaks ground on new brewery with twice the capacity and rooftop beer garden.

Kevin Nicholson Silent as Republicans Raided Funding for King

Did Kevin Nicholson support Rep. Dale Kooyenga and D.C. Leah's votes to raid millions from the funds available to take care of Wisconsin's elderly veterans?

Leave Our Craft Breweries Alone

Tavern League, Beer Distributors push Legislature for more regulation. Wrong approach.

Will Gov. Scott Walker Stand Up For Vulnerable Wisconsinites At Risk Of Losing Health Care Insurance?

It's been widely reported that Senate Republicans are drafting their version of Trumpcare behind closed doors.

Stalled: Republicans Struggle With State Budget Process

Sen. Leah Vukmir and Rep. Dale Kooyenga Fail To Get The Job Done

Why Does GOP Oppose Student Debt Reform?

Republican legislators still resist bill allowing students to refinance loans.

Republican Legislators Rejecting Student Loan Refinancing Themselves Attended College at One-Fifth the Cost Today

Cost of Their Own Schooling May Explain Ignorance of Student Loan Debt Crisis, But it Doesn’t Excuse Their Refusal to Help

Kooyenga Flat Tax Rejected

Walker, GOP slam his gas sales tax and flat income tax proposal.

Bill Hikes Gas Tax by 24%

But proposal hides this by reducing gas tax and adding sales tax on gas.

Why Not a 4% Flat Tax for State?

Proposal drops income tax to 4% for all, adds sales tax on gas.

Governor Walker Signs Senate Bill 2 into Law

"We are constantly looking for new ways to make Wisconsin state government more effective, efficient, and accountable'

Legislators Could Trim Walker Budget

Does governor expect them to throw out his bag of goodies?

Why State’s MPS Takeover Plan Died

In changing state ratings to protect choice schools, Republicans ended up killing OSPP.

MPS Sets Sights on Increased State Funding

Buoyed by victory on OSSP takeover law, union and parents call for funding equity.

”CPA Caucus” Seeks Major Tax Changes

Four Republican lawmakers would simplify taxes and end some sales tax exemptions.

Opponents Agree New Education Funding Model Needed

Union leader, key Republican and DPI all want a student centered approach to state funding.

MPS Teachers Oppose State Partnership Plan

They demand specifics; Demond Means denies he will “takeover” failing schools.

What Would Tommy Do?

A Republican governor was once UW’s greatest champion. Those days are long gone.

Governor Scott Walker Signs Legislation Modernizing the Collection of Hospital Data

It is Act 287.

Another Abele Election Year Conversion: Won’t Follow MPS Takeover Law

The law explicitly requires the commissioner to target a public school for transfer into the separate district and then initiate a request-for-proposal to determine who should run the school.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law

Acts 200 - 257.

The Soaring Cost of Gun Violence

Estimated annual cost in Wisconsin is $2.9 billion, or $508 per person.

CEO Pay Drives Inequality, Researcher Finds

Data on Milwaukee CEOs discussed at UWM summit on inequality.

UW-Milwaukee hosts experts discussion of city’s growing inequality

The event takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Edith S. Hefter Conference Center, 3271 N. Lake Dr.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

AFP Applauds Occupational Licensure Reform

Bill Expands Access to Opportunity for Wisconsin Entrepreneurs

Lawmakers give go-ahead to new $180 million DOT headquarters

Back Open Government? Prove It!

Assembly voted 96-1 for resolution backing open government, but legislators continue to look for ways to limit it.

Questions Remain on “Opportunity Schools”

Republican plan giving Abele power over low-performing MPS schools offers few details.

Budget Included Big Changes on Taxes

Changes slash Alternative Minimum Tax on the wealthy and reduce “marriage penalty.”

Scott Walker Aids Milwaukee Streetcar

In an unexpected move, Walker helps avoid messy situation between city and county.

Streetcar Construction Starts in October

On-going engineering work continues to save millions of dollars. And anti-streetcar group has given up trying to stop the starter line.

Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal

Joint Finance Committee needs nine of 16 members to approve it. That could be tough.

Lawmakers Should Get Behind Alternative Minimum Tax Repeal

Rep. Kooyenga's Proposal A Common Sense Solution For Wisconsin Taxpayers

Republicans Sell Out Funding Public Schools for More Tax Giveaways to Rich

According to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, Republicans have spent $1.9 billion in various tax giveaways between 2011 and 2014.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Statement on the Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program Proposal

Providing the best K-12 education system for the community should be a priority for everyone who lives in Milwaukee

Statement from Milwaukee Board of School Directors President Michael Bonds and MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver regarding the Kooyenga/Darling proposal

Both Bonds and MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver expressed skepticism that the so-called "turnaround district" will do anything to improve outcomes for students.

Marquette Law School, College of Education to host half-day conference on critical K-12 education issues

The event is part of a continuing series of conferences on K–12 education sponsored by the Law School and College of Education, and is open to the public.

The Secret Tax Subsidy Society

Republicans and Democrats conspire to create stealth taxes to fund the NBA arena. Will they succeed?

Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed

Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.

Budget Could Delay Local Highway Projects

Republican legislators want to reduce borrowing in Walker transportation budget, but this could delay numerous projects.

Republican Plan for MPS Attacked

Bonds says plan would be devastating financially and lay off hundreds of staff.

Exploring state lawmakers’ “New Opportunities for Milwaukee”

Statement of Alderman Ashanti Hamilton January 30, 2015

Proposal to create inner city opportunities deserves a close look

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan January 29, 2015

The Republican Revolution Part II

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has a really big agenda for Wisconsin. It reads like a papal encyclical.

Dispute Over Bucks Arena Goes National

New York Times dumps on Milwaukee business leaders, and city becoming divided on issue.

Unopposed Legislators Still Love Campaign Cash

Retiring and unopposed legislators are sitting on $1.2 million in donations.

Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?

It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.

Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board

Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?

A Streetcar Named Cooperation?

Republicans force city to pay to relocate utilities for streetcar and Barrett calls for cooperation from We Energies to keep costs down.

More Transit Funding Needed, Fitch Ratings Warns

Economy could suffer if governments don't recognize decline in driving and other trends that favor transit.

Wisconsin Center’s Leadership Adrift?

Many of the board's seats are either vacant or held by legally unqualified individuals.

Milwaukee County Child Support Named Agency of the Year

Abele nominated Kooyenga and the Milwaukee County CSS for the WCSEA awards.

Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change

Republicans join Koch Brothers, opposing actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The GOP’s Young Guns

Some of the newest Assembly Republicans, including four accountants, dictated the final budget.

County Executive Abele Thanks Legislators for Increasing Child Support Funding

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele applauds members of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee for putting money back into the budget to support Child Support funding across the state.

Common sense prevails on downtown streetcar project

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 9, 2013

Republicans Move to Kill Milwaukee Streetcar

If the streetcar is killed and federal money for it is lost, it will mean the total amount of federal transit money for Wisconsin rejected by Scott Walker will exceed $1 billion.

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Joe Dudzik

Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

County Supervisor Supports New Reform Bill

Milwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander is pleased to announce support for changes made in the drafting process of state legislation aimed at reforming governance in Milwaukee County.