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Content referencing Dianne Hesselbein
Wisconsin Assembly Is Done Legislating for 2026
Here's what lawmakers got done -- and left unfinished.
Feb 23rd, 2026 by Brittany Carloni
We Won’t Act Like Republicans, Wisconsin Democrats Say
Democrats hope to gain legislative majority in 2026 election.
Dec 22nd, 2025 by Brittany Carloni
After Shutdown, WisconsinEye Discussing Future With Legislators
Nonprofit seeking partial public funding to resume operation.
Dec 18th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Senate Minority Leader Hesselbein Hopeful for More Bipartisan 2026
Wants Legislature to cap prescription drugs cost and expand homestead tax credit.
Dec 17th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Legislative Panel Approves Teaching Requirements for UW Faculty
Republicans added the requirement to the recently approved state budget.
Dec 12th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Senate Passes Bills to Eliminate 400-Year Veto, Redefine Abortion
And a bipartisan bill that bars health care for undocumented immigrants.
Nov 19th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Senate Approves School Cellphone Ban
Senate also passes bill require insurance coverage of breast cancer screenings.
Oct 15th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin Trails Almost Every State in College Affordability
Each UW school and 90% of tech schools failed affordability test.
Oct 14th, 2025 by Natalie Yahr
Veteran Housing Facilities in Green Bay, Chippewa Falls Close
Republican and Democratic lawmakers continue pointing fingers over who is to blame.
Oct 1st, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Four Districts Will Shape Control of Wisconsin Senate
Democrats are targeting three Republican incumbents.
Sep 29th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Despite Action, Bill Might Be Too Late To Stop Veterans Housing Closure
Two facilities weren't funded in state budget, Sept. 30 deadline looms.
Sep 19th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Legislative Committee Approves Pay Raises Evers Already Awarded
Vos complains the governor, after Supreme Court ruling, is 'drunk with power.'
Sep 5th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Fight for Control of Wisconsin Senate Has Begun
2026 election gives Democrats a chance to flip seats under new legislative maps.
Jul 23rd, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Rep Robyn Vining Launches Campaign for 5th Senate District
Democrat challenging GOP Sen. Rob Hutton in Milwaukee-Waukesha district.
Jul 20th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
A Tale of Two Cities
Radically different budget bills passed in Madison and Washington.
Jul 14th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Democratic Rep. Jenna Jacobson Will Challenge Top GOP State Senator
District held by incumbent Howard Marklein now leans slightly Democratic.
Jul 8th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
New Legislative Districts Led to Bipartisan Budget
For first time in 14 years, Republican leaders needed Democratic votes.
Jul 7th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Bipartisan Budget Deal Gets Mixed Reviews From Wisconsin Legislators
A 'step in the right direction' or a 'little sad' and 'unacceptable'?
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Evers and Republican Legislative Leaders Reach Budget Deal
With $1.2 billion in tax cuts, new spending on K-12 schools, UW system, child care.
Jul 1st, 2025 by Rich Kremer
What the Upset in NYC Mayor’s Race Could Mean for Wisconsin
Could another Bernie Sanders-backed, young Democrat defeat Rep. Van Orden?
Jun 30th, 2025 by Ruth Conniff
Wisconsin Democrats Elect Devin Remiker as New Party Chair
Succeeds Ben Wikler, who said of Remiker: 'He gets rural. He gets grassroots.'
Jun 16th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Republican Lawmakers Float Bill to Reauthorize Stewardship Program
But with less funding than the popular land purchase program currently gets.
Jun 5th, 2025 by Danielle Kaeding
Parties Still Apart on State Budget
Republicans want a meeting with Evers. Democrats criticize GOP Senate bills as minor items.
May 18th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Republican Bills Aim To Give Wisconsin A ‘Regulatory Reset’
The recently unveiled package targets rules put out by Wisconsin's executive branch.
May 1st, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Wisconsin Senate Votes 32-1 to Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage
But Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos opposes bill. Will he kill it?
Apr 23rd, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Legislature Pauses To Remember Jonathan Brostoff
But will it act on proposal to add waiting periods to gun purchases?
Mar 20th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Pocan Joins State Democrats To Warn of Local Impacts From Federal Cuts
"Stop the Republican Rip Off" event highlights potential cuts to Medicaid, other services.
Feb 20th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Republicans Push Tax Cuts as New Wisconsin Legislature Convenes
Democratic leader calls for 'common-sense solutions' and no 'partisan bickering.'
Jan 7th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
A Christmas Gift List For State Officials
What would Tony Evers, Robin Vos, Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson like to get?
Dec 23rd, 2024 by Steven Walters
Hesselbein Will Revive Medical Marijuana Bill
Democratic state Senate leader expects more bipartisan legislation in new session.
Dec 16th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin Senate Democrats Plan To Work Across The Aisle
With major gains in the number of seats, Democrats see opportunity.
Dec 13th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Senate Members of Legislature’s Powerful Joint Finance Committee Announced
The 16-person panel is responsible for how Wisconsin spends tens of billions of dollars. Assembly up next.
Dec 5th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Only 30% of Wisconsin Hospitals Obey Federal Price Transparency Rules
New report shows widespread violation of rules meant to lower hospital costs.
Nov 26th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
State Senate Minority Leader Backs Using Budget Surplus to Fund K-12 Schools
Dianne Hesselbein suggests pairing this with a middle-class tax cut.
Nov 25th, 2024 by Beatrice Lawrence
Greta Neubauer Reelected as Assembly Minority Leader
Democrats gained 10 seats, the largest increase in more than half a century.
Nov 20th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Robin Vos Will Continue as Assembly Speaker
Senate Democrats also reelected Diane Hesselbein as minority leader
Nov 13th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Without Gerrymander, Democrats Flip 14 Legislative Seats
The Democratic gains in a strong Republican year set up a chance for them to win majorities in 2026.
Nov 8th, 2024 by Jack Kelly, Hallie Claflin and Matthew DeFour
Results Show Wisconsin GOP Is Now Trump’s MAGA Party
Trump outperformed underlying Republican candidates, reversing 2020 results.
Nov 7th, 2024 by Shawn Johnson
Medicaid Expansion Could Benefit 90,000 Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin Policy Forum studies long-offered expansion's potential, ability to save $200 million annually.
Sep 27th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Democrats, Republicans Ramp Up Campaigns Under New Legislative Maps
Both parties poised to spend $1 million apiece on key state Assembly and Senate races.
Sep 22nd, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
DLCC Spotlights 14 Democratic Candidates for State Legislature
National group helps with funding, messaging; goal is Democratic Assembly takeover.
Sep 18th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin DNC Delegates Express Optimism After Harris’s DNC Speech
Democrats in the Windy City say they're ready to bring the energy and enthusiasm from the convention home, mobilize voters.
Aug 23rd, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Wisconsin Democrats Rally Around High Stakes 2024 Election
But state convention shows division, protest against Baldwin on Israel-Palestine issue.
Jun 10th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin Democrats Running Candidates In All But Two Races
A multi-decade high. But will it matter to their electoral prospects?
Jun 7th, 2024 by Robert D'Andrea
Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds
GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee won't release funding, citing legal risk.
Jun 6th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes
Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.
May 15th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Parties Target 5 State Senate Seats With No Incumbent
More competitive races will mean fierce battles and huge spending.
May 13th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds
Standoff between Republicans on Joint Finance Committee and Gov. Evers continues.
May 8th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
UW-Platteville Vacating Richland Campus
Democrats blame Republicans for cutting UW system funding.
Apr 28th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
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 by Baylor Spears
How Can We Reduce Salt Pollution?
Changes in state law needed, but there are also simple solutions to reduce over-salting. Final story in series
Apr 1st, 2024 by Michael Timm
State Democrats Make Push To Codify Right To Birth Control
But Republicans aren't expected to advance proposal.
Mar 8th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees
GOP boots one from DNR board, three from UW Health board.
Feb 21st, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Republicans Fearful of New District Maps
Under one proposed map, incumbent Republicans would have to run against each other.
Jan 22nd, 2024 by Steven Walters
Senate Leader Shoots Down Government-Run Marijuana Dispensaries
Republicans in Assembly proposed idea. Senate still working on tax cuts.
Jan 12th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
UW Pay Raises Approved After Nearly 6-Month GOP Blockade
Some 34,000 workers had to wait since July for standoff on DEI issue to be settled.
Dec 19th, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Women Politicians Still Face Double Standard
Getting more criticism and social media insults than men. 'We get attacked more.'
Dec 11th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Dianne Hesselbein Is New Senate Minority Leader
Democrats pick her to succeed Sen. Agard, now running for Dane County Executive.
Dec 2nd, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Democrat’s Senate Leader Stepping Down, Running For Dane County Exec
Melissa Agard will serve out her senate term, but three candidates already running for her leadership post.
Dec 1st, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Psychedelic Research Blooms in Wisconsin
Bipartisan bill backs pilot program to study the effects of psilocybin on combat PTSD.
Nov 20th, 2023 by Isiah Holmes
GOP Senators Renew Fight Over Abortion, Tax Cuts
And override an Evers' budget veto, part of busy session Tuesday.
Oct 18th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties
Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Evers’ Tax Cut Plan Is Far Reaching
Detailed plan has many provisions, lowers taxes on four of five taxpayers in state.
Feb 21st, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership
Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Republicans Don’t Win Veto-Proof Legislature
Had to flip five Assembly seats and one Senate district and fell short.
Nov 9th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Record Number of Legislators Retiring
At least 31 incumbents, one quarter of state Legislature retiring, highest since 1942.
Jun 20th, 2022 by Howard Hardee
State Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Medical Marijuana
But the state Legislature has already adjourned for the year, so a bill won't pass in 2022.
Apr 21st, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature
Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Two Medical Marijuana Bills Proposed
One by legislators from each party. 37 states, including Mississippi, now allow it.
Feb 9th, 2022 by Shamane Mills
Democrats Push Abortion Rights Bill
Without Roe, old state law would prevail, making abortion a felony, with penalty of up to 6 years in prison
Jan 24th, 2022 by Melanie Conklin
Assembly Democrats Elect Neubauer As Leader
Will succeed Gordon Hintz, with Rep. Kalan Haywood as assistant minority leader.
Dec 20th, 2021 by Laurel White
Democrats’ Revolving Door Swings Again
Assembly minority leader Gordon Hintz's decision to step down the latest of many leadership changes.
Dec 20th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Hintz Will Quit As Assembly Minority Leader
Democrat will resign position in January, cites need to spend more time with family.
Dec 13th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Big Changes Needed In Political Districts
Population changes in Madison, metro Milwaukee require redrawn legislative and congressional seats.
Sep 27th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Assembly Leaders Accused of ‘Systemic Racism’
Republicans use racist retaliation, punish free speech, Democratic legislators charge.
Jun 12th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Who’s the Most Right Wing Of All?
Conservative group ranks state’s most conservative members of Congress and Legislature.
Apr 27th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Legislature Has Dramatic Debate
Over its power, purpose, prestige... and whether Robin Vos hates Tony Evers.
Mar 24th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Mask-Less Public Meetings Are Illegal
They endanger health and prevent access to all interested in attending.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Larry Gallup
State Legislature Has Most Women Lawmakers Ever
31% of state legislators are women.
Jan 22nd, 2021 by Laurel White
Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders
Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.
Nov 11th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Assembly Passes PFAS, Nurse Assault Bills
Will go to governor for signature. Five other bills passed need Senate approval.
Jan 22nd, 2020 by Laurel White
Assembly Republicans Fail to Override Evers’ Veto
First floor session of 2020 saw partisan attacks and the passage of controversial legislation.
Jan 16th, 2020 by Erik Gunn
Proposal Would Ban Gerrymandering
Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment would amend state constitution, require non-partisan redistricting.
Jan 13th, 2020 by Matt Rothschild
Behold the Democratic Green Team
“Forward on Climate” package includes bills on green banks, weatherizing schools.
Dec 4th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?
27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.
Nov 26th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Assembly Democrats Reach Gender Parity
Women make up 50% of Democrats but just 16% of Republicans in state Assembly.
Nov 26th, 2018 by Laurel White
Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates
Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.
Sep 24th, 2018 by Steven Walters
No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races
Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.
Jun 14th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
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
