Jon Erpenbach

Former Senator Erpenbach Could Be Confirmed As New Parole Board Leader

His former Republican colleagues will decide whether he can keep job Gov. Evers appointed him to.

2022 Roundup: Gov. Evers Completes 2022 72-County Tour of Wisconsin

Senator Agard Thanks Senators Bewley, Erpenbach, and Ringhand

State Republicans Want Citizens Under Guardianship Off Voter Rolls

Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition opposes idea, along with state Democrats.

Legislators Okay $31 Million For Opioid Treatment

Joint Finance makes $3 million change in how Evers planned to spend opioid suit settlement money.

Legislators Still Sitting on Opioid Funding

Democrats, health officials says lives could be lost if settlement funds not used to fight drug epidemic.

‘Day Without Child Care’ Dramatizes Issue

Wisconsin among 25 states that participates in event pushing better pay for workers, more affordable care.

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.

Fight Over Pollution Lawsuits Continues

Three settlements okayed but GOP legislators and Attorney General war over who gets money awarded.

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

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

Bill To End State Income Tax Debated

Republican and research center push it. Democrat and LFB report raise doubts.

Ramthun, Brandtjen Lead Rally to Overturn 2020 Election

Capitol event organized by Jefferson Davis pushes bill to recall state’s 2020 electors.

State Senate Votes on Guns, Vaccines, China

Against vaccine mandates and China and for guns on school grounds.

Assembly Democrats Take The Long View

Youngest leadership team ever lays out its vision, hopes and concerns.

Two Medical Marijuana Bills Proposed

One by legislators from each party. 37 states, including Mississippi, now allow it.

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.

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces Healthcare Heroes Act

Democrats’ Revolving Door Swings Again

Assembly minority leader Gordon Hintz's decision to step down the latest of many leadership changes.

Hintz Will Quit As Assembly Minority Leader

Democrat will resign position in January, cites need to spend more time with family.

Erpenbach Won’t Run For Reelection

Democratic state senator and 22-year veteran was central figure during Act 10 protests.

Erpenbach Will Not Seek Re-election

Senate Passes New Reading Test for Early Grades

Modeled on Mississippi plan. Democrats call it meaningless without more spending on education.

GOP Legislators Push To Continue Gerrymandering

Pushing for redistricting to diverge from current districts as little as possible.

Big Changes Needed In Political Districts

Population changes in Madison, metro Milwaukee require redrawn legislative and congressional seats.

Democrats Lose Experience In Legislature

10 years of Republican control helps creates Legislature with less experienced Democrats.

Evers Offers GOP a Second Chance to Fund Schools

Newly revised federal guidelines could take away pandemic aid to state unless education funding increased.

Legislature Is the Most Diverse in History

Many first served as local officials, many ran small businesses, some started as Capitol staffers.

Whose Vision Will Prevail In Budget Battle?

Republicans got their way in budget rewrite, but Evers' vetoes loom.

State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget

Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.

Special Interests Push for Tax Cut

Big donor business lobbyist groups want big handout: $200 million tax cut.

GOP Plan Cuts Business Property Taxes

But provision of plan also gives Legislature more power over local governments' revenue.

Republican Plan Loses $2.3 Billion for Schools

State lawmakers slashed education funding below federal minimum requirements.

GOP Lawmakers Reject Unemployment System Improvements

Republicans in State Legislature vote down $15 million to fix unemployment system.

Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget

Reduction in spending could mean state loses $1.5 billion in federal pandemic relief funding for education.

Evers Revises Plan to Expand Medicaid

Will Republican legislators turn down “projects in their own districts”?

Mark Born Offers a History Lesson

Republican representative and Joint Finance leader suggests small glass case of exhibits is quite enough Black history.

Legislature Passes Many Bills

Full agenda on Tuesday of mostly partisan legislation, much of it heading for governor’s veto.

State, Cities Can Start Spending Federal Money

Federal government releases guidelines on $350 billion in pandemic relief funds.

GOP Sends Mixed Message To Evers

Republican legislators trash his budget, then ask to meet with him.

Public Testimony Backs Evers Budget

Hearings held only in state’s smaller cities but Evers budget favored 284 to 30 by speakers.

Democrats Call for Virtual Joint Finance Hearing

Pandemic created 'significant barriers’ for many citizens who couldn’t attend in-person hearings.

The Beguiling Blandness of Devin LeMahieu

Senate majority leader is conservative but eschews the nasty style of Robin Vos.

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.

GOP Lawmakers Would Ignore Rules for Stimulus Money

Governor Evers has unilateral power to distribute the federal funds.

JFC Democrats: Republicans Attempt to Distract and Undermine Badger Bounceback Budget’s Investments

Statement on Wisconsin Supreme Court Decision

Erpenbach Statement on Pharmacy Benefit Manager Bill Signing

Legislature Has Dramatic Debate

Over its power, purpose, prestige... and whether Robin Vos hates Tony Evers.

MilliporeSigma expands operations in Verona

$65 million expansion will create approximately 50 full-time jobs

Medicaid Expansion is a Good Deal for Wisconsin

State would net $1 billion for healthcare coverage. Other states have seen better health outcomes after expansion.

State Would Recieve $1.25 Billion Under Medicaid Expansion

GOP gearing up to remove provision from Governor's budget, despite additional funding for expansion in latest stimulus bill.

Republican Refusal to Expand BadgerCare Could Cost State $1 Billion in Additional Funding

Rep. Robyn Vining Applauds Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment Introduction

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

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

Legislators Advance Unemployment Fix, COVID-19 Deal

But Republicans won’t pay for new computer system Evers says is needed.

Federal COVID-19 Aid Funneled to In-Person Schools

State GOP lawmakers' plan penalizes school districts that provided virtual instruction.

PPP Business Expense Tax Break Approved by Committee

Democrats tried to narrow the tax break on expenses paid for with federal relief money.

Democrats Take Action to Protect Public Health

Vos ‘Behaving Like a Bully,’ Democrats Charge

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

GOP Vendetta Threatens Public Health

Republicans block lifesaving health measure to spite the Governor

Senator Erpenbach’s Response to the State of the State Address

We Can’t Stop Here

After 272 Days, More COVID Relief Is Needed

Federal and State Action Needed on COVID Relief for Wisconsin

Erpenbach Responds to Vos Press Conference with No New Ideas

State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) released the following statement in response to the Assembly GOP press conference today.

Erpenbach Applauds DHS Change in Health Care Benefits Policy for Incarcerated Individuals

Long-Sought change will help those in need of substance use recovery and treatment

We Don’t Need a Taskforce

Erpenbach Urges GOP to Make Real Change in Special Session

Erpenbach Statement on GOP Emergency

Ten Years After Act 10

Most of those who voted for it are gone. How has the Capitol changed?

Senator Erpenbach and Legislative Democrats Announce Unemployment Package

Bills would roll back barriers to UI imposed during decade of misguided anti-worker legislation

Statement from Senator Erpenbach on The People’s Maps Commission

State’s Health Care Workers Demand Hazard Pay

As COVID-19 cases rise again, Democratic bill provides increased pay, paid medical leave.

Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces Healthcare Heroes Act

GOP Lame-Duck Law Blocks COVID-19 Aid

State GOP was warned of unintended consequences to their law in 2018.

Supreme Court Case Could Affect Abortion Access in Wisconsin

The High Court weighs case that could effectively overturn Roe v. Wade.

“Tougher On Crime” Bills Make No Sense

Sen. Jon Erpenbach blasts recent "Tougher on Crime" legislation. Argues for increased education funding.

WI Assembly Votes 96-0 Passing Legislation to Hold PBMs Accountable for Rising Drug Costs and Protect Patients and Pharmacists Statewide

Wisconsin Students and Homeowners Abandoned by GOP

Republicans fail to restore education funding and ensure property tax relief

Bill Addressing High Drug Prices Advances

Assembly will take up bipartisan legislation, amendments, on Tuesday.

Voucher Programs Cutting Into Public School Funding

State Sen. Erpenbach and Rep. Pope introduce legislation requiring a referendum before state aid to school districts can be cut.

WI Assembly Committee on Health Hears Legislation to Lower Prescription Costs by Protecting Patients from Harmful PBM Practices

Senator Erpenbach’s Response to the State of the State Address

After a both successful and trying year in 2019, Governor Evers was able to deliver on promises and move the needle on many of the issues that Wisconsinites care about.

Hot Debate, Limited Action by Senate

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

Evers Assigns “Homework” to Legislators

Urges a legislative session long enough to pass bipartisan bills on water quality, homelessness, other issues.

Democrats introduce legislation to protect taxpayers from unaccountable voucher programs

Many taxpayers have had to increase their own taxes in order to keep their public school doors open while vouchers drain the district’s resources without any transparency or accountability.

How Homeless Got Frozen Out

With no explanation, Fitzgerald stopped bipartisan bill providing grants to homeless shelters.

Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power

Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.

Senate Fires State Agriculture Secretary

Every Republican votes not to approve Evers appointee Brad Pfaff.

Everyone Deserves Clean Water

Evers, Democrats back a comprehensive agenda. We want to work with Republicans on this.

Good News, Bad News on State Budget

Report finds 2018-19 year had $1.7 billion surplus, but new budget will exceed projected revenues by $800 million.

Wisconsin legislators rally behind Judge Jill Karofsky for Wisconsin Supreme Court

Judge Karofsky currently serves as a criminal court judge in Dane County.

Democrats Push Medical Marijuana, Red Flag Law

Democratic legislators want to take up issues during fall legislative session.

Suicide Texting Hotline Money Finally Released

Republican-led Joint Finance Committee held up releasing funds for almost three months

Bipartisan Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana

But Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald strongly opposes the bill.

Too Many Wisconsinites Without Health Insurance

Evers' Health Secretary funding effort to increase number of insured.

Shilling Backs Medical Cannabis Efforts

Democrats renew efforts to legalize medical cannabis

What Polls Show About the Legislature

Voters have net positive view of Legislature but negative toward Vos, split on Fitzgerald.

Legislature Should Put Students First

Long-term school funding, teacher experience, student test scores are all down.

Kaul Says Lame Duck Law Costs Taxpayers

AG says legislative oversight stalls cases, makes lower settlements for taxpayers likely.

Democrats’ Bill Repeals Lame Duck Law

Would end new requirement that Attorney General get Legislature’s approval for lawsuits.

The Time for Universal Background Checks is Now

"81% of voters support background checks."

Democrats continue pushing unnecessary, costly Medicaid expansion

"Expanding Medicaid even further to include able-bodied individuals living above the poverty line would put an even greater weight on the taxpayer."

Rep. Robyn Vining Co-Sponsors NEW Medicaid Expansion Legislation

"Medicaid expansion is what the people want and it’s what they deserve."

Erpenbach/Riemer Introduce Medicaid Expansion Bill

Proposal will prevent 2 billion Wisconsin tax dollars from going to other states

Momentum for Medicaid Expansion Continues

Democrats renew push for legislation to expand health coverage

Governor’s Leadership Moves State Forward

A bold vision for Wisconsin and a budget based on input from all the people.

Republicans Abandon Small Family Farmers

Farmers are asking for our help, and the majority party’s inaction yesterday was absolutely a matter of abandoning our farmers by putting politics before their lives.

GOP Legislators Delay Funds for Homeless, Farmers

Evers, Democrats push for state spending approved in budget, Republicans want review by Senate.

Legislators Want to Protect ACA Coverage

Laws needed to assure health coverage continues if courts overrule it, Democrats say.

State Needs Equal Pay Law for Women

Wisconsin Republicans repealed Equal Pay Enforcement Act in 2012.

Vos Wants Medical Marijuana Bill

Assembly Speaker wants to push this bill in fall. Will Senate oppose it?

Senate Sends $82 Billion Budget to Evers

Governor can reject, approve or partially veto the Republicans' revised version of budget.

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.

Republican, Democrat Offer Different Takes On Budget

Sen. Jon Erpenbach blasts failure to expand Medicaid, tax breaks for manufacturers

Legislators Okay $1 Billion for UW Projects

Budget committee approves some 40 projects, including UWM Chemistry Building.

GOP Budget Jacks Up Auto Fees

Vehicle title fee up 137%; higher fees would raise $393 million for roads.

A day after gutting health care programs around the state, GOP criminalizes reproductive care

Democrats have introduced and promoted initiatives aimed at improving access to preventive care like basic health exams, cancer screenings, and STI testing.

GOP Approves $558 Million Health Care Hike

But Republican budget rejects Medicaid expansion that would save the state $320 million, Evers notes.

Rep. Sargent’s Lonely Pro-Pot Campaign

Democrat has pushed for full legalization for years, with few politicians joining her. Until now.

Public Hearing Held to Honor Wisconsin Hero, Staff Sergeant Daniel D. Busch

The bill honors the service and heroism of a young veteran who gave his life for his country.

Republican Pushes for Medical Marijuana

State Sen. Patrick Testin could be the key man in the success or failure of proposal.

Wisconsin Needs a People’s Budget

Polls, public hearings show support for more K-12 education funding, Medicaid expansion, medical pot.

Senator Erpenbach Praises Governor Evers’ Healthy Women, Healthy Baby Initiatives

"Republicans are sending a strong message to the people of our state that access to comprehensive health care is less important than the political points they’re trying to score."

How Walker Wrecked State’s Prisons

Overworked staff, high turnover, rising overtime costs and violence plague the prisons.

Senator Erpenbach Applauds the SeniorCare Extension

"This is a huge win for our state."

Advocates of Legal Pot Still Face Hurdles

Public support growing but GOP leaders oppose Evers' plan to legalize medical marijuana and possession of small amounts.

Senator Erpenbach supports Gov. Evers’ workforce development proposals

Instead of agreeing with a $1 increase in minimum wage for working-class Wisconsinites, Republicans stood up for their wasteful tax handout, which gives 16 wealthy individuals $36 million.

JFC Democrats Baffled by Republican Objection to Reducing Childhood Lead Poisoning

With the federal matching rate at 94.56%, and hundreds of thousands of children facing exposure, the JFC Democratic members are outraged that the Republicans objected to the request.

State Is Ready for Medical Marijuana

Myths have been debunked. Health benefits are clear. Voters support it.

Sen. Erpenbach Applauds Gov. Evers’ Medical Marijuana Proposal

"Marijuana can provide relief to those suffering from cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, ALS, chronic pain and can even help in the fight against opiate addiction."

Senator Erpenbach Introduces Comprehensive Health Care Protection Bill

"It is time to stop playing politics with people’s lives, and work across the aisle on real solutions."

Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power

Limits on early voting, constraints on Evers campaign promise on health care.

About That Republican Victory

Voters rejected Democrats for the Assembly, Robin Vos declares. Er, not exactly.

Kimberly-Clark, Unions, Push for Subsidy

State Senate lacks votes to approve $70 million subsidy for 400 jobs.

Democrats Resist Limiting Governor’s Power

Republicans want lame-duck session to reduce Evers' power, Democrats warn of a court challenge.

Erpenbach Calls on Governor to End Support of “Zero Tolerance”

Urges Walker to join eight other Governors in recalling National Guard Troops

Time to Make Our Older Adults a Priority

State should prioritize spending on healthcare and housing for seniors.

Erpenbach Thankful for DOT Exception for Sauk City Fire Department

The rail line was converted to the Great Sauk Trail last summer as a part of the Rails to Trails program administered by the Department of Transportation.

Village of West Baraboo Repayment

"After more than a year of trying to work this out with the DOT, I am happy taxpayers in West Baraboo will have the funds returned."

Republicans Resist Net Neutrality Bill

Issue is critical to small businesses, who create most new jobs in the state.

Billions for Foxconn, Failure for Rural Wisconsin

Rural economic development bill passes Assembly 95 to 0, fails to get a vote in the Senate.

Mayor Tom Barrett Applauds Passage of Bill Prohibiting Straw Purchasing

Senate Bill 408 criminalizes gun purchases on behalf of felons and acting as ‘human holster’

Senate “Hatchet Job” Removes Haas, Bell

What did they do wrong? “I have no idea,” Fitzgerald admits, but demands firings.

Statement of Senator Jon Erpenbach on Governor Walker’s re-election health care plan.

"These newly loved Democratic plans are a drop in the bucket compared to what accepting funds to expand BagerCare could do for the people of this state."

Legislature Must Act On Prison Safety

More protections needed for prison workers, proposed bill provides solutions.

Help Needed to Prevent Veterans’ Suicides

22 veterans commit suicide every day in U.S. Proposed state program addresses issue.

Legislature Must Act on Prison Overcrowding

Safety a huge issue; will Republicans have courage to take on issue?

Medicare Threatened By Federal Tax Cuts

Massive deficit it causes could require huge cuts in Medicare.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

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

Dem Lawmakers Push To Legalize Medical Marijuana

State Sen. Jon Erpenbach and Rep. Chris Taylor tour state to discuss medical marijuana.

Restore the Elections Commission Staff

GOP legislators supported this until Walker veto cut staff. Our bill restores electoral security.

Respect Women Act Restores Women’s Medical Rights

Proposals to Take Politics out of Medical Decisions, Repeal Harmful Abortions Restrictions and Improve Health Center Safety

Mining Hearing Gets Ugly

Senator and mining proponent uses personal attack as part of defense of bill.

Don’t Cut Historic Tax Credits

They’re Walker's most successful economic development program. So why would he cut them?

We Hate DOT, But Here’s $712 Million

GOP senators would borrow big for Department of Transportation they distrust.

Democrats’ Bill Requires More Campaign Disclosure

Committees, corporations required to disclose any spending on ads within 60 days of elections.

John Nygren’s War on Drug Abuse

His daughter’s drug abuse problem brought the issue home to him.

Governor’s Race Influences Budget

Joint Finance Democrats raise issues that could be used against Walker.

Healthcare Protection Package a Needed First Response to Potential ACA Repeal

The Healthcare Protection Package would help to continue vital policies that reduce costs to healthcare consumers and provide access to insurance with robust coverage.

Shilling backs Health Care Protection Package

D.C. politics threaten health care access for Wisconsin families

Stop Raiding Veterans Nursing Home

Legislative oversight of this was vetoed by Gov. Walker. That’s wrong.

Advisory Referendums Have Meant Little

Legislators are considering advisory referendums on legalizing marijuana and making Daylight Savings Time permanent.

Shilling backs Compassionate Cannabis Care Act

Dems partner with health professionals and patients in medical marijuana push

Let the Public Decide on Medical Marijuana

Introduces legislation calling for statewide referendum

Republican Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit costing millions more than expected – benefits just a few of the state’s wealthiest individuals

"75% of the total Manufacturing and Agriculture tax credit is going to individuals that each make more than a million dollars a year"

2017 Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking

Milwaukee Area Still Has Above Averages Costs

Sen. Shilling appoints Taylor, Erpenbach to serve on Joint Finance Committee

“Sen. Taylor and Sen. Erpenbach have been outspoken advocates for working families in Wisconsin and understand the importance of investing in our future.”

The Legend of Leah Vukmir

Once considered a horrible legislator, she’s now one of the Capitol’s “heaviest hitters.”

Wisconsin Open for Bribery

State Ethics Commission allows GOP legislator to create his own PAC, ignoring “bright line” in the law.

New $0 Deductible Health Plans Introduced

Wisconsin health consumers will save over $209 million

Action Needed Now for King Residents

Erpenbach: Fund $18 million projects from 2015 Capital Budget and Enact Legislative Oversight Now

Illegal Coordination Highlighted in Guardian story

Senator Erpenbach has worked in the Legislature to regulate issue ads since his election in 1998 to the Senate.

Erpenbach Vows to Again Seek Legislative Accountability for Veterans Budget

“The nursing home fund raid without Legislative approval is not business as usual as Governor Walker and DVA bureaucrats would like you to believe.”

Neglect Ignored, Problems Denied, Solutions Delayed

GOP inaction once again jeopardizes vulnerable residents at state facility

Veteran’s Nursing Homes Should Not Be Shortchanged

"From here, it looks like decisions have been made to cut costs that are sacrificing resident care and comfort, perhaps just to bank money for other uses."

Some Legislators Still Crave Secrecy

Some routinely destroy correspondence and other materials, making government less open.

Democrats Warn of Consequences on the Eve of the Death of the Government Accountability Board

Democrats highlight Scott Walker and the Republicans' dismantling of the non partisan Government Accountability Board.

UW Operational Budget to Get Board Vote: Lowest State Support Reflects Republican Cuts

Higher student fees and less state support for our university system are on the agenda this week in Madison.

Republicans Continue to Sell Wisconsin Long-Term Care to the Highest Bidder

No evidence to demonstrate the need to overhaul Family Care and upend the lives of 60,000

Erpenbach to Gov. Walker: Stop DVA attacks on Veterans offices

Local veteran to veteran counseling at risk again at the hands of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Report That Walker Killed

Its warning: Ending civil service means less qualified will serve. Why didn’t legislators see it?

State Could Still Get Medicaid Dollars

Would substitute for state spending, yielding millions for schools, roads, UW System.

Federal Court Recognizes Photo ID Problems

Decision notes it is too difficult for some classes of people to obtain photo ID.

New Corrections Chief Faces Problems

Including overcrowded prisons, staff shortages and low morale, and a dearth of leadership.

Walker Administration and Republican Legislators Must Also Be Held Accountable for Corrections Crisis

Assembly Democrats Request Audit of Department of Corrections

Proposal to Transform Delivery of Local Veterans Services a Bad Idea

“I know that the authors of this proposal believed they were putting forward a proposal built through consensus which is simply not true.”

The Real State of the State

New Budget Numbers Show $158 Million Drop in Revenue

Erpenbach Calls for Corrections Reforms Immediately

Currently seeking co-sponsors, Erpenbach and other authors of the proposals expect introduction of the bills next week.

Democrats propose Corrections Reform measures to improve public safety

“The lack of urgency by Gov. Walker’s administration and the Republican majority to address complaints of child abuse and assaults in our correctional facilities is appalling”

New Medicaid Savings Could Benefit Taxpayers

Two factors will reduce state Medicaid costs and give legislators room to improve system.

Walker Policy to Cost WI Taxpayers $1.07 Billion in Next Six Years

Currently 31 states including the District of Columbia have accepted Federal Medicaid funds.

WWN Supports Patients Reproductive Health Act

“As members of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Women’s Network, we believe that every woman should have access to medically-accurate health care, free from harassment and intimidation.”

Patients Reproductive Health Care Act Announced

This bill comes on the heels of a highly coordinated and unrelenting attack on women’s health by Governor Walker and legislative Republicans.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Supports Introduction of the Patients Reproductive Health Act

Proactive legislation would allow patients to access reproductive health care free of political interference, harassment and misinformation

21% of Gas Tax Will Go to Repay Debt

Debt level has doubled in a decade, yet legislators approve plan.

Statement on passage of dismantling of GAB and campaign finance deform bills

“Republicans have dismantled a transparent and accountable Legislature.”

Legislature Must Act to Help Veterans

Because of long wait times for veterans, their mental health care needs are not met.

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.”

Sen. Erpenbach and Rep. Hintz Unveil Bill Targeting Mental Health Gap for Veterans Most in Need

Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) and Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) have unveiled a bill that would allow low-income veterans to receive a voucher for immediate mental health care for treatment such as emergency counseling, alcohol and drug treatment, and marriage counseling

Statement on Republican John Doe bill in the Senate

“Republicans are making it harder to investigate bribery of a public officer or employee.”

Statement from Senator Jon Erpenbach on vote in Senate Health and Human Services committee affecting biomedical research.

"This bill will have a direct impact on patients seeking medical treatment for difficult and desperate diseases."

Time to Revisit Transportation Funding Solutions

71 percent of Wisconsin's roads are rated in poor or mediocre condition.

Statement of Senator Jon Erpenbach on Health and Human Services Committee Meeting

“Wisconsin’s economy is stagnant, yet we must spend the day working to hurt our growing businesses.”

Walker “just doesn’t get it.”

Wisconsin Senator Jon Erpenbach reacts to Governor Walker plan to repeal health care coverage for 16 million Americans, 200,000 from Wisconsin.

Budget Included Big Changes on Taxes

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

Bipartisan talks begin in Senate for Milwaukee arena dea

Why Republicans Tried to Repeal Open Records

Frustrated with open records requests that have embarrassed them, GOP leaders decided they’d had enough.

Erpenbach on final budget passage

"We can do better."

Bucks Arena Will Need Democratic Support

But which Democrats are likely to back it?

Erpenbach on tragic open records changes inserted into budget at 11th hour

“People have the right to know what their government is doing.”

Statement of Senator Jon Erpenbach on Governor Walker’s continued absence and the resulting infighting between Legislative Republicans

“The public in-fighting between Senate and Assembly Republican leadership is of no benefit to the people of this state. ”

Was Act 10 Necessary?

New analysis by bipartisan expert on good government explodes the myths about Walker’s signature achievement.

Republicans in Wisconsin State Senate Pass Dangerous Abortion Ban

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin (PPAWI) Continues To Fight For Women’s Health

Statement from Senator Jon Erpenbach on the passage of Senate Bill 179 – Abortion Ban

"Women and families in Wisconsin facing difficult decisions have had their health and lives put on the line with the passage of the dangerous abortion ban authored by Senator Lazich."

Erpenbach Statement on Senate Health and Human Services Committee Abortion Ban Vote

"Today, it was confirmed that not only are Senate Republicans advancing a dangerous piece of legislation, they have no idea what’s in it."

Erpenbach to GOP –Anything Less Than Removal is a Failure

Governor Walker’s Plan to Give WI Long Term Care to Out of State For Profit Insurance, Up Today

Public Schools are Being Strangled by Governor Walker and His Friends

Statement from Senator Jon Erpenbach on Republican’s 29 page education omnibus motion.

Erpenbach Motion to Require Audit of DOA Info Tech Funds

The motion failed along party lines.

Erpenbach Motion in Finance to Support WI Cancer Reporting System

Cancer statistics will help provide insight and treatment options

Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?

Five candidates seek the difficult job of trying to revive the minority party in Wisconsin.

New Wisconsin Poll Shows Public Wants Major Changes to Budget on Health Care

The polling shows massive public support for Wisconsin to take the enhanced federal funding for BadgerCare rejected in the Governor’s budget.

Budget Could Delay Local Highway Projects

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

Walker’s UW Cuts Get National Press

It’s probably helping his presidential run, but also raising questions about Walker as a person.

Legislation Announced to Accept Federal BadgerCare Funds on Iowa Terms

The bill adopts the approach taken by Iowa’s Republican Governor Terry Branstad.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Announces Endorsements

Slate highlights problem solvers.

Few Competitive Legislative Races

Redistricting has reduced the number of competitive districts for fall elections.

Democratic Wedge Issues

Republicans are out of step on issues like same sex marriage and medical marijuana.

Landlord registration program could be eliminated

Statement from Alderman Nik Kovac June 20, 2013

Legislators think they know what’s best for Milwaukee neighborhoods

Statement from Alderman Michael J. Murphy June 20, 2013

Democrats in Disarray

The firing of its state spokesperson is just another sign the party has lost its way.

Plan to Strengthen BadgerCare Unveiled at State Capitol

Provides another stepping stone to rebuilding Wisconsin’s middle-class

Rep. Sanfelippo Says Full-Speed Ahead

His bill to downsize county government will be introduced next week and he predicts it will pass.

New Wisconsin Health Insurance Cost Ranking

Milwaukee and Racine Have Highest Health Insurance Costs in State for 2013

The Rise of Chris Larson

Is he a young liberal heavyweight? Or a punching bag for Republicans?

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.

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.

Beer Protest Spill a Spash!

The Spirit of ’07 Milwaukee Beer Party Protest and Demonstration was a good old-fashioned publicity stunt that brought cameras and crowds to the Milwaukee Ale House on Tuesday, July 10th, 2007.