Photos
Content referencing Jon Erpenbach
Texas Reps Fleeing State Similar to 2011 Wisconsin Dem Exodus
Texas Democratic U.S. representatives trying to block gerrymander vote, Wisconsin state senators tried the same with Act 10.
Aug 11th, 2025 by Steven Walters
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.
May 11th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
State Republicans Want Citizens Under Guardianship Off Voter Rolls
Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition opposes idea, along with state Democrats.
Sep 21st, 2022 by Henry Redman
Legislators Okay $31 Million For Opioid Treatment
Joint Finance makes $3 million change in how Evers planned to spend opioid suit settlement money.
Sep 10th, 2022 by Sarah Lehr
Legislators Still Sitting on Opioid Funding
Democrats, health officials says lives could be lost if settlement funds not used to fight drug epidemic.
Aug 31st, 2022 by Evan Casey
‘Day Without Child Care’ Dramatizes Issue
Wisconsin among 25 states that participates in event pushing better pay for workers, more affordable care.
May 10th, 2022 by Christina Lieffring
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
Fight Over Pollution Lawsuits Continues
Three settlements okayed but GOP legislators and Attorney General war over who gets money awarded.
Apr 18th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature
Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Bill To End State Income Tax Debated
Republican and research center push it. Democrat and LFB report raise doubts.
Feb 21st, 2022 by Steven Walters
Ramthun, Brandtjen Lead Rally to Overturn 2020 Election
Capitol event organized by Jefferson Davis pushes bill to recall state’s 2020 electors.
Feb 16th, 2022 by Henry Redman
State Senate Votes on Guns, Vaccines, China
Against vaccine mandates and China and for guns on school grounds.
Feb 16th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Assembly Democrats Take The Long View
Youngest leadership team ever lays out its vision, hopes and concerns.
Feb 9th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
Two Medical Marijuana Bills Proposed
One by legislators from each party. 37 states, including Mississippi, now allow it.
Feb 9th, 2022 by Shamane Mills
GOP Lawmakers Seek Control of Federal Aid
Proposed constitutional amendment gives Legislature control over spending federal funds.
Feb 3rd, 2022 by Erik Gunn
GOP Lawmakers Try to Strip Evers Power Over Federal Aid
Republican controlled state Senate would change state law to place authority with legislature.
Jan 26th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
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
Erpenbach Won’t Run For Reelection
Democratic state senator and 22-year veteran was central figure during Act 10 protests.
Dec 8th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Senate Passes New Reading Test for Early Grades
Modeled on Mississippi plan. Democrats call it meaningless without more spending on education.
Oct 26th, 2021 by Ruth Conniff
GOP Legislators Push To Continue Gerrymandering
Pushing for redistricting to diverge from current districts as little as possible.
Sep 29th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin and Henry Redman
Big Changes Needed In Political Districts
Population changes in Madison, metro Milwaukee require redrawn legislative and congressional seats.
Sep 27th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Democrats Lose Experience In Legislature
10 years of Republican control helps creates Legislature with less experienced Democrats.
Sep 20th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Evers Offers GOP a Second Chance to Fund Schools
Newly revised federal guidelines could take away pandemic aid to state unless education funding increased.
Jul 11th, 2021 by Ruth Conniff
Legislature Is the Most Diverse in History
Many first served as local officials, many ran small businesses, some started as Capitol staffers.
Jul 5th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Whose Vision Will Prevail In Budget Battle?
Republicans got their way in budget rewrite, but Evers' vetoes loom.
Jul 4th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget
Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.
Jul 1st, 2021 by Laurel White and Megan Hart
Special Interests Push for Tax Cut
Big donor business lobbyist groups want big handout: $200 million tax cut.
Jun 26th, 2021 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
GOP Plan Cuts Business Property Taxes
But provision of plan also gives Legislature more power over local governments' revenue.
Jun 24th, 2021 by Shawn Johnson
Republican Plan Loses $2.3 Billion for Schools
State lawmakers slashed education funding below federal minimum requirements.
Jun 11th, 2021 by Ruth Conniff
GOP Lawmakers Reject Unemployment System Improvements
Republicans in State Legislature vote down $15 million to fix unemployment system.
Jun 3rd, 2021 by Laurel White
Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget
Reduction in spending could mean state loses $1.5 billion in federal pandemic relief funding for education.
May 28th, 2021 by Ruth Conniff
Evers Revises Plan to Expand Medicaid
Will Republican legislators turn down “projects in their own districts”?
May 20th, 2021 by Shawn Johnson
Mark Born Offers a History Lesson
Republican representative and Joint Finance leader suggests small glass case of exhibits is quite enough Black history.
May 17th, 2021 by James Rowen
Legislature Passes Many Bills
Full agenda on Tuesday of mostly partisan legislation, much of it heading for governor’s veto.
May 12th, 2021 by Shawn Johnson and Laurel White
State, Cities Can Start Spending Federal Money
Federal government releases guidelines on $350 billion in pandemic relief funds.
May 11th, 2021 by Laura Olson
GOP Sends Mixed Message To Evers
Republican legislators trash his budget, then ask to meet with him.
May 4th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Public Testimony Backs Evers Budget
Hearings held only in state’s smaller cities but Evers budget favored 284 to 30 by speakers.
Apr 28th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Democrats Call for Virtual Joint Finance Hearing
Pandemic created 'significant barriers’ for many citizens who couldn’t attend in-person hearings.
Apr 20th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
The Beguiling Blandness of Devin LeMahieu
Senate majority leader is conservative but eschews the nasty style of Robin Vos.
Apr 17th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
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.
Apr 12th, 2021 by Steven Walters
GOP Lawmakers Would Ignore Rules for Stimulus Money
Governor Evers has unilateral power to distribute the federal funds.
Apr 8th, 2021 by Shawn Johnson
Legislature Has Dramatic Debate
Over its power, purpose, prestige... and whether Robin Vos hates Tony Evers.
Mar 24th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
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.
Mar 19th, 2021 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
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.
Mar 12th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Steven Walters
Legislators Advance Unemployment Fix, COVID-19 Deal
But Republicans won’t pay for new computer system Evers says is needed.
Feb 18th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Federal COVID-19 Aid Funneled to In-Person Schools
State GOP lawmakers' plan penalizes school districts that provided virtual instruction.
Feb 11th, 2021 by Laurel White
PPP Business Expense Tax Break Approved by Committee
Democrats tried to narrow the tax break on expenses paid for with federal relief money.
Feb 11th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Vos ‘Behaving Like a Bully,’ Democrats Charge
After 10 months with no COVID-19 response bill, frustrated Democrats condemn their colleagues.
Jan 27th, 2021 by Erik Gunn and Melanie Conklin
Ten Years After Act 10
Most of those who voted for it are gone. How has the Capitol changed?
Jul 27th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State’s Health Care Workers Demand Hazard Pay
As COVID-19 cases rise again, Democratic bill provides increased pay, paid medical leave.
Jun 30th, 2020 by Shamane Mills
GOP Lame-Duck Law Blocks COVID-19 Aid
State GOP was warned of unintended consequences to their law in 2018.
Apr 2nd, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Supreme Court Case Could Affect Abortion Access in Wisconsin
The High Court weighs case that could effectively overturn Roe v. Wade.
Mar 5th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
“Tougher On Crime” Bills Make No Sense
Sen. Jon Erpenbach blasts recent "Tougher on Crime" legislation. Argues for increased education funding.
Feb 21st, 2020 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Bill Addressing High Drug Prices Advances
Assembly will take up bipartisan legislation, amendments, on Tuesday.
Feb 17th, 2020 by Shamane Mills
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.
Feb 7th, 2020 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach and State Rep. Sondy Pope
Hot Debate, Limited Action by Senate
Limited bills on homeless, clean water passed, nothing on dark stores tax loophole.
Jan 22nd, 2020 by Erik Gunn
Evers Assigns “Homework” to Legislators
Urges a legislative session long enough to pass bipartisan bills on water quality, homelessness, other issues.
Jan 10th, 2020 by Rob Mentzer
How Homeless Got Frozen Out
With no explanation, Fitzgerald stopped bipartisan bill providing grants to homeless shelters.
Nov 27th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power
Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Ruth Conniff
Senate Fires State Agriculture Secretary
Every Republican votes not to approve Evers appointee Brad Pfaff.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Laurel White
Everyone Deserves Clean Water
Evers, Democrats back a comprehensive agenda. We want to work with Republicans on this.
Nov 4th, 2019 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
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.
Oct 28th, 2019 by Rich Kremer
Democrats Push Medical Marijuana, Red Flag Law
Democratic legislators want to take up issues during fall legislative session.
Oct 7th, 2019 by Laurel White
Suicide Texting Hotline Money Finally Released
Republican-led Joint Finance Committee held up releasing funds for almost three months
Oct 3rd, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Bipartisan Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana
But Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald strongly opposes the bill.
Oct 3rd, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
Too Many Wisconsinites Without Health Insurance
Evers' Health Secretary funding effort to increase number of insured.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Shamane Mills
What Polls Show About the Legislature
Voters have net positive view of Legislature but negative toward Vos, split on Fitzgerald.
Sep 17th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Legislature Should Put Students First
Long-term school funding, teacher experience, student test scores are all down.
Sep 12th, 2019 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Kaul Says Lame Duck Law Costs Taxpayers
AG says legislative oversight stalls cases, makes lower settlements for taxpayers likely.
Sep 10th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Democrats’ Bill Repeals Lame Duck Law
Would end new requirement that Attorney General get Legislature’s approval for lawsuits.
Sep 6th, 2019 by Laurel White
Governor’s Leadership Moves State Forward
A bold vision for Wisconsin and a budget based on input from all the people.
Aug 1st, 2019 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
GOP Legislators Delay Funds for Homeless, Farmers
Evers, Democrats push for state spending approved in budget, Republicans want review by Senate.
Jul 24th, 2019 by Laurel White
Legislators Want to Protect ACA Coverage
Laws needed to assure health coverage continues if courts overrule it, Democrats say.
Jul 22nd, 2019 by Erik Gunn
State Needs Equal Pay Law for Women
Wisconsin Republicans repealed Equal Pay Enforcement Act in 2012.
Jul 14th, 2019 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Vos Wants Medical Marijuana Bill
Assembly Speaker wants to push this bill in fall. Will Senate oppose it?
Jul 1st, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Senate Sends $82 Billion Budget to Evers
Governor can reject, approve or partially veto the Republicans' revised version of budget.
Jun 27th, 2019 by Laurel White
Republican, Democrat Offer Different Takes On Budget
Sen. Jon Erpenbach blasts failure to expand Medicaid, tax breaks for manufacturers
Jun 20th, 2019 by Elizabeth Dohms-Harter
Legislators Okay $1 Billion for UW Projects
Budget committee approves some 40 projects, including UWM Chemistry Building.
Jun 12th, 2019 by Laurel White
GOP Budget Jacks Up Auto Fees
Vehicle title fee up 137%; higher fees would raise $393 million for roads.
Jun 7th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
GOP Approves $558 Million Health Care Hike
But Republican budget rejects Medicaid expansion that would save the state $320 million, Evers notes.
Jun 5th, 2019 by Laurel White
Rep. Sargent’s Lonely Pro-Pot Campaign
Democrat has pushed for full legalization for years, with few politicians joining her. Until now.
May 27th, 2019 by Hibah Ansari
Republican Pushes for Medical Marijuana
State Sen. Patrick Testin could be the key man in the success or failure of proposal.
May 14th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Needs a People’s Budget
Polls, public hearings show support for more K-12 education funding, Medicaid expansion, medical pot.
May 8th, 2019 by Joint Finance Committee Democratic Members
How Walker Wrecked State’s Prisons
Overworked staff, high turnover, rising overtime costs and violence plague the prisons.
May 2nd, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Apr 7th, 2019 by Suzie Kazar
State Is Ready for Medical Marijuana
Myths have been debunked. Health benefits are clear. Voters support it.
Feb 23rd, 2019 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power
Limits on early voting, constraints on Evers campaign promise on health care.
Dec 5th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson and Laurel White
About That Republican Victory
Voters rejected Democrats for the Assembly, Robin Vos declares. Er, not exactly.
Nov 15th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Kimberly-Clark, Unions, Push for Subsidy
State Senate lacks votes to approve $70 million subsidy for 400 jobs.
Nov 15th, 2018 by Laurel White
Democrats Resist Limiting Governor’s Power
Republicans want lame-duck session to reduce Evers' power, Democrats warn of a court challenge.
Nov 10th, 2018 by Laurel White
Time to Make Our Older Adults a Priority
State should prioritize spending on healthcare and housing for seniors.
Jun 5th, 2018 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Republicans Resist Net Neutrality Bill
Issue is critical to small businesses, who create most new jobs in the state.
May 7th, 2018 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Billions for Foxconn, Failure for Rural Wisconsin
Rural economic development bill passes Assembly 95 to 0, fails to get a vote in the Senate.
Apr 9th, 2018 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Senate “Hatchet Job” Removes Haas, Bell
What did they do wrong? “I have no idea,” Fitzgerald admits, but demands firings.
Jan 24th, 2018 by Matt Rothschild
Legislature Must Act On Prison Safety
More protections needed for prison workers, proposed bill provides solutions.
Jan 10th, 2018 by State Rep. Dave Considine
Help Needed to Prevent Veterans’ Suicides
22 veterans commit suicide every day in U.S. Proposed state program addresses issue.
Jan 7th, 2018 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Legislature Must Act on Prison Overcrowding
Safety a huge issue; will Republicans have courage to take on issue?
Dec 16th, 2017 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
Medicare Threatened By Federal Tax Cuts
Massive deficit it causes could require huge cuts in Medicare.
Dec 7th, 2017 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
