Mark Born

DNR Approves 12 Stewardship Projects After Court Blocked Legislative Interference

Including one in Milwaukee. Supreme Court ruled legislative vetoes by Legislature's finance committee violated separation of powers.

DNR Requests Surge in Funding To Address Backlog, Increase Stewardship

Agency proposes reauthorizing Stewardship program for a decade with $100 million annually.

Staffing, Medicaid Rates Put Wisconsin’s Long-Term Care Providers in Crisis

Gov. Evers’ $258 million plan will temporarily help, but more needed providers say.

Following Counselor Death, Staff, Family Plead for Help At Lincoln Hills 

Counselor's family tells Senate death could have been prevented and state failed.

Evers Bypasses Legislature in Battle Over Funding Long-Term Care

Governor using federal funds to revive blocked plan to aid struggling care providers.

Lawmakers Approve Funding, Positions for Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center

Joint Finance Committee finally acts after holding up request for six months.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Limits Legislature’s Authority To Block Governor

6-1 decision rules that legislators wrongly blocked DNR stewardship funding.

UW, Prisons, MPS Now Capitol’s Top Issues

Evers and GOP legislators disagree. Issues could figure in fall elections.

Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds

GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee won't release funding, citing legal risk.

Evers Requests Release of $25 Million for Child Care and Tourism

Yet another battle between governor and Republican legislators over funding allocations.

Ron Johnson Calls on GOP to Set Aside ‘Squabbles’ on Abortion

Republicans at annual convention endorse Hovde, worry about new legislative maps.

Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds

Standoff between Republicans on Joint Finance Committee and Gov. Evers continues.

Voters Worried About PFAS in Water  

69% are worried, poll shows. But Evers and Legislature can't agree on how to address problem.

Evers Won’t Rule Out Court Challenge to Force Release of PFAS Funds

Nine months after Legislature set aside $125 million to address PFAS, funding still stalled.

Committee Blocks $258 Million Home Health Care Pay Plan

Providers fear losing workers, while others fear providers themselves will drop out.

Gov. Evers Vetoes PFAS Bill, Calls Special Meeting of Budget Committee

Governor urges GOP legislators to release budgeted funds for PFAS and hospitals.

GOP Leaders Urge Gov. Evers to Sign Divisive PFAS Bill 

It provides funding but restricts Wisconsin DNR's enforcement powers against polluters.

Visiting Eau Claire, Evers Chides Legislators for Blocking Hospital Funds

As Republicans withhold aid, hospital closings create health-care gap in western Wisconsin.

Lawmakers Release $32 Million They Previously Withheld From UW System

Money was previously cut by GOP legislators as part of DEI fight.

Marquette University School of Dentistry Statement on release of funding for dental general practice residency program

Evers Seeks Compromise on Republican PFAS Bill

Threatens veto of GOP plan, saying 'I'm not signing bill letting polluters off the hook.'

State of the Tribes Speech Emphasizes Diversity

Potawatomi chairman James Crawford notes diversity of 11 tribes and their common needs.

Department of Public Instruction Asks Lawmakers To Approve New Reading Curriculum

Proposal overrides the Literacy Council, which DPI says failed to meet deadlines.

Republicans Again Deny Funds for Stewardship Project

Joint Finance Committee nixes $1 million request for public boat launch in Ashland.

State Budget Surplus Shrinking But Still Huge

Latest projection says surplus will be $3.25 billion at end of current, two-year budget cycle.

Revenue Re-estimates Support Tax Relief

Collections remain strong, surplus over $3 billion

GOP Legislators Battle Lac du Flambeau Tribe

Reacting to tussle over access to tribal land, Finance Committee withholds gaming revenue.

Supreme Court Justice Pushes For Judicial Protection Police Force

Proposal from Justice Annette Ziegler comes after retired Wisconsin judge was murdered.

Graying Demographics Drive GOP Tax Cut

Tax cut for retirees, who have the highest turnout in elections, adds new wrinkle.

Following Speed Improvements, State Licensing Agency Wants Longterm Funding

Stimulus funding will run out next year, imperiling continued operation of DSPS.

Republican Proposal Cuts State Income Taxes By Nearly $3 Billion

GOP legislators claim it targets middle class. Democrats dispute this.

Kaul Announces Funding for Office of School Safety

Attorney General reallocates federal ARPA dollars to provide temporary funding.

Governor’s Veto Gives $20 Million For Land Stewardship Program

Evers' partial budget veto releases funding for wide variety of DNR efforts.

Republicans Outraged By Evers’ Vetoes

Blasting 'trickery' of 'radical governor,' they vow to 'stand up and fight.'

Assembly Passes Budget, Sends To Governor For Possible Vetoes

Evers could veto entire budget or portions of it, with all legislative Democrats voting against agreement.

State Leaders, Educators Push Legislators to Fund School Safety

Republicans resist this, though Office of School Safety created in 2018 under Gov. Walker.

Republicans Approve $3.5 Billion Income Tax Cut

GOP legislators also approve cutting $32 million from UW System budget as part of DEI cut.

GOP Legislators Boost Road Funding By $1.5 Billion

Budget committee approves proposal that also hikes fees on electric vehicles.

Have Republicans Put Milwaukee Transit On Chopping Block?

Milwaukee legislators oppose move by GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee.

Kaul Charges Republicans Gutted School Safety Office

Democratic AG says budget decision leaves less resources 'for keeping our kids safe.'

GOP Won’t Staff Crime Lab, Licensing Department At Requested Levels

Bipartisan push for more staffing to resolve problems."You own any issues," says Rep. Goyke to GOP.

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.

Assembly, Senate Could Strip Milwaukee Funding From Revenue Bill

Speaker Vos and Majority Leader LeMahieu threaten to remove sales taxes for city and county.

Republicans Block UW-Madison Engineering Building

Finance committee approves approximately half of proposed UW System projects. But, engineering building was top priority.

Evers, Republicans Find Common Ground

Better relations between governor and Legislature helps create three major proposals.

Republicans Vote to Create $125 Million Fund To Address PFAS

Specifics on how the money would be spent to clean up contamination remain to be worked out.

GOP Legislators Approve Pay Hike for Prosecutors, Public Defenders

Evers budget called for $35 per hour. Joint Finance plan goes $1 higher.

State Budget Surplus Dips… To $6.9 Billion

Legislative Fiscal Bureau finds tax revenues dropped by $365 million in 2022-23 fiscal year.

Evers Vision Trashed by Republicans

It's governor's vision vs. 12 Republicans on Joint Finance Committee. Who's right?

GOP Legislators Gut Evers’ Budget

On party line vote Legislature's budget committee cuts 545 proposals from governor's proposed budget.

Wisconsin’s Largest Conservation Project Stuck in Limbo

Republicans have blocked access to $4 million to finance $15.5 million project.

Legislative Committee Rejects Funds for State’s Largest Land Conservation Plan

Republicans spike proposal to preserve 70,000 acres of forest in northern Wisconsin.

DNR Secretary Promises Review of How Agency Works With Local Governments

Potential changes coming as a result of Pelican River Forest mix-up.

GOP Legislators Bash Evers ‘Reckless’ Budget

DOA Secretary defends 'prudent' fiscal decisions at Joint Finance Committee hearing.

DSPS Secretary, Republicans Debate Licensing Staffing, Backlog

Secretary-designee wants to use its revenue to hire staff, Republicans question backlog, push for fewer licenses.

One Third of State Prison Jobs Are Vacant

Legislative hearing discusses state corrections budget, pay hikes proposed by Gov. Evers.

Analysis Details Evers’ Paid Leave Plan

$243 million state spending starts trust fund, payroll tax on employers and employees would sustain it.

Evers Predicts State Shared Revenue Changes

More money coming, 'I don't care if you’re a 300-people township or the city of Milwaukee.'

Speaker Vos Downplays $7 Billion Surplus Size As Budget Debate Begins

Vos says Gov. Evers lives in "fantasyland" with his plans for spending.

Republicans Giving Up On Flat Tax?

Top GOP legislators say they don't expect it to be passed in the state budget.

Evers Proposes $3.8 Billion in Building Projects

Nearly $1.8 billion of spending on public buildings is for UW System.

DNR Member Warns Wisconsin Needs Money To Maintain Its Conservation Land

The state has acquired approximately 1.5 million acres of land through stewardship programs.

Republicans Hide Details on Stewardship Fund

Legislators reduce project grant without revealing who objected or what exactly is funded.

Gov. Evers’ Budget Includes Tax Cuts, Increased School Funding

Republicans blast budget, call it 'devoid of reality.'

State’s Budget Surplus Hits $7.1 Billion

Projected total up by $500 million in two months, on top of $1.7 billion rainy day fund.

Republican Lawmakers Oppose Record-Breaking Wisconsin Land Conversation

Sen. Felzkowski leads opposition to preserving 56,000 acres of forest near Rhinelander.

State Surplus Projected to Hit $6.5 Billion!

Wisconsin's fiscal condition the 'strongest in state history,' says DOA report.

State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races

Why newcomers Ryan Clancy on East Side, Dave Maxey in New Berlin face no opponent.

Legislators Okay $31 Million For Opioid Treatment

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

Evers Awards More Federal Pandemic Funds to Schools

Addition of $90 million to state schools will be used for staffing, mental health services.

Legislators Still Sitting on Opioid Funding

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

State’s FoodShare Program Has Decade-Old Barriers

Difficult application process, insufficient benefits, other problems limit its impact.

Fight Over Pollution Lawsuits Continues

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

Joint Finance Committee Meets, Refuses to Discuss Knowles-Nelson Grants

Republicans Demand Transparency While Hiding Behind “Anonymous Objections”

GOP Bills Use Federal Funds for Policing

Using pandemic money to recruit, retain and teach respect for police. Evers controls allocations.

Loudenbeck Wants To Be Elections Czar

Her run for secretary of state part of Republican effort to overhaul election laws, oversight.

DPI, Legislators Clash On Federal Pandemic Aid

$77 million for state’s schools at stake. Republican rule violates federal law, US Education Secretary says.

Federal-State Battle Over School Pandemic Aid

US Education Department nixes GOP plan to favor schools that stayed in person in 2020-21.

Most Will Get Lower Property Tax Bill

Average homeowner in state will see 3% reduction.

Can State Fix Problems Underlying the Labor Shortage?

Evers administration putting $130 million into addressing issues contributing to labor shortage.

State Tax Revenues Exceed Expectations

Wisconsin saw 12% revenue increase over previous year.

Evers Offers GOP a Second Chance to Fund Schools

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

Dental Medicaid increases in state budget represent Wisconsin’s first significant investment in oral health in two decades

Whose Vision Will Prevail In Budget Battle?

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

What Democrats Got In GOP Budget

Long list of proposals killed or altered in final Assembly bill. Yet four Democrats voted for it.

Can We Please Discuss Criminal Justice Reform?

Democratic legislators plead with Republicans, who cut off any attempt to discuss reforms.

Surplus Leaves Evers, Legislators Even Further Divided

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

State Now Projects $4.4 Billion Windfall

Fiscal bureau projects far more tax revenue than expected for 2021-2023.

GOP Legislators Approve $1.5 Billion Construction Budget

$1 billion less than Evers budget for state, UW System projects.

GOP Lawmakers Reject Unemployment System Improvements

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

Evers Credited for Budget Surplus

Federal stimulus money, new Foxconn contract, Evers call for state agency cuts all credited by nonpartisan analysis.

GOP Legislators Refuse Special Session on Medicaid Expansion

The Republican-controlled Senate and Assembly both adjourn sessions without debate or votes.

Mark Born Offers a History Lesson

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

Dems Object to GOP Slashing State Budget Provisions

Sen. LaTonya Johnson challenges cuts to Black History Museum.

State’s COVID-19 Stimulus Cut by $700 Million

Gov. Evers said state will still prioritize small business with federal funds.

Voces Protests GOP Cutting ID’s for Immigrants from Budget

The group and other activists also protested the elimination of tuition aid for immigrant students.

Republicans Cut Billions from Evers’ Budget Proposal

Medicaid expansion, marijuana legalization and unemployment reform all gone.

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.

Parties Bash Heads on State Budget

Evers budget and Republican proposals are miles apart. A compromise won’t be easy.

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

GOP sniping at Evers plans for workforce training, minimum wage hike, funding to fix UI system.

GOP Pushes Stimulus Approach Evers Already Vetoed

11 Republican bills try to dictate how governor allocates federal pandemic aid.

GOP Legislators Question Federal Pandemic Aid for MPS

MPS getting 36% of $2.2 billion for state schools under federal formula prioritizing high poverty districts.

GOP Legislators Want Pandemic Aid for Tax Rebate

They propose $1 billion property tax rebate with aid based on value of homes.

Legislature’s Budget Roadshow Coming Soon

Since 1985 regional budget hearings have been held. Planned for April, all in small towns.

Thousands of Wisconsinites Sign Petition in Support of Cannabis Legalization

Legislature Okays Unemployment System Upgrades

Bill also includes COVID-19 legal immunity for businesses.

City of Mayville receives $137,500 state grant to support redevelopment of nonprofit coffeehouse

WEDC investment to help fund renovations for The Open Door Coffeehouse

GOP Legislators Cast Doubt on Evers’ Plans

Resistance to school funds hike, local sales tax, upping minimum wage, legalizing pot.

Evers Pushes Juvenile Justice System Changes

Sweeping reforms would close youth prisons and end Serious Juvenile Offender Program.

Legislators Advance Unemployment Fix, COVID-19 Deal

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

Evers Pushes New Programs, Spending

Republicans warned him not to include budget items they oppose. He will anyway.

GOP Plan Puts Students, Teachers At Risk?

Legislators require federal education aid to be used to push in-school instruction.

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.

Republican COVID Callousness

Legislators wrong to criticize inmates getting the vaccine when prison infection rates are so high.

State Revenue Surplus Higher Than Expected

State officials will begin next budget with a projected balance of $1.9 billion.

Spending on Medicaid, Prisons Skyrockets

Up much faster than inflation in last 20 years, crowding out other spending.

New Finance Co-Chair Expects Challenges

Republican Rep. Mark Born expects partisan disagreements, expects compromises will be reached.

Unemployment System Audited After Pandemic Failures

Massive delays in claims, duplicate payments and an unreliable call center among issues found in report.

Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approves $350 million for Key Projects

Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approves $73 million for Key Projects

Building Commission Approves $65 million for Key Projects

The Idea Activists and Police Agree On

Why are cops still being sent to respond to mental health crises?

Ten Years After Act 10

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

City of Beaver Dam receives $106,000 state grant to support redevelopment of vacant downtown property

WEDC investment to help fund renovation of vacant building into a Great Harvest Café and Bakery

Building Commission Approves Projects, Gov. Evers Applauds Approval for Secure Residential Care Centers for Children and Youth

GOP Underfunds Youth Corrections Plan

Republican legislators only approved funding for four out of six new youth corrections facilities.

WEDC supports John Deere project to expand, add jobs

New facility will create 12 jobs, draw $24 million capital investment

Gov. Evers Applauds Renewable Energy Project Approved by Building Commission

Gov. Evers: Beaver Dam Commerce Park Ready for Development

Industrial site is latest addition to Certified In Wisconsin® program

Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approved Projects

Gov. Evers is committed to maintaining safe and reliable buildings by making smart and efficient maintenance decisions and investing in needed repairs and upgrades across the state building portfolio.

Legislators Okay $1 Billion for UW Projects

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

GOP Approves $558 Million Health Care Hike

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

Prison Guards Wages Could Jump 14%

Budget committee approves this and 2% hike each year for all other state workers.

Legislators Reject Evers Capital Budget

Republicans say $2.5 billion too high, back smaller price tag for top priorities.

GOP rejects funding for cancer research facility, veteran homes, and mental health facilities

Republicans jeopardize investments in Wisconsin’s future

Gov. Evers Moves Forward on Plans to Close Lincoln Hills

"We are committed to getting kids out of Lincoln Hills and closer to home as soon as we safely and responsibly can."

Gov. Evers Announces 2019-2021 Capital Budget Recommendations

These Capital Budget Recommendations aggressively and responsibly address deferred maintenance and life safety issues in state-owned buildings.

State Building Commission Approves Key Projects

Design and construction of UW-Milwaukee Sandburg Hall renovation project.

GOP Legislators Back Pay Hike for Lawyers

Hourly fee for private attorneys taking public defender cases would rise from $40 to $70.

Conagra Brands expanding Birds Eye Foods operations in Beaver Dam

Company expects to create approximately 140 jobs over five years to support Birds Eye

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

GOP Legislators Push Harsher Bail Rules

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

Leah announces 300+ Wisconsin endorsements

Leah has also been endorsed by former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, Maggie’s List, RightNOW Women PAC and VIEW PAC.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.

GOP Bill Restricts Suits Against Businesses

Special interests supporting legal restrictions donated $14 million to Republican legislators.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

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

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

Building Commission Approves Projects

Today the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved several key projects across the state

Building Commission Approves Projects

"The funds approved by the commission will be instrumental in strengthening the facilities at 13 UW campuses."

New State Law Helps Debt Collectors

Makes it easy for debt buyers to target consumers with poorly documented claims.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Building Commission Approves Projects

Today, the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved several key projects across the state.

Lobbyists Oppose Various Bills Limiting Voting

Bills with photo ID, limiting absentee voting, making it tougher to register -- got scant support from lobbyists.

How to Reelect Freshmen Legislators

Party leaders let them sponsor high-profile bills likely to win votes.

Rep. Richards calls on Gov. Walker to renounce arresting federal officials who are doing their jobs

Today Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee), the ranking member on the Assembly Committee on Health, released the following statement calling on Gov. Walker to oppose any legislation that would call for the arrest of federal officials who try to implement the Affordable Care Act in Wisconsin.