Mary Felzkowski

Wisconsin Senate Democrats Plan To Work Across The Aisle

With major gains in the number of seats, Democrats see opportunity.

Only 30% of Wisconsin Hospitals Obey Federal Price Transparency Rules

New report shows widespread violation of rules meant to lower hospital costs.

State Senate Minority Leader Backs Using Budget Surplus to Fund K-12 Schools

Dianne Hesselbein suggests pairing this with a middle-class tax cut.

GOP Losses Will Test Vos, LeMahieu

Smaller majorities in each house will change state Capitol, make it tougher to pass Republican bills.

Will Republicans Support Transparent Hospital Prices?

It could become bipartisan legislation. Or an attack issue for Democrats.

Now In Leadership Post, Felzkowski Still Seeking Hospital Pricing Transparency

New Republican senate president seeks data to better inform patients.

Robin Vos Will Continue as Assembly Speaker

Senate Democrats also reelected Diane Hesselbein as minority leader

Women Lead Democratic Gains in Legislature

Wisconsin voters rejected Kamala Harris but back many other women for office.

Republicans Replace Senate President, Keep Majority Leader

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski will preside over slightly smaller GOP majority in upcoming legislative session.

DNR Requests Surge in Funding To Address Backlog, Increase Stewardship

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

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

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

Wake Boats on Wisconsin Lakes Cause Controversy

Surfers love the waves; others cite impact on fishing, canoeing, shoreline erosion.

Lawmakers Grill Wisconsin Prison Officials Over Safety, Employee Death at Youth Facility

The eight-hour public hearing followed the death of a Lincoln Hills employee.

Right Wing Group Opposes Conservation of Land in Wisconsin

American Stewards of Liberty influences Republican legislators on Pelican River project.

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes

Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.

Wisconsin Ranks Last In Per-Visit State Parks Funding

New Wisconsin Policy Forum report shows 69% funding drop for DNR compared to mid-1990s.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Lawsuit Over Legislature’s Authority

Gov. Evers sued over Joint Finance Committee's actions to hold up stewardship funds.

Rep. Shelia Stubbs Celebrates Assembly Passage of AB 182

Relating to: Rental Readiness and AB 183-Relating to: Establishing and Operating Reentry Centers

Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees

GOP boots one from DNR board, three from UW Health board.

Will Dental Therapists Solve State’s Shortage of Dentists?

Advocates say yes. Bill licensing dental therapists goes to Gov. Evers for his signature.

Sen. Johnson Releases Statement on Wisconsin Republicans’ 14-Week Abortion Bill

Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana

Republican divisions between geographic areas, between Senate and Assembly on the bill.

GOP Proposal Supports Small, State-Run Medical Marijuana Program

A plan for five state-run dispensaries with 'tight controls,' says Republican legislator.

Evers Says Republican Firings Make It Hard to Find DNR Secretary

Stop blocking his appointees, governor pleads. GOP lawmakers defend their actions.

GOP Legislators Probe Views of Evers’ New DNR Appointees

After firing first Evers picks, Republicans raise issues of wolf management, PFAS cleanup.

Evers Calls On Legislature to Release PFAS Funds

Also pushes GOP legislators to approve DNR groundwater rule targeting pollution.

GOP Legislators Battle Lac du Flambeau Tribe

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

Fetuses Would Count For Tax Exceptions Under Republican Proposal

State Senate endorses plan, which also includes per dependent exception increase of $300.

Milwaukee Could Get State’s First Reentry Center For Those Leaving Prison

State-sponsored facility aims to be one-stop shop for resources.

Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees

Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.

Senate Targets 6 Evers Appointees

Republicans leave elections commission unbalanced and board overseeing DNR unable to act.

Republicans Vote Down 4 of Evers’ 5 DNR Board Nominees

But full Senate must still weigh in.

Wisconsin Conservation Voters calls on key legislators to remove the poison pill from the PFAS legislation

Proposal Would Require Insurance Coverage Of Additional Breast Cancer Screenings

The secondary tests, which can cost thousands of dollars, would be covered for at-risk patients

The Last Hurrah For Rep. Goyke

At his last budget hearing Milwaukee legislator Evan Goyke gets teased and praised.

Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills

Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.

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.

Bill Gives Advance Practice Nurses More Freedom

Credentials allow them to work independently from doctors. But doctors oppose bill.

Felzkowski Leads on Health Care Pricing

Requiring transparency on prices could help battle health care inflation.

Senate Mulls Milwaukee’s Financial Peril

Struggling to create plan for shared revenue and sales tax that's acceptable to Assembly and Gov. Evers.

County Executive David Crowley Public Testimony on Senate Bill 301

Republican Legislators At Odds Over Milwaukee Sales Tax

Assembly wants referendum, Senate may remove requirement to reduce uncertainty.

Assembly Republicans Settle on Plan To Fund Cities

But deal leaves many questions for Milwaukee. Senate still needs to pass bill. Gov. Evers could veto.

Evers Vision Trashed by Republicans

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

GOP Revenue Sharing Plan Penalizes Cities

Milwaukee gets 10% hike in funding, rural towns get increase as high at 723%.

Vos Doubles Down On Sales Tax Referendum

Milwaukee would get sales tax, but only if voters approve it in referendum.

DNR Leader Says State Budget Needs More Money For Clean Water

Republican-controlled Legislature will determine funding, with some members indicating support.

Bill Targets Hospital Pricing Transparency

Sen. Mary Felzkowski leads GOP proposal focused on creating "shoppable services."

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.

Bipartisan Support For Extending Medicaid Benefits For Postpartum Mothers

Approximately 50 post-partum deaths annually that the Wisconsin health department believes are preventable.

State Funding Has Plummeted For Parks, Public Lands, DNR

DNR funding down 41% in 25 years, spending on state parks lowest in U.S., study finds.

Republicans Propose Exceptions To Wisconsin’s 1849 Abortion Ban

But Senate Majority Leader says he won't let proposal move forward, become political football.

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.

State Expects $25 Million Federal EPA Funds for PFAS Cleanup

$5 billion from bipartisan infrastructure law will address toxic impact of 'forever chemicals.'

Meet The Candidates Seeking Open State Senate Seat

Three Republicans, one Democrat running for seat held by retiring Sen Alberta Darling.

Vos Casts Doubt on Medical Marijuana

'We're not that close' to legalizing it, says Assembly Speaker, as some GOP legislators see it as gateway to recreational pot.

Evers Wants $100 Million For PFAS, Will Republicans Back Proposal?

Residents with polluted water want solutions, but have waited years.

Republican Lawmakers Oppose Record-Breaking Wisconsin Land Conversation

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

Evers Will Propose Legalizing Marijuana

As he did in his last budget. If Republicans disagree he would sign medical marijuana bill.

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.

New Youth Detention Facility Clears State Budget Committee

$42 million for a state facility to replace Lincoln Hills passes Joint Finance Committee.

Senate Votes 33-0 To Fund Youth Prison

Also passes bills to restrict teaching race, limit safety net, allow higher bail.

State Senate Votes on Guns, Vaccines, China

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

Will Lincoln Hills Youth Prison Finally Close?

And at what cost? Legislature debates the issue anew.

Two Medical Marijuana Bills Proposed

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

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

Pushing for more public funding of private schools.

Two GOP Legislators Push Medical Pot Bill

Bill allows medicinal marijuana use for those meeting a narrow list of qualifications.

Erpenbach Statement on GOP Medical Cannabis Bill

Senator Agard Responds to GOP Medical Marijuana Bill

GOP Bills Ban Customer Vaccine Requirements

State legislature considering bills that prohibit businesses requiring vaccination.

Tourism, Businesses Back More Child Labor

GOP bill allows some businesses to schedule later working hours for children under 16.

Governor Evers Signs Public School Spending Transparency Bill into Law

WILL supported new law to develop online dashboard for public school spending

State Senate Approves Longer Work Hours for Teens Under 16

Bill passed on divided vote. It applies to small businesses exempt from federal labor act.

Ted Nugent Joins GOP Push for Sandhill Crane Hunt

Republican sponsored legislation would repeal Wisconsin hunting regulations.

Do Vaccinated and COVID-19 Survivors Have Same Immunity?

An epidemiologist says no. Legislation at state level would exempt those previously infected from vaccine mandates

WILL Works With Lawmakers to Advance Transparency Bills to Governor Evers

Bills shine light on public school spending, curriculum

Lawmakers Back Milwaukee Youth Prison

Bipartisan group seeks $43 million to fund replacement for scandal-plagued Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.

Suit Charges ALEC Unlawfully Helps Republicans

Nonprofit's help to GOP politicians in Wisconsin, other states, violates its tax status?

Bill Requiring National Anthem Unworkable?

Youth sports leaders in state say Republican bill — for every kids' soccer game? — is overly broad.

Our Fourth Of July Crisis

Voting rights imperiled and a push to mandate singing the national anthem.

State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget

Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.

Legislators Approve $125 Million for Broadband Expansion

But Gov. Evers allocated money for it. Republican proposal uses borrowed money.

GOP Lawmakers End Weekly Unemployment Boost

State legislature votes to end $300 federal supplement. Governor Evers could veto.

Can We Talk About Marijuana? Democrats Ask

GOP legislative leader won’t allow a vote or even discussion of medical marijuana.

Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget

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

Enough Is Never Enough for Gun Zealots

Senate and Assembly bills would make Wisconsin a Second Amendment sanctuary state.

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 Resist Plans to Help Workers

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

Legislature’s Budget Roadshow Coming Soon

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

Cocktails To Go Bill Passes Assembly

State Senate has yet to vote on the legislation. City has concerns.

Will Budget Hearings Be Superspreader Events?

Mask wars pit Democrats against Republicans in Legislature.

Assembly Passes Business Tax Waiver on Pandemic Aid

And Senate passes GOP COVID-19 bills that could be vetoed by Gov. Evers.

Cocktails To Go Bill Enjoys Industry Support

Seen as a life line to bars and restaurants, the bill brings up questions regarding drunk driving, and local control over liquor licensing.

Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders

Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.

Can Evers, Republicans Mend Fences?

Their first two years weren't very cooperative. But that might change with a new Legislature.

Cannabis Reform Gets Bipartisan Support

Appleton reduces fines for possession. Two Republican legislators are leading voices for change.

Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin Congratulates Newly Elected and Re-Elected State Lawmakers

15+ Wisconsin Lawmakers May Attend ALEC Annual Meeting in Orlando Amid Spiking Coronavirus Cases

Can Democrats Retake State Senate?

An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.

A Day to Consider Legalizing Pot

It can actually be a gateway to prosperity and increased opportunity, says state representative.

Law Cuts Notice Time for Insurance Premium Hikes

Insurance industry gave generously to legislators, Evers, Walker.

GOP Bill Legalizes Medical Marijuana

But Fitzgerald and Vos immediately throw cold water on idea.

AG Kaul Urges Assembly Health Committee to Hold Public Hearing on Legislation to Prevent Future Backlog of Untested Sexual Assault Kits

"This legislation will help prevent another backlog of untested sexual assault kits."

Senate Passes Insurance Industry Bill

Industry gave $1.9 million in campaign donations. Bill allows shorter notice of premium hikes.

AFP-WI Launches New Wave of Grassroots Lobbying Efforts

The group will mobilize activists throughout the state to canvass communities, have conversations with their neighbors, and ask them to encourage their lawmakers to work toward policies that expand opportunities for Wisconsinites.

Finally, Some Leadership on Teen Mothers

Republican and Democratic legislators offer separate bills to provide broader access to contraceptives.

State Budget Fell Short on Highways?

Legislators in both parties say budget lacked long-term solution to state’s transportation woes.

Republican Pushes for Medical Marijuana

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

GOP Legislators Offer Middle-Class Tax Cut

Evers administration wants cut but criticizes plan as “unfunded.”

Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?

27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.

11 Bills the Legislature Killed

2017-’18 losers include Tesla, Meteor Timber and a bill making sex with animals a felony.

Investing in Rural Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Bill Helping Rural Community Libraries

"We were proud to increase funding for TEACH by $22.5 million in this budget."

Leah Reaches 400+ Grassroots Wisconsin Endorsements

Support for Leah’s campaign grows among local activists

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

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

Governor Walker Announces Plan to Provide a Long-Term Solution for Wisconsin’s Juvenile Corrections and Treatment Systems

"Republicans and Democrats alike agree this is the way forward to reform juvenile corrections..."

Why Does GOP Oppose Student Debt Reform?

Republican legislators still resist bill allowing students to refinance loans.

Governor’s Race Influences Budget

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

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

North Woods for Sale?

Timber industry gives big campaign donations, gets more state forestland to cut.

Republicans Regret Assault on Open Records Law

But Rep. John Nygren is still open to changes to the Open Records Law, just not now.

Death by a Thousand Straws (AB 874)

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters' Statement

Why Walker Allowed Lincoln Hills Abuses

His staff knew about it for years. Why didn’t the governor act?

Polluter Grab Bag (AB 600/SB 459)

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters' Statement

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

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

Back Open Government? Prove It!

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

Tom Tiffany has been a lightning rod on environmental issues

New Radio Ads, Mail Pieces Thank Legislators for Prevailing Wage and Budget

Legislature Shows Yet Again It Has The Courage To Do What's Right for Wisconsin Taxpayers

Republicans Debate An Imaginary Budget That Is Good for Wisconsin

In a surprise move, during today’s debate on the 2015-17 State Budget Assembly Republicans chose to make no mention of their original budget proposal recently passed by the Joint Finance Committee.

Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal

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

Bucks Arena Tough Sell for Outstate Legislators

Poll shows state residents outside metro Milwaukee and Madison oppose subsidy by 86% to 10%.

Unopposed Legislators Still Love Campaign Cash

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