Melissa Agard

State Senate Beset by Culture Wars

Rush Limbaugh vs. Black history, LGBT protectors vs GOP objectors, the arguments get ugly.

Senate Passes Bill To Prevent Rape Kit Backlog

Bipartisan bill passed one year ago, but Assembly resisted.

Bill Blocks Vaccine Priority for Inmates

Rep Wangaard seeks to correct ‘mistake’ by Gov. Evers.

GOP Lawmakers Order Audit of State’s Election System

Republicans say they are responding to constituent concerns regarding the 2020 election.

Wisconsin is ‘Late to the Pot Party’

Marijuana prohibition currently produces racially disparate drug arrests, costs the state millions.

Senator Agard Sends Letter to Vice President Mike Pence, Calling on him to invoke the 25th Amendment

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.

Primary Results Set Stage for November

Newcomers in many races. Kelda Roys will replace Fred Risser, nation's longest serving legislator.

Many Democratic Legislators Resigning

But Assembly Minority Leader Hintz seeks reelection to his post.

A Day to Consider Legalizing Pot

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

Legislature Split on Violence Against Women Bills

Nationally the Violence Against Women Act has expired. In Wisconsin partisan split killing legislation.

Assembly Rejects Bipartisan Rape Kit Bill

Republicans pass bill with "poison pills' that will force veto by Gov. Evers.

Sexual Assault Bill Becomes Partisan Issue

Bipartisan bill ready to pass but gets hijacked by Republicans adding provisions on school choice, ICE.

‘When, Not If’ Medical Marijuana Is Legalized

Lawmakers of both parties privately agree it will be legalized, legislator tells Milwaukee Press Club.

Democrats Denounce Citizens United

On 10th anniversary of decision, legislators call for statewide advisory referendum to amend constitution.

Women Legislators Discuss Hate Mail

Zamarripa gets hate mail at home and office, on weekly basis.

State Must Address Sexual Assault Issue

Will Legislature pass bipartisan bill to assure backlog of rape kits doesn’t recur?

Kaul Pushes Assembly for Rape Kit Bill

AG wants legislation to ensure no more backlog of untested sexual assault kits.

More People Using Pot as Medicine

But state laws and research not yet on their side.

Pot Possession Charges Cause Big Problems

17,000 arrested in state in 2018. Negative consequences include loss of jobs, housing and financial aid.

Let’s End the “Tampon Tax”

Bill targets inaccessibility of essential menstrual hygiene products in public restrooms.

Democrats Push Medical Marijuana, Red Flag Law

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

Bipartisan Bill Would Legalize Medical Marijuana

But Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald strongly opposes the bill.

Pot Tourism in Illinois?

Could Illinois become a tourist destination for Wisconsinites that like marijuana?

Could Legal Marijuana Revitalize Communities?

State legislatures set the rules impacting who will succeed in the marijuana business.

Evers Renews Call for Red Flag Gun Law

Republican legislators say proposal violates due process rights.

Evers, Democrats Unveil Background Checks Bill

“Universal background checks” on gun sales shouldn’t need “permission from NRA,” Evers says.

State Officials Concerned About Spy Balloons

Pentagon surveillance of Wisconsin, other midwestern states, raises issues for Kaul, Sargent.

State Leaders Divided Over Gun Laws

In the aftermath of mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Democrats push for "red flag" laws, Republicans balk.

Marijuana Can Lead to Deportation for Immigrants

Even in areas where it's legal, can cause problems for immigrants.

Limited Legal Pot Is Not Enough

Fully legal cannabis has far more economic, social and health benefits.

Pot Arrests 4 Times Higher for Blacks

Statewide racial disparity in arrests for pot possession cited in Gov. Evers’ decriminalization proposal.

Bill Addresses “Staggering” Cost of Diabetes

Estimated $5.5 billion annual cost for state, 40% of residents projected to get disease.

Michigan Struggles With Legal Pot

Recreational marijuana legalized, but state struggles with how to regulate retail sales, other issues.

Rep. Sargent’s Lonely Pro-Pot Campaign

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

Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags

Council debates what to do with bags that clog up recycling process.

Sargent Pushes Legal Pot Bill. Again

For fourth time in six years, Madison legislator offers bill to legalize recreational marijuana.

Proposal Seeks to Prevent Rape Kit Backlog

Attorney General Kaul, lawmakers push defined procedures for handling sexual assault testing so all kits processed promptly.

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.

Healthy Women, Healthy Babies Program Overdue

State’s black infant mortality rate is worst in the nation, this bill addresses problem.

Larson Bills Reform Campaign Finance

Would reduce donation limits, increase transparency requirements.

Republicans May Oppose Medical Marijuana

Vos, Steineke say Evers’ support for full legalization has poisoned the discussion.

Rep. Sargent Pushes Campaign Reform

Democratic proposal would add restrictions on campaign donations.

Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?

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

Will Referendums Lead to Legal Pot?

Some legislators hope for change after medical or fully legai pot approved in 18 local referendums.

Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates

Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.

Both Parties Weak on Clergy Sex Abuse

Yes, Matt Flynn has a bad record on the issue but so does Sen. Ron Johnson.

Why Flynn Should Withdraw From Race

And why two Democratic legislators felt they must oppose Matt Flynn for governor.

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.

Should State Divest Gun Stocks?

Wisconsin pension fund invests in companies making guns that kill students.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

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

Don’t Legalize Marijuana

Kids who overdose on hard drugs all started with pot.

The Secrets of Foxconn

Walker administration won’t release details of massive subsidy until after contract is signed.

Restore the Elections Commission Staff

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

Democrat’s Bill Restores Elections Commission Staff

Walker used a veto to slash staff of state’s watchdog agency.

Legalizing Pot Could Be Windfall For Wisconsin

Legalization could generate $138 million per year in tax revenue beginning in 2021.

We Must Legalize Marijuana

It will combat opioid epidemic and boost state economy.

The High Cost of Quality Child Care

Burdens working families. Tax credit could ease this and expand opportunities.

The Muzzling of the DNR

Gagged by the Walker administration, its staff no longer provide any information.

State Action Needed on Lead Pipes Problem

Bipartisan action needed to prevent lead poisoning of children.

Scott Walker Helped Create Trump

Governor's divisiveness and use of fear set stage for Donald Trump's style.

City Considers Lowering Penalties for Marijuana

Study shows 86% of those convicted of pot possession are African American.

Unopposed Legislators Still Love Campaign Cash

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

Black Men Face Unequal Enforcement of Marijuana Laws

While the nation moves towards legalization, Wisconsin fills its jails with black men arrested for marijuana possession.

Unaffordable Care

Citizens Action of Wisconsin conference shows impact of the Affordable Care Act and Gov. Walker’s decisions on Medicaid.

We Want Better Wages!

Workers pressure Family Dollar for higher wages, right to unionize.

How to Reelect Freshmen Legislators

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