Scott Walker

GOP passes forced ultrasound bill

Additional unprecedented attacks on birth control move forward

Ahoy! Pirate Party Will Rally Downtown

The Wisconsin affiliate of the populist-flavored party, organized by political activist Joe Klein, will rally on June 29th.

Why Walker Opposes Obamacare

His opposition to more federal dollars for Medicaid will hurt Wisconsin, but help his campaign for president.

Why WisDOT Is Behind the Times

Auto traffic per capita has declined since 2004, other states now spend less on highways, but Wisconsin wants to keep expanding.

Does Wisconsin Really Have a “Skills Gap”?

Journal Sentinel stories continue to insist we do, but a new study says no.

Packers Field Kicks Off at Mitchell Park

The neighborhood now is the only one in America with a former NFL playing field.

The GOP’s Young Guns

Some of the newest Assembly Republicans, including four accountants, dictated the final budget.

Walker celebrates having a job while many others lose theirs

Philly Fed reserve ranks WI 49th in economic growth.

Pushing for New Black Businesses

African American Chamber of Commerce has new leaders and a less “in your face” style.

Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Says Committee Action Shows Confusing Nature of New Law Limiting County Board’s Powers

Chairman of the Transportation, Public Works & Transit Committee Says Delay of Wauwatosa Water Utility Resolution Caused by Uncertainty About Board’s Role in the Wake of Enactment of Act 14

GOP Fast Tracks a Smelly Bill

The elections bill will suppress voting by average folks while giving corporations and lobbyists more clout.

Did Public TV Censor Koch Film?

After David Koch withdrew his offer to donate to public TV, a public TV group withdrew support for documentary film about him.

GOP wraps up budget panel work spending money taken from school kids on tax break for the rich

Press Release from Rep. Barca, Rep. Mason, and Rep. Ricards.

GOP Adopts Ideological Health Care Plan that Costs Taxpayers More, Insures Fewer People

Republicans attempted to disguise the issue by saying that those people could simply buy private coverage in the exchanges, but failed to note that their plan does not make that insurance affordable for them.

GOP Wants to Cut Back Taxpayer Donations

You may lose the chance to donate to causes like prostate cancer research or a fire fighters memorial if this measure is adopted.

Another Hole in the Safety Net?

Victims of domestic violence may lose health coverage because of disagreements between Gov. Walker and federal government.

Independent analysis confirms GOP flat tax plan is massive tax giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of middle-class taxpayers

A new Republican flat tax plan would pay big dividends for Wisconsin’s most well off at the expense of the middle class, according to an independent analysis of the plan released today.

Republicans Dust Off Failed ‘Trickle Down’ Experiments of the Past

New GOP Flat Tax Scheme Benefits Wealthy at the Expense of Public Schools, Middle Class

Peter Barca for Governor?

Some Democratic insiders see Assembly minority leader Peter Barca as the best hope to run against Scott Walker.

GOP introduces flurry of bills attacking women’s health

Rep. Taylor calls for focus on fixing the state budget

Why Dan Bice Should Resign

The Journal Sentinel columnist’s coverage of John Doe probe is a case study in journalistic malfeasance.

State Making Little Progress on Improving Train Shed

Gov. Walker turned down federal money that could have funded federally-mandated improvements required for downtown train station.

Rep. Taylor statement on voucher petition drive

Democratic lawmakers delivered 16,809 petitions to Governor Scott Walker and state budget committee co-chairs.

School Choice Lobby Spends $10 Million

Choice supporters donated $2.8 million to state candidates and $7 million for electioneering activities, according to nonpartisan watchdog group.

MPS’ Rufus King wins national ACT award for college and career readiness

Rufus King International School is the only high school in the nation to receive the award

Bail Bond Bill Will Create Debtor’s Prisons

Why are Republicans pushing a bill opposed almost unanimously by criminal justice professionals?

Walker food stamp plan puts mean-spirited ideology before taxpayers, common sense

Madison—Governor Scott Walker wants state taxpayers to pay an extra $16.7 million per year on his plan to take food off the tables of 31,350 low-income Wisconsinites.

Supervisor David Bowen Resolution on Badgercare Funding Concerns

Request for the State to accept Federal Healthcare Funds

Being 44th in the nation in jobs is nothing to celebrate

Republicans should spend less time spinning troubling job and wage numbers, more time trying to put people back to work

The Not-So Fiscally Conservative Governor

Scott Walker hasn’t solved the state’s longterm fiscal deficit. He may actually make it worse.

GOP Bill Gives Landlords Sweeping Rights

Landlord-tenant rights will be rewritten by this bill, and not to the benefit of tenants.

Loading Up the Budget With Policy and Pork

In violation of his campaign promise, Walker's budget has 58 policy or non-monetary items and 15 pieces of pork.

Hey Ho, Palermo’s Gotta Go

Protestors pressure UW to end relationship with Palermo's Pizza in Milwaukee, citing its labor violations.

Assembly GOP: We won’t stop WEDC from breaking the law

Republican leaders defend WEDC, tell media it is on track

Republican Finance Committee chairs rush to pump taxpayer money into broken jobs agency

Democratic call for full public and expert scrutiny of WEDC ignored by GOP leaders

How Scott Walker Got Snookered

Excerpt from new book describes how Walker was fooled by a phone call from a blogger posing as conservative billionaire David Koch.

Governor, state supt. nominate MPS’ Rufus King for national ACT award

MPS' Rufus King International School, state's high school nominee, to be recognized Monday

New audit shows continued lack of transparency, accountability at WEDC

No surprise Wisconsin is 44th in job growth, 45th in wage growth

Audit of Gov. Walker’s Jobs Agency Confirms Worst Fears

WEDC fails as Wisconsin ranks last in Midwest for Job Growth

Triumph of the Koch Brothers

An award-winning documentary and a new book both describe how public unions were crushed in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee, Racine public school students test higher than private voucher school counterparts

Republicans’ already faulty argument for voucher expansion evaporates entirely with new data

Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”

Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.

Myths About a New NBA Arena

In their zeal to build new, publicly-funded arena, proponents are misleading the community.

The Fight Against Wisconsin’s Iron Mine

Tribal leaders, environmentalists and local officials have united to fight a massive mine which could be toxic to a water-rich area known as “Wisconsin’s Everglades.”

Act 10 Hits Jail Employees

Counties across Wisconsin are slashing benefits for correctional employees, but some sheriffs say it's causing staffing problems.

Sue Black’s Cape Cod Cutie

The Milwaukee Wave owner and former parks director lives modestly near the Waukesha county line.

Why Republicans Are Wrong About Recalls

The bill to restrict recalls is a naked attempt by political officials to protect their jobs.

Rep. Taylor joins statewide petition drive against private voucher school expansion

“Governor Walker gave our public schools the largest cut in state history in his first budget.”

Legislators Raising Questions About State’s Tracking of Ex-Offenders

Legislative committee members have concerns about accuracy of GPS tracking system.

The Preacher’s Kid

The early years of Scott Walker, including his much discussed time at Marquette University. Excerpted from a new book.

County Executive Abele Asks the State to Restore Transit Funding

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele testified in front of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) today.

Winners and Losers

It was a good election for Scott Walker and conservatives but there were some bright spots for liberals.

Milwaukeeans Inspired by Steinbeck’s Social Message

Milwaukee-born actor and educator Paul McComas performed from John Steinbeck's work at Marquette, and local activists testified to the novelist's impact.

Wisconsin down to 44th in job creation, still dead last in Midwest

State’s average weekly wages fall 2.16 percent

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Attack on residency continues Governor’s “divide and conquer” strategy

Statement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy February 25, 2013

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Joe Dudzik

Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?

The race between Rebecca Bradley and Janet Protasiewicz is hard to call.

Journal Sentinel Story Doesn’t Hold Water

Story slams Milwaukee water utility though it’s actually cheaper than others in the region.

Richest Public Pensions in State History

Here are the backdrop payments received by 1,712 county employees. 255 collected anywhere from $255,000 to $1 million -- plus a monthly pension.

State’s Sex Offender Tracking System Often Fails

GPS monitoring system often goes haywire, causing problems and wasting police resources. Part I of a series.

Rent-To-Own Industry Wants Less Disclosure

Seeks to overturn law making it disclose interests rates. Industry supported Gov. Walker, who backs the change.

First budget day showcases a Tale of Two Budgets

Democratic JFC members note the Walker budget repeats the mistakes of the last budget that left Wisconsin 44th in the nation in job creation.

Thousands Could Lose Food Stamps Under Walker Proposal

Job training requirements could mean more hunger in Milwaukee, advocate predicts.

Wisconsin a Tax Heaven for Businesses

The evidence suggests taxes are low on businesses, and have been for many years.

Yes, End the Residency Requirement

But in return the legislature must give Milwaukee the powers it needs to create a great city.

State Department Has Not-So-Open Records

Department of Administration takes a long time to respond to records requests, especially from journalists.

Rep. Goyke Statement on Governor Walker Signing Mining Bill

State Representative Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement in response to Governor Scott Walker signing the controversial mining bill, Senate Bill 1.

Democrats in Disarray

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

New Front Door for Lakefront

Dramatic plan moves freeway ramps and creates a grand boulevard that connects downtown and the lakefront.

Supervisor Mayo Sounds Alarm on Transit Funding

Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr., District 7, is calling on Milwaukee County residents to contact their state representatives and senators to demand changes to the way Milwaukee County Transit services are funded in the state budget.

The World According to Tim Sullivan

The business leader's unproven idea of a “skills gap” is misleading state policymakers.

Mystery Around Dennis Smith Deepens

Departure of state health department secretary leaves many questions unanswered -- and lots of secrecy.

Double-Decker Freeway For Milwaukee?

Rising 40 feet high, it could be destructive to the Story Hill neighborhood.

Why We Need the Liberal Arts

Gov. Walker’s plan pushing colleges to prepare students for the current job market will actually hurt our economy.

How Sand Mines Pollute

Wisconsin is the leading supplier of sand for oil and gas fracking. But nearly one-fifth of sand mines have environmental violations.

Statement from Rep. Barca on the conclusion of the John Doe investigation

Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement today after the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office announced the conclusion of the John Doe criminal investigation surrounding Gov. Walker and many of his former aides.

VISIT Milwaukee to Present Lamplighter Award to Milwaukee Downtown BID #21

Annual Meeting on March 5th also features Bill Davidson with preview of the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary

Super Scott

Democrats continue to underestimate Walker, even as he radically transforms the state.

Name MPS School After Anti-Nazi Hero?

A push to honor Milwaukeean Mildred Fish Harnack, the only American women resistance member executed by Hitler.

Voucher Madness

Gov. Walker wants lots more choice schools, except in Republican districts. Why?

South Side Leaders Blast Residency Proposal

Walker proposal to end residency requirement will hurt city's economy, they charge.

Attack on residency continues Governor’s “divide and conquer” strategy

Governor Walker’s state budget proposal to end residency requirements for municipalities statewide is one of the most serious and direct attacks on local control and local governance in the history of the State of Wisconsin.

The Dennis Smith “Affair”

State health secretary resigns after legal motions filed by accused murderer claiming his wife had affair with Smith.

Bigger State Pie, But Smaller Slice for Bikes

Gov. Walker grabs $38 million in federal money meant for bikes to hike his highways budget even higher.

Chairwoman Dimitrijevic Statement on Governor’s Budget

The state budget presented by Governor Scott Walker includes a number of positive items. We are excited with the grant funding for the VETransfer program, located in Milwaukee, which supports veteran entrepreneurs.

Governor Walker’s budget proposals prompt fresh concerns for Milwaukee

Statement of Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr. February 21, 2013

Rep. Goyke Statement on the Governor’s 2013 Budget Address

State Representative Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement in response to Governor Scott Walker’s 2013 budget address on Wednesday

How to Crush Milwaukee

Ending the residency requirement will deal a devastating blow to Milwaukee’s property tax base.

Gov. Walker’s budget: No middle ground, no focus on the middle class

Statement from Rep. Barca on governor’s troubling budget plan

Budget Response: Walker’s Medicaid Plan Immorally Places Politics Above the Health Security of Wisconsin Citizens

In anticipation of Governor Walker’s budget address this evening, when he will formally announce his plan to turn down billions in health care reform dollars earmarked for Wisconsin, Citizen Action of Wisconsin Executive Director Robert Kraig made the following statement

Citizens Call on Gov. Walker to Accept Billions of Federal Dollars to Strengthen BadgerCare

State Sen. Dave Hansen, local residents waiting for healthcare coverage speak out.

Walker’s Massive Borrowing Scheme

His increase in road spending and refusal to increase gas tax could leave state paying 25% of transportation budget to debt service.

Gov. Walker shortchanges public education, focuses on helping unaccountable private voucher schools

Statement from Rep. Barca on governor’s troubling budget proposals for Wisconsin schools

New State Law Conceals Nursing Home Violations

Tort reform puts residents at risk, and makes criminal prosecutions of abuse and neglect more difficult, critics say.

Gov. Walker chooses right-wing extremism over Wisconsin’s health

Rep. Barca calls on Republican legislators to do the right thing on health care

Initial Reaction to Walker Decision to Turn Down Medicaid Money

At a news conference in Madison this afternoon Governor Scott Walker announced his plans to turn down billions of dollars in new federal Medicaid money to fill the holes in Wisconsin’s BadgerCare program.