Content referencing Steven Walters - Page 3
The Debate Over Local Sales Taxes
Evers' budget allows local sales tax increases. Will Republican legislators agree?
Feb 22nd, 2021 by Steven Walters
Evers Pushes New Programs, Spending
Republicans warned him not to include budget items they oppose. He will anyway.
Feb 15th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Fixing Highways, Funding Still a Puzzle
Evers pushed to fix "Scottholes," and Legislature resisted. Now governor is backing off.
Feb 8th, 2021 by Steven Walters
How Thompson Is Handling Legislators
Former governor warned by Legislature not to include tuition hike in UW System budget.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Steven Walters
Pandemic Worsens State’s Broadband Gap
Rural areas and urban poor left out. Evers calls 2021 the "Year of Broadband Access."
Jan 25th, 2021 by Steven Walters
LeMahieu Struggles in Vos’s Shadow
New Senate majority leader a surprise choice who's trying to resist the dictates of Robin Vos.
Jan 18th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin’s 4th Branch of Government
COVID-19 may have more influence on governing than the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Jan 11th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Spending on Medicaid, Prisons Skyrockets
Up much faster than inflation in last 20 years, crowding out other spending.
Jan 4th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Both Parties Back Election Law Changes
Legislators actually agree on at least two reforms.
Dec 28th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Pandemic Ends Holiday Traditions
It's a special time in Wisconsin’s grand Capitol. But not this year.
Dec 21st, 2020 by Steven Walters
More Legislators Become Lobbyists
Nygren and Shilling are the latest to take the lucrative road well-traveled.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Steven Walters
A Supreme Court of First Resort?
Many petitions defy precedent, ask Wisconsin Supreme Court to bypass lower courts.
Dec 7th, 2020 by Steven Walters
How Evers Spent $2 Billion to Fight Covid
A very long list of recipients. But the money runs out on January 1.
Nov 30th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Officials Can’t Agree on Pandemic
Just as Vos agrees with Evers that some measures needed, Senate leader says no.
Nov 23rd, 2020 by Steven Walters
How Will Legislature Investigate Election?
And will legislators subpoena election clerks, using this power for first time in more than 40 years?
Nov 16th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Can Evers, Republicans Mend Fences?
Their first two years weren't very cooperative. But that might change with a new Legislature.
Nov 9th, 2020 by Steven Walters
$1 Million Legislative Races Now Common
For a job paying $52,000. This year the Democrats are out-spending Republicans.
Nov 2nd, 2020 by Steven Walters
Will Evers Run for Second Term?
He’s had no time to think about that, he says. Why his reelection won’t be easy.
Oct 19th, 2020 by Steven Walters
GOP Once Bypassed Governor on Redistricting
That was in 1960s and high court struck it down. Will we see repeat of this battle next year?
Oct 12th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin’s Legislature Laziest in U.S.?
Other states with full-time legislators have met 18 times more frequently than in Wisconsin.
Oct 6th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
4 Reasons Legislature Won’t Reconvene
Haven’t met since April, won’t return this year. Republicans explain why.
Oct 5th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Courts To Decide Governors’ Emergency Powers
Republicans oppose Evers’ mask mandate, want courts to restrict longtime power of governors.
Sep 28th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Rebecca Kleefisch Will Run for Governor
Former Lt. Governor hasn’t announced, but is clearly organizing for 2022 campaign.
Sep 21st, 2020 by Steven Walters
Will Legislature Pass Any Policing Reforms?
Some 20 proposed bills with more to come. Will any pass and when?
Sep 14th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Budget Survives First COVID-19 Test
End of fiscal year budget total shows 1% gain. But more pandemic tests to come.
Sep 8th, 2020 by Steven Walters
WILL Judge Shops To Kill Mask Mandate
Conservative group files suit in Polk County, where both judges were appointed by Scott Walker.
Aug 31st, 2020 by Steven Walters
Half Of Legislative Seats Already Decided?
Probably. And why? Gerrymandering.
Aug 24th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Invented Unemployment Insurance
Jobless benefits began in 1932 with $15 check. Program now crucial during pandemic.
Aug 17th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Abrahamson’s Remarkable Legacy Honored
State’s longest serving justice, longest serving chief justice, a trailblazer for women jurists.
Aug 10th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Lottery Sales Increase During Pandemic
Were Wisconsinites looking for cheap entertainment, or trying their luck in uncertain economic times?
Aug 3rd, 2020 by Steven Walters
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
Court Rulings Against Evers Sow Confusion
Supreme Court overrules vetoes and health orders with vague language offering no guidance.
Jul 20th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Report Tallies COVID’s Economic Carnage
WEDC report also offers solutions. Wisconsin may only get one chance to make it right.
Jul 13th, 2020 by Steven Walters
UW Tests Tommy’s Legacy As a ‘Builder”
Former governor has huge legacy of bipartisan success, but leading UW won’t be easy.
Jun 29th, 2020 by Steven Walters
The Banality of State Sen. Luther Olsen
Retiring Republican moderate has rolled over repeatedly for the most extreme GOP ideas and politicians.
Jun 22nd, 2020 by Ruth Conniff
County’s Sales Tax Revenue Plummets
A 16% one-year drop, as urban counties saw biggest declines due to pandemic.
Jun 22nd, 2020 by Steven Walters
Five Definitions of “Defunding Police”
What could it mean? We ask some experts.
Jun 15th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Local Governments Face Huge Revenue Losses
Continuing COVID-19 losses could force employee furloughs, major service cuts.
Jun 8th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Faces Huge Highway Fund Shortfall
Tough choices as gas tax revenue plummets, shortfall could be “hundreds of millions”.
Jun 1st, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Tourism Leader Says Don’t Travel
Pandemic risk too great now, state “secretary of fun” says, but hoping for a tourism rebound.
May 26th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Tony Evers Plays Mr. Rogers
Governor handles pandemic and Supreme Court loss with nice guy concerns for our health.
May 18th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Can Democrats Retake State Senate?
An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.
May 11th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Can Missy Hughes Help Businesses Recover?
WEDC director still hasn’t been approved by Senate, but has vital role in state’s economy.
May 4th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Will Senate Act on Assembly-Passed Bills?
160 bills passed by Assembly haven’t gotten consideration by state Senate.
Apr 27th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Politicians Need Virus-Weary Voters’ Signatures
How can candidates get nomination papers signed and maintain social distance?
Apr 20th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Many Heroes Amid Election Chaos
The most decentralized election system in America struggled but showed heroism.
Apr 13th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Budget Needs Major Repairs
Everything has changed since two-year budget passed in July.
Apr 6th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Northwoods Counties Say Stay Out
Door County closes welcome center. Rural counties lack hospital beds to handle COVID-19 surge from visitors.
Mar 30th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Surplus Will Help in Crisis
Evers veto of Republican tax cut saves expected surplus, means less financial stress.
Mar 23rd, 2020 by Steven Walters
Milwaukee Leaders Plead for 1% Sales Tax
Stark statistics presented at legislative hearing. But some GOP lawmakers unmoved.
Mar 16th, 2020 by Steven Walters
How Will State Party Pick DNC Delegates?
Complicated formula to assure geographic, gender, racial balance for 84 delegates.
Mar 9th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Veto Keeps $392 Million in State Treasury
Evers and Republicans can’t agree on how to spend budget surplus.
Mar 2nd, 2020 by Steven Walters
Who Will Turn Out for April Election?
There might be a far bigger Republican turnout than some expect.
Feb 24th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Last Call for the Legislature
The rush to end session and go home for the year results in some ugly legislation.
Feb 17th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Fight Looms Over Tough-on-Crime Bills
Republican bills would jail more people. Democrats resist, align themselves with Trump.
Feb 10th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Redistricting Fight Is One Year Away
So why are Evers and Democrats putting spotlight on it now?
Feb 3rd, 2020 by Steven Walters
Stakes High in Voter Purge Battle
Would remove 17% of Milwaukee County voters, but less than 1% of Waukesha County voters.
Jan 27th, 2020 by Steven Walters
GOP Targets Three Democratic Reps
Their Assembly districts voted for Trump. They now face Republican challengers.
Jan 20th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Clean Water Becomes Hot Political Issue
Gov. Evers and legislators in both parties call for action. Will they work together?
Jan 13th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Credits Lower Your Tax Bill
Reducing the pain of that end-of-year property tax bill you received.
Jan 6th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Top 10 Political Stories of 2019
Lots of drama in last year of the decade. Which were the biggest stories?
Dec 30th, 2019 by Steven Walters
All They Want for Christmas
The Christmas wish lists of Gov. Evers, Mayor Barrett and other politicians.
Dec 23rd, 2019 by Steven Walters
What Is State Doing About School Security?
$96.2 million for security upgrades and training. Has that addressed the problem?
Dec 16th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Big Decline in State’s ACA Recipients
State sees 15% decline, Milwaukee County 26% drop in those covered by Obamacare.
Dec 9th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Wheel Tax Now Ranges from $85 to $253
As cities and counties add vehicle registration fees, your cost depends on where you live.
Dec 2nd, 2019 by Steven Walters
Binge Drinking Cost County $594 Million
New report finds $3.9 billion impact in 2018 for entire state. Wisconsin ranks second in binge drinking.
Nov 25th, 2019 by Steven Walters
New Push to Fix State Workforce Crisis
Business, civic and government leaders will convene to discuss looming worker shortage.
Nov 18th, 2019 by Steven Walters
The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing
Why GOP legislators shot down Agriculture Secretary. And why Evers was incensed.
Nov 11th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Online World Transforms Capitol Coverage
Biggest surprise: More journalists than ever may be covering the Capitol.
Nov 4th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Task Force Takes on Retirement “Crisis”
Huge numbers of older Wisconsin residents have little in retirement savings.
Oct 28th, 2019 by Steven Walters
The Legacy of Morris Andrews
He built state teachers union into the foremost Capitol power — only to see its dramatic decline.
Oct 21st, 2019 by Steven Walters
A World Without Scott Fitzgerald
Capitol insiders wonder who will be senate majority leader if Fitzgerald wins race for Congress.
Oct 14th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Mortgage Crisis Hit African Americans and Hispanics Hardest
Drop in homeownership among African-Americans and Hispanics underlines an affordable housing crisis since the Great Recession.
Oct 7th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Legislature May Debate Few Fall-Session Issues
Short fall legislative session doesn't leave a lot of room for action on major issues.
Sep 30th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Congressional Primaries Can Be Unpredictable
Sensenbrenner seat could draw a wide field.
Sep 23rd, 2019 by Steven Walters
State School Spending Hits Record $6 Billion
Both parties take credit for K-12 schools funding hike. But can it be sustained?
Aug 26th, 2019 by Steven Walters
State’s Paper Industry Still Leads Nation
With 1,531 workers in Milwaukee County. But it faces challenges, may need state help.
Aug 19th, 2019 by Steven Walters
6 Questions for Legislators on Guns
How many state residents have guns? How many favor background checks, other laws?
Aug 12th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Evers Respects His Agency Leaders
Walker at times ignored cabinet, made decisions for his political career.
Aug 5th, 2019 by Steven Walters
How Ryan “Sold His Soul” to Trump
New book details the tough choices Paul Ryan had to make as House Speaker.
Jul 29th, 2019 by Steven Walters
New DNR Head Has Agenda of Change
Climate change, lead laterals and CAFO-polluted private wells are top concerns.
Jul 22nd, 2019 by Steven Walters
State Program Looks to Hire Veterans
“Hiring Our Heroes” fights state’s worker shortage by recruiting ex-military staff.
Jul 15th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Healthy Economy Buys New State Spending
Which helps explain budget victory being claimed by both parties.
Jul 8th, 2019 by Steven Walters
7 Reasons Evers Won’t Veto Entire Budget
Why the governor won’t use the nuclear option on Republican budget.
Jul 1st, 2019 by Steven Walters
Dueling Visions of the State’s Future
5 major areas where Evers, Republicans differ on state policies, spending.
Jun 17th, 2019 by Steven Walters
The Curious Job of Lieutenant Governor
Mandela Barnes finding out there is no manual — and few certainties — for the job.
Jun 10th, 2019 by Steven Walters
About That Climate Change Report
2011 report by 200 state scientists and experts made predictions Republicans are still ignoring.
Jun 3rd, 2019 by Steven Walters
Vos, Fitzgerald Float Highway Funding Ideas
Republicans likely to support some funding, but not agreeing yet on which taxes or fees.
May 28th, 2019 by Steven Walters
An Uphill Fight for ‘Lame Duck’ Challengers?
Wisconsin’s history shows legislative sessions are legal and necessary -- and the courts have backed them.
May 20th, 2019 by Steven Walters
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
New Leaders at Republican State Convention
Ryan, Walker no longer key players, but focus remains on Trump 2020 victory.
May 13th, 2019 by Steven Walters
A New Generation of Political Leaders
GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.
May 6th, 2019 by Steven Walters
10 Evers Proposals GOP Will Kill
Top priorities for the governor which Republicans aim to kill.
Apr 29th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Can Any ”Dark Store” Reform Get Passed?
Evers wants full reform but big lobbying groups oppose it. Lawmakers seek compromise.
Apr 22nd, 2019 by Steven Walters
Evers Talks About First 100 Days
Despite all the negative “huffing and puffing”, he remains optimistic about making change.
Apr 15th, 2019 by WisconsinEye
Legislators Push Child Support, Custody Changes
Legislative Study Committee proposes 11 bills to change how judges handle divorce, paternity issues.
Apr 15th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Evers Too Slow on Prison Reform?
His budget expands prisons, doesn’t offer much reform, critics charge.
Apr 8th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Evers, GOP Tie in Early Innings
Capitol ballgame tied, but Republican legislators have big hitters coming to the plate.
Apr 1st, 2019 by Steven Walters
Hagedorn Also Running Against Abrahamson
Conservative Supreme Court candidate keeps bashing the liberal justice, who has cancer and is retiring.
Mar 25th, 2019 by Steven Walters
How Evers Would End Gerrymandering
He proposes non-partisan redistricting plan similar to Iowa’s.
Mar 18th, 2019 by Steven Walters
