Tim Carpenter

The Legislature’s Revolving Door

Lots of turnover of legislators in both parties. Why?

We Won’t Act Like Republicans, Wisconsin Democrats Say

Democrats hope to gain legislative majority in 2026 election.

Why Republicans Pass Bills They Know Gov. Evers Will Veto

Key part of their strategy to win elections in 2026, hold power in Legislature.

New Rainbow Crosswalks Mark Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ History

Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project leads installation.

Supervisors Support Balloon Release Ban

Not just an environmental issue, balloons pose a second, more immediate risk.

Texas Reps Fleeing State Similar to 2011 Wisconsin Dem Exodus

Texas Democratic U.S. representatives trying to block gerrymander vote, Wisconsin state senators tried the same with Act 10.

State Sen. Carpenter Bashes Bob Donovan

Did Donovan win funding for freeway sound barriers? Democrat begs to differ.

Bill Gives Milwaukee More Leeway to Impound Recklessly Driven Cars

Proposal passed Assembly, Senate okay likely. Will police use expanded authority?

Legislators Argue Over Cooperation With ICE

GOP bill requires local law enforcement to help federal deportations.

Some Legislators Want ‘Safe Havens’ to Stay Safe

Proposed bill would keep immigration officers out of all 'safe havens' in Wisconsin.

Republican Bill Bars Remote Work for Most Wisconsin State Employees

Will it improve or hurt workforce? Gov. Evers has promised a veto.

Legislature’s LGBTQ+ Caucus Doubles in Size

With 7 new members, the caucus now includes 12 lawmakers, all Democrats.

Wisconsin Senate Democrats Plan To Work Across The Aisle

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

Legislative Committee Considers Artificial Intelligence Regulations

The pitfalls and potential of AI; possible legislative guard rails and state investments.

MPS Failures Result In GOP-Called Audit of DPI

GOP-controlled committee moves to audit DPI practices, DNR fish and wildlife account.

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes

Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'

Republican Senator Joins Democrats Against Transgender Sports Bill

Sen. Joan Ballweg cites higher rate of depression, suicide for transgender youth.

County Treasurer Dave Cullen Announces Reelection Bid

With many endorsements, Cullen faces Ted Chisholm in Democratic primary.

Wisconsin Democrats Propose State Protections For Same-Sex Marriages

Proposal follows 2022 federal law, overturning of Roe vs. Wade. Would strike 2006 constitutional amendment.

LeMahieu Grows Into Majority Leader Role

Republican Senate leader has worked at times with Democrats to get legislation passed.

Brewers Stadium Deal Passes the Legislature

Gov. Tony Evers promises to sign it.

9 Obstacles To a Brewers Deal

No audit. Voter anger. Politicians renegotiating deal. The list goes on.

Taxpayers Paying For Both Sides of Senate Lawsuit Over Redistricting

Democrats and Republicans both charging State of Wisconsin for redistricting legal fight.

Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Expand Vaccine Access

The bills, aimed at addressing state's decreasing vaccine rates, are unlikely to advance in the Republican-led Legislature.

Houses of Worship Could Become Exempt From Emergency Orders

Authors of the proposed constitutional amendment argue that it's a matter of separating church and state.

Rep. Donovan’s Reckless Driving Bills Approved By Legislature

And: Republicans block rule that bans conversion therapy, allowing controversial practice to continue.

County Board Primary Race Has Three Candidates

Special election called to fill District 14 seat left vacant by Dyango Zerpa resignation.

Evers Budget Funds 80 More Staff to Process Occupational Licenses

Department of Safety and Professional Services has faced criticism for service delays.

GOP Legislators Vote For Audit of State’s Licensing Agency

They cite backlog in approving licenses. Democrats blame inadequate funding and staff.

After 4 Years, 180 Appointees by Gov. Evers Haven’t Been Confirmed

Republican Senate leaves them in limbo. 'Tell me what I need to do,' Ever says.

Milwaukee Candidates for Wisconsin State Senate

And congressional race for fourth district seat.

Is Nonpartisan State Audit Bureau Getting Political?

Report on PSC the second one where critics say agency bent findings to please Republican leaders.

Democrats Want Audit of Gableman’s 2020 Election Review

Request comes after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Gableman "an embarrassment."

Senate Passes a Dozen Voting Bills

Republicans say bills address election ‘irregularities.’ Democrats charge ‘voter suppression.'

Why Brewers Stadium Conflict Erupted

Legislature has squeezed the five-county ballpark district, leaving it less flexibility.

State Still Has $1.8 Billion In Pandemic Funds

Evers update shows 60% of $4.6 billion federal relief funding has been spent or allocated.

GOP Bills Ban Customer Vaccine Requirements

State legislature considering bills that prohibit businesses requiring vaccination.

Silicon Valley Company Expanding In Milwaukee

OpenGov plans to grow office in Walker's Point to 100 employees.

Still No Facility To Replace State’s Youth Prisons

Two deadlines to close the prisons have been missed, and plans for new facility have stalled.

Democrats Lose Experience In Legislature

10 years of Republican control helps creates Legislature with less experienced Democrats.

Sen. Carpenter Blasts DNR Over Wolf Hunt Plans

The Department of Natural Resources is planning a fall 2021 wolf harvest.

State Senate Debates Anti-Defund Police Bill

Bill cuts state aid to cities at same level as any reductions in law enforcement spending.

Unemployment Tax Break Bill Muddied by Partisan Conflict

GOP amendment would take control of COVID-19 relief funds away from governor.

Bills Cap Predatory Lending at 36%

Average payday interest rate is 517%. Industry has given generously to legislators

The Beguiling Blandness of Devin LeMahieu

Senate majority leader is conservative but eschews the nasty style of Robin Vos.

Which Members of Congress Got Vaccine?

One third are Republicans, survey of 22 states find. But Wisconsin divided by party.

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.

Honoring Limbaugh But Not Black History

Republican legislators back resolution to honor Rush, resist celebrating Black History Month.

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.

Madison Protester Gets Probation on Extortion Charges

Devonere Johnson's arrest sparked further protest in June.

Legislators Argue Over Masks, Capitol Access

And much more. Senate allows virtual attendance but Vos requires in-person Assembly.

Both Parties Back Election Law Changes

Legislators actually agree on at least two reforms.

Unemployment System Audited After Pandemic Failures

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

Aggressive Police Escalate Violence at Protests?

Research shows this, experts say. Former Madison police chief calls on cops to ditch riot gear and tear gas.

Will Unemployment Backlog Be Cleared By End Of Year?

70,000 people in Wisconsin are still waiting for their unemployment to come through.

Ten Years After Act 10

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

Zamarripa Defends Her Double Dipping

Alderwoman will collect second full-time salary as state legislator for eight months.

Who Benefits From the Madison Vandalism?

History suggests it could change the narrative, change voters’ views.

Madison Protester Faces Heavy Charges

Two federal counts of extortion, up to 40 years in prison.

Trump Smears State Sen. Tim Carpenter

President’s attack on a legislator who was assaulted is truly despicable.

What Happened at Madison’s Protests

State Sen. Tim Carpenter assaulted, two Capitol statues toppled, windows broken, Evers condemns violence.

Sen. Carpenter Assaulted Near Capitol

Catholic School Tax Change Would Cost City

Archdiocese seeks legislation whereby schools leased for profit would still be tax exempt.

Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power

Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.

State Resists Immunizations

Wisconsin ranks 35th in percent of immunized children, yet bipartisan bill to address problem is stalled in committee.

Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election

The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.

Oh, Those Dreaded Plastic Bags

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

Electric Scooters Could Return This Year

Bill working its way through state Legislature to legalize electric scooters.

Bill Ends Waivers for Immunizations

In response to measles outbreak, bipartisan proposal ends waivers for “personal convictions”.

Did Business Leaders Fail on Foxconn?

None raised any doubts about a deal that always seemed suspect.

Walker Reconsiders Fiserv Subsidy?

Reacting to furor over Fiserv buying Bucks arena naming rights, governor to look “closely” at this.

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

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

New Federal Program Could Help City

Opportunity Zones law allows tax incentives for distressed areas.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

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

WEDC Shifts on Foxconn Contract

After saying board members could now see contract, they will allow vote only on staff review of it.

The Secrets of Foxconn

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

Mr. Gou – Your Turn

An open letter to the chairman of Foxconn.

“To Not Only Survive, But Thrive!”

The mass shooting in Orlando was a tragic reminder of the need for LGBT equality.

Can Larson Beat Abele?

Democratic insiders handicap the race, which may come down to turnout.

Mark Borkowski’s Quaint Ranch Home

County supervisor lives in suburban-style area at edge of Greenfield but wants to be alderman.

Cost for Taxpayers In Latest Bucks Deal?

Bucks gave ground. But it’s still a huge bite for taxpayers.

A Weekend of Gay Pride

Pridefest gets all the attention, but the Pride Parade is a true slice of Milwaukee that draws a very diverse crowd.

Race for Dudzik’s Seat Could Get Heated

Will anti-streetcar group get involved? And did Journal Sentinel exaggerate the number of candidates?

Fendt Fired by Southside Organizing Committee

Had led group 22 years, board members vague on reasons for dumping him.

Why Wisconsin Has Weak Laws on Drunken Driving

Legislators reject tougher penalties, even for repeat offenders. First of a series.

Burke Supports Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Residents

Measure rejected by legislature would have particular benefit for Hispanics in Milwaukee.

Sen.Carpenter’s Rather Dull Duplex

His sided, south side home, in suburban-like Jackson Park, is a veritable pillar of middle-class respectability.

Few Competitive Legislative Races

Redistricting has reduced the number of competitive districts for fall elections.

Barrett’s Birthday Party

The mayor's celebration is 11 days late. And Lakefront Brewery shatters its record for annual barrels manufactured.

Spencer Coggs’ Very New Northwest Side Home

Ironically, the City Treasurer lives next to three lots that are delinquent in paying him their property taxes.

5 Candidates Running for Jeff Stone’s Assembly Seat

Four Republicans and one Democrat seek to win this heavily Republican suburban district.

Governor Ignores South Side on Residency Requirement

Walker signs law, never responds to letters from South Side politicians and organizations.

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.

Freeway Expansion Could Move South

I-94 could be straightened to run through current Miller Park parking lots. Brewers are open to this option.

Double-Decker Freeway For Milwaukee?

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

Doyle, Gard in University Club Sandwich

Rivals Host Simultaneous Fundraisers in Swanky Downtown Club

Buffett Tour on Hold

“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.

Burke Gets Break

The Supreme Court granted a stay Friday, and Burke’s trial is postponed.