Content referencing Tony Kurtz

Without Gerrymander, Democrats Flip 14 Legislative Seats

Without Gerrymander, Democrats Flip 14 Legislative Seats

The Democratic gains in a strong Republican year set up a chance for them to win majorities in 2026.

Hendricks, Uihlein Fill GOP Legislature’s Fundraising Coffers

Hendricks, Uihlein Fill GOP Legislature’s Fundraising Coffers

More than half of $7.2 million raised comes from the two megadonors. Dem legislative groups raise $4.7 million.

The State of Politics: How Higher Ed Institutions Are Shrinking
The State of Politics

How Higher Ed Institutions Are Shrinking

It's a stunning trend: Four-year and two-year campuses are cutting back, merging, closing.

The State of Politics: Republicans Fearful of New District Maps
The State of Politics

Republicans Fearful of New District Maps

Under one proposed map, incumbent Republicans would have to run against each other.

The State of Politics: Final Five Bill Changes Congressional Elections in Wisconsin
The State of Politics

Final Five Bill Changes Congressional Elections in Wisconsin

Bipartisan proposal pushes less partisan, ranked-choice elections.

GOP Plan Merges UW Campus in West Bend With Tech College

GOP Plan Merges UW Campus in West Bend With Tech College

Joint Finance passes plan to address declining enrollment in Washington County.

GOP Legislators Boost Road Funding By $1.5 Billion

GOP Legislators Boost Road Funding By $1.5 Billion

Budget committee approves proposal that also hikes fees on electric vehicles.

Milwaukee Sales Tax Deal Reached, Referendum Dropped

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.

Legislation Would Change National Guard Sexual Assault Investigations

Legislation Would Change National Guard Sexual Assault Investigations

Proposal trigged by 2019 federal investigation into Wisconsin National Guard that found several issues.

Senate Mulls Milwaukee’s Financial Peril

Senate Mulls Milwaukee’s Financial Peril

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

Activists Decry GOP Bill Ending Advisory Referendums

Activists Decry GOP Bill Ending Advisory Referendums

All local referendums would be barred. But not state advisory referendums.

Assembly Republicans Have Plan To Help Milwaukee, Will It Work?

Assembly Republicans Have Plan To Help Milwaukee, Will It Work?

Proposal would increase shared revenue and enable sales tax for Milwaukee, with strings attached.

Legislators Tackle National Guard Sexual Misconduct

Legislators Tackle National Guard Sexual Misconduct

Years of reported mishandling leads to bipartisan legislative effort.

Transportation: Federal Funds For Trails Increasing
Transportation

Federal Funds For Trails Increasing

State legislators, advocates excited by potential for more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

GOP Tax Cuts Benefit Wisconsin’s Wealthiest 25%

GOP Tax Cuts Benefit Wisconsin’s Wealthiest 25%

75% of state's households get less than $7 a week on average from proposed tax cuts.

Legislators Approve $125 Million for Broadband Expansion

Legislators Approve $125 Million for Broadband Expansion

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

Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget

Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget

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

GOP Legislators Refuse Special Session on Medicaid Expansion

GOP Legislators Refuse Special Session on Medicaid Expansion

The Republican-controlled Senate and Assembly both adjourn sessions without debate or votes.

Rep. Tony Kurtz and Sen. Howard Marklein Disappointed in Governor’s Political Games in Reedsburg
Press Release

Rep. Tony Kurtz and Sen. Howard Marklein Disappointed in Governor’s Political Games in Reedsburg

Legislators given 59 minutes of notice for press conference about pork barrel project

GOP Lawmakers Would Ignore Rules for Stimulus Money

GOP Lawmakers Would Ignore Rules for Stimulus Money

Governor Evers has unilateral power to distribute the federal funds.

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

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

The State of Politics: Will State Judges Protect Voting Rights?
The State of Politics

Will State Judges Protect Voting Rights?

Expert at state forum suggests federal courts may be less important as state courts rule on election laws.

As State Looks to Bounce Back from Pandemic, Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for $2.38 Billion in Capital Budget Investments to Provide Estimated 29,000 Family-Supporting Jobs, $4.3 Billion in Economic Impact 
Press Release

As State Looks to Bounce Back from Pandemic, Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for $2.38 Billion in Capital Budget Investments to Provide Estimated 29,000 Family-Supporting Jobs, $4.3 Billion in Economic Impact 

Governor's 2021-23 capital budget to be taken up by State Building Commission this week includes major projects in both Republican and Democratic districts

11 Bills Would Change State Voting Laws

11 Bills Would Change State Voting Laws

One is bipartisan. The others are not.

PPP Business Expense Tax Break Approved by Committee

PPP Business Expense Tax Break Approved by Committee

Democrats tried to narrow the tax break on expenses paid for with federal relief money.

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

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."

Assembly Debates Christmas, er, Holiday Tree

Assembly Debates Christmas, er, Holiday Tree

"I don’t expect a big issue” or “holy wars”, Rep Hintz says. Wrong.

The State of Politics: Legislature May Debate Few Fall-Session Issues
The State of Politics

Legislature May Debate Few Fall-Session Issues

Short fall legislative session doesn't leave a lot of room for action on major issues.

Unanimous Senate Committee Vote on Hemp Bill

Unanimous Senate Committee Vote on Hemp Bill

Bipartisan bill would make pilot program for growing hemp in the state permanent.

The State of Politics: A New Generation of Political Leaders
The State of Politics

A New Generation of Political Leaders

GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.

Bill Allows Pharmacists to Vaccinate Children

Bill Allows Pharmacists to Vaccinate Children

In reaction to measles outbreak, lawmakers look to strengthen state’s response.

Growing Opportunities Act Introduced to Reinforce Expanding Hemp Industry
Press Release

Growing Opportunities Act Introduced to Reinforce Expanding Hemp Industry

Bi-partisan Authors Optimistic about Crop’s Future

Underdogs for Congress

Underdogs for Congress

Only one congressional race is (barely) competitive in Wisconsin. The seven incumbents have a 14-1 advantage in campaign cash.