Assembly adjourns after passing bills on public assistance programs

The Assembly has adjourned after passing several bills making changes to state public assistance programs. That included a bill, AB 240, that adds W-2 participants whose kids are habitually truant from school to a list of those who can face sanctions from the Department of Children and Families. Rep. Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin, the author of the bill, disputed claims from Dems that the bill was punitive, saying it would help those families get case management services under the Learnfare program. He and other Republicans said the state needs to do all it can to help families make sure their kids get

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Dems say work requirements bill would contribute to homelessness

The state Assembly today approved 61-35 a bill that would set up a pilot program adding work requirements for those who get federal housing vouchers. The bill would only affect able-bodied adults whose housing vouchers are managed by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. WHEDA manages about 2,800 of the roughly 30,000 federally-funded vouchers in the state, as Madison and Milwaukee manage their own. Dems said the bill would push people out of their homes, noting that it comes after the chamber passed a package aimed at helping homeless people. “Here we are a week later about to vote on

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WED PM Update: DOR memo outlines impact of Kooyenga’s transportation plan

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — A Wisconsin driver who owns a typical sedan would pay $39 more in taxes on their fuel purchases annually, while the owner of an SUV would pay $54 more a year, under Rep. Dale Kooyenga’s transportation and tax plan. In addition, a married couple with one child and an income of $50,000 that rents would pay $488 more in income and… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options. Username or E-mail Password

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Gov. Walker: Declares State of Emergency in Response to Elevated Wildfire Conditions

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 Madison – Governor Scott Walker signed Executive Order #242 today declaring a State of Emergency in response to elevated wildfire conditions. Wisconsin is experiencing above average fire occurrence levels leading to a statewide wildfire threat. “This is a precautionary measure we’re taking to help protect the people of our state,” Governor Walker said. “We want to ensure everyone at the state is prepared to quickly and efficiently respond to any potential wildfire situation. I thank members of the Wisconsin National Guard and our teams at Wisconsin Emergency Management and Department of Natural Resources for their

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Gov. Walker: Celebrates Dedication and Opening of Frank Lloyd Wright Trail

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 Racine – Governor Scott Walker joined Tourism Secretary, Stephanie Klett, as well as SC Johnson Chairman and CEO, Fisk Johnson, today at the SC Johnson headquarters in Racine for a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail. This 200-mile trail runs through southern Wisconsin and features the work of the Wisconsin-native and renowned… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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Sen. Larson: GOP Delays Broadband, Denies Privacy

CONTACT: Senator Larson 608.266.7505 MADISON – Senator Chris Larson issued the following statement regarding GOP lawmakers’ hasty backpedaling on privacy protection. “When faced with even the possibility of discussion, let alone adoption of important internet privacy protections, Senate Republicans chose to delay Assembly Bill 123, a bill that would start to allow more investment in broadband expansion in Wisconsin. “Actions by Trump and other federal Republicans have created a dangerous privacy gap, ripping open the door to your personal information being auctioned off without your consent or knowledge. Wisconsinites have an inherent right to privacy, and it is critical that

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Rep. Snyder: Honors Hard-working Teachers

MADISON – Today, the Legislature passed a joint resolution recognizing May 8 through 12 as National Teacher Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. Representative Patrick Snyder (Schofield) and Senator Alberta Darling (River Hills) introduced the resolution to honor the hardworking men and women who dedicate their lives to teaching. “This resolution is a tribute to teachers across Wisconsin who bear the enormous responsibility of educating children. It is important to recognize the lasting impact teachers leave on our children, who are ultimately what the future of our country depends on. “As a father to a 4th grade school teacher, I see the

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LFB: State won’t see revenue bump beyond prior projections

JFC Co-chair John Nygren says the latest Legislative Fiscal Bureau projections showing flat revenues from earlier estimates is good news. The LFB today informed the Joint Finance co-chairs the state likely wouldn’t see additional revenues in the next few years beyond the growth the agency had projected in January. But Nygren told reporters today other states have seen revenue downturns, so he’s ha… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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Fitzgerald doesn’t ‘see the momentum’ for Assembly GOP transpo plan

The tension between Republicans on transportation funding hit a new level today, with Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald saying he doesn’t “see the momentum” for the new Assembly Republican plan. Assembly Republicans, meanwhile, said the Senate should lay out its own proposal so lawmakers and the guv could “negotiate a deal that’s good for Wisconsin.” They dismissed a funding suggestion Fitzg… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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DOR prepares analysis of Kooyenga transpo and tax plan

A Wisconsin driver who owns a typical sedan would pay $39 more in taxes on their fuel purchases annually, while the owner of an SUV would pay $54 more a year, under Rep. Dale Kooyenga’s transportation and tax plan. In addition, a married couple with one child and an income of $50,000 that rents would pay $488 more in income and property taxes in 2019 under Kooyenga’s proposal than they would under… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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Assembly sends bill on correctional child abuse reporting to Walker’s desk

The state Assembly today passed a bill requiring juvenile correctional officers to report any child abuse they see while on the job, sending the bill to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk. The bipartisan bill follows lawsuits and a federal investigation into allegations of mistreatment at the state’s Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake juvenile correctional facilities. The bill, which passed on a voice vote, was co-authored by Rep. Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc, and Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee. Kleefisch said at a news conference ahead of today’s session it “only makes sense” to add juvenile correctional officers to the list of professions such as teachers

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DOA, Elections, Ethics commissions on JFC agenda Tuesday

The Joint Finance Committee will start to work through the Department of Administration when it meets Tuesday. The committee, which next meets tomorrow, also will take up the Elections and Ethics commissions, the Department of Children and Families, and State Fair Park on Tuesday. It also will take up Care and Treatment Services in Health Services, along with the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Boa… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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Nygren says LFB projections showing flat revenues is good news

Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, says the latest Fiscal Bureau projections showing flat revenues from earlier estimates is good news. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau today informed the Joint Finance co-chairs the state likely wouldn’t see additional revenues in the next few years beyond the growth LFB had projected in January. But Nygren told reporters today other states have seen revenue downturns, … Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, click here for a WisPolitics free trial and to view the different subscription options.

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Assembly adjourns after passing bills on public assistance programs

The Assembly has adjourned after passing several bills making changes to state public assistance programs. That included a bill, AB 240, that adds W-2 participants whose kids are habitually truant from school to a list of those who can face sanctions from the Department of Children and Families. Rep. Joe Sanfelippo,

Read More »

Dems say work requirements bill would contribute to homelessness

The state Assembly today approved 61-35 a bill that would set up a pilot program adding work requirements for those who get federal housing vouchers. The bill would only affect able-bodied adults whose housing vouchers are managed by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. WHEDA manages about 2,800 of the

Read More »

Sen. Larson: GOP Delays Broadband, Denies Privacy

CONTACT: Senator Larson 608.266.7505 MADISON – Senator Chris Larson issued the following statement regarding GOP lawmakers’ hasty backpedaling on privacy protection. “When faced with even the possibility of discussion, let alone adoption of important internet privacy protections, Senate Republicans chose to delay Assembly Bill 123, a bill that would start

Read More »

Rep. Snyder: Honors Hard-working Teachers

MADISON – Today, the Legislature passed a joint resolution recognizing May 8 through 12 as National Teacher Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. Representative Patrick Snyder (Schofield) and Senator Alberta Darling (River Hills) introduced the resolution to honor the hardworking men and women who dedicate their lives to teaching. “This resolution is

Read More »

LFB: State won’t see revenue bump beyond prior projections

JFC Co-chair John Nygren says the latest Legislative Fiscal Bureau projections showing flat revenues from earlier estimates is good news. The LFB today informed the Joint Finance co-chairs the state likely wouldn’t see additional revenues in the next few years beyond the growth the agency had projected in January. But

Read More »

Fitzgerald doesn’t ‘see the momentum’ for Assembly GOP transpo plan

The tension between Republicans on transportation funding hit a new level today, with Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald saying he doesn’t “see the momentum” for the new Assembly Republican plan. Assembly Republicans, meanwhile, said the Senate should lay out its own proposal so lawmakers and the guv could “negotiate a

Read More »

DOR prepares analysis of Kooyenga transpo and tax plan

A Wisconsin driver who owns a typical sedan would pay $39 more in taxes on their fuel purchases annually, while the owner of an SUV would pay $54 more a year, under Rep. Dale Kooyenga’s transportation and tax plan. In addition, a married couple with one child and an income

Read More »

DOA, Elections, Ethics commissions on JFC agenda Tuesday

The Joint Finance Committee will start to work through the Department of Administration when it meets Tuesday. The committee, which next meets tomorrow, also will take up the Elections and Ethics commissions, the Department of Children and Families, and State Fair Park on Tuesday. It also will take up Care

Read More »

Nygren says LFB projections showing flat revenues is good news

Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, says the latest Fiscal Bureau projections showing flat revenues from earlier estimates is good news. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau today informed the Joint Finance co-chairs the state likely wouldn’t see additional revenues in the next few years beyond the growth LFB had projected in January. But

Read More »