JFC keeps DNR magazine, but pares back to four issues a year

The Joint Finance Committee rejected Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to eliminate the DNR’s Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. But the committee approved 12-4 publishing the magazine four times a year rather than the current six. The motion also designated the DNR communications director to serve as editor of the magazine and would keep one of the publication’s two positions. Dems, who wanted to conti… 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 * Remember Me     Forgot

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JFC approves requiring DOT to take care of deer carcasses on Wisconsin roads

The committee approved repealing the requirement the DNR to establish a grant program to remove car-killed deer from Wisconsin roads and transfer the responsibility to the DOT. The Department of Transportation would be required to contract with private vendors, counties or municipalities to remove deer carcasses. But the agency would not get any additional funds to do so. The DNR received $701,400… 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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JFC approves Tourism earmarks

The committee approved GOP earmarks through the Department of Tourism that include that include $7,500 for the city of Pittsville to put up a sign marking the geographic center of Wisconsin. The earmark would come from the Department of Tourism’s $1.8 million annual appropriation for marketing. The committee also approved $75,000 through Tourism to help the Westby Snowflake Ski Club improve struct… 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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WED PM Update: Lagging lottery sales put pressure on meeting Walker tax promise

From WisPolitics.com … — Gov. Scott Walker has vowed to veto the entire budget if it results in a property tax bill that’s higher in 2018 than it was in 2014. But the budget he sent lawmakers fails to meet that standard because lagging lottery sales mean a key credit on homeowners’ bills is now projected to fall short of the administration’s expectations. A Walker spokesman acknowledged to Wis… 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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JFC approves pay hikes for judges

The committee signed off on the guv’s plan to give Supreme Court justices and state judges a pay boost. But it rejected Scott Walker’s call to create a new method for determining judicial pay going forward. The guv called for $334,000 in general purpose revenue to provide pay increases of 2 percent on Sept. 30, 2018, and May 26, 2019. But the Legislative Fiscal Bureau noted the administration misc… 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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JFC cuts Parole Commission in half, but rejects wiping it out

The Joint Finance Committee voted to cut the Parole Commission in half, but rejected the guv’s call to wipe it out. Walker wanted to eliminate the eight-member Parole Commission and instead rely on a new appointee in the Department of Corrections to decide the fate of offenders eligible for release. In addition to reducing the commission to four people, it would cut three staff positions. Only tho… 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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Wisconsin Dept. of Administration: LFB memo affirms self-insurance will save state taxpayers

Contact: Steven Michels (608) 267-7874 Madison, Wisconsin – Today, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) outlined how the State of Wisconsin can avoid paying an entire federal tax by switching to self-insurance.  The $18 million ObamaCare tax will be eliminated for the hardworking Wisconsin taxpayers if the state changes the way it pays for state employee healthcare.  In addition to avoiding an $18 million tax, LFB estimates that moving to self-insurance will save the state between $29.7 million and $64.2 million in general purpose revenue over the biennium. “Governor Walker’s budget reforms government to make it more accountable to the taxpayers,” said

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WisGOP: Republican Party of Wisconsin issues statement on plan to eliminate state property tax

Contact: Alec Zimmerman (608) 257-4765 Madison, Wisconsin—Today, the state Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee announced support of a plan to completely eliminate the state property tax.  While Democrats have no agenda for hard-working Wisconsin taxpayers, Wisconsin Republicans are leading the charge to put them first. “Today’s announcement is historic for Wisconsin, and we applaud Governor Walker and Republican leaders for their continued stand for taxpayers,” said Mark Morgan, Executive Director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.  “While Democrats are offering nothing but the same failed policies of yesterday, Governor Walker and Republican leaders in the Legislature are fighting to put taxpayers first

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Rep. Pocan: Congressional Progressive Caucus condemns Trump’s plan to withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement

Contact: David Kolovson (Pocan) Washington, D.C. – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and CPC Energy and Environment Taskforce Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) made the following statement after it was reported President Donald Trump plans to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. “President Trump’s plan to withdraw fro… 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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Lowlands Group raises money for charity

The Lowlands Group, an operator of cafes in Wisconsin, raised $34,997 for three local charities as part of the opening weekend for its newest location. The fundraiser, which took place May 19-21, was held in concert with the opening of Cafe Hollander in Brookfield. Food Pantry of Waukesha County, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee all received funds. “We had perfect weather, great partners and a strong turnout, which benefitted our fundraising ability tremendously,” said Dan Herwig, director of brand and marketing at Lowlands Group, which has now raised over $100,000 for charity at

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AACCW Workshop on Insurance Benefits for Small Businesses

Asset Protection – Monday, June 5th / 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Your home and your business are essential.  There is an importance in pre-planing that provides a sense of comfort.  Hear several ways to keep your self and your business protected. Networking:  5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Workshop Presentation:  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Presented by:  Bara Legacies, LLC Hosted by:  Concordia University -Wisconsin (Milwaukee Midtown Center) 4151 N. 56th Street, Milwaukee, WI  53216 Note:  Concordia University is located on the same side as T-Mobile and Cousins Subs. Please use the buzzer located on the left for entry. This

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JFC keeps DNR magazine, but pares back to four issues a year

The Joint Finance Committee rejected Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to eliminate the DNR’s Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. But the committee approved 12-4 publishing the magazine four times a year rather than the current six. The motion also designated the DNR communications director to serve as editor of the magazine and

Read More »

JFC approves Tourism earmarks

The committee approved GOP earmarks through the Department of Tourism that include that include $7,500 for the city of Pittsville to put up a sign marking the geographic center of Wisconsin. The earmark would come from the Department of Tourism’s $1.8 million annual appropriation for marketing. The committee also approved

Read More »

JFC approves pay hikes for judges

The committee signed off on the guv’s plan to give Supreme Court justices and state judges a pay boost. But it rejected Scott Walker’s call to create a new method for determining judicial pay going forward. The guv called for $334,000 in general purpose revenue to provide pay increases of

Read More »

JFC cuts Parole Commission in half, but rejects wiping it out

The Joint Finance Committee voted to cut the Parole Commission in half, but rejected the guv’s call to wipe it out. Walker wanted to eliminate the eight-member Parole Commission and instead rely on a new appointee in the Department of Corrections to decide the fate of offenders eligible for release.

Read More »

WisGOP: Republican Party of Wisconsin issues statement on plan to eliminate state property tax

Contact: Alec Zimmerman (608) 257-4765 Madison, Wisconsin—Today, the state Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee announced support of a plan to completely eliminate the state property tax.  While Democrats have no agenda for hard-working Wisconsin taxpayers, Wisconsin Republicans are leading the charge to put them first. “Today’s announcement is historic for Wisconsin, and

Read More »

Rep. Pocan: Congressional Progressive Caucus condemns Trump’s plan to withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement

Contact: David Kolovson (Pocan) Washington, D.C. – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and CPC Energy and Environment Taskforce Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) made the following statement after it was reported President Donald Trump plans to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate

Read More »

Lowlands Group raises money for charity

The Lowlands Group, an operator of cafes in Wisconsin, raised $34,997 for three local charities as part of the opening weekend for its newest location. The fundraiser, which took place May 19-21, was held in concert with the opening of Cafe Hollander in Brookfield. Food Pantry of Waukesha County, Leukemia

Read More »

AACCW Workshop on Insurance Benefits for Small Businesses

Asset Protection – Monday, June 5th / 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Your home and your business are essential.  There is an importance in pre-planing that provides a sense of comfort.  Hear several ways to keep your self and your business protected. Networking:  5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Workshop Presentation:

Read More »