WED PM Update: Beyond UW-Oshkosh, UW System finds no major concerns regarding campus payments to foundations

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — The UW System said today it found no other “illegal guarantees or loans” beyond those the system is suing two former UW-Oshkosh officials over, though some minor concerns over transactions between campuses and their private foundations were found. The system has for months been reviewing any payments between UW campuses and thei… 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 Password

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Voces de la Frontera: DACA recipients from New York and Wisconsin to demand Paul Ryan pass the DREAM Act at annual Al Smith Dinner in NYC

Contacts: Sam Singleton-Freeman, 414-469-9206, sfreeman@vdlf.org Daniel Altschuler, 917-494-5922, daniel.altschuler@maketheroadny.org   NEW YORK, NEW YORK – On Thursday, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients from Wisconsin and New York will hold a demonstration outside the annual Al Smith Dinner targeting its keynote speaker, Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan. Ryan has continued to refuse to meet with immigrant youth from his own district about the Dream Act, which would provide urgently needed protections and a path to citizenship for immigrant youth with DACA. Immigrant leaders from both New York and Ryan’s home state have asked New York Cardinal

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Rep. Snyder: Jobs and economy committee holds hearing on Micro Mart bill

CONTACT: Rep. Patrick Snyder (608) 266-0655 MADISON – Today, the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy held a public hearing on a bill authored by Representative Patrick Snyder (Schofield) that would create a state regulatory framework for the operation of micro markets, an emerging service industry in Wisconsin. Micro markets are indoor, unstaffed, self-checkout kiosks that provide food and beverage services to non-public groups of people, such as employees in a company break-room. Following delivering testimony in favor of his bill, Rep. Snyder released the following statement: “Micro markets add a dynamic, healthy option to traditional vending machines. In

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Rep. Skowronski: Legislators announce Alzheimer’s and Caregiver bill package

Contact: Rep. Ken Skowronski 608-266-8590 Rep.skowronski@legis.wi.gov MADISON – Today, Wisconsin State Assembly legislators announced a package of seven bills aimed at improving the care of those affected by Alzheimer’s, related dementias, life-threatening illnesses and the lives of their caregivers. The bills were authored by Rep. Ken Skowronski (R-Franklin), Rep. Mike Rohrkaste (R- Neenah), Rep. Pat Snyder (R- Schofield) and Rep. Paul Tittl (R- Manitowoc) “This package of bills builds on the tremendous work the Assembly Task Force on Alzheimer’s and Dementia began last session,” Skowronski said. “I am excited to take the next step to improving the lives of those

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Sen. Vukmir: Wisconsin dollars back Leah Vukmir in Senate race

Contact: Jessica Ward, (414) 422-5712 Brookfield, Wis. — U.S. Senate Candidate Leah Vukmir, R–Brookfield, announced Wednesday that nearly 75% of the money she raised in her first three weeks in the race came from Wisconsin donors. “It’s clear that Wisconsinites want a proven conservative fighter to represent them in DC,” Leah said. “We’re sick of sitting by and seeing reform after reform fail in the U.S. Senate, and it’s time to make sure Wisconsin’s junior senator will vote for President Trump’s agenda. I’m proud that my campaign is being funded by Wisconsin conservatives, not out-of-state special interests.” “When I get

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U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Advocates for Wisconsin Dairy and Buy America Priorities in NAFTA Renegotiation

Contact: press@baldwin.senate.gov (202) 224 – 6225 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today met with Canadian Ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton to discuss dairy trade and Buy America priorities as the NAFTA renegotiation process continues. “I was pleased to host Ambassador MacNaughton today for an important discussion on what NAFTA renegotiation talks mean for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers and manufacturing workers,” said Senator Baldwin. “I stressed the immediate need to address the restrictive Canadian dairy trade barriers that have hurt our agricultural economy. Wisconsin’s dairy farmers should not have their businesses ruined and lives upended as a result

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Gov. Walker: Wisconsin bond rating upgraded to AA+ by KBRA

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) upgraded Wisconsin’s long-term rating to AA+ from AA. KBRA cited sound budgeting, holding the line on taxes, greater investments in education and transportation, and economic growth in issuing the upgrade to the state’s general obligation bonds. “We are focused on being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and this upgrade is yet another confirmation that our reforms are working for Wisconsin,” Governor Walker said. “We proved you can budget responsibly and make strong investments in priorities like education and infrastructure, while holding the line

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Gov. Walker: Urges schools to apply for Fab Lab grants

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the third year of its Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program, which provides funding to help public schools build or expand fab labs. “Fab labs are a key part of our goal to make sure that every student in Wisconsin has the tools needed to succeed in school and beyond. That’s why our budget included $1 million in funding to continue to this vital program over the next two years,” said Governor Scott Walker. “As a result

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Waukesha County: County Highway E (Main St) in North Prairie: Brief closure of one block segment starts Sunday

(WAUKESHA, WI) – A one-block segment of County Trunk Highway E (Main St.) in North Prairie is to close Sunday October 22 at 4 a.m. for reconstruction of the railroad crossing located south of E Sadd St. (map) The closure occurs only at the railroad crossing. Through-traffic will follow the posted detour route (map) via CTH ZZ to STH 59, while access to local residences and businesses will be maintained. The closure is scheduled to conclude late Friday October 27. About Waukesha County Department of Public Works Waukesha County Department of Public Works is committed to providing the foundations of

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Gov. Walker: Wisconsin Building Commission approves key projects

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 MADISON – Today, the State of Wisconsin Building Commission met to approve several key projects across the state including, but not limited to: –Reconstruction of the Willow River State Park Little Falls Dam; –Multi-building improvements project at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove; –Authority to begin preliminary plans and design reports for University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s Northwest Quadrant Renovation project; –Renovation of Kleinpell Fine Arts Abbott Concert Hall on the campus of University of Wisconsin – River Falls; and –Other various maintenance and repair projects around the state. “The State Building Commission approved

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Barnes accuses state GOP of race baiting following response to his lt. guv announcement

Former state Rep. Mandela Barnes today accused the state GOP of race baiting after the party responded to reports he is looking at a run for lt. guv by promoting a 2015 video of the Milwaukee Dem’s confrontation with a frequent Capitol protester. Barnes, who is African-American, and two fellow Milwaukee Dems were approached by Miles Kristan in 2015 over a vote to provide public funding for the Mi… 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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FoodShare bill public hearing seemingly in violation of new Assembly requirement

A public hearing on a bill that would limit FoodShare benefits to foods and drinks with “sufficient nutritional value” seems to have violated a new Assembly requirement because only the bill’s author spoke in favor of the legislation. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, imposed the requirement near the beginning of the session, saying in January he wanted his members to build more support amo… 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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Industrial hemp bill clears Senate committee

A bill that would give Wisconsin farmers the go-ahead to grow industrial hemp unanimously passed a Senate committee this morning. But four Dem amendments to the bill failed on 5-4 party-line votes, including one that would nix a requirement under the bill to allow for the seizure and destroying of crops if a certain THC level is exceeded. THC is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. … 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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State to require independent accountant to ensure Foxconn is upholding deal

The state is adding an additional layer of verification over the Foxconn deal that would ensure an independent accountant reviews whether the Taiwanese company is meeting its promises to the state, according to a DOA spokesman. State lawmakers this year approved the $3 billion incentive package for the company, which has said it will create up to 13,000 jobs and invest $10 billion as it builds a m… 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. Taylor: Bill to limit shackling of women in labor gets public hearing

Contact: Jordan Krieger, 608-266-5810 (MADISON) – Members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety are reviewing legislation to provide statutory guidelines on when and how correctional officers may shackle women in labor. Senate Bill 393, authored by Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), was introduced in August following a recent lawsuit alleging that at least 40 women in Milwaukee had been shackled while giving birth since 2011. The bill, in addition to shackling limitations, provides for maternal support services and expands STI testing in correctional facilities. “I am excited that the committee will hear this

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Voces de la Frontera: DACA recipients from New York and Wisconsin to demand Paul Ryan pass the DREAM Act at annual Al Smith Dinner in NYC

Contacts: Sam Singleton-Freeman, 414-469-9206, sfreeman@vdlf.org Daniel Altschuler, 917-494-5922, daniel.altschuler@maketheroadny.org   NEW YORK, NEW YORK – On Thursday, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients from Wisconsin and New York will hold a demonstration outside the annual Al Smith Dinner targeting its keynote speaker, Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul

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Rep. Skowronski: Legislators announce Alzheimer’s and Caregiver bill package

Contact: Rep. Ken Skowronski 608-266-8590 Rep.skowronski@legis.wi.gov MADISON – Today, Wisconsin State Assembly legislators announced a package of seven bills aimed at improving the care of those affected by Alzheimer’s, related dementias, life-threatening illnesses and the lives of their caregivers. The bills were authored by Rep. Ken Skowronski (R-Franklin), Rep. Mike

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Sen. Vukmir: Wisconsin dollars back Leah Vukmir in Senate race

Contact: Jessica Ward, (414) 422-5712 Brookfield, Wis. — U.S. Senate Candidate Leah Vukmir, R–Brookfield, announced Wednesday that nearly 75% of the money she raised in her first three weeks in the race came from Wisconsin donors. “It’s clear that Wisconsinites want a proven conservative fighter to represent them in DC,”

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Gov. Walker: Wisconsin bond rating upgraded to AA+ by KBRA

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) upgraded Wisconsin’s long-term rating to AA+ from AA. KBRA cited sound budgeting, holding the line on taxes, greater investments in education and transportation, and economic growth in issuing the upgrade to the state’s

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Gov. Walker: Urges schools to apply for Fab Lab grants

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today announced the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is now accepting applications for the third year of its Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program, which provides funding to help public schools build or expand fab labs. “Fab labs are a

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Gov. Walker: Wisconsin Building Commission approves key projects

Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 MADISON – Today, the State of Wisconsin Building Commission met to approve several key projects across the state including, but not limited to: –Reconstruction of the Willow River State Park Little Falls Dam; –Multi-building improvements project at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Union Grove; –Authority

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Industrial hemp bill clears Senate committee

A bill that would give Wisconsin farmers the go-ahead to grow industrial hemp unanimously passed a Senate committee this morning. But four Dem amendments to the bill failed on 5-4 party-line votes, including one that would nix a requirement under the bill to allow for the seizure and destroying of

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Sen. Taylor: Bill to limit shackling of women in labor gets public hearing

Contact: Jordan Krieger, 608-266-5810 (MADISON) – Members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety are reviewing legislation to provide statutory guidelines on when and how correctional officers may shackle women in labor. Senate Bill 393, authored by Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), was introduced

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