FRI REPORT: Guv campaigns take differing approaches to providing staffers health insurance

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers TABLE OF CONTENTS Quotes of the week Political stock report Guv campaigns take differing approaches to providing staffers health insurance McCabe says Dem field following his lead on key issues Nauta says it’s time for a ‘fresh face’ to represent 1st SD Raasch, Sortwell vie for 2nd AD GOP nomination Week ahead Political TV Names in the news Lobbyist w… 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    

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Lucas campaign: Acting sheriff doesn’t understand requirements for office

Contact: Garren Randolph, info@lucasformke.com MILWAUKEE COUNTY – Today, Earnell Lucas, Democratic candidate for Milwaukee County Sheriff, released the following statement: “A scurrilous attack was made by my opponent, right-wing acting sheriff Richard Schmidt, questioning my qualifications to become the next Milwaukee County Sheriff. Specifically, my opponent alleged that I would not be a certified law enforcement officer upon taking the Office of Sheriff. Apparently, my opponent doesn’t understand the qualifications for the office he is seeking. “Sheriffs elected in Wisconsin are not required to be certified by the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board. Upon taking office, I will

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PSC: Approves robust rural and agricultural energy efficiency program

Contact: Matthew Spencer, 608-266-9600 Matthew2.Spencer@Wisconsin.Gov Madison – This week, the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a new energy efficiency program, intended to serve Wisconsin’s rural and agricultural energy customers. The new program focuses on the agricultural and industrial needs of Wisconsin’s rural communities, by offering over $8 million in incentives. To ensure that all Wisconsinites are able to take advantage of Wisconsin’s energy efficiency program known as Focus on Energy, the Commission directed staff to create a rural and agricultural energy efficiency program within the 2019-2022 quadrennium. Focus on Energy has been a catalyst for growth and energy innovation since

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Bolen campaign: James Bolen supports rebuilding of Superior Refinery and encourages growth

Cable WI – Yesterday, Husky Energy announced their plan to rebuild the Superior Refinery. In response, 25th Senate District Candidate James Bolen released the following statement: “It’s great news for Northwestern Wisconsin. The Husky Energy refinery is an economic driver in this part of the state. Not only does it provide family supporting jobs but locally sourced materials such as asphalt to improve our infrastructure and LP to heat our homes.” “The rebuilding process also brings an exciting opportunity – growth. I encourage Husky Refining to expand their Superior facility.” “Wisconsin’s economy is thriving making it the opportune time for

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WisDems: Response to secret Ryan Zinke visit

Contact: TJ Helmstetter, tjh@wisdems.org Today, Trump Administration Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is visiting Wisconsin. He is holding at least one off-the-record event in Sheboygan. This comes just days after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Health & Human Services Secretary Alex Azar visited the state.  Reaction from DPW: “It’s no wonder Ryan Zinke is keeping a low profile during his trips these days given all the trouble he’s gotten into for abusing taxpayer money. Ryan Zinke is the epitome of the swamp — and he has a lot in common with Scott Walker. “Walker has refused to stand up to Trump on

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WisDems: 3 months later, Dale Kooyenga still hasn’t refunded taxpayers $30,000 for Signgate

Contact: Courtney Beyer, courtneyb@wisdems.org What excuse will Kooyenga make this time? MADISON — Three months after state Rep. Dale Kooyenga promised to reimburse taxpayers $30,000 for a legal settlement over Kooyenga’s unlawful removal of a sign he found personally distasteful, Kooyenga still hasn’t written a check. “Wisconsinites expect better out of their elected officials,” said George Gillis, Democratic Party of Wisconsin executive director. “Dale Kooyenga has made excuse after excuse for this costly and completely avoidable episode, and now three months later, he still hasn’t followed through on his promise to pay back taxpayers. He should be ashamed.” Kooyenga has

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DOR: Wisconsin sales tax holiday starts next week

CONTACT:  Patty Mayers, Communications Director 608.266.2300 or DORCommunications@wisconsin.gov State’s first ever sales tax holiday runs August 1-5  Starting next Wednesday, August 1, Wisconsin shoppers will enjoy a five-day sales tax holiday.  During this time, they will not be charged state and local sales tax on a variety of items including clothing, computers and school supplies. “Due to sound fiscal management and a strong economy, the state had almost a $400 million budget surplus,” said Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Chandler. “Governor Walker and the Wisconsin State Legislature have determined that some of that surplus should be returned to taxpayers in the form of

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Rewind: Your Week In Review

On this week’s episode, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Patrick Marley, who’s filling in for WisPolitics.com’s JR Ross, and WisconsinEye’s Steve Walters discuss where the Senate stands on the Kimberly-Clark incentive package; last night’s U.S. Senate Republican primary debate; and Dem guv candidate Matt Flynn’s pushback on calls to end his campaign due to his defense of the Milwaukee Archdiocese during the priest abuse scandal.

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U.S. Rep. Kind: Works to help veterans find careers in agriculture

Contact: Aaron White Phone: 202-225-5506 Aaron.White@mail.house.gov Bipartisan VET-2-FARM Act connects veterans with farmers and resources to help start their own farms after serving La Crosse – This week, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind introduced the bipartisan Veteran Empowerment and Training to Facilitate Agricultural Revitalization and Mobilization Act, or VET-2-FARM Act, which will help veterans start their own farms and earn jobs in agriculture by connecting them with community partners and resources from the USDA. Rep. Kind joined with Reps. Tim Walz (MN-01) and Jeff Denham (CA-10) to introduce the bill. “Far too often, our service members returning home from duty and our veterans find it difficult

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Gov. Walker: Joins First Lady Walker in hosting 26th annual Gift of Life Medal Ceremony

Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839 600 lives saved by organ donations in 2017 MAPLE BLUFF – Governor Scott Walker and First Lady Tonette Walker today hosted 357 family members representing 85 organ donors at the Executive Residence for the 26th annual Gift of Life Medal Ceremony. The ceremony honors citizens or the family member of citizens who generously gave the gift of life through organ, tissue, or eye donations. “234 Wisconsinites gave the gift of life through organ donations last year, and more than 600 lives were saved because of their decisions to become organ donors,” Governor Walker said. “Wisconsin’s

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Barnes campaign: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO endorses Mandela Barnes for lieutenant governor

Contact:  Karen Hickey, 414-573-7579 With union roots, Barnes best understands issues facing working Wisconsinites “Mandela Barnes grew up in a proud union family and understands the importance of having strong unions in order to sustain and grow Wisconsin’s middle class,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “In the Assembly, Barnes prioritized working class issues like creating family-sustaining jobs, investing in our neighborhood public schools and ensuring Wisconsin families could have affordable health care. The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is proud to support Mandela Barnes for Lieutenant Governor.” “When Mandela Barnes saw budget cuts to our public schools and predatory lending practices

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Nauta says it’s time for a ‘fresh face’ to represent 1st SD

Bill Nauta, a 65-year-old retired army officer, doesn’t think Andre Jacque’s eight years as a representative are excessive compared to the lengthy tenure of some other members. But it’s long enough to make him think he’d be a better fit for the 1st Senate District than the De Pere Assemblyman. “How about a fresh face?” Nauta told WisPolitics.com from his Washington Island residence when asked why he’s running. Nauta faces Jacque in his district’s Republican primary Aug. 14. “Too many people are full-time legislators. One hundred years ago, everybody came from different walks of life. They served in the Legislature,

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Wisconsin Next PAC ties Nicholson to Clinton in new TV ad

A new TV ad from the super PAC backing U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir knocks Republican opponent Kevin Nicholson over his Dem past and ties to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The 30-second ad from Wisconsin Next PAC notes Nicholson, former president of the College Democrats of America, wrote a letter to Clinton in 2000 inviting her to be a keynote speaker at the group’s national … 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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Lucas campaign: Acting sheriff doesn’t understand requirements for office

Contact: Garren Randolph, info@lucasformke.com MILWAUKEE COUNTY – Today, Earnell Lucas, Democratic candidate for Milwaukee County Sheriff, released the following statement: “A scurrilous attack was made by my opponent, right-wing acting sheriff Richard Schmidt, questioning my qualifications to become the next Milwaukee County Sheriff. Specifically, my opponent alleged that I would

Read More »

PSC: Approves robust rural and agricultural energy efficiency program

Contact: Matthew Spencer, 608-266-9600 Matthew2.Spencer@Wisconsin.Gov Madison – This week, the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a new energy efficiency program, intended to serve Wisconsin’s rural and agricultural energy customers. The new program focuses on the agricultural and industrial needs of Wisconsin’s rural communities, by offering over $8 million in incentives.

Read More »

WisDems: Response to secret Ryan Zinke visit

Contact: TJ Helmstetter, tjh@wisdems.org Today, Trump Administration Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is visiting Wisconsin. He is holding at least one off-the-record event in Sheboygan. This comes just days after Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Health & Human Services Secretary Alex Azar visited the state.  Reaction from DPW: “It’s no wonder Ryan

Read More »

DOR: Wisconsin sales tax holiday starts next week

CONTACT:  Patty Mayers, Communications Director 608.266.2300 or DORCommunications@wisconsin.gov State’s first ever sales tax holiday runs August 1-5  Starting next Wednesday, August 1, Wisconsin shoppers will enjoy a five-day sales tax holiday.  During this time, they will not be charged state and local sales tax on a variety of items including clothing, computers and

Read More »

Rewind: Your Week In Review

On this week’s episode, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Patrick Marley, who’s filling in for WisPolitics.com’s JR Ross, and WisconsinEye’s Steve Walters discuss where the Senate stands on the Kimberly-Clark incentive package; last night’s U.S. Senate Republican primary debate; and Dem guv candidate Matt Flynn’s pushback on calls to end his campaign due to his defense of the Milwaukee Archdiocese during the priest abuse scandal.

Read More »

U.S. Rep. Kind: Works to help veterans find careers in agriculture

Contact: Aaron White Phone: 202-225-5506 Aaron.White@mail.house.gov Bipartisan VET-2-FARM Act connects veterans with farmers and resources to help start their own farms after serving La Crosse – This week, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind introduced the bipartisan Veteran Empowerment and Training to Facilitate Agricultural Revitalization and Mobilization Act, or VET-2-FARM Act, which will help veterans start their

Read More »

Barnes campaign: Wisconsin State AFL-CIO endorses Mandela Barnes for lieutenant governor

Contact:  Karen Hickey, 414-573-7579 With union roots, Barnes best understands issues facing working Wisconsinites “Mandela Barnes grew up in a proud union family and understands the importance of having strong unions in order to sustain and grow Wisconsin’s middle class,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “In the Assembly, Barnes

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Wisconsin Next PAC ties Nicholson to Clinton in new TV ad

A new TV ad from the super PAC backing U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir knocks Republican opponent Kevin Nicholson over his Dem past and ties to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The 30-second ad from Wisconsin Next PAC notes Nicholson, former president of the College Democrats of America, wrote a letter

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