TUE PM Update: Proposed Assembly rule changes would allow Anderson to phone into hearings, permit multiple veto override attempts

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Paralyzed Dem Rep. Jimmy Anderson would be allowed to phone into committee hearings to accommodate his disability, under a package of proposed rule changes GOP Assembly leaders announced today. But Dems said the changes — which include a provision that would allow the Assembly to make multiple runs at overriding a guv veto — … 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

Read More »

AARP: Rhinelander man wins AARP Wisconsin’s top volunteer award

MADISON, WISCONSIN – Rhinelander resident Bill Vancos will be presented with AARP Wisconsin’s highest and most prestigious honor – the “2019 Andrus Award for Community Service” – on Thursday, Oct. 17, during a brief ceremony at the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry beginning at 11 a.m. “This award honors Bill’s tireless commitment to making life better for others,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Sam Wilson. “Through his volunteer service for the AARP Tax-Aide program, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry and the Rhinelander Historical Society, Bill has built up the trust, influence and respect it takes to accomplish great things in his community.

Read More »

Senate backs basing F-35s at Madison air base

The Senate approved via voice vote a resolution expressing support for basing F-35 fighter jets at the Air National Guard Base in Madison after some residents near the airport have raised concerns over noise from the new planes. Truax Field is now home to F-16s and the debate over the possibility of the new planes being located in Madison has largely focused on whether the F-35s would be louder, resulting in a bigger impact on local residents. Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, tried to amend the resolution to urge the Air Force to conduct more study on the impact of basing

Read More »

WisPolitics Midday – October 8, 2019

In today’s WisPolitics Midday update, brought to you by Spectrum: WI Senate is on the floor for the first time since June.  Will take up cabinet picks and more. UW Board Of Regents to take next steps to implement rules that will punish those that block free expression on campus.

Read More »

Senate approves new procedures for handling rape test kits

The Senate unanimously signed off on creating a statutory procedure for handling, processing and storing rape test kits. It also unanimously backed a new process to notify victims how their kits are being handled. The bills come on the heels of a backlog of untested kits becoming an issue in the 2018 race for attorney general. Dem Josh Kaul repeatedly slammed former GOP AG Brad Schimel for the building of the backlog under the incumbent’s watch. Schimel countered by pointing to progress that had been made during his term in wiping it out. Now, there is no state law laying

Read More »

SSDC Fall Fundraiser

Casetta Kitchen and Counter, 222 W Washington Ave, Madison Sponsor Levels: $5000, $2500, $1000 Suggested Contribution: $500 RSVP to Katiei@wisdems.org or 608-260-2417

Read More »

U.S. Sen. Johnson: Statement on U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria

OSHKOSH — U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the following regarding news that U.S. troops would be withdrawn from northeastern Syria: “I have never believed America can or should be the world’s policeman. But I do believe when it is in our national security interest, and we have the capability of stabilizing a situation to prevent violence, we should do so,” said Sen. Johnson. “Supporting a key ally in the fight against ISIS and preventing further unnecessary bloodshed in Syria is in our national interest. Abandoning the Kurds would not only send a terrible signal to

Read More »

Gov. Evers: Signs executive order declaring Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, joined by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, signed Executive Order #50, declaring the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Wisconsin. The executive order was signed on Tuesday at Indian Community School in Franklin. In the executive order, Gov. Evers recognized the importance of the Native Nations to Wisconsin and reaffirmed the significance of Native Nations’ sovereignty, culture, and history. “Through this executive order, we recognize and appreciate our tribal nations and Indigenous people and their resilience, wisdom, and the contributions they make to our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Native Americans in Wisconsin and throughout our

Read More »

Senate votes to ban bestiality, allow minors to run food stands without a license

The Senate voted today to make it a felony to have sexual contact with an animal, allow minors to operate food stands without a license and match the state’s hemp program to federal law. Under current Wisconsin law, it’s a class A misdemeanor to commit an act of sexual gratification involving an animal. SB 139 would repeal that statute and create a new crime of bestiality. It also would define sexual acts to include actions such as permitting sexual contact with an animal to be conducted on the premises a person controls, as well as photographing or filming obscene material

Read More »

Senate confirms five of Evers cabinet picks

The Senate unanimously backed five of Tony Evers’ picks to serve in his cabinet, the first confirmation votes since the guv’s agency heads all began their jobs nine months ago. Without debate, the Senate voted 33-0 to confirm: Peter Barca at Revenue, Joel Brennan at Administration, Kathy Blumenfeld at Financial Institutions, Kevin Carr at Corrections and Mary Kolar at Veterans Affairs. The Senate then voted 27-6 to confirm former Dem Rep. Sheldon Wasserman to the Medical Examining Board. The Republicans who voted no were: Dave Craig, of Big Bend; Andre Jacque, of DePere; Chris Kapenga, of Delafield; Steve Nass, of

Read More »

TUE PM Update: Proposed Assembly rule changes would allow Anderson to phone into hearings, permit multiple veto override attempts

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Paralyzed Dem Rep. Jimmy Anderson would be allowed to phone into committee hearings to accommodate his disability, under a package of proposed rule changes GOP Assembly leaders announced today. But Dems said the changes — which include a provision that would allow

Read More »

AARP: Rhinelander man wins AARP Wisconsin’s top volunteer award

MADISON, WISCONSIN – Rhinelander resident Bill Vancos will be presented with AARP Wisconsin’s highest and most prestigious honor – the “2019 Andrus Award for Community Service” – on Thursday, Oct. 17, during a brief ceremony at the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry beginning at 11 a.m. “This award honors Bill’s tireless commitment

Read More »

Senate backs basing F-35s at Madison air base

The Senate approved via voice vote a resolution expressing support for basing F-35 fighter jets at the Air National Guard Base in Madison after some residents near the airport have raised concerns over noise from the new planes. Truax Field is now home to F-16s and the debate over the

Read More »

WisPolitics Midday – October 8, 2019

In today’s WisPolitics Midday update, brought to you by Spectrum: WI Senate is on the floor for the first time since June.  Will take up cabinet picks and more. UW Board Of Regents to take next steps to implement rules that will punish those that block free expression on campus.

Read More »

Senate approves new procedures for handling rape test kits

The Senate unanimously signed off on creating a statutory procedure for handling, processing and storing rape test kits. It also unanimously backed a new process to notify victims how their kits are being handled. The bills come on the heels of a backlog of untested kits becoming an issue in

Read More »

SSDC Fall Fundraiser

Casetta Kitchen and Counter, 222 W Washington Ave, Madison Sponsor Levels: $5000, $2500, $1000 Suggested Contribution: $500 RSVP to Katiei@wisdems.org or 608-260-2417

Read More »

U.S. Sen. Johnson: Statement on U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria

OSHKOSH — U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the following regarding news that U.S. troops would be withdrawn from northeastern Syria: “I have never believed America can or should be the world’s policeman. But I do believe when it is in our national security

Read More »

Senate confirms five of Evers cabinet picks

The Senate unanimously backed five of Tony Evers’ picks to serve in his cabinet, the first confirmation votes since the guv’s agency heads all began their jobs nine months ago. Without debate, the Senate voted 33-0 to confirm: Peter Barca at Revenue, Joel Brennan at Administration, Kathy Blumenfeld at Financial

Read More »