MADISON, Wis. — Maj. Gen. Paul E. Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general, relieved Col. James V. Locke of his duties as commander of the 128th Air Refueling Wing today, due to lost confidence in his ability to command.  This decision was based on issues concerning command climate, poor judgment, and alleged misconduct.  “A decision like this is never easy to make, but it is the right thing to do and is in the best interest of the organization,” Knapp said.  “The men and women that make up the 128th Air Refueling Wing are exceptional at what they do, and they deserve

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andres Palm today exercised their authority under Article V, Section 4 of the Wisconsin Constitution and Sections 323.12(4) and 252.02(6) of the Wisconsin Statutes to simplify healthcare license renewals during the COVID-19 public health emergency and to encourage recently retired professionals with expired licenses to re-enter practice. This order is available here. It provides an avenue for licensed out-of-state practitioners to practice in Wisconsin without first requiring an in-state credential. It also eliminates time limits for temporary licenses.  The order also has provisions designed to enable nursing students close to graduation

[Madison, WI] – The Republican Party of Wisconsin filed an original action with the Wisconsin Supreme Court to protect Wisconsin’s election laws. Upon filing the original action, the Republican Party of Wisconsin issued the following statement from Chairman Andrew Hitt: “The Republican Party of Wisconsin is proud to stand up for the integrity of Wisconsin elections by filing an original action with the Wisconsin Supreme Court. While some clerks have effectively managed the current crisis, other clerks are unilaterally rewriting our state’s election laws and encouraging other clerks around the state to follow suit.”

Madison – On Friday, State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) issued the following statement after Governor Evers directed the Legislature to send millions of ballots to voters in Wisconsin. “Again, the Governors’ actions create more confusion for Wisconsinites throughout our state. Earlier this week he released a “Safer-at-Home” order with little detail and today he offered a “simple solution” to send millions of ballots and return them in just 10 days. Instead of working with clerks throughout our state who have been working on smart and safe solutions for election day, he picked an extreme that will hamper our democracy.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on March 26, 2020 suspended the motor vehicle dealership license of Mad City Sales, Inc., Madison. The DMV Dealer and Agent Section identified violations of DMV processes and proscribed business practices, which resulted in the 45-day suspension. The suspension ends May 9, 2020. Wisconsin DMV Dealer and Agent Section works to protect consumers and ensure dealers adhere to best business practices to maintain integrity in the industry. DMV serves Wisconsin dealers and continues to streamline its online systems to improve the ease of use and enhance the level of dealer

[Madison, WI] – Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) released the following statement in regard to how the state should proceed in allocating the federal dollars in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.   “I would like to thank President Trump and commend him on his leadership in helping our state navigate during this serious pandemic. I also want to thank the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation for ushering through the CARES Act.   “According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the state could receive approximately $2.2 billion in assistance with $1.9 billion going to state government. I urge the governor to utilize these federal resources

MILWAUKEE — PolitiFact Wisconsin has weighed in on a wave of false, baseless attack ads against Judge Jill Karofsky, writing, “the ad is based on sloppy research that misunderstood the meaning of the online case records. We rate this claim Pants on Fire.” These ads are being run by corporate dark money groups supporting Dan Kelly, and earlier today the Karofsky campaign called for the ads to be removed from the airwaves and Internet. More from PolitFact’s investigation of the ads: The file shows Karofsky didn’t touch the case until more than a year after the plea agreement and sentencing.

[Madison, WI] – In response to the dismissal of a Green Bay lawsuit seeking changes to the April 7 election, the Republican Party of Wisconsin issued the following statement from Chairman Andrew Hitt: “The dismissal of this lawsuit is a victory for the integrity of Wisconsin’s election laws and our democracy. The Republican Party of Wisconsin is grateful that the court did not attempt to rewrite Wisconsin’s election laws in a matter of days and upheld the law in the midst of a crisis. We remain committed to preserving the integrity of this and every election.”   

MADISON – Assembly Assistant Democratic Leader Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) released the following statement on Representative Chris Taylor’s decision not to seek re-election: “Representative Chris Taylor has been a dedicated advocate for her constituents for her entire career. There are not enough ways to describe her fierce determination to seek justice for the people of Wisconsin. Being a colleague of Chris has given me insight into her passion, fighting for women and children. She is fearless in lifting up those who have been left out and ignored. Chris will leave a lasting legacy as a strong supporter of equity and

Kenosha/Racine –  As reported today, nationwide, 3.3 million people filed first-time unemployment claims last week, a record, as the coronavirus caused mass shutdowns.  People are scared, not just of the health implications, but of how they are going to provide for themselves and their families. It can be confusing and overwhelming, so I’d like to offer some tips to people and families in similar situations. First, if you have lost your job, file for unemployment benefits.  The easiest way to do so, if you have internet access, is online at dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/apply; you can also reach the state’s Unemployment Insurance Division by phone

MUKWONAGO – Judge Paul Bugenhagen Jr, candidate for Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II, released the first radio ad of his campaign today, on the heels of his first television ad.  The radio ad focuses on his experience on the bench and commitment to upholding the rule of law. “Bugenhagen can be tough to pronounce but I hope this ad helps the voters learn my name and reminds them of my experience, commitment to uphold the law, and my pledge to never legislate from the bench,” said Judge Bugenhagen. The ad will run on news/talk stations throughout the Milwaukee and Fox Valley areas. Listen HERE.

Madison, WI – Kelda Roys confirmed today that she will run for the open State Senate district being vacated by the retiring Sen. Fred Risser. “We celebrate and thank Sen. Risser for his many decades of service,” Roys said. ”I’ve had the privilege of knowing him since I was a young girl, and then serving with him in the legislature, where we finally passed a statewide smoking ban, worked to expand healthcare access to WIsconsinites, and defended constitutional principles of equal protection and due process. His public service legacy is unmatched, and I wish him and Nancy many wonderful trips