TUE PM Update: National Guard completes protest missions; Johnsen backs shared governance in virtual forum

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Wisconsin National Guard has concluded its mission assisting local law enforcement in a series of protests prompted by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Meanwhile, the Legislative Black Caucus today asked Evers in a letter to call a special session Friday… 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

Read More »

Office of Commissioner of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Afable outlines steps to prepare for and cope with Tropical Storm Cristobal

Madison, Wis. – Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable today offered tips for how Wisconsinites can prepare for and cope with the effects of flooding and other severe weather as the state braces for impacts from Tropical Storm Cristobal.   “Extreme weather events like Tropical Storm Cristobal can disrupt lives and livelihoods,” Afable said. “That is why we are encouraging folks to take a moment and take stock of what they want to protect by compiling a home inventory.  Steps such as making a home inventory and understanding the claims process can help people get back on their feet faster if they

Read More »

Marquette University: Financial aid systems director honored with Excellence in University Service Award

MILWAUKEE — Neelima Tummala, assistant director of systems for the Office of Student Financial Aid at Marquette University, is a recipient of a 2020 Excellence in University Service Award. What inspires Tummala in her career is the way in which her team exudes professionalism and comes together to tackle challenges — especially the unprecedented adversity as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. To her colleagues, though, Tummala is the one who plays an integral role in making the office run smoothly and promoting a positive outlook that extends beyond OSFA. Caring, dedicated, enthusiastic and responsible are words commonly used to describe

Read More »

WisGOP: Gov. Evers continues to throw government transparency to the wayside

[Madison, WI] – In case you missed it, Gov. Tony Evers is continuing to keep the public in the dark regarding important information about Wisconsin’s fight against COVID-19. After refusing to provide information about which nursing homes and meatpacking plants were experiencing outbreaks and testing at those locations, the Evers Administration is now refusing to say why they asked a top Department of Health Services Official to resign. Evers’ unwillingness to provide the public basic information regarding a public health crisis demonstrates just how far he is willing to go to skirt public records law. This is not the first

Read More »

Gov. Evers, Local Leaders: Announce conclusion of Wisconsin National Guard mission

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers today announced that the Wisconsin National Guard has concluded its mission to preserve public safety and protect the rights of protesters and the media as peaceful demonstrations occurred around Wisconsin following the murder of George Floyd. In coordination with local leaders, nearly 1,500 troops mobilized over the last week in response to requests for Wisconsin National Guard assistance. Approximately 125 troops originally mobilized to state active duty the evening of May 30 in Milwaukee when civil authorities in Milwaukee requested the Guard’s assistance. In partnership with Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales, Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell

Read More »

Milwaukee County: Issues Universal Face Mask Policy in county facilities

Based on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Milwaukee County is issuing a Universal Face Mask Policy to ensure the health and safety of the community and its employees. Face masks are now required to be worn at all times by employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, service users and the general public entering county facilities and grounds with a controlled entry point. Face masks are not required, but are highly recommended, at the airport, on buses and at outdoor park spaces including beer gardens. At areas where face masks are required, Milwaukee County is working to

Read More »

Dept. of Natural Resources: Remnants of Tropical Storm Cristobal could bring heavy rain to Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – The National Weather Service forecast models show the remnants of Tropical Storm Cristobal moving north across the central U.S. towards the western Great Lakes, taking the center of the storm right through Wisconsin starting Tuesday. The combination of tropical moisture from the south, and another system approaching from the west, will likely bring a total of 1.5 to 3 inches of rain to the state from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night. Localized areas, especially in the western half of Wisconsin, could see 6 inches of rain or more. The heaviest and most widespread rain is expected to occur

Read More »

U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Introduces bipartisan legislation to improve Paycheck Protection Program for ag producers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Thune (R-SD) today introduced legislation that would revise the way producers calculate their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan award. PPP was created by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help small businesses retain their employees and cover other qualifying business expenses, and it provides forgivable loans to small businesses under 500 employees, totaling 2.5 times their average monthly payroll. Independent contractors, sole proprietors, and the self-employed are eligible for a loan through this program. “I’ve heard from family farmers who are fighting every day to make it through

Read More »

Roys campaign: It’s time to reinvest in our communities and demilitarize police

Friend Since the day I learned, as a first year law student, that Wisconsin had the nation’s worst racial disparities in our criminal justice system, I’ve been passionate about reforming our criminal justice system. I worked for the Innocence Project and helped advocate for legislative changes to prevent wrongful convictions. I founded an ACLU chapter and took on racial profiling and discrimination in the wake of 9/11 and skyrocketing bigotry against Muslims. As a legislator, I took on then-unpopular but important fights for equity and dismantling our racist criminal justice system, like ending prison gerrymandering, standing up for the rights

Read More »

U.S. Rep. Kind: Statement on Verso Corporation

La Crosse, WI— Rep. Ron Kind released the following statement in response to today’s announcement from Verso Corporation that it is indefinitely “idling” operations at its mill in Wisconsin Rapids, laying off nearly 900 Wisconsinites. “I’m disappointed to learn of Verso Corporation’s decision to cease operations at its mill in Wisconsin indefinitely. My heart goes out to the workers, their families, and their communities who are all dealing with this new uncertainty in an even more uncertain world,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “Amidst a pandemic and now economic recession, this will be an increasingly tough time for Wisconsinites, but my office and I are standing by, ready

Read More »

Rep. Shankland: We will get through this pandemic together

In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated systemic inequalities in our community and our state. Every day, I hear from folks who are struggling to make ends meet and who are understandably concerned about what comes next. I am heartbroken by the multitude of hardships that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented for many of our community members, and am more motivated than ever to tackle the root of these problems. Please know that if you are in this situation, you are not alone, and if I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out.Recently,

Read More »

Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Trempealeau County deer farm tests positive for CWD

MADISON—The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirms that two deer at a Trempealeau County hunting ranch have tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). Results were confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. The positive samples came from two 3 ½-year-old whitetail bucks. Because of the result, DATCP has quarantined all 505 animals on the 1,597-acre ranch, meaning no live animals or whole carcasses are permitted to leave the property. The herd will remain under quarantine while an epidemiological investigation is conducted by DATCP and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) veterinarians and staff. CWD

Read More »

WILL seeks absentee ballot harvesting ban

Today’s Midday podcast covers the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty pushing the state Elections Commission to ban third parties from requesting or returning absentee ballots on behalf of voters.

Read More »

Office of Commissioner of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Afable outlines steps to prepare for and cope with Tropical Storm Cristobal

Madison, Wis. – Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable today offered tips for how Wisconsinites can prepare for and cope with the effects of flooding and other severe weather as the state braces for impacts from Tropical Storm Cristobal.   “Extreme weather events like Tropical Storm Cristobal can disrupt lives and livelihoods,”

Read More »

U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Introduces bipartisan legislation to improve Paycheck Protection Program for ag producers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Thune (R-SD) today introduced legislation that would revise the way producers calculate their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan award. PPP was created by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help small businesses retain their employees and cover other

Read More »

U.S. Rep. Kind: Statement on Verso Corporation

La Crosse, WI— Rep. Ron Kind released the following statement in response to today’s announcement from Verso Corporation that it is indefinitely “idling” operations at its mill in Wisconsin Rapids, laying off nearly 900 Wisconsinites. “I’m disappointed to learn of Verso Corporation’s decision to cease operations at its mill in Wisconsin indefinitely. My heart goes out

Read More »

Rep. Shankland: We will get through this pandemic together

In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated systemic inequalities in our community and our state. Every day, I hear from folks who are struggling to make ends meet and who are understandably concerned about what comes next. I am heartbroken by the multitude of hardships that the COVID-19 pandemic

Read More »

WILL seeks absentee ballot harvesting ban

Today’s Midday podcast covers the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty pushing the state Elections Commission to ban third parties from requesting or returning absentee ballots on behalf of voters.

Read More »