MADISON — After Republican legislators abandoned compromise legislation, Gov. Tony Evers today vetoed Assembly Bill (AB) 1. The governor issued a statement earlier today indicating he would be vetoing the bill following passage in the Senate. Gov. Evers also called on Republicans to send him the compromise version of AB 1 passed by the Senate almost unanimously and with bipartisan support weeks ago, which the governor had previously indicated he would sign. The veto message for AB 1 is available here.

MADISON – For the third time in less than a month, the Wisconsin State Senate voted on the hyper partisan COVID-19 response legislation. Senator Jeff Smith and his Democratic colleagues opposed Assembly Bill 1 today for the second time after Republicans rejected the compromise version of the bill approved on January 12, 2021. Legislative Democrats are elevating Wisconsinite’s demands for relief and renewing calls to pass legislation that will actually help in the state’s recovery. Democrats’ action is in response to the disappointing and confusing process the Majority Party has taken during this public health and economic crisis. Since the

Milwaukee, WI – “296 days. That’s how long it’s been since the Republican-controlled legislature last passed a bill that became law. For a full-time legislature like Wisconsin’s it’s pretty hard to believe. One might be forgiven for wondering if George Webb’s has offered some sort of hamburger promotion if they can hit 300. “While the unemployment rate sits 2.4 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels, and over 68,000 more people are out of work compared to March of last year, Republicans seem fine with the status quo. “While the pandemic has seen 546,000 cases, 24,000 hospitalizations, and just under 6,000 deaths, Republicans

Madison, WI – On Friday, the Wisconsin State Senate passed major COVID-19-related legislation that provides an additional $100 million to fight the pandemic, improved access to health care by eliminating red tape, and further support for hospitals. “This bill is essential to our fight against COVID-19,” said Senator Testin. “It gives much- needed resources and flexibility to hospitals and health care workers while also providing relief to those struggling from the impacts of the pandemic.” Despite calling for a COVID-19 bill earlier this session, Governor Evers has signaled that he may veto the bill – a prospect Senator Testin finds concerning.

Madison, WI – Today, Senator Dan Feyen (R-Fond du Lac), released the following statement after today’s extraordinary session: “Time is of the essence for the governor to sign AB1. Not only is it a compromise COVID bill, it addresses the federal extended unemployment benefits our state is about to miss out on – $6.5 million to be exact. “It would be prudent of the governor to sign the bill immediately so there are no more additional problems with UI. If not signed, Wisconsinites will also lose out on frontline healthcare support and COVID testing dollars. “This COVID relief bill covers vaccinations and

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08) introduced the Oversight for Members And Relatives Act or “OMAR Act,” which would put an end to the practice of candidates for office tapping their campaign accounts to enrich their spouses. “For too long, lawmakers of both political parties have engaged in the ethically dubious practice of pocketing campaign funds by ‘hiring’ their spouses and laundering the money as campaign related expenses,” said Tiffany. “Loopholes that allow members of Congress to funnel campaign funds to their spouses are despicable and erode trust in our government,” said Rep.