Dept. of Military Affairs: Outgoing state chaplain reflects on 25-year career

After a quarter century in uniform, one deployment, too many death notifications and dozens of Strong Bonds relationship events, Col. Doug Hedman — the Wisconsin National Guard’s state chaplain — is calling it a career. For the past 13 years Hedman has been the full-time chaplain for the Wisconsin National Guard, and the senior state chaplain for the last three years. The full-time chaplain conducts the daily activities of the chaplain corps, and represents the state chaplain in his absence. The state chaplain, which is a traditional Guard position — that is, one weekend drill per month and a 15-day

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U.S. Sen. Johnson, Colleagues: Introduce bipartisan resolution in support of full implementation of Georgia’s April 19th agreement to strengthen its democracy

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, ranking member on the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, (R-Wis.) along with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, (D-N.H.) and Jim Risch, SFRC ranking member (R-Idaho) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution in support of full implementation of Georgia’s April 19th agreement to end the political impasse. The resolution reaffirms the United States support for Georgia’s path to bolstering democracy, including judicial and electoral reforms. The Senators urged Georgian Parliament to begin its work without further delay. “We are pleased that Georgian politicians have reached

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Nate’s Mission: Wisconsin attorney general to open a statewide investigation into clergy abuse, survivors respond

According to a USA Today Network – Wisconsin article, it was announced today that Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined 22 other Republican and Democratic attorneys general in launching a statewide investigation into the clergy abuse and cover-up crisis in faith-based organizations. “Survivors in Wisconsin have suffered and struggled for years urging justice officials to finally take action to protect children in our faith-based institutions. We fully expect on Monday when church officials meet with Attorney General Kaul that they will bring with them every document and piece of evidence concerning the institutional cover-up of these crimes, present and past,”

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U.S. Sen. Johnson: Seeks answers from the U.S. capitol police on officer Sicknick’s death

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) sent a letter to the acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), highlighting the recent medical examiner ruling that Officer Sicknick died of natural causes. The Senator’s letter raises pertinent questions as the official ruling from the medical examiner appears to be at odds with the USCP’s statement from January 7, 2021. Their statement noted that Officer Sicknick died from “injuries sustained while on-duty” after “physically engaging with protestors” at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Since January 2021, Senator Johnson has sent several oversight letters to different agencies regarding the breach at

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Budget BLOG

Blank, Mone, say federal COVID-19 aid not enough to cover universities’ losses, more state funding needed

Chancellors for the UW System’s two largest campuses this afternoon warned that hundreds of millions in federal COVID relief money doesn’t even come close to making up for lost revenue. In a WisPolitics.com/Milwaukee Press Club virtual luncheon, UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank and UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone told viewers universities will still need the boost in state funding proposed by… 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

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THU PM Update: Evers vetoes GOP’s 11-bill package on COVID relief spending

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Gov. Tony Evers today vetoed 11 GOP-authored bills directing how to spend federal money from the latest COVID-19 relief package and announced how he plans to dole out another $420 million of the funds. Appearing at a news conference in Wauwatosa, Evers said he vetoed the 11 GOP bills to ensure he can distribute federal pandemic … 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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WisDems: Wisconsin reaches 4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered

(MADISON) — Wisconsin has reached over 4 million COVID-19 vaccines administered, marking an important milestone in Wisconsin’s road to recovery. Wisconsin has consistently ranked among the top states in the nation for vaccine distribution. More than 70 percent of Wisconsites aged 65 and older have been fully vaccinated, and over 50 percent of all Wisconsinites have received at least their first dose. At the beginning of April, Gov. Evers expanded vaccine eligibility in Wisconsin to everyone aged 16 and older. The Evers Administration’s vaccine distribution effort has been widely praised, including by State House Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu. President

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Sen. Bernier: Evers vetoes responsible stimulus package

(Madison)…Governor Tony Evers today vetoed a package of 11 bills put forth by the legislature asking him to direct the $3.2 million in new federal funding towards shared, responsible priorities. 2021 Senate Bills 271 through 281 direct this money to small businesses affected by the pandemic, to nursing homes, to local road improvements, to broadband expansion, to water quality initiatives like lead pipe replacements, and to expanding psychiatric treatment beds in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. “Governor Evers likes to talk about wanting to work together, but every time we send him a compromise he acts like Lucy and yanks

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Speaker Vos: Legislative leaders respond to governor’s vetoes of federal funding priorities

Madison –Legislative leaders Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), Joint Finance Co-Chairs Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) and Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) released the following statement in response to Governor Evers’ veto of an 11-bill package which was crafted jointly by Assembly and Senate Republicans. They would have directed one-time federal ARPA funds toward priorities important to Wisconsinites, including: $500 million for broadband expansion, over $1 billion in aid to Wisconsin households, $150 million in grants to long-term care facilities, and over $300 million for local road funding. “It’s not surprising, but it is disappointing the governor vetoed

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Milwaukee County Board: Adopts proposal to eliminate single-use ‘forever plastics’

MILWAUKEE – The County Board of Supervisors adopted a proposal at today’s meeting to phase out single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable products from Milwaukee County facilities and parks. “Eliminating single-use plastics in county-owned facilities is essential in our commitment to sustainability,” said Chairwoman Nicholson. “It also sets an example for our partners across government bodies and in the private sector. We must all take steps to ensure a clean planet for generations to come.” The resolution requests that the County’s Director of Sustainability draft contract language directing Milwaukee County vendors and contractors to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic and polystyrene foam products in County

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Milwaukee County Board Sup. Nicholson: Adopts policy to go carbon neutral by 2050

MILWAUKEE – The County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted two proposals sponsored by Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson aimed at combatting climate change at today’s meeting. “Becoming carbon neutral by 2050 is essential if we want to avoid a climate catastrophe,” said Chairwoman Nicholson. “In many instances communities of color will be hit hardest by climate change. That is why it is essential for Milwaukee County to lead on this issue if we plan to achieve racial equity. I look forward to working with local governments across Wisconsin to reach our climate goals.” The first resolution adopted by the Board commits Milwaukee County to

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WisPolitics.com/Milwaukee Press Club Newsmaker Lunch Hour with Chancellors Mone and Blank

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone and University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank joined WisPolitics.com and the Milwaukee Press Club for a Newsmaker Lunch Hour virtual event on April 22, 2021. The Milwaukee Press Club’s Newsmaker Luncheon Series is underwritten by presenting sponsor Spectrum News 1. WisPolitics.com partners with the press club as part of its ongo… 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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Gov. Evers: Announces $420 million in Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grants

Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov Participating businesses to receive $5,000; grant program to potentially help approximately 84,000 Wisconsin small businesses WAUWATOSA — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the state will award up to $420 million to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the new Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grant program, a collaboration between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Department of Revenue (DOR). The effort, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), has the potential to help approximately 84,000 Wisconsin small businesses that have an annual gross revenue between $10,000 and $7 million. Under the program, small businesses would be eligible for grant awards of $5,000.  “We want small businesses to know that help is on the way. And once we receive federal funds, we

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U.S. Rep. Steil, Colleague: Introduce banking transparency for sanctioned persons act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Financial Services Committee members Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) introduced H.R. 2710, the Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act. H.R. 2710 requires the U.S. Treasury Department to regularly report to Congress any sanctions waivers provided to allow transactions between financial institutions and targeted individuals. “If the Administration waives sanctions to let adversaries use our financial system, Congress should be made fully aware. U.S. financial sanctions are an important tool to hold bad actors accountable. Transparency into the United States’ sanctions waiver process will allow Members of Congress to provide additional oversight and ensure our economic and

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U.S. Sen. Johnson, Colleagues: Introduce bipartisan resolution in support of full implementation of Georgia’s April 19th agreement to strengthen its democracy

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, ranking member on the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, (R-Wis.) along with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, (D-N.H.) and Jim Risch, SFRC ranking member (R-Idaho) announced the introduction of a bipartisan resolution in

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Nate’s Mission: Wisconsin attorney general to open a statewide investigation into clergy abuse, survivors respond

According to a USA Today Network – Wisconsin article, it was announced today that Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined 22 other Republican and Democratic attorneys general in launching a statewide investigation into the clergy abuse and cover-up crisis in faith-based organizations. “Survivors in Wisconsin have suffered and struggled for

Read More »

WisDems: Wisconsin reaches 4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered

(MADISON) — Wisconsin has reached over 4 million COVID-19 vaccines administered, marking an important milestone in Wisconsin’s road to recovery. Wisconsin has consistently ranked among the top states in the nation for vaccine distribution. More than 70 percent of Wisconsites aged 65 and older have been fully vaccinated, and over 50 percent of

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Sen. Bernier: Evers vetoes responsible stimulus package

(Madison)…Governor Tony Evers today vetoed a package of 11 bills put forth by the legislature asking him to direct the $3.2 million in new federal funding towards shared, responsible priorities. 2021 Senate Bills 271 through 281 direct this money to small businesses affected by the pandemic, to nursing homes, to

Read More »

Speaker Vos: Legislative leaders respond to governor’s vetoes of federal funding priorities

Madison –Legislative leaders Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), Joint Finance Co-Chairs Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) and Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) released the following statement in response to Governor Evers’ veto of an 11-bill package which was crafted jointly by Assembly and Senate Republicans. They would have

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Milwaukee County Board: Adopts proposal to eliminate single-use ‘forever plastics’

MILWAUKEE – The County Board of Supervisors adopted a proposal at today’s meeting to phase out single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable products from Milwaukee County facilities and parks. “Eliminating single-use plastics in county-owned facilities is essential in our commitment to sustainability,” said Chairwoman Nicholson. “It also sets an example for our partners across

Read More »

Gov. Evers: Announces $420 million in Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grants

Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov Participating businesses to receive $5,000; grant program to potentially help approximately 84,000 Wisconsin small businesses WAUWATOSA — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the state will award up to $420 million to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the new Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grant program, a collaboration between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Department of Revenue (DOR). The effort, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

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U.S. Rep. Steil, Colleague: Introduce banking transparency for sanctioned persons act

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Financial Services Committee members Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) introduced H.R. 2710, the Banking Transparency for Sanctioned Persons Act. H.R. 2710 requires the U.S. Treasury Department to regularly report to Congress any sanctions waivers provided to allow transactions between financial institutions and targeted individuals. “If the

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