Split state Supreme Court approves GOP map for legislative districts

The Wisconsin Supreme Court in a 4-3 ruling Friday implemented the maps GOP lawmakers had proposed, finding they are race neutral and stick to the least-change approach the justices had previously set as a foundation for the lines. The maps — barring a further legal challenge — could put Republicans on the verge of two-thirds majorities in both houses of the Legislature after the upcoming elections. Republicans currently have a 61-38 majority in the Assembly and 21-12 majority in the Senate. Under the current maps in place since 2011, Joe Biden won 37 Assembly districts as he took the statewide

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Rep. Penterman: Gov. Evers vetoes bills to strengthen our workforce

Madison, WI. Representative William Penterman (R-Columbus) released the following statement in response to Governor Tony Evers vetoing a number of bills that would have strengthened Wisconsin’s workforce. “I am disappointed that Governor Tony Evers decided to turn his back on businesses in Wisconsin by vetoing a package of bills designed to help people re-enter the workforce, root out Medicaid fraud, and eliminate government barriers to work,” said Penterman. “Everywhere you look, businesses are desperate to hire new employees. This is the single biggest issue I hear from business owners in my district. It is an issue affecting big businesses, small

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GWAAR: Aging advocates support the Governor’s veto of medicaid bills that would make it more difficult to keep critical health care coverage

The Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc. (GWAAR) supports Governor Evers’ action today, vetoing two bills that would make it harder for low-income older adults, family caregivers, and others to obtain and keep critical health care coverage.   AB 934/SB 905 required Medicaid enrollees to reapply for program eligibility every six months instead of annually, doubling the amount of required paperwork. Further complicating the eligibility renewal process, this legislation prohibited the Department of Health Services from using prepopulated forms or otherwise supplying information, other than name and address, to program participants or applicants, even if the Department has the

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Sen. Stafsholt: “Best interest” legislation signed into law

Madison, WI – Today, Senate Bill 644 authored by Sen. Rob Stafsholt (R – New Richmond) relating to best interest in annuity transactions was signed into law by Governor Evers. “This law strengthens state statutes by requiring that before an annuity is sold, it is determined to be in the best interest of the consumer. It makes common sense changes that will ensure that customers understand the products and are aware of any material conflicts of interest. These updates will provide consumer protections for those considering the purchase of an annuity,” said Stafsholt. Prior to this new law, annuity sales were subject to a suitability

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Rep. Gundrum: When will Gov. Evers stand with parents and students?

Madison, WI – Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) has released the following statement after Governor Tony Evers vetoed several education reform bills: “During this session I worked on legislation with my colleagues that would put parents and students first when it comes to Wisconsin’s education system. Unfortunately, Governor Evers doesn’t seem interested in prioritizing those who are the most concerned about the direction of Wisconsin’s schools and universities. “I authored Assembly Bill 963 with Senator Alberta Darling to create a Parents’ Bill of Rights. This legislation was created after hearing the concerns of many parents who have said their voices are

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Wisconsin Federation for Children: Gov. Evers vetoes education reform bills to expand options, empower parents

Milwaukee, Wisc. April 15, 2022 — On Friday, April 15, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers vetoed a series of education reform bills passed by the state legislature. These bills were created to protect the rights of parents and guardians to direct the education of their children, expand high-performing charter schools, and eliminate the income limits on Wisconsin’s choice programs to allow access for more families. “We are disappointed by Evers’ decision to veto, which denies many Wisconsin parents the ability to choose the best school option to meet the needs of their child,” says American Federation for Children – Wisconsin State Director Justin

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Supervisor Goodwin: Statement on end of Milwaukee County Board tenure

MILWAUKEE – On Monday, April 18, County Supervisor Russell Antonio Goodwin, Sr. will end his tenure on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Goodwin released the following statement on his time on the County Board. “I would like to thank the fine citizens of District 18 for giving me the opportunity to serve as your County Supervisor. You all are truly amazing. Since being elected I have done my best to move Milwaukee County forward through strategic partnerships, proactive solutions, and community awareness.   “It has been an honor to serve over this term with all of my colleagues.

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Sen. Darling: Governor protects status quo with Friday vetoes

Madison – Governor Evers continues to veto needed educational reforms. Again on a Friday afternoon, the governor targeted parental rights with two of his vetoes. Both bills are part of the Empowering Parents Agenda authored by Senator Alberta Darling. She says it’s clear the governor didn’t even read the bills sent to him. “If the Governor had bothered to read the bills we sent to him, he would see that we were giving him the power to be part of the solution for smaller, more accountable, community school districts for Milwaukee. He’s vetoing this bill because he wants to hide

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WDA: New law authorizing expanded function dental auxiliaries will help improve oral health in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Dental Association today released the following statement from WDA President Dr. Cliff  Hartmann (New Berlin):  “The Wisconsin Dental Association, on behalf of our 3,100-plus member dentists, has been  working toward this day for some time. We thank Gov. Evers for signing SB 392, authorizing the use of  Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries (EFDAs) in our state. We are especially grateful to bill authors  State Sen. Mary Felzkowski and State Rep. Jon Plumer for their continued commitment and support, and  to all of the lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who voted in favor of this legislation to help

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WisGOP: Teachers Union Tony Evers vetoes education bills

[Madison, WI] – Extending his record as the most veto-happy governor in over 150 years, Tony Evers vetoed nearly 30 bills today, including an education package that would have empowered parents with a bill of rights and delivered school choice for all. While the self-proclaimed “education governor” continues to do nothing to help solve the widespread learning loss caused by his extended school shutdowns, students are suffering. English language arts proficiency is down by over 16 percent, math proficiency is down by over 20 percent, and just 8 percent of Black students are proficient in math. “Time and again, Teachers Union Tony Evers has rejected the rights of

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WMC: Disappointed in Gov. Evers’ decision to veto bill that would expand educational opportunities for families 

MADISON – Wisconsin Manufactures & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – expressed frustration and disappointment with Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to veto Assembly Bill 970. The governor vetoed the bill on Friday that would have expanded educational opportunities for students and their families throughout the state. AB 970 would remove family income and pupil participation limits for school choice, while creating an education reimbursement program – sometimes called a micro-education savings account – for public school students. WMC Director of Workforce, Education and Employment Policy Rachel Ver Velde testified in favor of the bill during its public hearing because today’s

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IRG Action Fund: Gov. Evers disappoints by vetoing unemployment insurance reforms

Madison, Wis. — IRG Action Fund Executive Vice President, Chris Reader, released the following statement after UI and welfare reform legislation was vetoed by Gov. Evers: “It is unfortunate and disappointing that Gov. Evers won’t help Wisconsin employers with the real issues they’re facing when trying to hire and recover from the pandemic. Rather than working to reform the many failures at DWD so that the agency actually helps get people back to work, and instead of working to end benefit fraud that comes from “ghosting” interviews and job offers, he chose to look the other way and maintain the status

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Rep. Steineke: Gov. Evers vetoes clean water bill

MADISON – Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) responded to Governor Evers veto of Senate Bill 494 today. The bill would have provided private pond owners greater flexibility to implement proven treatment practices to better manage aquatic plants and invasive species. “Wisconsin is known for its rich and abundant natural resources,” Rep. Steineke said. “It is unfortunate Governor Evers vetoed a bill that would have empowered private pond owners to be good stewards of the state and help keep up this great tradition.” Wisconsin has been working hard the past several years to improve its water quality across the state. According to Wisconsin’s 2020

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Rep. Tusler: Scores big win for small businesses

MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 566 authored by Rep. Ron Tusler and Sen. Eric Wimberger. This bill is now 2021 Wisconsin Act 258. This law will make it easier to start a business and create jobs. Wisconsin has one of the lowest business creation rates in the country. Due to the pandemic, supply chain disturbances, and worker shortages, these past two years have been extremely difficult for businesses. Act 258 will help make it easier for Wisconsinites to create and grow small businesses. “It is rare when governmental red tape is actually cut. I am honored to

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ACS CAN: Governor’s veto of medicaid restriction bills protects patients from harmful barriers to care

Madison, Wis. – April 15, 2022 – Today, Governor Tony Evers vetoed two bills that would have tightened access to health care coverage for limited-income Wisconsinites. Senate Bill 905/Assembly Bill 934 aimed to require Medicaid enrollees to prove eligibility and re-apply every six months. Senate Bill 912/Assembly Bill 936 would have added new work rules to the program, stripping Medicaid benefits from cancer patients and others if they weren’t able to accept offers of full-time employment or work more hours. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization, strongly opposed both bills and commends Gov.

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Rep. Penterman: Gov. Evers vetoes bills to strengthen our workforce

Madison, WI. Representative William Penterman (R-Columbus) released the following statement in response to Governor Tony Evers vetoing a number of bills that would have strengthened Wisconsin’s workforce. “I am disappointed that Governor Tony Evers decided to turn his back on businesses in Wisconsin by vetoing a package of bills designed

Read More »

GWAAR: Aging advocates support the Governor’s veto of medicaid bills that would make it more difficult to keep critical health care coverage

The Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Inc. (GWAAR) supports Governor Evers’ action today, vetoing two bills that would make it harder for low-income older adults, family caregivers, and others to obtain and keep critical health care coverage.   AB 934/SB 905 required Medicaid enrollees to reapply for program eligibility

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Sen. Stafsholt: “Best interest” legislation signed into law

Madison, WI – Today, Senate Bill 644 authored by Sen. Rob Stafsholt (R – New Richmond) relating to best interest in annuity transactions was signed into law by Governor Evers. “This law strengthens state statutes by requiring that before an annuity is sold, it is determined to be in the best interest of the consumer.

Read More »

Rep. Gundrum: When will Gov. Evers stand with parents and students?

Madison, WI – Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) has released the following statement after Governor Tony Evers vetoed several education reform bills: “During this session I worked on legislation with my colleagues that would put parents and students first when it comes to Wisconsin’s education system. Unfortunately, Governor Evers doesn’t seem

Read More »

Sen. Darling: Governor protects status quo with Friday vetoes

Madison – Governor Evers continues to veto needed educational reforms. Again on a Friday afternoon, the governor targeted parental rights with two of his vetoes. Both bills are part of the Empowering Parents Agenda authored by Senator Alberta Darling. She says it’s clear the governor didn’t even read the bills

Read More »

WisGOP: Teachers Union Tony Evers vetoes education bills

[Madison, WI] – Extending his record as the most veto-happy governor in over 150 years, Tony Evers vetoed nearly 30 bills today, including an education package that would have empowered parents with a bill of rights and delivered school choice for all. While the self-proclaimed “education governor” continues to do nothing to help solve the

Read More »

WMC: Disappointed in Gov. Evers’ decision to veto bill that would expand educational opportunities for families 

MADISON – Wisconsin Manufactures & Commerce (WMC) – the combined state chamber and manufacturers’ association – expressed frustration and disappointment with Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to veto Assembly Bill 970. The governor vetoed the bill on Friday that would have expanded educational opportunities for students and their families throughout the state. AB 970

Read More »

Rep. Steineke: Gov. Evers vetoes clean water bill

MADISON – Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) responded to Governor Evers veto of Senate Bill 494 today. The bill would have provided private pond owners greater flexibility to implement proven treatment practices to better manage aquatic plants and invasive species. “Wisconsin is known for its rich and abundant natural resources,” Rep. Steineke

Read More »

Rep. Tusler: Scores big win for small businesses

MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill 566 authored by Rep. Ron Tusler and Sen. Eric Wimberger. This bill is now 2021 Wisconsin Act 258. This law will make it easier to start a business and create jobs. Wisconsin has one of the lowest business creation rates in the

Read More »