Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — The Department of Workforce Development announced today it will use $80 million in federal funds to upgrade the state’s unemployment insurance system after GOP lawmakers earlier this year rebuffed Gov. Tony Evers’ attempts to use state funds for the work. As part

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — The Assembly passed along party lines in separate 60-38 votes two bills GOP-backers say would ban critical race theory from student lessons and training for state and local government employees. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and other GOP lawmakers during a meeting with

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — The state Department of Health Services today backed the recommendation that certain populations who received Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine get a booster and began the process of helping providers begin delivering the shots. The agency’s move comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — One day after the state Supreme Court agreed to hear their redistricting lawsuit, GOP voters asked a federal court to stay proceedings in two lawsuits asking a three-judge panel to draw Wisconsin’s political lines if Capitol leaders fail to reach a deal.

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — With a federal court already moving ahead on a redistricting trial, the state Supreme Court today agreed to take original action in a case asking the justices to draw Wisconsin’s legislative and congressional boundaries if Capitol leaders fail to reach a deal.

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — State Sen. André Jacque, the De Pere Republican hospitalized in mid-August with COVID-19, was discharged today, a spokesman says. Spokesman Matt Tompach said the lawmaker is “doing much better” and is in touch with staff as well as friends and colleagues. While

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — GOP guv candidate Rebecca Kleefisch has tested positive for COVID-19 after she was exposed at church Sept. 12, her campaign said today. Kleefisch, who is vaccinated, is “feeling fine,” said spokesman Alec Zimmerman. Zimmerman said she was notified Sept. 16 that she

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — The three-judge panel overseeing two redistricting lawsuits today denied motions by GOP lawmakers and Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation to dismiss the cases. But, the panel indicated it was open to “a limited stay to give the legislative process, and

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — First Lady Jill Biden today in Milwaukee praised the president’s new plan to tackle COVID-19 in schools even as students and teachers around the state experience outbreaks. The plan, announced last week, includes vaccination requirements for teachers and other employees of schools

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Longtime lobbyist Bill McCoshen has indicated he doesn’t plan to run for guv next year, and a formal announcement from the Republican is expected as soon as tomorrow, according to multiple sources. McCoshen, a former member of Gov. Tommy Thompson’s cabinet, recently

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Days after making a similar request of the state Elections Commission, former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman today asked county clerks to preserve “any and all records and evidence” related to the November election. Several clerks told WisPolitics.com they would have no

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Frederick Prehn, fighting an attempt by Dem AG Josh Kaul to force him off the Natural Resources Board, canceled this month’s meeting after the agency informed him it saw no issues that needed to be addressed and wouldn’t provide staff if he

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Sen. Kathleen Bernier, a former county clerk, today declared her confidence in Wisconsin’s election processes as the committee she chairs held an informational hearing to dispel misinformation about how they’re run. Meanwhile, during a call with reporters, former GOP New Jersey Gov.

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Milwaukee Ald. and Dem U.S. Senate candidate Chantia Lewis was charged today with theft, misconduct in public office and violating campaign finance laws for co-mingling political donations and personal money. The four felonies and one misdemeanor stem from allegations Lewis used her

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — The GOP co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee touted better-than-expected revenue numbers as a continued sign of Republican leadership over the past decade. Meanwhile, Tony Evers’ spokeswoman said today’s news shows “Gov. Evers’ leadership — getting shots in arms and support to

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Minority Leader Gordon Hintz slammed his GOP colleagues for going “full QAnon, full conspiracy theory” with the $325,000 they plan to spend on a data analyst contractor to review the 2020 election. The earmark is the largest planned expense in the $676,000

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, whose nonprofit advocacy group today released a 50-point policy agenda that reads like a campaign platform, has filed paperwork to run for guv next year. A Kleefisch spokesman told WisPolitics.com the filing with the Ethics Commission was

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Gov. Tony Evers today called Republican lawmakers’ concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees arriving at Fort McCoy “dog-whistle crap.” Evers said those GOP lawmakers are either misinformed about the subject or trying to label children and Afghans who have aided

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — More than half of the state’s county Republican parties have formally called for a “cyber forensic audit” of the 2020 elections. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, is using the same language as he expands the review headed by former Wisconsin Justice Michael

Exclusively for WisPolitics Subscribers From WisPolitics.com … — Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told WisPolitics.com he plans a $680,000 cap on how much former Justice Michael Gableman can spend in taxpayer money on a review of the 2020 election. The Rochester Republican also said for the first time publicly he won’t