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Outsiders set new political spending record, focusing mainly on governor’s race
Outside groups spent a record $93 million on Wisconsin’s elections for state offices in 2022 — 50% more than in 2018 and two-and-half times the amount for 2014, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign reported Monday. The campaign finance watchdog group said its preliminary calculations showed that almost $79 million — more than 80% of the outside […]
Company may install, lease solar panels without being a utility, PSC rules
A Stevens Point family can lease a solar panel array for their home from a private contractor and the contractor won’t be regulated as an electric utility, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) decided Thursday. PSC members voted 2-1 to issue a legal ruling that will declare that the contractor’s plan to install, own and […]
Vos gives Jan. 6 committee testimony, reversing course after having sued to block subpoena
After initially going to federal court to fight a subpoena from the Congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos gave testimony to committee members Wednesday. “Today I met with the January 6th Select Committee after previously receiving a subpoena for my testimony. I did not have […]
Report: Public development subsidy deals should guarantee better jobs, working conditions
A proposed development that would bring a new soccer stadium to downtown Milwaukee should include guarantees of good wages and a path to union representation for workers in the stadium district in return for public subsidies, a new report recommends. The report, “Worker Power Levels the Playing Field,” was released Tuesday by COWS, a think […]
Despite union’s setback, leader says UW Health nurses now have stronger voice
While the nurses seeking union representation at UW Health have lost a round in the legal skirmish, a union leader said Monday they have made significant advances in gaining a voice with the hospital system’s management. Under an agreement reached in September between UW Health management and the nurses’ union, hospital managers and UW Health […]
Evers administration projects state surplus to hit $6.5B by next June
The projected surplus that has been growing steadily since the current state budget was enacted nearly a year and a half ago has grown some more to a forecast of more than $6.5 billion, Gov. Tony Evers’ administration reported Monday. “The fiscal condition of the State of Wisconsin is in its strongest position in state […]
State’s school libraries to reap record payout from public lands investments
Wisconsin public school libraries will share in $52 million next year from the state’s Common School Fund, paid for with investments by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, who leaves office at the end of this year, and State Superintendent Jill Underly announced the record payout to the fund for […]
Growth in jobs, employment takes a break in October for Wisconsin
Wisconsin had almost 59,000 more jobs in October than a year earlier, according to the state labor department, but job numbers crept down slightly from September. The state’s unemployment rate inched up for the month, while labor force participation inched down, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) reported. Department labor economists said they couldn’t […]
How Wisconsin steered federal pandemic relief to support small business
When COVID-19 hit Wisconsin in March 2020, Amy Trimbo was operating a sewing services business doing garment repairs out of a storefront in Washburn. She pivoted to making cloth face masks in response to the pandemic. Soon she needed to expand and moved into vacant space in the building. It was a dicey time for […]
Backlog prompts proposals to change occupational licensing, but not to add resources
State lawmakers are considering a dozen potential bills to overhaul portions of Wisconsin’s occupational licensing process — a response to reports of lengthy delays at the agency responsible for credentialing thousands of professionals from barbers to medical doctors. Since July a joint legislative study committee has been reviewing the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional […]
Report finds hospital charity care declined, medical debt rose in 2021
Hospital charity care declined in 2021 while medical debt increased, according to figures from a hospital trade association. A Wisconsin Hospital Association executive says hospitals are already trying their best to provide relief for patients who can’t afford their health care bills. An advocacy group for low- and moderate-income patients, however, argues that hospitals could […]
Critics challenge latest DOT plan for Milwaukee East-West freeway reconstruction
Wisconsin is sticking with a plan to widen Interstate 94 on the West Side of Milwaukee to eight lanes, prompting renewed criticism from environmental and mass transit advocates. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced its new plan Friday for the Milwaukee East-West corridor of I-94 between 16th and 70th streets west of downtown Milwaukee. […]