Work & the Economy

PSC reduces MG&E electric rate increase, won’t change how home solar users are compensated

BY: - November 5, 2023

In the first of a series of rate decisions that state regulators are issuing over the next several weeks, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) agreed Friday to raise electricity rates for Madison Gas and Electric 5.7% over the next two years — undercutting the utility’s original petition. The PSC also rejected the MG&E’s petition […]

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last week called for a review of the physical security of the utility’s power systems. The order comes after attacks on substations in North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon and Washington state. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Public Service Commission to start announcing electric rate increases this week

BY: - November 2, 2023

State regulators are about to decide how much Wisconsin electric power companies can raise their rates in 2024. Between now and the end of the year, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is expected to act on rate increase petitions from five electric power companies. Two requests include proposals to charge ratepayers for the cost of […]

Utility companies are spending billions building out transmission and distribution lines around the country, leading some to call for an independent monitor to protect customers. Photo by Robert Zullo.

Power line construction legislation advances in Assembly

BY: - November 2, 2023

Legislation that would give Wisconsin power transmission companies first dibs on building interstate power line systems in the state handily passed an Assembly committee Wednesday. The bill, AB-470,is backed by major utilities in Wisconsin and by the American Transmission Co., which operates much of the state’s electric power transmission lines. It is opposed by a […]

A macro shot of the words "state budget" with hundred dollar bills.

Blue and red states slash taxes despite warnings of hard times ahead

BY: - October 31, 2023

With a $750 million budget surplus on hand, there was little doubt whether North Dakota lawmakers would cut taxes earlier this year — the question was how much. “The surplus was strong, and we believe it’s going to be sustained into the future,” said state Rep. Craig Headland. “So, it just made sense to cut […]

A close up of a stack of folded newspapers on a table with bold headlines facing out.

Wisconsin Watch director says nonprofit outlet will discuss voluntary union recognition

BY: - October 24, 2023

A day after employees at the investigative news outlet Wisconsin Watch announced they had organized a union and were seeking voluntary recognition, the nonprofit organization’s executive director and CEO said the organization plans to discuss that step. “The Wisconsin Watch Board and I have reviewed the letter requesting recognition of the newly formed Wisconsin Watch […]

Wisconsin health tech hub makes the first cut for potential funding

BY: - October 24, 2023

Wisconsin’s bid to be named as health regional technology hub advanced Monday, federal officials announced, setting the stage for the state to apply for up to $75 million in federal grants for the state’s biotechnology industry. The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub was one of 31 projects around the nation advancing to the next step in […]

Wisconsin Watch employees seek union representation for nonprofit newsroom

BY: - October 23, 2023

Employees at Wisconsin Watch are asking the nonprofit investigative reporting newsroom’s administration to voluntarily recognize a union that they announced Monday. “This is not about money. This is not about benefits or anything like that,” Wisconsin Watch reporter Jacob Resneck told the Wisconsin Examiner. The primary focus, he said, was to promote a more democratic […]

President Joe Biden tours the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sept. 14, 2022. Biden was joined on the tour by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell. (Andrew Roth | Michigan Advance)

UAW focuses on soaring CEO pay in strike for better wages at the Detroit Three

BY: - October 23, 2023

The United Auto Workers union’s strike against the Detroit Three for higher wages, more paid time off, and the elimination of tiered workers, which is entering its fifth week, has drawn attention to the vast differences in pay between autoworkers and executives at auto manufacturers. The union has frequently spoken out about the gulf between […]

Job growth continues in September, drawing more people into Wisconsin’s workforce

BY: - October 19, 2023

The number of jobs in Wisconsin reached a new record in September for the third month in a row, the state labor department reported Thursday. The unemployment rate, while still at a historic low and below the U.S. as a whole, edged up slightly. That may be driven as much by an increase in the […]

Children play at Tiny Green Trees child care center in Milwaukee.

How a proposed child care tax credit helps wealthier households

BY: - October 19, 2023

A Republican proposal to offer larger tax credits to help families offset their child care costs is a better deal for families with higher incomes, based on a Wisconsin Examiner analysis of the proposal. To get the full value of the improved tax credit that is part of legislation that the Wisconsin Senate passed Tuesday, […]

Lawmakers approve raises for all but UW employees

BY: - October 17, 2023

A Republican-controlled committee approved 6% wage increases for all state employees on Tuesday morning except for the University of Wisconsin’s over 36,000 full-time employees.  State employees, except for those in the University System, will receive a 4% pay raise in 2024 and 2% for 2025. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), who […]

Evers at News Conference in Milwaukee

Evers moves $170M to extend child care support into 2025

BY: - October 16, 2023

Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday his administration would shift $170 million toward Wisconsin child care providers as stopgap funding to stave off a potential fiscal cliff early next year and extend state support for providers into 2025. Evers made the announcement as a state Senate committee voted to eliminate more than twice that amount in […]