NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN
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CONGRESSMAN SEAN DUFFY TO RESIGN NEXT MONTH
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Republican Congressman Sean Duffy announced this morning that he will be leaving Congress next month to dedicate more time to his family.
In a Facebook post, the five term incumbent who was first elected in 2010 said that the newborn which he and his wife are expecting in October has been diagnosed with a heart condition.
"I will miss being your Congressman," Duffy said, "but I am also looking forward to having more time with my family, being home for more birthdays and hockey games, and having time to enjoy and care for our new baby girl, who is already so loved by our family."
Governor Tony Evers will call a special election to fill the vacancy in that Congressional district until the term ends in January of 2021. It is likely a large field of both Democrats and Republicans will emerge to vie for the position.
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DWD: JULY LOCAL EMPLOYMENT DATA RELEASED
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The Department of Workforce Development last week released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for Wisconsin metro areas, major cities, and counties for July 2019.
In metro statistical areas, the preliminary numbers show employment rates ranged from 2.6 percent in Madison to 4.4 percent in Racine. From June to July, rates declined or stayed the same in 11 of Wisconsin's 12 metro areas.
In municipalities, unemployment ranged from 2.4 percent in Fitchburg to 5.6 percent in Racine. Rates stayed the same in 25 of the 33 largest cities from June to July, and rates stayed the same or increased in all 33 cities from July 2018 to July 2019.
Counties' preliminary July rates for unemployment ranged from 2.6 percent in Dane County to 10.2 percent in Menominee County. From July of 2018 to July 2019, rates increased in 70 of 72 counties.
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FISCAL BUREAU: REVENUE ESTIMATES READJUSTED
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According to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, preliminary estimates of revenues of expenditures from the 2019-2021 state budget show that revenues will actually be $75 million higher than originally anticipated.
"Today, preliminary estimates show that the state will realize an additional $75 million in revenues above what was assumed when the budget passed," Representative John Nygren, Co-Chair of the Joint Finance Committee said. "This is due in large part ot the common-sense fiscal reforms Republicans have enacted over the last eight years."
He added, "This comes on the heeels of an announcement in May showing an additional $753 million in revenues, $592 million on which was in fiscal year 2018-2019."
Of the additional $75 million, $30 million will go to the Budget Stabalization Fund, w hile the remaining $45 million will be deposited into the General Fund.
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EVERS SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON WATER QUALITY
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Governor Tony Evers last week directed the Department of Natural Resources to work with the Department of Health Services and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to find ways to lessen the impacts of PFA contamination in Wisconsin's water supply.
PFAs, or perfluoroalkoxy alkanes, are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistent sprays, and certain types of firefighting foam, according to Evers' office.
"Everyone should have access to clean drinking water, and Wisconsinites should be able to trust the water coming out of their tap, Evers said.
The executive order will establish a public information website to properly inform the public on matters of PFAs and the risk the chemicals pose to public health, and collaborate with municipalities with wastewater treatment plants on screening programs to identify potential sources of PFAs. The Executive order will also expand monitoring of PFAs in the development of fish and other widlife consumption, develop regulatory standards, and more.
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GOP LAWMAKERS SET SIGHTS ON ENDING ELDER ABUSE
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State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) and Representative John Macco (R-Ledgeview) have introduced legislation aimed at tackling the growing issue of elder abuse in Wisconsin.
The legislation increase the criminal penalties for elder abuse in Wisconsin, and allow banks and financial professionals to delay senior citizens' financial transactions if they felt an individual might be the victim of fraud or exploitation. Additionally, sexual misconduct against a victim aged 60 years or older would carry a new penalty of 60 years in prison, rather than the current 40.
The lawmakers said the state's Department of Health Services data shows that elder abuse cases have skyrocketed 160 percent since 2001. All of policies were adopted from recommendations from a bipartisan task force on elder abuse commissioned by former Attorney General Brad Schimel.
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EVERS SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
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Governor Tony Evers has signed an executive order, creating a special gubernatorial task force on reducing prescription drug prices in Wisconsin.
"Picking up medication shouldn't break the bank," the Governor said in a statement, "but it often does for our families and our seniors with the rising cost of health care and prescription drugs."
The official name will be The Governor's Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices, and the group will work to gather and dissect data surrounding multiple facets of prescription medication; from pricing, distribution, development, and purchasing. Evers also said he will work with other states and consider their strategies for reducing prices.
In an event with Minnesota's Democrat Governor, and other Democrat U.S. Senators, Eves told reporters that a "day of reckoning" is eminent if Wisconsin Republicans won't work with him on the issue of prescription drugs.
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REGULATORS GIVE GREEN LIGHT TO CONTROVERSIAL TRANSMISSION LINE
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The Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line is a go, according to Wisconsin regulators who signed off on the plan last week.
Members of the Public Service Commission voted unanimously to approve construction on the high-voltage transmission line between Dubuque, Iowa and Dane County, which is expected to cost power companies about $500 million to build.
The commissioners, which the State Journal acknowledges were appointed by both Democrat and Republican governors, all agreed that the new transmission line, while controversial, would save ratepayers in Wisconsin money and provide additional cheap and clean wind energy from western U.S. states.
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WEEKLY MEMBER POLL RESULTS
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What do you think of lawmakers' new plan to combat Lyme Disease in Wisconsin?
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We need to start to combat this disease since it affects so many people, and thier productivity in areas of life.
They can not even combat homelessness what makes them think they can do something about a disease
Its at least trying to do something, do not have a real good idea myself
I understand the need to hire an epidemiologist, but feel this plan will fall short where it matters - public education. Posting warnings and making repellent available is a start, but it's not enough.
lyme disease is a serious thing,my wife had it but turned out alright but my sister-in-law has still a problem today even after being treatedw
The number of people that travel to state parks has got to be only a fraction of the people out and about in the forests of WI. Waist of money
Something needs to be done...many people I know have/had it.
i think more needs to be done for lyme disease to be recogonized on a national level. This causes SERIOUS health issues and needs to be one everyone's radar. Selling bug spray at state parks is not going to stop this, we need more doctors who specialize in Lymes. There are very few in our state and those that are have a waiting list over 3 months.
I think that having repellent for sale in the parks is a good idea. I am not for more stucy on insects
A $90K govt appointed position to manage this?? no.
education is important but retail sales is a waste of funds
More taxes
Let's get serious this time.
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Governor Evers and democrats have introduced comprehensive background check legislation for firearm purchases. What do you think?
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What's the point? The country will continue to suffer gun violence forever, because of course.
Criminals will always find a way to get guns.
We already have comprehensive background checks through the federal government. The problem is hippa wont allow anyone to look at a psychos medical records and place them on the do not buy list
I actually am in favor of it, but if they won't do it for voting and other things, then why do it for guns. All of this makes perfect sense, but yet Evers is for one and not for the other.
It was all for show and very political. We have a mental health issue especially among young men, its time we start having a conversation about that, just like we had to about homosexuals.
Does nothing, but effects law abiding citizens
You will never get medical records that might indicate a mental impairment.
Close the loopholes, require universal background checks on ALL gun sales, keep guns out of the wrong hands - seems like common sense to me.
doing background checks will not stop a person if they want a gun they will find a way to get one
It maybe commons sense but what will the dems blame shootings on if this bill doesn't work? Then, they'll come with the next round of more restrictive legislature.
There is no singular method of stopping the insane violence that occurs in this country. Those of us in the rural areas who do not see nor experience what is happening in the bigger metropolitan areas might change their tune if those experiences started to become commonplace here as well. Those who think they have a God given right to any firearm, any amount of ammution, unfettered and unchecked should move to Afghanistan or like country...see how safe you are there with your "firepower".
I have had a background check on every gun I have purchased, I guess I am not sure what the differences are from the current law.
Every time we ask the government to do something for us, we lose a freedom. If you go back to Columbine, it was not the gun purchaser who did the deed, but instead it was a kid. This has nothing to do with gun control. It is all about 2 other topics: first and foremost, we as a society are not doing enough to help catch folks who are having a hard time, at any age. 2nd just because you screen a gun purchaser doesn't mean a 3rd party won't use that gun without consent to do something horrible. Oh hey there was a stabbing, do we now ban any and all knives? Or make knife buyers do background checks? Do we do this after someone's murdered with a broken beer bottle? Even driving can be lethal....
use the laws we have
What can it hurt
It will only prevent people who are law abiding from owning guns. the criminals will always obtain them.
Its about time!!
Governor Evers and Democrats and common sense are never used in a sentence
Its time.
It will not help and adds cost
Good move1
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A federal judge on Friday permanently overturned a Wisconsin rule that banned Badgercare from providing sex change surgery to transgender patients, writing that it violates the Affordable Care Act. What are your thoughts?
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This is why Trump got elected.
Since over 50% of the reasignments are reviresed within 15 years, this is a waste of money. There needs to be a greater understanding as to the cause of this problem.
If state workers are covered, everyone should be covered. Why are state workers special?
Sex change is the latest fad.Speeds up the path toward Sodom and Gomorrah.
Let the judge pay for the sex changes then
That should be an elective surgery just like getting a facelift or other surgeries in the like. Not for me to fund.
There is not enough room here to explain why this is a stupid decision. But hey, lets let the 1/2 of 1% make policy for the whole...
I do not even have a doctor and never go. This is not because I'm stubborn its because healthcare in our country is broken. I have worked hard my entire life and have assets that are not that easily liquidated to help my finances, but because I have something to show for my almost 50 years of hard work, I do not qualify for anything. I'm still one of those who feel left behind. If you are a white male and have worked hard your entire life and never asked anyone for a handout, you are now so discriminated against by every segment of our society and gov't that you really have no chance. You need to be dirt poor or extremely rich to have any chance at retirement.
What a job. Wisconsin hates small businesses owners. I'm tired how we as taxpayers keep taking it in the shorts
Why do taxpayers have to pay for it? If I wanted it, I'd have to pay for it.
So few people are impacted by this it's not worth the time to type a response.
again taxpayers are on the hook for providing this coverage
People can pay for their own sex changes
While I am unable to understand someone who would want a sex change...I beleive there would be societal costs of non-treatment as well that might offset taxpayer savings by not covering such operations.
How is this not cosmetic? If we are paying for this can I have a doctor say I am severly depressed by the size of my belly and get a free tummy tuck or lipo? how about a free breast enhancement? where does it stop?
Stupid get real,
WRONG. This is ELECTIVE.
The government should NOT pay for unneccessary surgery
I don't believe the transgender BS.
ACA support here, folks...the sooner we get insurance companies out of our health care the better.
bad ruling, everthing can cause mental issues so everything should be covered how about plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes or face lifts or brain surgery for stupid
Liberal Judge made bad decision.
If they are paying out of oocket probably wont have the surgery.
CRAZY
I do not think transgender surgery is a life threatening illness that needs to be paid by taxpayers.
You will always be the gender that started out with.
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Tony Evers signed an executive order that creates a new government bureau, and mandates that all of the state's electricity needs to be generated with zero carbon emissions by 2050. What do you think?
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Goals are good.
teh markets will react to demand. Subsidising energy projects has never been a efficent way to operate.
At what cost?
He,s nuts.Just what we need-another government bureau.
Whats next? Bicycles for all. Lets do away with cars trucks trains and planes. How about we all grow our own food. You no work you no eat
I'm fine with the plan as long as we don't turn ourselves into a 3rd world country in the process.
Money grab for the liberals. No new government bureau's!
Our electric rates are too high already, just wait and see what will happen now, thanks Evers!
It would be one thing if the governor actually understood carbon emissions, but let's face it he only understands public school systems
I'd like to know how he's going to get to zero carbon emissions.
Zero carbon emissions is a worthy goal. Let Wisconsin be a leader in the new clean, green energy movement.
Another government agency costing the taxpayers of Wi more money which is not needed which could be done by other agencies in our government
The gas/oil lobby may want us to think this is ridiculous, but thinking in jobs terms...zero carbon opporutnities will bring a lot more jobs to Wisconsin than the oil/gas industry will. Plus cleaner air/water isn't bad either.
Who is going to pay for it? not the electric companies that monopolize our state, it will get passed on to us. The carbon footprint is a widly debated subject and to sign an executive order about this is useless because the next guy will just cancel it. 2050.. interesting date to choose, 31 years after your in office, doesn't make much sense. This is purely for optics.
Not possible.
We need to protect this planet for our children
Wisconsin needs golden goat awards again the Wisconsin new green deal cost cost cost , will it repair my road?, stop drug use? make Evers friends in government wealthy?
Don't need more government telling ue what to do.
Hopefully this helps the planet.
More bureaucracy and wasted tax $
Is this possible? the whole state? I don't know what to think.
Things chage so fast that acting may be premature.
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BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW OR VETOED
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LRB-3738
Memo
Hospital Grant (Bernier, Kathy) Grant to a hospital for expanding psychiatric bed capacity. Deadline: Wednesday, August 28, Noon
LRB-2691
Memo
Clubhouse Grants (Tittl, Paul) Grants to mental health clubhouses and making an appropriation. Deadline: Thursday, August 29
LRB-3849
Memo
School Revenue Limits (Pope, Sondy) A school district revenue limit adjustment for the cost of employing school nurses. Deadline: Friday, August 30, 5 pm
LRB-2449
Memo
Building Code Exception (Marklein, Howard) An exception to commercial building code requirements for the installation or operation of a stairway chair life in a church constructed before 1919. Deadline: Friday, August 30, 5 pm
LRB-3892
Memo
Immunization Awareness Month (Hintz, Gordon) Recognizing August as Immunization Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Deadline: Friday, August 23, 5 pm
LRB-3762
Memo
Marriage Waiting Period (Duchow, Cindi) Waiting period for marriage after divorce judgment. Deadline: Tuesday, August 27, 5 pm
LRB-1582
Memo
MA Reimbursement (Brooks, Rob) Reimbursement rates under the Medical Assistance program for home health care services. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 5pm
LRB-0402
Memo
Expediting Criminal Proceedings (Testin, Patrick) Expediting criminal proceedings when a victim or witness is an elder person and preserving the testimony of a crime victim or witness who is an elder person. Deadline: Friday, August 30, 5 pm
LRB-0386
Memo
Financial Exploitation (Testin, Patrick) Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. Deadline: Friday, August 30, 5 pm
LRB-0385
Memo
Financial Exploitation with Securities (Testin, Patrick) Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults with securities accounts, violations of the Wisconsin Uniform Securities Law, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. Deadline: Friday, August 30, 5 pm
LRB-0356
Memo
Crimes Against Elder Persons (Testin, Patrick) Increased penalties for crimes against elder persons, restraining orders for elder persons, freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an elder person; sexual assault of an elder person; physical abuse of an elder person; and providing a penalty. Deadline: Friday, August 30, 5 pm
LRB-0050
Memo
Judge Election Prohibition (Hutton, Rob) Prohibiting a judge from holding a nonjudicial office of public trust while serving in the office to which the judge was appointed or elected. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 4 pm
LRB-3629
Memo
Tax Increments (Olsen, Luther) Lengthening the time during which tax increments may be allocated and expenditures for project costs may be made and extending the maximum life for Tax Incremental Districts Number Three and Four in the village of Lake Delton. Deadline: Tuesday, August 27, Noon
LRB-2787
Memo
Marriage Licenses (Wittke, Robert) Marriage license application requirements, issuance, and validity. Deadline: Friday, August 30
LRB-0278
Memo
Student Loans (Hansen, Dave) Student loans, creating an authority to be known as the Wisconsin Student Loan Refinancing Authority, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Deadline: Friday, August 30, 5 pm
LRB-1243
Memo
Income Tax Benefit (VanderMeer, Nancy) Income and franchise tax benefit for investment in Wisconsin opportunity zones and providing a penalty. Deadline: Friday, September 6, 5 pm
LRB-1263
Memo
Equalization Aid (Olsen, Luther) The timing of equalization aid payments to school districts. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 5 pm
LRB-1272
Memo
Categorical Aid (Felzkowski, Mary) Whole grade sharing categorical aid for school boards and making an appropriation. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 5 pm
LRB-1279
Memo
Shared Services Aid (Felzkowski, Mary) A shared services aid program for school districts, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 5 pm
LRB-4056
Memo
Pupil Counting (Olsen, Luther) Counting pupils enrolled in four-year-old kindergarten. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 5 pm
LRB-4057
Memo
Four Year Old Kindergarten (Olsen, Luther) The age at which a child may attend four-year-old kindergarten. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 5 pm
LRB-1275
Memo
Feasibility Study Grants (Olsen, Luther) Grants for feasibility studies of school district consolidation or whole grade sharing and making an appropriation. Deadline: Thursday, August 29, 5 pm
LRB-3066
Memo
Fire Fighter Health Plans (Sanfelippo, Joe) Adjusting group health plan requirements to account for the normal work week of fire fighters. Deadline: Friday, August 30, Noon
LRB-3789
Memo
Hispanic Heritage Month (Zamarrippa, JoCasta) Recognizing and proclaiming Hispanic Heritage Month, A month-long celebration of the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Deadline: Friday, August 30, Noon
LRB-3689
Memo
UW Shared Governance (Hesselbein, Dianne) Shared governance at University of Wisconsin System institutions. Deadline: Friday, August 30, Noon
LRB-3981
Memo
UW Shared Governance (Shilling, Jennifer) Shared governance at University of Wisconsin System institutions. Deadline: Friday, August 30
LRB-3966
Memo
Dog and Cat Sales (Taylor, Lena) Sales of dogs and cats by pet stores and providing a penalty. Deadline: Friday, August 30, Noon
LRB-4065
Memo
Cursive Writing (Thiesfeldt, Jeremy) Incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. Deadline: Tuesday, September 3
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