NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL AND AROUND WISCONSIN |
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REPORT: STATE SPENDING MIGHT OUTPACE REVENUES BY $373 MILLION |
According to a report released last week from the Wisconsin Policy Forum, the state of Wisconsin's finances might be off by nearly $400 million.
"Next year, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and newly elected lawmakers likely will confront the state’s toughest budget challenge since 2011," the report said. "To balance the next two-year state budget, we find the state’s main fund would need to spend down its reserves by nearly $400 million even in the unlikely event that elected officials reject every new spending request from state agencies. The state does have substantial reserves to lean on but also faces massive additional costs for state health programs for those in need."
One analysis said "the forum used Wisconsin's projected increases in tax collections and base spending but excluded new spending requests to reach the shortfall figure."
The report also added that the $373 million shortfall could jump to over $2 billion if increased health care costs and K-12 funding increases are realized in the next state budget. The state's rainy day fund currently has over $2 billion.
The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau is expected to release their next report on state finances in January.
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WISCONSIN ELECTORAL COLLEGE CAST VOTES FOR BIDEN, HARRIS
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Gov. Tony Evers today announced Wisconsin's 10 Electoral College votes were cast for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Wisconsin’s Electoral College met today at the Wisconsin State Capitol to officially assign Wisconsin’s Electoral College votes. On Nov. 30, 2020, Gov. Evers signed the Certificate of Ascertainment, certifying Wisconsin’s election results and the slate of electors for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Saturday heard oral arguments in a case brought by President Donald Trump's campaign, which would have invalidated hundreds of thousands of ballots that they allege were cast unlawfully. The high court today rejected the Trump campaign's argument, paving the way for the electors to cast their ballots unobstructed.
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PFIZER VACCINE GIVEN GREEN LIGHT AND SHIPPED, UW HEALTH TO BEGIN VACCINATING EMPLOYEES TODAY |
An advisory panel late last week gave its approval to the emergency use of a vaccine developed by pharma giant Pfizer intended to combat COVID-19 symptoms. The shots began shipping across the country over the weekend, with some making its way into Wisconsin.
UW Health early this morning received its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a spokeswoman for the health network. The shipment made its way to "ultra-cold storage freezers," and UW Health employees will begin receiving the vaccine as early as this afternoon.
This month alone, Wisconsin is expected to receive a total of 50,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and about 101,000 doses of a vaccine developed by another pharma giant, Moderna.
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UW SYSTEM REQUESTS 4.5% PAY RAISES FOR EMPLOYEES OVER NEXT TWO YEARS |
Under a plan released by UW System officials last week, the 39,000 employees of the system would receive a 2% and 2.5% pay raise in each of the next two years, if approved by the legislature in the state budget process.
The total cost to taxpayers would be $94.7 million. The UW System is asking the state to fund the entirety of the pay raises, claiming campuses are unable to share the cost due to the ongoing tuition freeze that was implemented by Governor Scott Walker in 2013 and continued by Governor Tony Evers in his 2019 budget.
Officials for the UW System said that these raises would still not close the compensation gap between Wisconsin campuses and peer universities, thus leaving the state's employees susceptible to poaching from peer institutions. In the 2019-2020 academic year, 376 or 7% of faculty left the UW System, according to the state journal.
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GOV. EVERS ANNOUNCES WISCONSIN AWARDED FEDERAL GRANT TO RESTORE STATE CAPITOL STATUTES |
Governor Tony Evers announced last week that the Wisconsin Department of Administration was awarded two federal grants totaling $60,000 to assist with the restoration costs of the "Forward" and Col. Hans Christian Heg statutes that were damaged during violent riots in Madison earlier this year.
The grants are from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts.
"In July, Gov. Evers encouraged the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board (SCERB) to consider diversifying the State Capitol statues to more accurately represent the leaders who have contributed to Wisconsin's history by honoring the late Vel Phillips with a statue on the Capitol grounds," a statement from the Governor's office said.
Gov. Evers also announced a community advisory committee working on a proposal to SCERB to erect the monument to the late Vel Philips.
Vel Phillips was the first African American woman to graduate from the UW Law School, the first African American, as well as the first woman, elected Alderwoman to the Milwaukee Common Council, and the first African American, as well as the first woman, to serve as a judge in Wisconsin. She was also the first woman and the first non-white individual elected Secretary of State and to hold statewide office in Wisconsin.
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AUDIT ANALYZES DWD'S PROCESSING OF UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS |
Today, the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released its review of the Department of Workforce Development's (DWD's) processing of certain Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims.
Based on its analysis of a statistically significant random sample of case files, LAB determined that time elapsed during claims processing because DWD had not resolved issues even though it had the information to do so and because DWD had not requested information it needed from individuals and employers.
As of October 10, 2020, LAB found that DWD had paid 493,504 of the 662,731 individuals (74.5 percent) who had filed initial claims for regular UI benefits since March 15, 2020. The remaining individuals had not been paid because, for example, DWD had denied their claims or had not yet resolved them.
LAB found 53.2 percent of initial claims for regular UI benefits were paid by DWD in two calendar weeks or less, but it took more than five weeks to pay 24.7 percent of them. LAB noted that the average amount of time that DWD took to pay claims declined considerably from March 2020 to August 2020.
“The audit confirms what the flood of phone calls to legislative offices suggested –DWD is failing to provide the service government is supposed to provide for a substantial number of claimants,” said Representative Kerkman (R-Salem Lakes). “The department was overwhelmed from the very beginning of the Governor’s stay-at-home order –why on earth would they wait until May to increase staffing? This is disturbing and unacceptable.”
LAB also found 950 instances where DWD was responsible for the elapsed time while it processed the initial claims for the 250 individuals it sampled. Among those instances, the most common was that DWD had not resolved issues even though it had the information to resolve those issues, accounting for an average of 5.5 weeks elapsed. Other common instances that resulted in delays included DWD failing to request information from individuals, accounting for an average of 6.5 weeks elapsed, and DWD not requesting the information necessary from employers, accounting for an average of 8.5 weeks elapsed.
“The people of Wisconsin deserve better,” said Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay). “It took an average of 13 weeks to resolve these initial claims, for which DWD is responsible for 11 of them. I know that can never be zero, however when 90% of the instances where time elapsed were due to nothing more than negligence at DWD, it’s clear to me that they could have done much better. Adjudication staff were only working an average of three hours of overtime a week while the people they are serving are having difficulties purchasing their next meal and paying their bills, including rent or mortgage, as they await a determination on their UI, some up to 31.5 weeks. Meanwhile, DWD had been sitting on information or failing to request it for months! Unacceptable. DWD’s detailed process for a claim determination in their audit response made it far easier to realize that some additional time, effort, and attention could have easily saved weeks and months for the thousands who were awaiting UI benefits, thus saving anguish, frustration, and depression for too many Wisconsinites.”
A copy of the report may be obtained from www.legis.wisconsin.gov/lab.
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PROPERTY TAXES TICK UPWARD DUE TO COMMUNITIES APPROVING REFERENDA |
The portion of property taxes levied by school districts will increase 3.3 percent this year thanks to historic approvals of school referenda around the state.
In the November election alone, 43 of the 51 referenda were approved by voters. All of those ballot measures were to either provide operational dollars to school districts, or for capital projects. Despite many school districts' refusal to meet in person to educate children, many districts are approving massive renovation projects, or seeking approval from voters to build new buildings.
Ten of the districts in November's referenda were for both operational and capital expenses. The largest ask was in the City of Madison, where voters overwhelmingly approved the Madison Metropolitan School Districts' request -- $350 million over four years.
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WEEKLY INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS: WEEK 49 |
Weekly Unemployment Insurance Claims:
Sunday, 3,703 (2020) vs. 2,028 (2019)
Monday, 6,640 (2020) vs. 2,831 (2019)
Tuesday 3,879 (2020) vs. 1,708 (2019)
Wednesday 5,483 (2020) vs.1,328 (2019)
Thursday 4,975 (2020) vs. 1,138 (2019)
Friday 3,754 (2020) vs. 1,166 (2019)
Saturday 1,087 (2020) vs. 313 (2019)
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By clicking the link, you acknowledge that it is the policy of WPT to publish all comments that are submitted by members each week, which often include broad differences of opinion. WPT does not take responsibility for the individual views and opinions expressed herein. It is the right of WPT to remove responses that that the organization deems inappropriate. |
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What do you think of the GOP's COVID response proposal? |
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I am upset that only a select few restaurants and bars were selected for grants from the state, what about all the wedding halls who have been shut down since the start of March, No weddings, no ability to accommodate them due to the capacity rules and fears of spread and lawsuits. How about blanket protections for Business with less than 50employees from lawsuits?
Spend spend spend! Lets get the economy open and moving again. Enough of the Chinese virus scare
will this actually be done? or just more talk?
Quit spending money on a fabricated emergency!!
Looks like a common sense approach not something our Governor goes off the deep end
Its nice to FINALLY see some common sense coming out of Madison, it sure took the legislature long enough to have a response to the shut down and fear put forth by Evers.
Republican legislature is trying to take control of the pandemic response away from the health care sector.
Honestly, as long as there is a dialogue between the parties, it's a start. Hopefully progress will continue
Small businesses are struggling! Taxing Tony needs to fairly negotiate with the legislature to do more for small busines!
They don’t need a plan they just let everybody go back to normal the economy would do just fine and they won’t need any money
to much give away, money grows on trees you know
Being told to stay home. Masks and social distancing has not helped. Let us live our lives
After Covid 19 has aged for 9 months, there was a Robin Voss siting with Mark Pocan to talk about Covid 19 in a television commercial. Instead of Republican make a wish demands (remember they have been recessed for over 210 days but are still collecting paychecks) , why not work with Evers from the beginning. Just let the Governor swing in the wind with the Assembly's mob rules, all while having desirous dreams of taking his job in a year. Reality, Evers will veto most of these if the Senate agrees to them.,
Foolishness. Not needed. COVID is insignificant. Drop the restrictions and let society live, work, and play.
I like that they will pay some money for a COVID test.
This should of been taken care of months ago but would not work with the governor.
How about some more small biz relief?
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Gov. Evers has asked the feds to prioritize Wisconsin for vaccine distribution. Good move or bad move? |
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Dont expect it, buy nice ask.
Good move, but I'm sure nearly ever state is asking the feds to prioritize their own states
Why should the Feds prioritize us for Gov Evers ineptness?
Maybe if there is a way to prove vaccinations then those in assisted living won't be stuck in the prison they have become
would love to see all our health care workers protected from this virus, but not sure an untested vaccine is the answer
Uh, cuz EVERY state is doing that.
Every state wants to be "prioritized". Does Gov Evers really think anyone in Washington would think his request is reasonable?
There is NO pandemic!
Good move. We need to stop this virus. I hope all you that think it's a scam don't stand in line for a vaccine.
He must think Wisconsin is the only state in the union the Federal government developmental of guidelines on distribution of the vaccine but I suppose it don't hurt to ask
I really do not care our gov't is corrupt and will do what it wants to hell with what the common peasants think
We have one of the highest positive rates in the country.
It seems extremely selfish. No one is more important than anyone else.
Glad I am not a helath care worker
By the time the vaccine is wide spread the state will be on the cusp of herd immunity. Too little too late! Additionally the vaccine is likely to kill a greater percentage than Covid itself.
Wisconsin is important, but one nation under God
Might as well try to get all the vaccine we can.
I know a lot of healthcare workers who will not get the vaccine. Hope it is not mandatory or we will lose a lot of medical personnel
Asking may help but doubtful
Does Governor Evers not think that other people around the rest of our nation and beyond are less important?
IN the middle because I don't care. COVID is WAY over-played.
Good move. So health care workers can get a vaccine shot if they want it.
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Gov. Evers has announced $45 million in assistance for restaurants. Good move or bad move? |
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The little guy is still in trouble and needing help, but this will not do anything for them.
good because its targeted...hopefully minimier the graft...
I'm not sure a company with annual revenues between 1-7 million are the ones who need the help.
Restaurants are not the only small businesses that are suffering. Open up the economy
His assistance is only for select restaurants from what I watched on the news. What about everyone else, especially wedding/banquet halls & larger businesses that are hurt worse than small bars/restaurants that were able to continue their operations after the stay at home order was lifted?
he's forcing them out of business, about time he attempts to help them
Quit spending money and stop spreading fear!!
I'm not sure it's enough.
He finally is doing some good but is he taking the funds from the State budget or adding a debt to our state
If the state would just open up and we were allowed to live our lives, this would not be necessary. Way too much money thrown into the wind all in the name of COVID already, but the restaurants do need help
Restaurants averaging over one million in sales are hurting. There are a lot of mom and pop restaurants that do over 1 million in sales who haven't gotten any government assistance.
glad my tax dollars will be helping someone otherthan the Government Workers
Good gesture but OPENING their doors would do more
Not enough for these struggling small businesses
That’s a drop in the bucket I don’t think it’s gonna affect that industry at all
at some point sink or swim, bail outs need to end at some point
Don't give money, let them open.
Too much money
Income restrictions might not help those who most need it
where is the cash coming from
How many restaurants will this help. There have been restaurants that have closed their doors because they did not have enough customers.
What about the rest of small biz?
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On December 9, 1844, Milwaukee's first newspaper, The Daily Sentinel was published. Do you still receive a newspaper? Which one? Or like millions of other Americans, have you ditched your paper subscription? If so, why? Share your thoughts on print journalism here. |
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I still receive the LaCrosse Tribune and the Broadcaster. I like to have a paper in hand. I also subscribe to several news magazines.
No, because it is not offered in my area any longer but it sure beat reading the Wisconsin State Journal which I do not read. Printed newspapers have become too expensive to receive.
No reason for it anymore.
Still subscribe to my local town paper.
The Milkweed newspaper -- best agriculture publication in Wisconsin
A local weekly rag, Bloomer Advance. I like the Local news and comment, and a 120 year (by decade) historical revue.
Just last week I did not renew the Beloit Daily News. 1) not worth the money 2)pathetic reporting 3) I hate "paper statement fees" that they are now charging if you do not renew online 4) they were just bought by a conglomerate which is doing its best to kill the paper 5) did I mention pathetic reporting?
Journalism is dead... Most of it at least. The Epoche times is a better one, but the bias of the news and tech is disgusting and it should make every American Concerned.
I have never subscribed to the Sentinel. Price is to high and all I want is the obituaries.
Wall Street Journal. All Gannett publications are left-oriented feature story papers rather than newspapers.
Print Journalism is dead especially at places like the Journal Sentinel and Capitol Times.
First of all, journalism today is dead. Newspapers are owned by liberal hacks and always put a bias on their stories.
I still get The Reporter in Fond du Lac. Not sure why, there's not much in it. Guess it's just a habit to sit down at night and "read the paper".
Do not receive any newspaper any longer. The small local town paper was bought out by the area city and now the area city paper was bought out by the Wisconsin State Journal. Every time a buy out occurred, the paper's content and reporting diminished in quality. Now, there isn't any place to receive reliable, unbiased news. All the newspapers out of the state are liberal and the social media are already censoring the content on their sites, so its almost like it was 150 years ago as far as reliable news. Things have come around full circle.
I still get the WI State Journal.
I can get all the news I need on-line or on TV. The Madison newspaper is too bias. Thankfully, through the internet, we can get news from all sides.
not worth the money anymore
I get the Times/Villager local paper. Probably would not pay for a subscription through. Paper comes free.
Yes! The Sun {Osceola} The Inter County Leader {Polk/Burnett counties} The Standard Press/Ledger Newspaper {St. Croix Falls - Luck area}- until they closed in August of 2020 Really miss this paper. I truly feel this needs to continue be important for us, to have the local papers to get news about our local governments and I believe it helps keep them accountable as very few people attend these Town, Village, City + County meetings unless there is a hot button issue.
We like the WPT newsletter and the guest writers. Great variety.
I don't receive a printed newspaper anymore. I do miss the "tradition" and childhood memories of my parents reading the newspaper. Print journalism, unfortunately is becoming a thing of the past.
no and Fake News!!!!
I do not receive a newspaper.
NO, Just wrap fish
No. Nothing more than fish wrap for me!
Receive Local Record Review. Just for the local coverage of our small town.
technology over takes history to make new history
I no longer get the paper. It is too biased!
Still get local daily paper.
Yes. Pioneer. Liked the sentinel paper but they won't deliver in rural area. Several others went out of business.
I don’t get a newspaper. Just goes in recycling
Have gone to a local weekly that cares about community!
I only quit because they would not deliver on weekends, rural Wisconsin
I recently subscribed to the Epoch Times ,it is the only newspaper that actually tells the truth!
Ha! Does anyone believe that journalism still exists?
I still receive a printed newspaper. I get the Green Bay Press-Gazette. I like to read the headlines and the articles that interest me. Only the paper has the comics.
Yes
No way. 95% of print media is advertising and liberal agenda
I remember hearing the thud of the MJS on our front porch. Sadly after Gannett bought it the quality has diminished greatly. That whole USA Today network is a travesty and tows the DNC line. It's sickening.
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