Governor Tony Evers Archives - The Wisconsin Daily Star

Wisconsin Universities Keep DEI Positions Despite GOP Gutting Budget by $32 Million

September 5, 2023 Wisconsin Daily Star Staff

University of Wisconsin campus leaders have not cut diversity, equity and inclusion positions from their campuses despite losing $32 million in funding from the GOP-led state legislature earlier this summer in an effort to see such programs axed.

However, system leaders are in the process of requesting a partial reimbursement to the tune of $15 million from the Wisconsin State Assembly’s Joint Finance Committee to fund non-DEI, workforce development-related positions, which state lawmakers left open as an option to recoup some of the cuts.

Evers Unveils Record $104 Billion Budget Plan, Republicans Get Ready to Rewrite

February 16, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Billing it a “breakthrough budget,” Governor Tony Evers rolled out a massive two-year spending plan on Wednesday that would dump billions more taxpayer dollars into a host of new programs, raise taxes by $1 billion-plus on businesses, deliver a sweetheart deal to the Milwaukee Brewers, and gobble up much of the state’s historic $7.1 billion surplus.

Senator Ted Cruz Endorses Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Rebecca Kleefisch

July 27, 2022July 26, 2022 Cooper Moran

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) endorsed former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch in her bid for Governor of Wisconsin.

When offering his endorsement to the gubernatorial contender, Cruz cited Kleefisch’s stance on the role of parents in their child’s education.

Governor Tony Evers Files Lawsuit Against Multiple Companies, Alleges Water Pollution

July 23, 2022July 22, 2022 Cooper Moran

Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul filed a lawsuit against multiple manufacturers and chemical companies for alleged water pollution in the state.

According to Evers and Kaul, the companies knew or should have known that they were polluting the environment with PFAS contamination, which is a synthetic chemical that is made for multiple products.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Tim Michels Releases ‘Wisconsin First’ Economic Plan

July 20, 2022July 19, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels released a new economic plan that, he contends, will put “Wisconsin first.”

The candidate, who received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, supported lower taxes and an increase in economic investments.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Tim Michels Calls on Evers to Prepare for Unrest as Dobbs v. Jackson Decision Nears

June 23, 2022June 22, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels called on Governor Tony Evers to prepare for possible unrest in the coming weeks.

The remarks are in response to the pending decision from the U.S. Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson, which focuses on the constitutional right of abortions.

Gubernatorial Candidate Rebecca Kleefisch Touts Endorsements by 100-Plus Local Wisconsin Elected Officials

June 17, 2022June 19, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch is touting endorsements by more than “100 local Wisconsin current and former elected officials from across the state.”

The local supporters include individuals that have held various positions: mayors, county board supervisors, school board members, city councilmen, and other officials.

Wisconsin State, Local Democrats Launch Effort to Protect Incumbents During November Midterms

June 3, 2022June 3, 2022 Cooper Moran

State and local Democrats in Wisconsin announced a new partnership to register voters for the upcoming midterms.

The announcement comes as polls have shown President Joe Biden underwater, which could spell trouble for other Democrats on the ballot.

Governor Evers Expands Program to Address Nursing Home Staff Shortages

May 21, 2022May 20, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Thursday announced a plan to address the critical staffing needs of nursing homes throughout the state.

Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will expand an existing program that allows employers to recruit new Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

GOP Gubernatorial Hopeful Kevin Nicholson Calls on Evers to Remove Parole Board Chair amid Decision to Grant Parole for Convicted Killer

May 14, 2022May 13, 2022 Cooper Moran

GOP gubernatorial candidate Kevin Nicholson called on Governor Tony Evers to remove the chair of the Wisconsin Parole Commission.

Chairman John Tate II and the panel opted to allow a convicted killer, Douglas Balsewicz, to be released after serving only 25 years of the 80-year sentence he was given.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Rebecca Kleefisch Calls on Governor Tony Evers to Protect Pro-Life Organizations

May 11, 2022May 10, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch called on Governor Tony Evers to protect pro-life organizations in the state.

The demand follows an apparent arson attack on Wisconsin Family Action, a prominent pro-life group in the state.

Wisconsin Family Action Promises It Won’t ‘Back Down’ After Madison Arson

May 10, 2022May 9, 2022 The Center Square

The head of one of Wisconsin’s most prominent pro-life groups is vowing not to be intimidated by a weekend arson at their Madison office.

Wisconsin Family Action’s Julaine Appling said on Sunday that the attack on their office was an attempt to silence pro-life voices in the state.

“While this attack was directly provoked by the leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court in the Dobbs case earlier this week, this has far broader implications,” Appling said in a statement. “Apparently, the tolerance that the left demands is truly a one-way street. Violence has become their answer to everything.”

Democrats Pouring Millions into Wisconsin to Protect Governor Tony Evers

May 5, 2022May 4, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) is pouring millions of dollars into Wisconsin to protect incumbent Governor Tony Evers.

The initial buy, one of the first of the 2022 midterm elections, reserved $21 million worth of airtime for television ads.

New Poll Shows Governor Tony Evers Underwater as November Election Draws Closer

April 29, 2022April 28, 2022 Cooper Moran

A new poll from Morning Consult showed that Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is “underwater” with voters as the November election draws closer.

More individuals disapprove of his job performance than those who support it. Specifically, 48 percent of residents in the state express their disapproval, while only 45 said they approve of the performance.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Rebecca Kleefisch Promises to Fight for ‘A Good Living’ in New Ad

April 23, 2022April 22, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch, who is running in the GOP primary, released a new ad with a promise to fight for “a good living” for residents of the state.

Kleefisch, whose campaign has been boosted by state and national Republicans, contended she would help individuals more than incumbent Governor Tony Evers.

Milwaukee Public Schools Lifts Mask Mandate for One Day, Immediately Reimposes Restriction

April 22, 2022April 21, 2022 Cooper Moran

Milwaukee Public Schools announced on Tuesday that students will be forced to comply with another mask mandate, after the school district lifted the policy for one day.

According to the school district, cases among students and staff increased, influencing leaders to reimplement the restriction.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Awards $15 Million to Schools for Mental Health Initiative

April 8, 2022April 7, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Wednesday awarded $15 million to schools throughout the state for a new mental health initiative.

The “Get Kids Ahead Initiative” will utilize the money to “provide direct mental healthcare, hire and support mental health navigators, provide mental health first aid and trauma-based care training, or provide family assistance programs.”

Conservative-Backed Judicial Candidate Unseats Left-Leaning Wisconsin State Court of Appeals Judge

April 7, 2022April 6, 2022 Cooper Moran

Maria Lazar, a conservative-backed candidate and Waukesha County Circuit Court judge, defeated left-leaning state Court of Appeals Judge Lori Kornblum for the six-year term.

Defeating the incumbent comfortably, according to unofficial results, Lazar picked up 55 percent of the vote, compared to Kornblum’s 45 percent.

Kenosha Professional Police Association Backs Rebecca Kleefisch for Governor

March 27, 2022March 26, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Kenosha Professional Police Association Board opted to endorse Republican Rebecca Kleefisch in her run for Wisconsin Governor.

Governor Evers Approves $10 Million to Improve Maritime Infrastructure

March 26, 2022March 25, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Wednesday approved $10 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at ports and harbors across the state.

In collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the money seeks to encourage economic development.

U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down New Wisconsin Legislative Maps, Upholds Congressional Boundaries

March 23, 2022March 23, 2022 Cooper Moran

The U.S. Supreme Court blocked new redistricting maps for Wisconsin’s state legislature, while upholding the state’s new federal congressional boundaries.

Previously, Republican members of the legislature filed the lawsuit, claiming the state judges “did not and could not have concluded that drawing districts based on race was required by federal law and satisfied strict scrutiny.”

Wisconsin Family Action PAC Endorses Kevin Nicholson for Governor

March 20, 2022March 19, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Wisconsin Family Action PAC endorsed businessman Kevin Nicholson, who is a Republican running to take on Governor Tony Evers.

The group highlighted that candidates must meet certain criteria, in order to receive the endorsement.

Wisconsin Governor Evers Reverses Race-Based Grants Following Constitutional Concerns

March 16, 2022March 15, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers opted to remove the consideration of race from a mortgage-assistance program after the Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty (WILL) highlighted several constitutional concerns.

The group pointed out that Evers intended to expand eligibility for “socially disadvantaged” groups, defining those as “any racial or ethnic group besides non-Hispanic/Latinx White.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Calls for Federal Suspension of Gas Tax amid Soaring Prices

March 10, 2022March 9, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers joined other Democratic governors and sent a letter to Congressional leadership, urging the federal lawmakers to pass legislation to suspend the federal gas tax.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and known as the Gas Prices Relief Act, would terminate the 18 cents per gallon gas tax that individuals pay, temporarily lowering the prices for consumers.

Governor Tony Evers Provided Grants to Planned Parenthood with COVID Relief Funds, Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty Questions Legal Authority

March 1, 2022February 28, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers provided millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood through grants funded by federal coronavirus relief money, according to a letter from the Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty (WILL).

However, the group contends that Evers’ legal standing to fund the abortion provider is questionable at best.

Wisconsin Assembly Approves Multiple Education-Focused Bills

February 24, 2022February 23, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Wisconsin Assembly approved multiple pieces of legislation focused on education-related issues, sending the bills to the Wisconsin Senate for full legislative approval.

One of the bills is a “parental bill of rights” that would establish certain legal rights for parents throughout the state, like maintaining a voice surrounding education curriculum taught to their child or choice in medical decisions.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Vetoes Bill to Ban Critical Race Theory

February 5, 2022February 4, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Friday vetoed a bill passed by the Wisconsin state legislature that would ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory in schools in the state.

In his reasoning for rejecting the potential law, the Democrat called the measure “censorship.”

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Rebecca Kleeflisch Backs Plan to Break Up Milwaukee Public Schools

February 2, 2022February 1, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleeflisch on Monday backed a proposal to divide Wisconsin’s largest school district into multiple, smaller systems.

The plan, initiated by State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), would require the large district to dissolve into four to eight smaller ones within two years, if fully enacted.

Wisconsin Republican Party Blasted Biden Administration as Vice President Kamala Harris Visited Milwaukee

January 25, 2022January 24, 2022 Cooper Moran

The Republican Party of Wisconsin slammed the Biden Administration as Vice President Kamala Harris visits Milwaukee.

Harris will promote the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which passed Congress last year and was signed by President Joe Biden.

The visit from the vice president comes as Biden’s approval numbers have continued to plummet, potentially endangering Democratic incumbent lawmakers in Wisconsin and across the country.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Rebecca Kleefisch Collects More Than $3 Million During Initial Months of Campaign

January 11, 2022January 10, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch collected more than $3 million during the first four months of her effort to defeat Governor Tony Evers, according to a release from her campaign.

Kleefisch hauled in approximately $3.3 million during the fundraising quarter, a number that outpaces previous campaigns for the state’s top position.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidate Rebecca Kleefisch Releases New Campaign Ad, Knocks Evers for School Closures

January 6, 2022January 5, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch on Wednesday released her first campaign ad in 2022, pledging to allow in-person learning in the state.

The video, entitled “Open Schools,” knocked incumbent Governor Toney Evers for allowing districts across the state to remain closed and force students to learn virtually.

Wisconsin Lawmakers Call on Governor to Remove Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm from Office

December 9, 2021December 8, 2021 Cooper Moran

Republican state lawmakers sent a letter to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D), urging the executive to remove Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm from office.

Chisholm has received harsh backlash for the decision from his office to recommend $1,000 bail for Darrell Brooks. After being released from custody, Brooks plowed his vehicle through a Christmas parade. He killed multiple people and injured dozens more.

Wisconsin Senate to Launch New 2020 Election Investigation

October 26, 2021October 25, 2021 The Center Square

There will be more questions from lawmakers in Madison as to just what happened before and during last year’s election.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu on Monday announced that the State Senate is launching its own investigation into the 2020 election.

State Senator from Wisconsin: Governor Evers Has Failed to Raise Refugee Concerns

August 24, 2021August 23, 2021 The Center Square

The Wisconsin state senator who represents the towns around Fort McCoy has issued the strongest objection yet to the still murky plan to bring thousands of Afghan refugees to central Wisconsin.

Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, on Friday sent a strongly worded letter to Gov. Evers asking for answers about who the refugees are and where they will go once they arrive.

Wisconsin Republicans Ask Judge to Toss ‘Obstructionist’ Redistricting Lawsuit

August 23, 2021August 22, 2021 The Center Square

Republicans in Wisconsin say Democrats are running to court before they’ve even had a chance to draw a new political map.

The Republican-led legislature on Tuesday filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit from a handful of voters that asks the federal court to draw Wisconsin’s new political map.

Wisconsin Leaders React to Afghan Refugees Coming to the State

August 20, 2021August 19, 2021 The Center Square

There are more questions than answers about the likely thousands of Afghans who are coming to Wisconsin.

The Pentagon on Tuesday said 22,000 Afghan refugees will be sent to military bases in Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The Wisconsin base is Fort McCoy.

Redistricting Lawsuit Filed, Democratic Groups Want Wisconsin Courts to Draw Maps Immediately

August 19, 2021August 18, 2021 The Center Square

Less than 24 hours after the U.S. Census Bureau delivered Wisconsin’s 2020 Census numbers, a handful of voters have filed a lawsuit to toss out the state’s current political map, and have judges skip the legislature and draw new maps on their own.

The lawsuit will be heard in federal court in Madison. It argues that because of the Census data, the state’s current congressional and legislative maps are out of date, and cannot be used in any upcoming elections.