Wisconsin Archives - The Wisconsin Daily Star

Commentary: Bill Will Keep Wisconsin’s Power Grid in State’s Hands and Out of the Control of Federal Regulators or Out-of-State Developers

September 22, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Today, I introduced legislation to retain Wisconsin control over the safety and reliability of our state’s power grid instead of ceding that control to federal regulators and opportunistic out-of-state developers. This bill, known as Right of First Refusal, prevents fragmentation of the state’s transmission grid and retains the regulation and operation of the grid in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Lawmakers Introduce Second Go at Constitutional Amendment to Ban Zuckerbucks in Election Administration

September 21, 2023September 20, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Looking to get around Democrat Governor Tony Evers’ veto pen, Republican lawmakers have introduced the second consideration of a constitutional amendment to bar the use of private funds in election administration.

Passage would send the proposed amendment to referendum, letting voters — not the liberal governor — decide if controversial “Zuckerbucks”-like funding of elections is legal in Wisconsin.

Week Four of Disbarment Trial of Trump’s Attorney John Eastman Wraps Up with More Testimony About Wisconsin’s Botched 2020 Election

September 9, 2023 Rachel Alexander

The disbarment trial of Donald Trump’s attorney and constitutional scholar, John Eastman, concluded its fourth week on Friday, as Eastman’s team put on his case featuring their key witness, former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman.

Wisconsin Assembly Republicans Roll Out Nearly $3 Billion Tax Cut Plan

August 31, 2023August 30, 2023 M.D. Kittle

In the wake of Governor Tony Evers’ gutting of a historic tax cut proposal earlier this summer, Republicans are pushing another plan they said would deliver nearly $3 billion in tax relief for retirees and the middle class.

Conservative lawmakers said the plan to tap into the state’s projected $4 billion budget surplus is a “second chance” for the liberal governor to “do the right thing” and return overpaid tax dollars back to Wisconsin’s taxpayers.

Wisconsin Republicans Prepare for First GOP Presidential Debate With or Without Trump

August 17, 2023August 16, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Brian Schimming is one busy guy these days.

Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, is spending a lot of time fielding calls from media, campaigns and fellow Republicans preparing to descend on Milwaukee next Wednesday for the first debate of the presidential primary season.

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bills Aimed at Protecting Consumers Against Climate Change Alarmist Agenda

August 10, 2023August 9, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Governor Tony Evers turned to his veto pen once again last week, this time killing consumer protection bills that interfered with his far-left climate change agenda, according to the state’s largest business lobby.

The Democrat vetoed Assembly Bills 141 and 142, and Senate Bill 49, among 10 Republican-led bills killed by a governor who has used the state’s powerful veto pen more liberally than any governor in Badger State history.

Hillary Clinton’s Political Fixer Leads Legal Effort to Restore Drop Boxes in Wisconsin

August 7, 2023August 6, 2023 M.D. Kittle

The liberal D.C. law firm behind a legal challenge to the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the use of absentee ballot drop boxes in the Badger State was founded by Hillary Clinton’s political fixer, the man who helped bankroll the infamous — and bogus — Trump-Russia dossier.

Marc Elias and his Elias Law Group filed a lawsuit last week in the liberal Dane County Circuit Court demanding the return of the widespread use of unsecured drop boxes, just as the Wisconsin’s high court is about to be led by liberals for the first time in a long time.

Parental Rights Groups to Protest Against Drag Queens Party in Park for ‘All Ages’: ‘This Is Sexual Grooming of Our Children, and That Is Not Okay’

July 28, 2023July 27, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Wisconsin parental rights groups plan to demonstrate this weekend against a daylong pride event featuring a drag queen story hour and a children’s dance party.

Organizers with No Left Turn in Education, Parents Patrol, and Gays Against Groomers Wisconsin said they will be out in force at Pride in the Park, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Watertown’s Riverside Park. The protesters are planning a Classic Story Hour at the city park.

Wisconsin U.S. Senator Sees Connection in America’s Fentanyl Crisis and White House Cocaine Problem

July 19, 2023July 18, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Some Republicans have of late quipped, is it any wonder the United States is facing a deadly fentanyl epidemic when the Biden administration can’t even keep cocaine out of the White House?

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) certainly isn’t surprised.

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Calls Governor Tony Evers a ‘Liar’, Expects Evers’ Partial Vetoes to be Challenged in Court

July 11, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Democrat Governor Tony Evers’ “creative” partial veto that boosts public education spending for the next four centuries “proves he’s a liar,” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said during a Sunday morning interview.

The Rochester Republican said the governor’s “unprecedented” veto trick leaves Republicans — and taxpayers who would be on the hook for 400-plus years of spending increases — with “little option” but to take the governor to court.

The 2024 Election Could Come Down to These Four States

July 2, 2023July 1, 2023 Wisconsin Daily Star Staff

The upcoming presidential election could potentially come down to Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Wisconsin, according to the Sabato’s Crystal Ball 2024 Electoral College predictions released Thursday.

The nonpartisan report, facilitated by the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, labels the four states as “toss-ups” based on the 2020 election and 2022 midterms. The 2024 landscape slightly favors the Democrats and will likely be another matchup between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, according to the report.

Wisconsin’s Budget-Writing Committee Passes Budget with ‘Historic’ $4.3 Billion Tax Cut

June 24, 2023June 23, 2023 M.D. Kittle

After a season of spending, the Wisconsin Legislature is finally getting around to talking tax cuts. Perhaps Republicans have saved the best for last.

The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee put the finishing touches on a complete rewrite of Democrat Governor Tony Evers’ 2023-25 state budget proposal, passing a tax reform package that promises to deliver $3.5 billion in income tax cuts and nearly $800 million in property tax relief.

Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to GOP Presidential Candidates: Strong Ideas Trump a Bold Record

June 9, 2023June 8, 2023 M.D. Kittle

As the crowded field of GOP presidential candidates jockey for position, former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has some advice: Go bold, or go home.

Walker knows.

DeSantis Enters Presidential Race with ‘Skewed’ Narrative He’s Better Positioned to Beat Biden than Trump

May 26, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis officially launched his presidential campaign Wednesday, ending months of speculation and ratcheting up what promises to be an intense battle for the Republican Party nomination.

DeSantis enters the race as a top tier candidate, but still lagging far behind frontrunner Donald Trump, according to just about every poll out there.

Pollster: Biden’s Re-Election Campaign Announcement ‘Like Christmas’ to Trump, Republicans

April 26, 2023 M.D. Kittle

President Joe Biden announced his re-election campaign Tuesday, insisting he’s running again to “stand up for fundamental freedoms.”

Republicans in the nation’s presidential battleground states say the out-of-touch 80-year-old Democrat has cost Americans their freedoms — and their finances.

POS Poll Shows DeSantis Faring Better Than Trump Against Biden in the Badger State Despite Many Polls to the Contrary

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Public Opinion Strategies is out with yet another poll showing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faring better against former President Donald Trump, this time in battleground Wisconsin. But just who is paying for the polling that paints a picture of DeSantis’ presidential strength despite Trump’s significant lead in primary polls remains unclear.

DeSantis Coming to Wisconsin as Trump Pounds the GOP’s No. 2 Presidential Contender

April 21, 2023April 20, 2023 M.D. Kittle

As he moves closer to a presidential campaign announcement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has scheduled a trip to the Badger State next month.

DeSantis, who is expected to officially launch his run for the White House after the Florida legislative session ends in early May, will speak at the Republican Party of Marathon County Lincoln Day Dinner on May 6.

Wisconsin Republicans Secure Supermajority in Senate, Gain Super Power

April 6, 2023April 5, 2023 M.D. Kittle

It wasn’t all bad news for conservatives in Tuesday’s election. While the right lost control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Republicans gained two-thirds — or supermajority power— in the state Senate.

State Representative Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) narrowly defeated environmental lawyer Jodi Habush Sinykin in the race for Wisconsin’s 8th Senate District Seat.

Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin’s Longest-Serving Governor, Endorses Work-First Ballot Issue

March 24, 2023March 23, 2023 M.D. Kittle

Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin’s longest-serving governor and welfare reform pioneer, is lending his support for a work-first referendum question on the Badger State’s April 4 election ballot.

The non-bonding referendum asks voters a simple question: “Shall able-bodied, childless adults be required to look for work in order to receive taxpayer-funded benefits?”

Commentary: Brown County’s $30 Million Taxpayer Loan for Broadband Expansion Deserves Closer Scrutiny

March 23, 2023March 22, 2023 Wisconsin Daily Star Staff

Brown County residents may be aware of a proposed broadband expansion project in their area. What they may not be aware of is the potential cost of this project – “$27.2 million loan at 4 percent interest to be repaid over 30 years,” as reported by the Green Bay Press Gazette. This should raise some eyebrows. Not only does Brown County receive service from multiple broadband providers, but there are additional projects on the horizon and federal broadband funding that is expected to flow into the state.

Report: Wisconsin Schools Directing Largest Share of Federal COVID Aid to Construction Projects

March 21, 2023March 20, 2023 M.D. Kittle

A new report shows Wisconsin schools are marking a significant amount for federal COVID relief on construction projects, outpacing planned pandemic aid for core educational and mental health programs.

The Institute for Reforming Government’s updated K-12 COVID relief Audit found some $265 million of the current $1.49 billion in taxpayer funds allocated is going to construction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin’s Bail Reform Constitutional Amendment

March 19, 2023March 18, 2023 M.D. Kittle

While all eyes are on Wisconsin’s crucial Supreme Court election, the April 4 ballot also includes an important question asking voters to amend the state’s constitution.

The constitutional amendment proposes to reform a bail system that most agree is broken, although there’s argument on how to fix it. State Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and State Rep. Cindi Duchow (R-Delafield), authors of the legislation, offer answers to many of the most frequently asked questions surrounding their proposed amendment.

Biden Touts Economy in Wisconsin as Badger State Suffers Consequences of Big Government Policies

February 9, 2023 M.D. Kittle

President Joe Biden paid a call on Wisconsin Wednesday, touting job creation and boasting that the Big Government agenda he laid out in this week’s State of the State address will get the nation’s economy humming.

But the president’s cheerleading tour conflicts with the realities on the ground for Badger State businesses dealing with higher prices, supply chain issues and labor shortages.

Wisconsin Added 12,000 People from 2021 to 2022

December 29, 2022December 28, 2022 The Center Square

Most of Wisconsin’s new people moved into the state.

The U.S. Census Bureau last week released a population snapshot.

Wisconsin Gov. Evers Wants More Shared Revenue, Not Sure About How to Get It

December 24, 2022December 23, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s governor says he wants to provide local governments with more state money next year. But he’s not saying how he plans to convince Republican lawmakers to go along.

During a series of interviews and appearances this week, Gov. Tony Evers reiterated that increasing shared revenue is one of his top priorities in the New Year.

State Audit Raises New Questions About Wisconsin’s Coronavirus Supplemental Spending

December 17, 2022December 16, 2022 The Center Square

Gov. Tony Evers’ office dictated where to spend most of Wisconsin’s $5.7 billion in supplemental coronavirus relief money without writing down or tracking how he came to those decisions.

A new report from the Legislative Audit Bureau dings the governor for a lack of transparency.

Legislative Audit Finds Significant Waste in Two Wisconsin Coronavirus Grant Programs

December 1, 2022November 30, 2022 The Center Square

No one really knows just how much of Wisconsin’s nearly $600 million in small business coronavirus grant money was wasted or given to scammers.

The Legislative Audit Bureau on Tuesday released a limited review of the “We’re All In” and “Wisconsin Tomorrow” programs, and confirmed that the state handed out money to ineligible businesses.

Wisconsin Drops in National Hospital Safety Ranking

November 27, 2022November 26, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s hospital safety standings with The Leapfrog Group dropped from 40th to 41st in the country over this past year.

The portion of Wisconsin hospitals that received an “A” grade decreased from 16.9% in spring 2022 to 11.9% in fall 2022.

Wisconsin Set to Receive Part of a Nearly $400 Million Settlement from Google over Location-Tracking Probe

November 15, 2022November 14, 2022 Just the News

Google agreed to a $391.5 million settlement with 40 states after an investigation found that the tech giant participated in questionable location-tracking practices, state attorneys general announced Monday.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called it a “historic win for consumers.”

New Wisconsin Wolf Hunt Plan Moves Away from Wolf Population Numbers

November 13, 2022November 12, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s new wolf hunt plan doesn’t include a target number for the state’s wolf population.

The Department of Natural Resources on Thursday unveiled its new plan.

Firing of Milwaukee Election Official Highlights Wisconsin as Epicenter of Election Shenanigans

November 5, 2022November 4, 2022 Just the News

The firing of a Milwaukee election official this week after she sent military ballots to a state representative highlights another election vulnerability in Wisconsin, where a rash of election administration irregularities and legal breaches have been exposed since 2020.

During a press conference on Thursday, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced that Kimberly Zapata, deputy director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, was fired after she requested that three absentee military ballots be sent to the home of Republican state Rep. Janel Brandtjen. Brandtjen turned the ballots in to the Waukesha County sheriff last Friday.

Wisconsin Judge Refuses to Allow Mail-In Ballots with Partial Addresses to Be Counted in Win for GOP

October 28, 2022October 27, 2022 Wisconsin Daily Star Staff

A Wisconsin judge has rejected a request from the state’s League of Women Voters to allow election officials to count absentee ballots with incomplete witness addresses.

Dane County Circuit Judge Nia Trammell on Wednesday said the group’s request for a temporary injunction “would upend the status quo and not preserve it” and “frustrate the electoral process by causing confusion” less than two weeks before Election Day, CBS News reported.

Reince Priebus: Wisconsin Will See $200 Million Spent for 50,000 Votes

October 23, 2022October 23, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s race for governor is the most expensive in the country, and the race for U.S. Senate isn’t exactly cheap either. All of that money is being spent to convince less than 2% of voters in the state.

Reince Priebus, the former head of both the Wisconsin Republican Party and the Republican National Committee, said there are just a few thousand truly independent voters in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s Former Parole Commission Boss to Become Racine’s Violence Prevention Manager

October 22, 2022October 21, 2022 The Center Square

The man pushed out as the head of Wisconsin’s Parole Commission after critics said he let dangerous people out of prison is set to become the new violence prevention manager in Racine.

Racine Mayor Cory Mason announced Wednesday that John Tate II will take over the role.

Report: Rushing to Carbon-Free Energy Will Cost Wisconsin $250 Billion by 2050

October 21, 2022October 20, 2022 The Center Square

A new report says Gov. Tony Evers’ goal to get Wisconsin carbon-free by 2050 comes with a $250 billion price tag.

The Center of the American Experiment released its report on Wednesday. It explains that Gov. Evers’ pledge to move electric generation in the state completely away from coal and natural gas will drive energy prices in the state even higher.

Tim Michels Suggests Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Split

October 20, 2022October 19, 2022 The Center Square

Tim Michels is suggesting more changes at the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Michels told the crowd at the Rotary Club in Milwaukee on Tuesday that he could see splitting the DNR into separate agencies.

Wisconsin Governor Gets ‘C’ on State Budget Report Card, Local Reformers Want an ‘A’

October 16, 2022October 16, 2022 The Center Square

Gov. Tony Evers scored better than three of Wisconsin’s four neighbors on a new state budget report card, but reformers in the state say less-bad is not the same as good.

The Cato Institute this week gave Gov. Tony Evers a “C” on its Fiscal Policy Report Card.

Wisconsin Gov. Evers Pledges Not to Sign Abortion Exemptions for Rape, Incest

October 14, 2022October 13, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s governor wants abortion 100% legal or nothing at all.

Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday told the crowd at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee that he would not sign a new law allowing for abortions in Wisconsin in cases of rape or incest.

Wisconsin Senator Unveils Abortion Question for State Voters

October 8, 2022October 7, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s says his proposed referendum on abortion is simple.

Johnson, late Tuesday, released his suggestion for a ballot question that would allow voters in the state to decide on a new abortion law.

Wisconsin Judge Bans Guidance from Elections Commission Boss, Staff

October 5, 2022October 4, 2022 The Center Square

The full Wisconsin Elections Commission is going to have to agree before making any changes to the state’s election rules going forward.

A judge in Waukesha County last month ruled that the Elections Commission administrator, Meagan Wolfe, and her staff cannot issue guidance on their own.

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Calls January 6 Subpoena ‘Clearly Political’

September 28, 2022September 27, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has a guess as to how he ended up on the subpoena list for the January 6 committee. Namely: Politics.

Vos on Monday said he intends to fight the subpoena from the Democratic panel in Washington that has spent the past year looking into the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

Seven Midwest States Enter Hydrogen Coalition

September 21, 2022September 20, 2022 The Center Square

Seven Midwest states entered a coalition to pursue clean hydrogen development as an alternative to gas and diesel fuel.

The governors of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin signed onto the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition. The coalition will accelerate clean hydrogen development, from production and supply chain to distribution in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and other industries.

Wisconsin’s Climate Action Report Highlights Three Issues

September 19, 2022September 18, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s new climate action report is a little thin.

The state’s Department of Natural Resources released the report on Tuesday. It recaps what Wisconsin has done to accomplish its climate change and environmental equity goals over the past year.

Law Firm Files Lawsuit over National Voter Registration Form in Wisconsin

September 17, 2022September 16, 2022 The Center Square

There is yet another challenge to yet another decision from the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on Thursday filed a lawsuit in Waukesha County court challenging what is being called the Form.

Evers, Michels Tied in Polls for Governor of Wisconsin

September 8, 2022September 7, 2022 Wisconsin Daily Star Staff

Incumbent Tony Evers (D) and Tim Michels (R) are running in the general election for governor of Wisconsin on Nov. 8.

Recent polls have not shown either candidate to have a statistically significant lead. The Cook Political Report, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Inside Elections rate the election as a toss-up.

City Invests in Wisconsin’s First Men’s Homeless Shelter

September 7, 2022September 7, 2022 Admin

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway have announced a $9 million investment for the state’s first men’s homeless shelter.

“City-County announces additional $9 million investment in men’s homeless shelter,” Rhodes-Conway posted on Twitter highlighting the sides continued partnership. “A new commitment from @DaneCoJoe represents the single largest investment in the Dane County Capital Budget.”

Longtime Madison Pub Closes Its Doors Due to Pandemic

September 3, 2022September 2, 2022 Admin

One-time Madison-area stronghold Brasserie V is the latest neighborhood eatery to fall victim to the pandemic, with the owners recently taking to social media to announce its closing this month after 15 years.

“We are so very proud of our 15 years bringing a little bit of Belgium to Monroe Street,” the owners said in an Aug. 20 Facebook post. “We wouldn’t have reached this milestone without the talent, dedication and hard work of all of our amazing staff over the years.”

Wisconsin Legislators Sue Election Regulators to Block Clerks from ‘Curing’ Errant Ballots

September 2, 2022September 1, 2022 Wisconsin Daily Star Staff

Wisconsin state legislators are pushing back on the Wisconsin Election Commission, challenging its absentee ballot curing guidance in court, even as the controversial commission seeks additional funding from the Legislature to boost confidence in elections.

Another State Lawmaker Criticizes Wisconsin’s Professional Licensing Backlog

September 1, 2022August 31, 2022 The Center Square

Another Wisconsin lawmaker is criticizing the governor for the back-up at the state’s licensing agency.

Rep. Alex Dallman, R-Green Lake, on Monday said doctors, nurses, hairdressers, and thousands of others have been waiting weeks and months for the state to issue them a license to work.

Wisconsin’s Democrat Governor Tepid About Biden Campaign Event

August 31, 2022August 30, 2022 The Center Square

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor won’t be rude, but he’s also not rolling out the red carpet for President Joe Biden at an upcoming Labor Day campaign event.

Gov. Tony Evers didn’t sound excited at all Monday when asked about the president’s upcoming visit to Wisconsin.