In the past year, COVID-19 has infected more than half of Wisconsin’s overall inmate population, and the infection rate in correctional facilities is five times higher than the state average. That’s according to a recent analysis from investigative outlet Wisconsin Watch. Protesters and advocacy groups have spent months pushing Wisconsin’s lawmakers to address the crisis. […]
State Senate Votes to End Mask Mandate
In a sharply partisan session of the Wisconsin State Senate on Tuesday, Republican lawmakers moved to strike Governor Evers’ mask mandate. Democratic state Senators, meanwhile, defended the measure that most easily protects Wisconsinites from catching a virus responsible for the death of more than 6,000 people in the state. The resolution would end the statewide […]
Republican Lawmakers Cut Out Parts of PFAS Emergency Rule
Republican state lawmakers have repealed several key provisions from an emergency rule meant to regulate contamination of PFAS, a toxic family of forever chemicals, from firefighting foam. Republican lawmakers argue the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is overstepping its authority. Democrats on the other side of the aisle say it’s essentially gutting the rule altogether. […]
U.S. Secretary of State addresses Wisconsin lawmakers
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited the Wisconsin State Capitol today for a discussion with Wisconsin lawmakers and business leaders. Pompeo’s visit is the latest in a procession of Trump administration appearances in the battleground state. It’s also the first time a sitting Secretary of State has visited the Wisconsin State Capitol, says Senate […]
Democrats Aim to Empower State Employees
Two bills announced today could change the working conditions for state and municipal employees. Ron Martin is an 8th grade teacher in Eau Claire. He is also the president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council. He says the dismantling of collective bargaining, a key policy of former Governor Scott Walker enacted in 2011, has led […]
Some Lawmakers Pose Concerns About Foxconn Deal
Walker says he wants to give Foxconn a package of tax breaks and incentives worth three billion dollars over 15 years — but only if the jobs it promises materialize. Foxconn says the plant will need 13 thousand workers. CEO Terry Gou estimates their investment will be worth 10 billion dollars. “It starts today with […]