When a governor calls a special legislative session, it means they want lawmakers to address issues of pressing importance that can’t wait for a regular session. Governor Evers called his first such session today in order to address gun violence in Wisconsin. “Last month I stood with members of our communities, elected officials and law […]
Cannabis Legalization’s Rough Road in Wisconsin
On May 31, 2019, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 66-47 to approve a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state of Illinois. The House vote followed a bipartisan state senate vote of 38-17 in favor. The bill now heads to the desk of Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has said he will sign […]
Wisconsin Lame-Duck Session Laws Go to Court
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, along with other plaintiffs, is suing the Wisconsin governor and legislature over the legality of measures passed during the extraordinary lame-duck session held in December. This lawsuit is currently in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. So what comes next? Our guest today is Jeffrey Mandell, a partner […]
Wisconsin Assembly Passes “Born Alive” Bill
In May of 2019, eight states, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas and Utah have passed laws banning abortions that occur in the first or second trimester. The rash of legislation is an apparently coordinated attack on abortion rights seeking to force a repeal of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision by the […]
Governing Wisconsin in Secret
Anyone who has taken a high school history course in the United States knows how how laws are supposed to be made. An elected representative introduces a bill, which is identified by title, the legislature holds a public hearing to solicit comment and input, and then, after deliberation, the bill may be amended to address […]
Wisconsin AFL/CIO: The Wisconsin Legislature Labor Report Card
Every year, the Wisconsin AFL/CIO publishes its labor report card on members of the Wisconsin Legislature. The 2018 edition just came out, and the 103rd Wisconsin Legislature of 2017-2018, may have just received some of the worst grades of all time. Joining Eight O’Clock Buzz host Brian Standing, by phone, to explain just how unfriendly […]
