The Capitol Report

Nearly a decade after Colorado became the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, the debate has spiked in Wisconsin as more states join the pro-marijuana ranks. Some local units of government have made moves to decriminalize the drug as progress at the state level appears unlikely.

Every budget starts with a little drama. When will they finish it? Will they even get it done? But as the Joint Finance Committee prepares to dive into the details of Gov. Tony Evers’ 2021-23 budget, there’s an extra layer of intrigue — thanks to the dysfunction that has gripped the Capitol during what seems like a perpetual standoff between Evers and GOP legislative leaders.

Gov. Tony Evers’ budget includes some three dozen recommendations from his Climate Change Task Force, including tens of millions in new investments in green jobs, conservation efforts and renewable energy.

The legal fight over Wisconsin’s 2020 elections cost taxpayers nearly $3 million in private attorneys, according to bills obtained by WisPolitics.com.

A legal showdown over control of federal relief funds is looming between the Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the Republican-run Legislature.

Wisconsin in 2020 shattered the record for most firearm background checks, an indicator the year of the COVID-19 pandemic also marked a huge year for gun sales.

Expanding Medicaid benefits to include acupuncture therapy could aid Wisconsin’s fight against the opioid epidemic as well as treat mental health issues and addiction, advocates say.

Gov. Tony Evers’ budget doesn’t envision closing the state’s troubled youth prisons in northern Wisconsin until after a new juvenile facility in Milwaukee would be completed in early 2024.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson faces even more re-election pressure as he strengthens ties to Donald Trump after the impeachment trial, a labor group launches an ad campaign and Alex Lasry announces his U.S. Senate bid.

The majority-Republican Legislature is likely to block Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in Wisconsin, but a GOP senator suggests medical marijuana could advance.