The Capitol Report

Attitudes on industrial hemp are changing statewide, leading farmers and legislators to believe that it could be the next “huge cash crop.”

Newly elected State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and longtime Secretary of State Doug La Follette have big plans to address the “years of neglect” of their offices.

All but two of the Legislature’s study committees have largely wrapped up their work ahead of the new session, with lawmakers poised to introduce legislation ranging from bail and pretrial release to minor guardianships.

Despite losing one seat in the Assembly, Republicans are increasing the size of their staff as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers takes office.

WEDC worked with Kimberly-Clark to keep its options open, even as Gov. Scott Walker said a legislative incentive package was the only solution.

A legislative task force tried to tackle school funding issues. Members came up with a smorgasbord of options but no firm plan.

Governor-elect Tony Evers, responding to criticism that his first four cabinet picks are from Milwaukee, said future announcements will allay concerns he is ignoring rural Wisconsin.

Gov. Walker on Dec. 11 said the lame-duck legislation doesn’t amount to “a fundamental shift in powers” away from Tony Evers and Josh Kaul.

In the Wisconsin state Senate, eight of the chamber’s 33 seats will be held by women — the lowest since the start of the 2011-12 session.

A spokesman says U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson would back bill aiming to delist gray wolf, but the office of Sen. Tammy Baldwin didn’t say whether she’d support it.