The Capitol Report

It’s been a long time in coming, but help finally appears to be on the way for local prosecutor offices around the state.

Thirty-nine-year-old U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher has only been in
Congress since 2017.

A lot of the economic stats are very, very good. Record low unemployment. Unprecedented state budget surplus. Resilient consumer spending. Easing of pandemic-era shortages, inflation, housing speculation and high gasoline prices.

In the wake of liberal Janet Protasiewicz’s double-digit percentage win over conservative Daniel Kelly comes a variety of predictions: Wisconsin will turn blue in a big way; Republicans won’t win statewide until they solve the abortion issue; and high-stakes judicial elections will be changed forever.

There’s the two-year budget plan that gets a lot of attention at the Capitol.

The spring election isn’t over until April 4. But already spending in this year’s state Supreme Court has demolished the state and national judicial spending records.

After a gubernatorial election, the first job of the governor in the first year of the new term is unveiling the two-year state budget plan.

Gov. Tony Evers’ biennial budget includes about $11 million more in newly announced proposals to address PFAS and other hazardous contaminants in the state, but it’s unclear whether the measures will garner enough support in the Republican-led Legislature. 

Gov. Tony Evers’ first budget after reelection lays out his plans on two big issues — tax cuts and aid to local governments.

When you are deep in the legislative minority, your options are few to get attention and exert influence.