The Capitol Report

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.

When the University of Wisconsin’s two-year colleges were absorbed by regional UW schools in bigger communities, critics worried about the state of higher education in small-town Wisconsin.

Now comes another big race — this time for former Chief Justice Pat Roggensack’s seat and a 10-year term on the state Supreme Court.