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Republican budget writers reject Evers’ broadband funding plan

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At the Capitol, Republicans who control the legislature’s budget committee have rejected Governor Tony Evers’ plan to spend $750 million for broadband expansion. 

“I think it’s wise for the state to not throw more state money at the at the issue when we’ve got an phenomenal amount of federal money coming in,” Joint Finance Committee co-chair, Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) said Thursday. “I would prefer that we wait to see what the federal money is going to do and then come back later on and use additional state money to maybe fill in the holes.”

An Evers spokesperson said “Republicans have absolutely nothing to show for plans to actually address the pressing challenges facing our state.”

In a tweet, Evers called the decision irresponsible.

 

 

 

UW-Madison campus Starbucks votes for union

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A downtown Madison Starbucks has voted to unionize. The Starbucks on State Street near the UW-Madison campus is now the second Madison area Starbucks to approve a union.

The vote came in at 20 to 2 in favor. Store employees were worried last week that the head office of Starbucks was attempting to interfere with the vote, but were happy that the vote passed.

The Capitol Times reported that employees and Starbucks management may file an objection to the election results before the National Labor Relations Board officially certifies the union as the workers’ representative in negotiations with Starbucks, according to NLRB procedure. That certification typically takes a matter of days.

Madison’s Capitol Square location joined the Union last summer.

JFC rejects funding for UW Madison engineering building

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Budget writers at the state Capitol said no to a major investment for UW-Madison on Thursday. Joint Finance Committee Republicans on Thursday rejected Governor Tony Evers’ proposal to spend $355 million on an engineering building on the Madison campus

UW System President Jay Rothman said the new building is the system’s top priority because “to compete and prosper, we must invest in high-demand programs at all our universities.”

In a statement, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said the “building would promote the state’s economic development. It would create significant workforce opportunities. It would propel innovation. And without it, we harm businesses all across Wisconsin.” Nearly half of the project’s budgeted $347 million cost was going to be provided by private funding.

And JFC proposed reducing Evers’ capital budget request of $3.75 billion to nearly $2.4 billion. “We had to reduce an unrealistic capital budget,”  said committee co-chair Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam). The committee also approved setting aside $2 million to help Green Bay host the 2025 NFL draft, something requested by lawmakers representing the area.
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Evers raises Pride flag at Capitol – ‘you are welcome here’

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Marking the start of Pride Month, the Progress Pride flag flies over the Capitol in Madison. Wisconsin Veterans Secretary James Bond, a Marine Corps veteran and a gay man, was among the speakers at Thursday’s flag raising. “We raise this flag as a beacon, a reminder to all, you are welcome here at the Wisconsin State Capitol.”

“I live my life looking through rainbow lenses, and with the raising of this flag I hope you realize the beauty of a rainbow after the rainfall,” said Madison West High School sophomore Avi Mack.

With Pride Month underway, the Progress Pride flag flies over the Wisconsin Capitol. Madison West High School sophomore Avi Mack was among the speakers at Wednesday’s flag raising

Governor Tony Evers grew emotional at the event, saying raising the flag lets members of the LGBTQ community know they are welcome at the Capitol.

“Raising the pride flag today sends a message for all those who have only ever wanted to belong. Who’ve had to find their own family. Who’ve never known home. You belong here. You’re family here. You are welcome here.”

Evers initiated flying the pride flag during his first term, and two years ago raised the Progress Pride banner, a redesign celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community and calling for a more inclusive society.

Wisconsin delegation splits in debt ceiling vote

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Wisconsin’s House delegation split over a bill to lift the nation’s debt ceiling in Wednesday’s vote. Democrat Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan joined Republican Tom Tiffany to oppose the bill which House Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated with the White House.

McCarthy, facing opposition from right-wing members of his party, was relying on Democrats to help pass the bill, and it passed 314-117 with 149 Republicans and 165 Democrats voting yes.

Moore, who represents the 4th Congressional District which includes Milwaukee, accused Republicans of pushing the U.S. to “the brink of catastrophe unless their demands were met.”

Pocan, who represents the 2nd Congressional District and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said there were too many unanswered questions.

Tiffany, a conservative representing the 7th CD in northern Wisconsin said ahead of the vote, “Wisconsinites sent me to Congress to shrink Washington and grow the American economy, and this bill failed to meet the moment.”

Republican Representative Bryan Steil of Janesville, a member of House Republican leadership, called the bill “the first step in the right direction. These reforms to limit spending, save taxpayers money, and grow the economy.”

The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate, where Republican Ron Johnson opposes it and Democrat Tammy Baldwin is expected to support it. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell confirmed the Senate will stay in session until the job is finished.

 

 

 

Wisconsin DNR warns of elevated fire danger this week

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Current fire danger is High across most of Wisconsin after an extended period of dry weather. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, contributing factors include warm temperatures, very low relative humidity and wind. Much of the state has not had any rain in the past 10 days. In addition, the rain that was received prior was minimal. The WisBurn Fire Map provides updated fire risks for all 72 counties.  

The DNR and local fire departments responded to over 90 wildfires in the last week, burning an estimated 30 acres. Fortunately, annual green-up progressed across most of the state, and the winds have been light. Suppression crews have been successful with attacking fires quickly, minimizing fire growth.    

Moisture levels in vegetation are declining and becoming more prone to wildfire starts. This week’s weather conditions will continue to elevate fire danger. The DNR will suspend burn permits in critical areas where the DNR regulates outdoor burning.

The public should also be reminded to:

  • Keep an eye on the changing fire danger this week.
  • Avoid burning, especially debris piles, until we get a good soaking rain.
  • Conduct activities that cause sparks early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak burn times (e.g., wood cutting, lawn mowing, farming, recreational vehicles, parking hot exhaust systems on dry grass, etc.).

A weather system moving in from the west may bring some relief to the northwest part of the state. There will be brief chances of light precipitation for the next few days, but that system will struggle to move east across Wisconsin and is unlikely to generate meaningful, widespread rainfall.

Watch for buckling pavement as temps rise this week

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Watch for buckling pavement as temperatures rise this week. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is advising motorists to be alert and cautious, with hot temperatures forecast throughout the state creating conditions for pavement buckling to occur.

 

It’s difficult to predict if, or where, pavement buckling may occur, but drivers can check 511wi.gov for the latest incidents or delays. Live video feeds are now available via the 511 Wisconsin traffic cameras.​

Grothman: Biden only appointed 5 ‘white guys’ to federal bench

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A Wisconsin congressman says President Joe Biden hasn’t named enough white men to the federal judiciary. Sixth District Republican Glenn Grothman cited a study of Biden’s 97 appointments, in wide ranging comments about affirmative action on the House floor Thursday.

“Of the 97 federal judges I was expecting, maybe 25 or 30 were white guys. Because I know President Biden wasn’t heavy on appointing more white guys. Five of the 97 judges were white guys of those two were gay. So, almost impossible for a white guy who’s not gay to get appointed here.”

According to the American Bar Association, the federal judiciary remains largely white and male. As of 2022, 11% of the 1,409 federal judges were Black, 7.7% were Hispanic, and 30% were female.

Grothman opened his remarks Thursday by addressing the ongoing negotiations over the debt ceiling before pivoting to “white supremacy” and    affirmative action.

 

 

Bill would address rural infrastructure repairs

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Rep. Tranel

A farmer who serves in the Wisconsin state Assembly says a road repair bill under consideration is a good start to fixing rural infrastructure. “Here, we find ourselves with some one-time money. I can’t think of a better use for it because the need is so great.”

Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) testified this week that if the state doesn’t start now, it will never be able to upgrade rural infrastructure.

“We acknowledge that we are not going to be able to fix all 62,000 miles of town road at once, but there are some roads that make a lot of sense to invest in, and the way we decided to go about identifying those roads are roads that have a significant amount of economic activity.”))

Tranel said that some local roads and bridges can no longer handle the weight and wear of hauling ag and forestry products.

If passed and signed by Governor Tony Evers, the state would send $150 million of the projected state surplus to local governments to repair or upgrade restricted or damaged roads important to agriculture.

County board rejects tax levy for AmFam Field upkeep

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The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has rejected a tax levy for ballpark repairs. In a rare unanimous vote Thursday, supervisors rejected using a long-term tax levy to fund American Family Field repairs and renovations.

The Milwaukee Brewers current lease of the 22-year-old ballpark expires in 2030. Thursday’s resolution called for the renovation-focused tax levy to help secure a lease extension. In separate action on Thursday, the stadium district board approved $6.4 million for a new main scoreboard at the ballpark.