Evers will include statewide referendum proposal in budget (MADISON)
Governor Tony Evers wants to give Wisconsin voters more power, by requiring the Legislature to create a statewide binding referendum process. The Democratic governor said he’ll propose that when he releases his two year state budget. Evers said Republicans in the Legislature are ignoring voters on issues such as restoring abortion access, legalizing and taxing marijuana, and others. Those same Republican lawmakers, who continue to hold majorities in the Senate and Assembly, would need to approve the plan which Evers will include in his proposed state budget. The Democratic governor, who says he’s yet to decide whether he’ll seek a third term, will deliver his budget message on February 18th. According to a release from Evers’ office, more than 20 states including Michigan, Illinois and Ohio allow voters to change state law by referendum. Under the process outline by Evers, voters would be able to file petitions with the Wisconsin Elections Commission to hold a vote on proposed state laws or constitutional amendments or to repeal state laws.
Lawyers for defendant in death of Lincoln Hills counselor want case moved to juvenile court (MERRILL)
The defense for Lincoln Hills youth prison inmate Javairus Hurd wants the case against him moved to juvenile court. The 17-year-old accused of lashing out at Correctional Officer Corey Proulx is back in court Monday before a series of hearings in February that will determine if the case will stay in adult court. Hurd was 16 when investigators say he beat Proulx, causing him to fall and hit his head on a hard surface. The 49-year-old died at a hospital a few hours later, Hurd was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and battery by prisoners and is facing more than 70 years in prison, though his legal team says keeping the case in adult court is unconstitutional. It’s unclear when the judge will rule, though either way appeals are likely- which would delay a potential trial.
Defendant pleads guilty in fatal beating (STEVENS POINT)
A Wausau-area man will not face trial in the beating death of a 61-year-old Stevens Point man. Christian Emerson pled no contest on Friday to one count for his role in the death of Donald Mitchell Jr last spring, meaning he now faces up to 46 years in prison during sentencing in late February. The incident occurred in a downtown parking lot when Emerson and others were rummaging through Mitchell’s vehicle looking to steal items of value. When Mitchell confronted the group, he was brutally beaten and died from his injuries the next day. One other man is serving a 20 year prison sentence for his role, a third suspect is due in court on February 7th for a plea hearing.
Early inland trout season underway (UNDATED)
The Department of Natural Resources says anglers can only use artificial lures to fish for any inland trout species on designated early season trout streams. All trout caught during the season will need to be immediately released. Anglers are encouraged to continue to practice responsible catch and release and reduce reel and handling time with the fish as much as possible. The inland trout early catch and release season runs through May 2.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin discusses Trump’s cabinet picks (WASHINGTON D.C)
The Wisconsin Senator says she’ll give all of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominations a fair shake, but won’t compromise if somebody might hurt Wisconsin families, veterans, and businesses. Baldwin says she’s worked Trump’s nominee for Transportation Secretary and former former 7th District congressman Sean Duffy before, and would be inclined to support him. Baldwin did say she needs to hear from Trump’s controversial pick to lead Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and would question him about his positions on vaccines. All of Trump’s nominees need to be confirmed by a Senate majority.