State Senate leaders name appointments to Joint Finance Committee (MADISON)
State Senate leaders appoint members to the Legislature’s budget panel. Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein announced the reappointment of ranking member Senator LaTonya Johnson of Milwaukee and Senator Kelda Roys of Madison to the Joint Finance Committee. Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu appointed Republican Senators Julian Bradley of New Berlin, Romaine Quinn of Cameron and Rob Stafsholt of New Richmond to the JFC. He also reappointed Senator Howard Marklein of Spring Green as co-chair, making three straight sessions that Marklein will lead Senate Republicans on the 16 member budget committee.
Capitol Holiday Tree Light Ceremony is Thursday (MADISON)
The state Capitol Holiday Tree gets lit on Thursday. Governor Tony Evers invites Wisconsinites to attend the annual Capitol Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place at noon. The Capitol Tree is displayed in the rotunda throughout the holiday season, serving as a centerpiece of festivity for those visiting and working at the Capitol. Honoring the theme, “125 Years of Wisconsin’s State Parks,” this year, the tree was donated by Rick Burke and the Burke family from their home in Rhinelander. This is the second consecutive year that the Capitol tree was harvested from the Rhinelander area. Each year, the Capitol Holiday Tree is decorated with handmade ornaments from kids, students, and families from around the state.
WIAA admits error left two teams out of FB playoffs (MADISON/GREENFIELD)
In a statement sent to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the WIAA says Madison West and Greenfield should have been included in the playoff field of 224 teams. A tie-breaking error gave two playoff spots to Pewaukee and Edgewood, when in fact they should have gone to Madison West and Greenfield. Both Madison West and Greenfield filed appeals with the WIAA, which were rejected. The WIAA says it will take steps to address the error, including reviewing qualification language, internal procedural improvements, and evaluation of current qualification software.
UW Health and Children’s Wisconsin announce collaboration (UNDATED)
Starting January 1st the two organizations will collaborate for shared pediatric cardiac and adult congenital heart care services. Children’s Executive Vice President Scott Turner says the collaboration will allow the two health systems to expand patient access and elevate an already high quality of care. No changes to current provider employment relationships or facility names are expected and most existing patients will remain with their same providers and clinics. The hospitals announced an initial 10-year agreement with full implementation expected within the first three years.
Be sure you’re safely donating to charity with tips from Consumer Protection (UNDATED)
Before you start sending off holiday donations, be sure you’re not handing your money to scammers. Wisconsin Consumer Protection director Michelle Reinen says there are criminals who try to pose as legitimate charities. That includes fake websites, fake emails, and spoofing their phone calls to look like they’re from the charity they’re faking. If you’re worried about the source of a charity, and if they are using the money the way they say they are, check the Better Business Bureau’s charity database at Give dot Org.