As uncertainty surrounding Chancellor Biddy Martin’s proposed Badger Partnership continues to grow, members of the university’s administration and University of Wisconsin Foundation leadership have already begun making provisions to use many of the university’s proposed flexibilities to increase fundraising earnings for UW. With tuition hikes guaranteed, private support donated from… Read more »

State lawmakers as well as the interest groups Smoke Free Wisconsin and the state’s Tavern League reached a compromise on the proposed statewide smoking ban Wednesday afternoon. The bill, if passed, will go into effect for the entire state on July 5, 2010. The proposal does make exceptions for existing… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle met with mayors from around the state in a private meeting in his office Wednesday afternoon to brief them on the state’s current budget situation. With the state already facing a record $5.9 billion budget deficit, Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau Director Bob Lang said in a previous… Read more »

A state Senate committee held a public hearing Tuesday morning to discuss the proposed statewide smoking ban, which would prohibit smoking in all workplaces in the state, including bars and restaurants. The ban is also included in Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget proposal currently under consideration by the Legislature’s Joint Committee… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle met with the governors of three other Midwestern states at a Chicago conference Tuesday to discuss the development of wind energy throughout the region. The meeting will feature more than 1,000 companies and representatives from 47 countries who will discuss the importance and development of wind energy… Read more »

State poverty rates are increasing due to current economic conditions, according to the Wisconsin Poverty Report released Monday. The report estimates 12.6 percent of Wisconsin citizens are currently living in poverty, a 1.8 percent increase from the 2007 poverty total of 10.8 percent. This is largely due the state’s rising… Read more »

The state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance changed the state’s film tax credit programs and approved some of the state’s Regional Transit Authorities at its budget hearing, which stretched from late Thursday night into early this morning. In his budget, Gov. Jim Doyle proposed ending the state’s film tax… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle signed an executive order Thursday declaring a public health emergency in Wisconsin as the result of the swine flu outbreak. Currently, there are five probable cases of the virus in the state, Doyle said, although the state is still waiting on a final confirmation from the Centers… Read more »

A proposal introduced Wednesday by a Madison lawmaker would raise the state’s beer tax for the first time in 40 years if it is passed. Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, is proposing to increase the state’s beer tax on a half barrel of beer from $2 to $10, meaning an increase… Read more »

The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance voted to keep an increase in funding for the state’s technical colleges in the budget proposal and made changes to the University of Wisconsin System’s financial aid packages at their hearing Wednesday. As a result of changes to the system’s financial aid packages,… Read more »

DANE — Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker formally announced his plan to run for governor in 2010 at various campaign stops throughout the state Tuesday, including Dane, a township north of Madison. Walker is the second Republican candidate in less than a week to announce his intentions to run for… Read more »

A bill passed by the Assembly Tuesday would change the way insurance companies cover pre-existing health conditions for their policyholders.� The bill would require insurance companies to ask clients no more than 10 pages of uniform questions when they are applying for coverage and would prevent insurance companies from… Read more »

Although there have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in Wisconsin, state and University of Wisconsin officials are taking measures to prepare in the event of an outbreak. According to Seth Foldy, state health officer, there have been 10 suspected cases of the flu around Wisconsin. A majority… Read more »

Although the nearly $800 billion in stimulus funds headed to the states as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is intended to help states’ economies, some states are having to spend more money to oversee how the stimulus funds are spent. Under current law, states must meet… Read more »

In an effort to help save money and increase college attendance and graduation rates, President Barack Obama is proposing to change the way student loans are distributed nationwide. Obama’s plan, included in his budget proposal, would end the Federal Family Education Loan Program in exchange for more direct lending to… Read more »

Former Congressman Mark Neumann announced his plan to run for governor in the 2010 election Thursday, according to an exclusive interview with the Wisconsin State Journal. “Some time between now and October we’ll be getting into the race,” Neumann said in the interview. Neumann also made similar comments to… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle said earlier this week that a proposal to raise the state’s gas tax three cents is worthy of consideration, despite his 2006 campaign promises that he would not increase the tax while serving as governor. The plan to raise the state’s gas tax was not included… Read more »

With President Barack Obama nearing his 100th day in office, almost two-thirds of Americans polled said they approve of the job he is doing. In a poll released by the Pew Research Center Thursday, 63 percent of respondents said they approve of the job Obama is doing while 26… Read more »

Dane County should not have been allowed to use tax-payer money to help bail criminals out of jail, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said in a formal opinion released Wednesday. Under the Revolving Bail Program, the county could give loans to criminals charged with a misdemeanor offense, such as… Read more »

A measure in Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget proposal to erase the records of certain crimes committed by individuals under the age of 25 was approved by the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance Tuesday. Current law allows a judge to order that the record of a convicted individual may be expunged… Read more »

A bill introduced Tuesday by Sen. Julie Lassa, D-Stevens Point, and Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, would place penalties on former Wisconsin legislators who work for special interest and lobbying organizations within a year after leaving office. The bill prohibits any former lawmakers from taking a job that requires communicating… Read more »

Lung cancer mortality and incidence rates are higher for some of the state’s racial and ethnic minority groups due to tobacco use, according to Wisconsin Department of Health Services statistics released this week. Between 2001 and 2005, blacks had the highest lung cancer incidence rates of any racial group, with… Read more »

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker is likely to announce his candidacy for governor next Tuesday as he makes various stops around the state.Although Walker’s cam-paign gave no details on the “special announcement,” he has been rumored to be considering a run for governor for months and his campaign has also… Read more »

Recently released stat-istics show Wisconsin’s congressional lawmakers handed out thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded bonuses to staffers at the end of last year. Each year every legislator receives funds to pay for all office expenses as well as travel expenses. If a congressional office spends more money than their allocated,… Read more »

Wisconsin citizens are legally allowed to carry firearms openly, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said in a memo to the state’s district attorneys Monday.Currently, Wisconsin and Illinois are the only two states with laws preventing the carrying of concealed weapons. However, according to Van Hollen, there is nothing in state… Read more »

Unemployment rates in Wisconsin continue to climb, now surpassing 9 percent, according to a report released Thursday by the Department of Workforce Development. During March, the state’s unemployment rate reached 9.4 percent, up 0.6 percent from February, totaling 265,900 people currently unemployed in the state. The state’s rate also… Read more »

The growth of illegal Hispanic immigrants in the United States has stalled even though the number of U.S. citizens born to illegal parents is increasing, according to a report released earlier this week. A Pew Hispanic Center report released Tuesday found 73 percent of children nationwide born to illegal… Read more »

As the Wisconsin Legislative Joint Committee on Finance begins its executive hearings on Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget proposal today, some of the proposal’s most controversial issues are likely to spur debate among lawmakers during the coming months. Among the most controversial issues are a proposed statewide smoking ban, benefits for… Read more »

A day after a group of President Barack Obama supporters met in Sun Prairie for the first meeting of Organizing for America in Wisconsin, the group sat down with representatives from University of Wisconsin College Democrats. OFA is focused on involving former campaign volunteers in grassroots movements in local communities… Read more »

SUN PRAIRIE — Keeping with his campaign promise to stay more responsive to the public, a group of President Barack Obama’s supporters held the state’s first Organizing for America listening session Tuesday night outside Madison. According to Dan Grandonod, head of the state OFA organization, the group will focus… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle signed five bills into law on Wednesday, changing state regulations on fertilizer and sentencing for drug offenders. One Senate bill, introduced by Sens. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, and Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, and Reps. Tamara Grigsby, D-Milwaukee, and Fred Kessler, D-Milwaukee, will allow individual judges to decide if… Read more »

To help gain support for high-speed rail, Gov. Jim Doyle — along with Democratic and Republican governors from around the Midwest —sent a letter to the U.S. transportation secretary Friday advocating for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative. Doyle — along with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon,… Read more »

An increase in unemployment — combined with minimal economic growth — reveals a continued decline in Wisconsin’s economic climate, according to a report released by the state Department of Revenue Thursday. According to the Quarterly Wisconsin Economic Outlook report, the state and national economies entered into a recession 16 months… Read more »

Following a wave of states legalizing same-sex marriage this week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will now have the opportunity to review the state’s ban on gay marriage, an appeals court ruled Thursday. William McConkey, a political science lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, filed a suit against the state claiming… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced an initiative to help improve the Milwaukee Public Schools Thursday. The plan was created following the completion of an audit ordered by the governor and mayor in October 2008 that stated MPS is in deep financial trouble and highlighted various areas,… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposals for a statewide smoking ban and benefits for same-sex domestic partners will be kept in the budget proposal, despite instructions from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau Tuesday not to do so. Co-Chairs of the Legislative Joint Committee on Finance, Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, and Sen. Mark Miller,… Read more »

Wisconsin will receive $6.7 million for home lead abatement programs throughout the state from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by April 15, Gov. Jim Doyle announced Tuesday. The programs will help remove old lead paint from homes that can be ingested by children after the paint turns into dust.… Read more »

Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson was reelected to the State Supreme Court beating her opponent Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Randy Koschnick, becoming only the second justice in the court’s history to be elected four times. Abrahamson, 75, won by a margin of 20 percentage points, gaining 60 percent of the… Read more »

Despite contested races on both the local and state level on the ballot during Tuesday’s election, voter turnout remained relatively low near the University of Wisconsin campus. Poll workers at Gordon Commons, Memorial Union, Memorial Library and the Lowell Center all reported relatively low voter traffic. “It’s almost always slow,”… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle testified before the International Olympic Committee Ev-aluation Commission Tues-day to express his support for Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games. If the committee selects Chicago, Madison will host the game’s cycling events, with athletes from around the world likely staying in and training at… Read more »

A new University of Wisconsin Law School study refutes claims made by third-party groups and legislators in recent years that the Wisconsin civil justice system has harmed businesses and citizens by advocating excessive litigation.� The report — titled “Civil Justice in Wisconsin-A Fact Book” — was constructed by UW law… Read more »

State Capitol police evacuated the Capitol building at about 5 p.m. Monday after learning a stolen Canadian plane could be on its way to Madison. According to Capitol Police, Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsin’s Homeland Security advis-or, ordered the evacuation of the building as a precaution. Capitol Police blocked the… Read more »

The Wisconsin Legislative Joint Committee on Finance held their final public hearing on Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget proposal in Cambridge Friday. Since March 23, the committee has held six public hearings in Appleton, Cambridge, Racine, Sparta West Allis and Eau Claire on the governor’s budget, giving citizens the opportunity… Read more »

The audit released Thursday by the Legislative Audit Bureau found federal funds the state spent over the last fiscal year were spent correctly overall — but it highlighted various instances where Wisconsin did not fully comply with federal guidelines. According to the report, the state government spent $10 billion in… Read more »

A Wisconsin Congressman introduced an alternative federal budget Wednesday in an effort counteract the budget proposal introduced by President Barack Obama. According to a report by the Republican Caucus and the Committee on the budget, the Republican Budget Alternative, introduced by House Budget Committee member Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, would spend… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle called for an increase of affordable health care in Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Hospital Association annual Advocacy Day Wednesday. Over 600 hospital administration officials, workers and volunteers representing 116 health care organizations from around Wisconsin met to speak about upcoming concerns for the future of the health… Read more »

The Government Accountability Board adopted a new set of rules covering for violations of campaign, finance ethics and lobbying law Monday. The rule formalized the penalties the GAB can bring against lobbying organizations, lobbyists, political committees and state public officials for failing to meet registration and reporting deadlines, according… Read more »

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle joined forces with Republican Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty in Eau Claire Tuesday to announce over 80 projects the states can collaborate on in an effort to save money as they each face growing budget shortfalls. On Jan. 13, both governors signed executive orders directing their cabinets… Read more »

The Government Accountability Board voted 6-0 Monday to send an amended rule to the state Legislature to increase the regulation of political-issue ads run by third-party groups in Wisconsin. Currently, only advertisements that use the words “vote for” or “elect” are subject to regulation by the GAB. Under the amended… Read more »

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson earned four times more in her fundraising efforts between early February and last week than her challenger, Jefferson County Judge Randy Koschnick, according to figures released Monday. Abrahamson’s campaign reported raising $290,319 between Feb. 3 and March 23, including the $50,000 Abrahamson… Read more »

An audit released Wednesday has sparked concern over the treatment of mentally ill prisoners in Wisconsin’s correctional system. The Legislative Audit Bureau, at the request of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, analyzed staffing and expenditures for mental health services, the process currently used by the Department of Corrections to… Read more »

A proposal introduced Thursday by two Republican lawmakers would dissolve the Milwaukee Public Schools System in favor of eight smaller, independent school districts. “We believe it’s too big to operate,” Sen. Ted Kanavas, R-Brookfield, said of MPS. “Over time … the separation that has occurred between the parents, students… Read more »

The 2009 Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit kicked off Tuesday at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee with many notable Wisconsin politicians and a keynote speaker from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The event featured speakers including Gov. Jim Doyle; Rep. David Obey, D-WI, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee;… Read more »

A bill introduced by state lawmakers to change gun regulations in Wisconsin is drawing criticism from Republicans who argue the bill infringes on citizens’ Second Amendment right to own a gun. The proposal, introduced by Milwaukee Democrats Rep. Leon Young and Sen. Spencer Coggs would require any handgun manufactured after… Read more »

Two thirds of those killed in snowmobile accidents this winter were too intoxicated to legally operate a motor vehicle, according to a study recently released by the Department of Natural Resources.Gary Eddy, DNR snowmobile safety administrator, said 15 of the 23 individuals who were killed in snowmobile accidents were over… Read more »

State lawmakers passed legislation Tuesday to regulate traveling sales crews, sparking criticism from some legislators who argue the bill will prevent college students from earning money during their summer vacations. The bill, dubbed Malinda’s Law, was passed 10 years after a van accident killed seven members of a traveling sales… Read more »

Wisconsin’s requirements to obtain a civil domestic violence protection order earned the state the grade of a B by Break the Cycle, an organization of advocates who wish to end domestic violence. Wisconsin was one of nine states to receive a B, whereas five states received A’s, 14 received C’s,… Read more »

Hollywood stars from Wisconsin are getting involved in the battle between lawmakers over the state’s law on film incentive tax credits. In a letter dated March 3 and addressed to Gov. Jim Doyle and state legislators, Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin alumna Jane Kaczmarek — known for her role… Read more »

As part of a proposal set to be voted on by the Assembly today, individuals facing fines as the result of traffic violations would be allowed to keep their drivers’ license as long as they stick to a payment plan. Under the proposal, authored by Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, and… Read more »

The Department of Workforce Development announced Thursday that state unemployment numbers continued to rise throughout February. Wisconsin’s February unemployment rate was 8.8 percent, up 1.1 percent from January’s rate of 7.7 percent. February’s rate was 3.7 percentage points higher than the same time last year. Although Wisconsin’s rate continued… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle and the Department of Tourism unveiled the state’s new logo and slogan last Monday in La Crosse, sparking controversy from citizens who found the slogan a little too familiar. The logo, featuring a man cart-wheeling over the word Wisconsin and the slogan, “Live Like You Mean… Read more »

While Gov. Jim Doyle’s 2009-11 state budget includes efforts to reduce the expected budget shortfall and create a budget surplus, Wisconsin could still face a budget shortfall of more than $1.5 billion during the 2011-13 biennium, according to a Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo released Thursday. The LFB memo said… Read more »

Members of the Wisconsin Special Committee on Justice Reinvestment Oversight addressed Wednesday the large amount of money spent by the state on its corrections systems. The group met after the Pew Research Group found one in every 109 adults in the state is in jail or prison. Wisconsin spends more… Read more »

President Barack Obama signed a $410 billion spending bill Wednesday that will fund the federal government until the end of the fiscal year in September, and it includes 8,500 earmarks worth about $7.7 billion nationally. The state of Wisconsin will receive 153 of these earmarks, which will total $102,978,050. Based… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle asked the Joint Committee on Finance Wednesday to authorize $42.5 million worth of funds from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus package for road, bridge and transportation projects throughout the state. The governor submitted a list of 19 local priority bridge projects, totaling nearly $8… Read more »

A bill introduced by Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, Wednesday would put limits on the deployment of Wisconsin National Guard Troops into combat areas. According to Black, the legislation would require the governor to review the federalization orders, which can include overseas deployment of the Wisconsin National Guard, and take any… Read more »

Although the 2010 gubernatorial race is still more than a year away, a recent poll released by the Maclver Institute gives Gov. Jim Doyle only a slim lead against two possible Republican challengers. Neither Doyle nor his possible Republican challengers, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark… Read more »

The Wisconsin population is becoming less Christian, according to the 2008 American Religious Identification Survey released Monday. According to the report, 76 percent of the state’s population identifies themselves as Christian, a drop from the 91 percent of the population that identified as Christians in 1990. Similarly, the number… Read more »

A bill introduced Monday to end political control of the Department of Natural Resources has gained support from a majority of state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, to the dismay of the governor. The bill — authored by Reps. Spencer Black, D-Madison; Dean Kaufer, R-Neenah; Mary Hubler, D-Rice… Read more »

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health student Siavash Sarlati traveled to Washington D.C. Thursday to participate in President Barack Obama’s national forum on health care. The forum brought together lawmakers, doctors, business leaders and average citizens to discuss ways to improve the American heath care system… Read more »

The state’s official estimate of unpaid taxes, including fees and interests, has officially topped $1 billion. Over the course of the last year, the total amount of delinquent taxes owed to the state increased from about $800 million in July 2007 to more than $1 billion as of July 2008,… Read more »

As part of an effort to reduce wasteful spending by the federal government, Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., Rep. Paul Ryan, D-Janesville, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., announced a plan to reintroduce the Congressional Accountability and Line-Item Veto bill at a press conference in Washington this morning. The bill would… Read more »

To encourage safety among students, officials at the University of Minnesota-Duluth proposed changes to the school’s alcohol practice to protect students who call the police in the event of an alcohol emergency from legal ramifications. “The idea is for us to encourage students to help one another,” said Randy… Read more »

District 8 candidate Bryon Eagon announced Monday he has received the endorsement of Mayor Dave Cieslewicz in the Madison City Council race. Eagon is a University of Wisconsin junior majoring in political science and communication arts. “Bryon Eagon has all the tools needed to be a great alder. He’s bright,… Read more »

Despite nearly a five-year battle, Wisconsin will now have to repay the federal government $15 million in excess it received in part from the accidental overpayment of benefits to welfare recipients. According to David Schmiedicke, budget director for Gov. Jim Doyle, the overpayments were a result of contradictory advice… Read more »

The Department of Workforce Development announced Thursday the state’s unemployment rate in January was up 1.8 percent from December, for a total unemployment rate of 7.6 percent. The rate was 2.7 percent higher than the 4.9 percent unemployment rate for the same time last year. However, despite the state’s increase,… Read more »

Wisconsin could receive a total of $89 million from the federal stimulus package if the state expands the requirements for unemployment benefits. Without the expanded requirements, the state will receive $45 million from the package, according to Dick Jones, Workforce Development spokesperson. However, the possible benefit increase has received criticism… Read more »

Drivers who speed through construction zones and intersections could receive citations in the mail if a budget proposal from Gov. Jim Doyle passes. The plan would allow police departments throughout the state to set up cameras at intersections and in highway construction zones to catch speeders. A picture would… Read more »

The number of district attorneys throughout the state could be reduced if budget cuts proposed by Gov. Jim Doyle are approved. Under the proposal, the statewide budget for district attorneys would be cut by about 6 percent, according to Richard DuFour, Marquette County district attorney and secretary for the… Read more »

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., addressed concerns Monday regarding the economy and health care during a listening session with Dane County residents in Deerfield. Feingold also announced the launch of a new section of his website designed to inform Wisconsin citizens about the newly passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.… Read more »

At a meeting Monday morning with governors from around the country, President Barack Obama announced Wisconsin will be able to access federal stimulus money designated for Medicaid expenses as soon as Wednesday. The state will be eligible for about $163 million in federal funding under the bill. “Children with asthma… Read more »

Although the state budget Gov. Jim Doyle proposed last week still has to pass the state Legislature, domestic partner benefits proposed in the Budget Address are already generating controversy and lawsuit threats. In his address, Doyle proposed an extension of benefits, such as health care, for domestic partners that… Read more »

While Gov. Jim Doyle spoke about the expected shortfall of $5.7 billion in his budget address Tuesday night, the amount the governor and legislators will have to deal with is actually $200 million higher — amounting to a total shortfall of $5.9 billion. According to Doyle spokesperson Lee Sensenbrenner, the… Read more »

The state Legislature passed the state stimulus package Wednesday designed to help repair the $600 million budget shortfall Wisconsin currently faces under its current budget set to expire June 30. The package was introduced last week by a coalition of Democratic lawmakers as well as Gov. Jim Doyle and moved… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle addressed the importance of health care, education, budget cuts and the federal stimulus package Tuesday night during his budget address. Doyle continually emphasized education throughout his speech, adding it is the only area of the budget that will receive increased funding while nearly all other areas… Read more »

With the state facing a nearly $6 billion shortfall, Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to present a budget with deep cuts when he delivers his proposal to lawmakers tonight. A variety of tax increases slated to be included in the budget have been circulating the state, among them a possible… Read more »

In addition to the price increase caused by the federal government, Wisconsin smokers may end up paying even more for their next pack of cigarettes if Gov. Jim Doyle increases state taxes when he proposes his budget tonight. The state increased the tax on each pack of cigarettes by $1… Read more »

While many University of Wisconsin students and Madison residents will not begin thinking about the annual Mifflin Block Party until winter is over, some city officials are already starting to plan for the event. Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, will be holding a meeting tonight with the Madison Police… Read more »

The annual Hoofers Winter Carnival will be held this weekend featuring a variety of events, including the unveiling of Lady Liberty’s torch and crown in honor of the 30th anniversary of her presence on campus. The statue is a replica of the top fifth of the original Statue of… Read more »

Wisconsin lawmakers plan to announce a deal this afternoon to fix the current $600 million deficit in the state budget set to expire June 30. Assembly and Senate leaders, as well as Gov. Jim Doyle, constructed the plan. Final details about the deal will be announced at 1:30 p.m.… Read more »

To increase government transparency and accountability, four Assembly Republicans announced the proposal of a package of bills to change the way the state budget is handled. Reps. Bill Kramer, R-Waukesha, Rich Zipperer, R-Pewaukee, Leah Vukmir, R-Wauwatosa, and Brett David, R-Oregon, introduced the proposals at a press conference Tuesday morning.… Read more »

Wisconsin may become one of the more than 40 states to provide protection to breastfeeding mothers if a plan moving through the state Legislature passes. The Senate held a public hearing Monday to discuss the proposal that would prohibit others from harassing mothers who are breast-feeding in public or… Read more »

Five Wisconsin school districts are seeking damages and federal assistance after they were given financial advice that resulted in a loss of an investment for the teachers’ retirement and health care benefits. Two years ago, the Kimberly, Waukesha, Kenosha, West Allis-West Milwaukee and Whitefish Bay school districts approved the… Read more »

As the federal stimulus package makes its way through the Senate this week, United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood told Midwest reporters in a conference call Thursday the national government is already identifying areas where the money can be spent immediately to help improve the country’s economic health.… Read more »

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle announced Wednesday he will delay the introduction of the state budget as well as the implementation of the BadgerChoice health care program. The budget will now be introduced Feb. 17 instead of its previously scheduled date of Feb. 10, while the BadgerChoice program will have… Read more »

Despite the fact the next Wisconsin gubernatorial race is still almost two years away, the names of multiple Republican candidates are already circulating throughout the state. Thus far, the two men currently slated as possible candidates are Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, according to… Read more »

In an effort to improve everything from agricultural research to library storage, the University of Wisconsin is requesting authority from the state to use $450 million on various campus construction projects. Around $150 million of the proposal will come directly from the state funds, according to Alan Fish, associated… Read more »

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich brought impeachment claims against Gov. Jim Doyle Thursday in an attempt to defend himself just hours before the Illinois Senate voted 59-0 to remove him from office. One of the Articles of Impeachment brought against Blagojevich indicted him for breaking federal law by allowing the… Read more »

As bleak reports regarding the nation’s economic climate continue to circulate, a Washington-based think tank announced this week Wisconsin could get as much as $8.87 billion from the stimulus bill that passed the House Wednesday. Sean Gibbons, a spokesperson for Center for American Progress, said the amount of money… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle addressed concerns regarding the economy, health care and educational funding Wednesday night at his annual State of the State address. “We meet tonight at a time of great difficult in this country, which has been felt deeply in this state,” Doyle said. “A Wall Street meltdown as… Read more »

The Wisconsin state Legislature voted Wednesday to approve a bill that would end the distribution of state unemployment benefits and begin the payment of federal benefits to the almost 180,000 out-of-work Wisconsin residents. In a special session, the bill was passed almost unanimously, with only Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, voting… Read more »

Three Senate Democrats announced a proposal Monday designed to help curb drunken driving throughout the state by increasing penalties for repeat offenders. The senators’ proposal would make the third Operating While Intoxicated offense within three years a felony and make all fourth OWI offenses, regardless of when they occur,… Read more »

To help alleviate the monetary deficiencies of the Unemployment Reserve Fund, members of the Legislative Joint Committee on Finance voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a bill that will stop the distribution of state supplemental unemployment benefits. According to a letter from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the bill will allow… Read more »

Amid a $5.4 billion budget shortfall, the highest unemployment rate since the 1980s and a recession with no end in sight, Gov. Jim Doyle will deliver his annual State of the State address tonight at the Capitol. Doyle spokesperson Lee Sensenbrenner said the governor’s speech will “focus on creating… Read more »

Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold proposed a U.S. Constitutional amendment Sunday that would require all states to hold a special election in the event of an unexpected Senate vacancy. The proposal was created in light of recent scandals in both New York and Illinois regarding the gubernatorial appointment of candidates in… Read more »

Despite prominent female figures appearing on the national political scene, the number of women in the Wisconsin state Legislature is dwindling. This fall, as the new state legislators took office, only 29 members — just 22 percent of the total Legislature — were women. According to Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Barbara… Read more »

Gov. Jim Doyle signed an executive order Friday creating a new office to advise officials on how to spend the potentially billions in federal stimulus money the state is expected to receive from President Barack Obama’s administration in the coming months. The Office of Recovery and Reinvestment is designed… Read more »

As the Wisconsin State Supreme Court race draws nearer, a new controversy has emerged regarding current Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson’s use of the University of Wisconsin’s Law School’s Career and Student Service newsletter. According to Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, this listing violates various Wisconsin statutes preventing candidates running for… Read more »

The Wisconsin State Department of Workforce Development announced Thursday the state’s unemployment rate in December was up 1.2 percent from the same time in 2007, increasing to 5.8 percent. The nation’s unadjusted rate for December was 7.1 percent, up 0.6 percent from November, and up 2.3 percent from December… Read more »

In honor of President Barack Obama’s first official day in office, the Immigrant Workers Union held a press conference Wednesday night to express their desires regarding immigration reform at both the state and national level. Presently, the workers union is concerned over the lack of immigration reform planned for the… Read more »

State Rep. Cory Mason, D-Racine, announced his bill Monday he says restores federal civil rights to state and University of Wisconsin System employees. Presently, federal laws such as the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standard Act and the Age Discrimination Employment Act do… Read more »

Despite bleak economic reports regarding the current climate of Wisconsin, Gov. Jim Doyle said in a conference call this week he believes the state’s economy could start to turn around by summer 2009. According to Doyle’s spokesperson Lee Sensenbrenner, Doyle is especially hopeful about Wisconsin’s future economic health now that… Read more »

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced last week an attempt to cut costs by combining services in state government as a way to reduce the deficits both states are currently facing this year. Wisconsin is currently facing a $5.4 billion deficit, while Minnesota’s deficit is… Read more »

With the 2008 presidential and congressional elections over, Wisconsin is now looking toward the next big state race, the 2010 state gubernatorial election, raising questions about whether Gov. Jim Doyle will run for a third term. Doyle has not given a definitive answer about his re-election plans but has… Read more »

Democrats introduced the first three bills of the new legislative session, including a raise in minimum wage, early this month to the Wisconsin Senate. The bills will be a major priority for Democrats, who are in control of both the Senate and Assembly for the first time in years.… Read more »

With the 2008 State Supreme Court election considered one of the most negative and costly in state history, many Wisconsin residents are concerned about the potential for another nasty campaign this spring. The 2009 Supreme Court election pits current Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson against Judge Randy Koschnick, current Jefferson… Read more »

As the state Legislature goes back into session this month, Senate Democrats are likely to reintroduce the Healthy Wisconsin Proposal. Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, are currently planning to reorganize the bill before presenting it to the Senate. According to Decker spokesperson Carrie… Read more »

As Wisconsin slips deeper into a record $5.4 billion deficit, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee will likely have a more crucial role than ever during this session as it works to balance the state’s budget. The Joint Finance Committee is headed by newly-selected Co-chairs Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, and… Read more »

A coalition of student organizations is expressing concern regarding the Associated Students of Madison’s new constitution, saying it poses a threat to student interests and organizations. Before the constitution can be presented to students in a special election in February, it must be approved by the ASM Student Council at… Read more »

The new University of Wisconsin Student Activity Center, which will open in January 2009, had its first budget approved by the Student Services Finance Committee Monday. The budget for the SAC, which will go into effect starting fall 2010, will total $306,550. When the SAC opens in January, it will… Read more »

For most people, a raise at work serves as a reward for a job well done and the opportunity for self-indulgence. But for the University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly and an increasing number of university officials throughout the nation, a raise is starting to serve an entirely… Read more »

A rejected candidate for a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse dean position has now been offered the job after a court ruled Tuesday the university discriminated against him on the basis of his gender. Administrative Law Judge John Brown found UW-La Crosse did discriminate when it did not appoint Martin Venneman… Read more »

A conference at the University of Wisconsin Thursday focused on how tricky navigating the changing global workforce of the 21st century can be for recent college graduates.According to UW System President Kevin Reilly, graduates of today’s world are expected to hold more than seven jobs throughout their lifetimes and handle… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point received a $2.2 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency Thursday to continue funding the university’s nationally renowned environmental education program. Known as the National Environmental Education Training Program at UWSP, the program was awarded the competitive grant from the EPA’s Office of Environmental Education.… Read more »

The Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow will likely not have another chance at General Student Service Funds until 2010 as a result of a recent decision made by the Student Judiciary. The decision was released Wednesday and rejected the free market environmentalist group’s appeal, which claimed Student Services Finance Committee’s… Read more »

The American Council on Education has launched a new initiative promoting access and success in higher education for service members and their families. The program, “Serving Those Who Serve: Higher Education and America’s Veterans,” will include a competition for grants to be awarded to veteran-friendly institutions as well as an… Read more »

At its meeting Thursday, the Board of Regents debated allowing other University of Wisconsin System schools to offer doctoral degrees as well as educational doctoral degree programs. Currently, only UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee offer doctoral degree programs.. Although some of the comprehensive UW System universities currently offer doctoral degrees, they do… Read more »

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents will convene today to examine two major issues challenging the system, including the graying and retention of faculty. In addition to professors, there is likely to be a shortage of university health workers, advisers and others who help provide services to… Read more »

Financing a college education is a major concern for students, but according to the College Board’s Annual Report on Tuition and Student Aid, the worst could be yet to come. For the past decade, college tuition has increased by one to three percentage points above the consumer price index, which… Read more »

Safety concerns were heightened through universities across the nation over the weekend when two students were shot to death at the University of Central Arkansas. On Sunday night, the UCA Police Department received a report of shots fired, and within minutes an officer was on the scene, and a suspect… Read more »

For most college students, paying back student loans after graduation has become an expected part of the college experience. But for students at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the burden of student loans may be smaller than that of students at other UW System institutions. According to Project on Student… Read more »

The Student Services Finance Committee approved funding eligibility for the student organization Roman Catholic Foundation as well as minimal funding for Student Tenant Union Monday night. To be eligible to receive funding, a student group must have students as their main focus, provide no academic credit for their service, reach… Read more »

Financing college education is a greater challenge for Latino students than other demographic of students across the nation, according to a study released by the University of California Los Angeles. According to the report, one in five Latino freshmen expressed major concern about the ability to pay compared with 8.6… Read more »

Smokers at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities could be forced to leave campus to light up a cigarette as a result of recent considerations to institute a campuswide smoking ban. U of M is looking into a smoking ban for all university buildings and property, which is due in part… Read more »

The Student Service Finance Committee rejected funding eligibility for the student organization Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow and approved funding for the organization Movimiento Estudantil Chicano de Aztl�n, or MEChA, Tuesday. To be eligible to receive funding, a student group must have students as the main focus of their organization,… Read more »

State Treasurer Dawn Sass has declared Oct. 7 the Wisconsin Higher Education Day to raise awareness on higher education issues throughout the state. Throughout the state, events will be held to help parents, students and community members learn about the importance of higher education. The events will provide guests with… Read more »

The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is raising awareness throughout the state this fall by holding campus outreach events, hoping to ensure veterans know their guaranteed rights. The events began last spring and started again Sept. 3 when the Department of Veterans Affairs teamed up with Vets for Vets in… Read more »