Wisconsin Senate begins budget debate

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Senate has begun debating the state budget 11 weeks after the $76 billion spending plan was due.Republicans entered the day one vote short of the 17 they needed to pass the plan.

McCabe joins crowded Democratic field for Wisconsin governor

MADISON — Longtime Wisconsin political activist Mike McCabe joined the increasingly crowded Democratic field for governor on Tuesday, casting himself as an outsider from the left who will shake up the establishment.McCabe, 56, said in an interview that as governor he would restore collective bargaining rights lost under Republican Gov.

Gov. Walker authorizes Wisconsin National Guard to assist Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker signed an executive order Friday, September 8th that allowed the Wisconsin National Guard to assist in Florida, if needed, in response to Hurricane Irma.According to a news release from Governor Walker's office, the order also temporarily waives certain federal and state regulations for interstate and intrastate carriers providing direct emergency relief and assistance relating to Hurricane Irma.“We stand ready to help our friends in Florida who are bracing for Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest Atlantic Ocean storms on record,” Governor Walker said. “I thank Major General Dunbar and the men and women of the Wisconsin National Guard for their readiness and willingness to assist in response efforts.

Change in the air: Peter Barca stepping down as Assembly Minority Leader

MADISON -- Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D - Kenosha) released a statement on Thursday evening, September 7th to announce he is stepping down as Minority Leader effective Saturday, September 30th.In a news release, Barca issued the following statement:

Committee approves $76 billion Wisconsin budget

MADISON — The $76 billion Wisconsin budget is headed to the state Assembly and Senate for approval.The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee passed the two-year spending plan Wednesday night on a party line vote, more than two months after the budget was due.

Governor Walker seeks applicants for Milwaukee County sheriff

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker announced Wednesday, September 6th that he is seeking applicants to serve as the Milwaukee County sheriff.The appointment will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sheriff David Clarke, who turned in his letter of resignation on Thursday, August 31st.The appointed sheriff will begin serving immediately and will complete a term ending January 7, 2019.If you are interested in applying for the position, please complete the online application on Governor Walker’s website, or send a cover letter and resume to govappointments@wisconsin.gov.According to a press release from the Office of Governor Walker, applicants should outline in their cover letters what professional and academic experiences qualify them to serve as Milwaukee County sheriff and describe their civic activities and community involvement.Application materials must be received no later than Wednesday, September 27, 2017.Potential applicants with questions about the appointment process may contact Gubernatorial Appointments Director Dan Sievert at (608) 266-1212.

Wisconsin to get far less in road money than it wanted

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin is getting about five times less from the federal government in transportation money than it requested.The news further complicates reaching a deal on road funding that has stalled passage of a state budget.