State Senate leader hoping to vote on elections board next week

MADISON — The Republican leader of the state Senate is optimistic that bills dissolving Wisconsin's unique nonpartisan elections board and rewriting the state's campaign finance law will be passed next week.A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said Wednesday that talks are ongoing with senators to reach consensus on the measures.

Senate confirms Gov. Walker's decision to appoint Mark Hogan as CEO of WEDC

MADISON — The Wisconsin Senate has confirmed Governor Scott Walker's decision to appoint a campaign donor to lead his troubled economic development agency.Walker appointed Mark Hogan to replace Reed Hall as CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in September.

Dept. of Administration: Wisconsin finished fiscal year with $135.6 million surplus

MADISON — Governor Scott Walker's administration says the state finished the last fiscal year with a $135 million surplus.The Department of Administration released report on Thursday that found the state finished the fiscal year that ended June 30 with a balance of $135.6 million in its general fund, which includes taxes, gaming compact revenue and other revenue generated by state agencies.The report noted the state brought in a little more than $15.7 billion in general fund revenue through taxes and departmental revenues.