As Walker, GOP leaders reverse course on open records changes, Democrats speak out

As Walker, GOP leaders reverse course on open records changes, Democrats speak out

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker and top Republican lawmakers have reversed course on controversial changes to the state's open records laws.Walker says he and GOP legislative leaders have agreed to completely remove a part of the proposed state budget that would severely roll back the state’s open records laws.Walker announced the decision in a joint statement Saturday, July 4th with Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and the co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee.The statement says the records proposal “will be removed from the budget in its entirety.” They say the plan “was never intended to inhibit transparent government in any way.”The restrictions, which Republicans slipped into the proposed budget late Thursday, would exempt nearly everything created by government officials from Wisconsin’s open records law.The statement says the Legislature will form a committee to study the issue and allow for public discussion.Governor Scott Walker, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, and the Joint Finance Committee Co-Chairs, Senator Alberta Darling and Representative John Nygren, released the following statement on the provisions to the state’s open records law included in Motion 999:

Wisconsin freedom of information advocates blast proposal

Wisconsin freedom of information advocates blast proposal

MADISON -- Wisconsin's freedom of information advocates are blasting a surprise GOP motion that would limit access to public records.The provisions passed by the state's budget committee Thursday night would exempt nearly all records created by state and local government officials from the state's open records law.

Governor Walker signs 30 bills into law: Here are details on all 30

Governor Walker signs 30 bills into law: Here are details on all 30

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker signed 30 bills into law Wednesday, July 1st at the Capitol.Assembly Bill 47 – allows the governing body of the municipality to appoint either a member of the body or a resident of the municipality to serve on the district board of commissioners, thereby enabling them to better manage the workload of various board appointments, allow interested citizens to serve and ensure lake district boards have sufficient membership.

Governor Walker signs bill that broadens use of epinephrine injectors for allergic reactions

Governor Walker signs bill that broadens use of epinephrine injectors for allergic reactions

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker on Wednesday, July 1st signed into law a measure that broadens use of epinephrine auto-injectors by trained individuals statewide, devices once only approved for emergency use in Wisconsin by doctors or in schools by nurses during allergic reactions.The small, pen-like devices deliver an instant shot of adrenaline to quickly open breathing airways severely constricted during allergic reactions to food, insect stings, latex or medications.Wisconsin’s new law allows auto-injectors to be used beyond schools and at summer camps, colleges, daycare facilities, youth sports leagues, amusement parks, restaurants, businesses and sports arenas.“We are so happy and grateful that the State of Wisconsin now has this law.

Walker says framework of budget deal likely in next few days; others not so optimistic

Walker says framework of budget deal likely in next few days; others not so optimistic

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker on Wednesday, June 24th said the framework of a budget deal to break a nearly month-long impasse is likely in the next few days.Walker did not say Wednesday what the deal may look like.But Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says in response, "It sounds like the governor is more optimistic than I am."Walker is downplaying the budget delay, noting that only three budgets have been signed before July 19th since 1983 and two of those were when he was governor.He also defends his involvement in the budget negotiations, saying he has been more active this year than ever before.Meanwhile, Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says he still does not have the votes to pass the state budget.Fitzgerald said Wednesday that he is still working with Republican senators who want to see items "included, eliminated or modified."The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee has not met since May 29th and has no meetings scheduled.Republican leaders said Tuesday their goal was to be done by July 1st, which is unlikely.Fitzgerald says Republicans have yet to reach agreement on several key issues, including whether to delay work on the Zoo Interchange near Milwaukee to deal with cuts in road funding, whether to remove a financing deal for a new Milwaukee Bucks arena from the budget and what changes to make to the state's prevailing wage law.

Gov. Walker signs bills that loosen gun laws; one eliminates 48-hour waiting period

Gov. Walker signs bills that loosen gun laws; one eliminates 48-hour waiting period

MILWAUKEE -- Governor Scott Walker, one week after nine people were shot and killed inside the Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston, South Carolina was in Milwaukee Wednesday, June 24th to sign a pair of bills that loosen Wisconsin's gun laws.The all-but-certain Republican presidential candidate planned to sign one bill Wednesday to eliminate the state's 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases.