“We must act quickly:" Governor Walker authorizes National Guard to help deal with bird flu

“We must act quickly:" Governor Walker authorizes National Guard to help deal with bird flu

MADISON (WITI) -- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker on Monday, April 20th signed Executive Order #156, authorizing the Wisconsin National Guard to assist authorities in the response to the avian influenza virus affecting Jefferson, Juneau and Barron Counties.“We must act quickly and efficiently to contain the outbreak and protect domestic poultry,” Governor Walker said.  “It is important to note, however, there is no threat to humans with the avian flu outbreak.”According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), avian influenza virus has been detected in three Wisconsin poultry flocks, affecting tens of thousands of chickens and turkeys.

Alderman comes up with plan to fund Milwaukee Bucks arena, and it involves sales tax

Alderman comes up with plan to fund Milwaukee Bucks arena, and it involves sales tax

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Alderman Bob Bauman has come out with a plan to help fund a new Milwaukee Bucks arena in downtown Milwaukee -- and it involves a sales tax."Sales tax is the solution," Alderman Bauman said.Alderman Bauman has suggested Milwaukee County create a one percent sales tax.Bauman says the money would cover the public funding for the project, as well as other public needs, such as parks, cultural institutions and transit, things currently covered by property taxes.

Former campaign managers form super PAC to fundraise for Governor Walker

Former campaign managers form super PAC to fundraise for Governor Walker

MADISON (AP) — Scott Walker's likely campaign for the White House is getting a boost from some former staffers, who have set up a political group able to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money.Two former campaign managers for the Wisconsin governor said Thursday they have formed a super PAC to support Walker.The move comes after three other Republicans have already officially announced their plans to run for president.Walker is sticking by his timeline not to announce his decision on whether to run until after he signs the state budget into law, likely in June.Walker in January formed a committee that allows him to raise unlimited amounts.

Walker meets with business leaders in Spain as European trade mission comes to an end

Walker meets with business leaders in Spain as European trade mission comes to an end

MADISON (AP) — Governor Scott Walker has met with business executives in northern Spain as his weeklong European trade mission is nearing an end.Walker's office said Thursday, April 16th that the Republican addressed the business leaders already planning to expand into the United States at a round table discussion in the Basque Country.

UWM chancellor says expected budget cuts could mean students taking longer to graduate

UWM chancellor says expected budget cuts could mean students taking longer to graduate

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone was the speaker at a Milwaukee Press Club luncheon on Wednesday, April 15th, and he talked about the expected cuts in the state budget and how they are going to affect the university.Governor Scott Walker's budget proposal includes slashing the UW System’s budget by $300 million, freezing tuition for two years and decoupling the system from state oversight.

Governor Walker arrives in Germany, leading 22-member delegation on week-long trade mission

Governor Walker arrives in Germany, leading 22-member delegation on week-long trade mission

GERMANY (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker has arrived in Germany to mark the start of a week-long European trade mission to promote state exports and encourage foreign companies to consider establishing or expanding operations in Wisconsin.“The pro-business climate we have developed in Wisconsin, and our quality workforce, help make a strong case for why companies in Germany, France and Spain should take a close look at our state if they’re considering entering the U.S. for the first time, or increasing their presence here,” Governor Walker said. “I look forward to meeting face-to-face with business and government leaders in all three countries, to increase awareness of all Wisconsin has to offer.”Governor Walker is leading a 22-member delegation that includes Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary Reed Hall and other WEDC staff, as well as executives from seven Wisconsin companies.

To "meet financial challenges," UWM offering employees voluntary separation incentive

To "meet financial challenges," UWM offering employees voluntary separation incentive

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is offering a voluntary separation incentive to some employees to help save money in anticipation of a cut in state funding.The incentive provides a one-time payment of half their base salary to eligible employees, who must be vested with the Wisconsin Retirement System and qualify for a full annuity as of July 1st.Four other UW campuses have announced similar cost-saving measures since Gov.

Governor Walker signs cyberstalking bill into law, victim says: "It gives me peace of mind"

Governor Walker signs cyberstalking bill into law, victim says: "It gives me peace of mind"

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker on Wednesday, April 8th signed a bill that will allow state judges to issue restraining orders against anyone who uses technology to harass a Wisconsin resident from anywhere in the country."I applaud the legislators and the governor for closing the gap," Melissa Torres, who has been a target of cyberbullying said.Current state law allows Wisconsin judges to issue restraining orders only against harassers and stalkers who reside within the state.The bill's authors, Sen.

Governor Walker headed to Germany, France, Spain for weeklong trade mission

Governor Walker headed to Germany, France, Spain for weeklong trade mission

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker is leading a weeklong trade mission to Germany, France, and Spain focusing on increasing the state’s exports in those countries and encouraging European companies to invest in Wisconsin.“Wisconsin hit an all-time record for exporting in 2014, and one aspect of our strategy to continue that growth is to provide state companies with opportunities to establish and develop new partnerships overseas,” Governor Walker said. “At the same time, we will conduct one-on-one meetings with executives of companies in all three countries about the benefits of establishing or expanding their operations in Wisconsin.”Governor Walker will lead a 22-member delegation that includes leaders from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), executives from seven Wisconsin companies, Jim Paetsch, Vice President of Corporate Expansion & Attraction for the Milwaukee 7 regional economic development organization, and Dean Amhaus, President and CEO of The Water Council.During the trade mission, the company executives will engage in targeted, one-on-one meetings with potential business partners coordinated by WEDC’s authorized trade representative network in those countries.

Governor Walker signs bill that allows restraining orders for cyberstalking victims

Governor Walker signs bill that allows restraining orders for cyberstalking victims

MADISON (AP) — Governor Scott Walker has signed a bill that will allow state judges to issue restraining orders against anyone who uses technology to harass a Wisconsin resident from anywhere in the country.Current state law allows Wisconsin judges to issue restraining orders only against harassers and stalkers who reside within the state.Walker signed the bill into law on Wednesday, April 8th.The bill's authors, Sen.

Paul Ryan on a potential Scott Walker bid for president: "I think he's got a really good chance"

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WITI) -- Congressman Paul Ryan, a former vice presidential candidate says Governor Scott Walker has a "good chance" in his own potential run for the White House.In recent months, Governor Walker seems to have vaulted into the national spotlight as he explores a possible run for the White House, and now, he's getting advice from someone who knows firsthand what that campaign trail looks like.

Governor Scott Walker signs 11 bills into law at the Capitol

Governor Scott Walker signs 11 bills into law at the Capitol

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker signed 11 bills into law at the Capitol Wednesday, April 8th.Assembly Bill 2 – Clarifies the language of the “acting together” provision of a Wisconsin statute to confirm the holding of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in order to match judicial interpretations in Dawson v.