Wisconsin tribal leader calls for action on opioids

Wisconsin tribal leader calls for action on opioids

MADISON — The leader of the Forest County Potawatomi Community on Tuesday urged Wisconsin policymakers to work together to fight the scourge of opioid abuse that he said was hitting the state's native populations hard.Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Ned Daniels Jr., used the annual State of the Tribes speech to call for a “sharp focus” on opioid abuse.“Our children and grandchildren will remember and thank you for the things you do on this issue today," he said in the speech given in the Assembly chamber.

Wisconsin Assembly to vote on bill targeting drug prices

Wisconsin Assembly to vote on bill targeting drug prices

MADISON — The Wisconsin Assembly is slated to vote Tuesday on a bipartisan bill designed to lower the cost of prescription drugs.The measure is part of a growing call nationwide to do something about rising prescription drug prices.

Wisconsin Assembly to vote on bills fighting water pollution

Wisconsin Assembly to vote on bills fighting water pollution

MADISON — A bipartisan, $10 million package of more than a dozen bills designed to combat groundwater contamination in Wisconsin is slated for approval in the state Assembly on Tuesday.The bills contain the recommendations from a water quality task force called by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to address growing concerns about groundwater contamination in the state.

Finance committee to hold hearing, vote on Republican tax cut plan

Finance committee to hold hearing, vote on Republican tax cut plan

MADISON — Republican lawmakers are set to begin a last-minute push to pass a $250 million income tax cut plan Monday with a public hearing and vote in the Legislature's powerful finance committee.Approval would clear the way for floor votes in the Senate on Wednesday and in the Assembly on Thursday, during its last floor period of the two-year legislative session.

Wisconsin Republicans propose tax cuts for farmers

Wisconsin Republicans propose tax cuts for farmers

MADISON — Wisconsin farmers would receive up to a $7,500 tax break this year under a bill that's part of a fast-moving package of proposals Assembly Republicans unveiled Monday to dovetail with Democratic Gov.

Regents OK $32.6 million in UW-Madison construction overruns

Regents OK $32.6 million in UW-Madison construction overruns

MADISON — The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved UW-Madison's request Friday to spend nearly $33 million to cover cost overruns on two construction projects despite complaints that the work has been mismanaged.The university is working to expand and remodel Babcock Hall, which houses the Department of Food Science and produces a variety of dairy products, including cheese and ice cream.

Wisconsin Republican leaders eyeing property, income tax cut

Wisconsin Republican leaders eyeing property, income tax cut

MADISON — Republican leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature said Wednesday that they are looking at using some of a state surplus to cut income and property taxes while also paying down debt, although details of what may be put forward remain in flux.Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he agreed with Senate Republicans “in general” about what taxes to cut.

Gov. Evers declares State of Emergency in 3 counties in response to lakeshore flooding, damage

Gov. Evers declares State of Emergency in 3 counties in response to lakeshore flooding, damage

MADISON -- Governor Tony Evers signed on Friday, Jan. 31 Executive Order #68 declaring a State of Emergency in Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties in response to lakeshore flooding and strong winter storms in the region.The storms, which occurred January 10-12, caused significant infrastructure damage in areas along the Lake Michigan shoreline.A State of Emergency declaration directs state agencies to assist those affected by the storms.