Legislation comes in the wake of the tragic disappearances of Prince McCree in Milwaukee and Lily Peters in Chippewa Falls On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Gov. Tony Evers signed the “Prince Act”—Senate Bill (SB) 981, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 272—which aims to address gaps in the Wisconsin AMBER Alert System by expanding criteria for issuing alerts for missing children. Gov. Evers … [Read more...] about Gov. Evers signs bipartisan “Prince Act” to expand AMBER Alert System for missing kids
legislation
Bipartisan lawmakers pushing for tougher penalties in police chases
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are asking Governor Tony Evers to sign tougher legislation when it comes to reckless driving. Senate Bill 514 would increase punishments for criminals who flee from police when the chase results in injury or death. Both Republican and Democratic state lawmakers came together at the Greenfield Police Station to ask Evers to sign the … [Read more...] about Bipartisan lawmakers pushing for tougher penalties in police chases
Milwaukee Common Council approves 2 percent sales tax to avoid a financial crisis
The tax passed with a 12-3 vote The Milwaukee Common Council voted 12-3 on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, to approve a higher sales tax. That was two more than the two-thirds majority needed to pass. Voting 'no' were council members Andrea Pratt, Mark Chambers, Jr., and Milele Coggs. The sales tax in Milwaukee will go up 2 cents per dollar as of January 1, 2024. City … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Common Council approves 2 percent sales tax to avoid a financial crisis
Bills increasing reckless driving penalties get OK from WI Assembly committee
Rep. Bob Donovan, the author of the bills, says they are an effort to hold reckless drivers accountable A pair of bills that would increase penalties for reckless driving received approval Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in a Wisconsin State Assembly committee. The first would double reckless driving fines and jail time. The second would allow cities to tow vehicles if the person … [Read more...] about Bills increasing reckless driving penalties get OK from WI Assembly committee
Council votes to make Juneteenth an official city holiday
On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the Common Council approved an ordinance making Juneteenth Day an official city holiday. The legislation – Council file #220475 – was authored by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs. “Juneteenth Day (June 19) holds a special significance for so many people -- it is a federal holiday and a few years ago Milwaukee County passed legislation recognizing … [Read more...] about Council votes to make Juneteenth an official city holiday
GOP-controlled Wisconsin Assembly votes to break up MPS
Milwaukee's top leaders are responding to a Republican plan to take over Wisconsin's largest school district. Some lawmakers want to turn the Milwaukee Public School system into several smaller districts. About 200 MPS juniors and seniors spent Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at a career fair focused on trade jobs. "Events like this is what supports our students," … [Read more...] about GOP-controlled Wisconsin Assembly votes to break up MPS
Plan to fund, build $42M Milwaukee juvenile detention center in limbo
The Wisconsin Senate unanimously passed legislation to fund and build a new youth detention facility in Milwaukee. It would replace Lincoln Hills Juvenile Prison in northern Wisconsin. Hours before the vote, reporters asked Assembly Speaker Robin Vos if the assembly would vote on the measure this legislative session. "Unlikely, as we look at it, it's definitely … [Read more...] about Plan to fund, build $42M Milwaukee juvenile detention center in limbo
Milwaukee Common Council approves “I can’t breathe” resolution
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the full Common Council voted unanimously in approving a resolution urging the Fire and Police Commission to adopt a policy addressing any “I can’t breathe” plea by an individual who is in police custody. The resolution was introduced by Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II in response to the recent death of George Floyd as well as previous deaths of … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Common Council approves “I can’t breathe” resolution
Rep. Pasch statement on status of Milwaukee county board legislation
Assistant Assembly Democratic Leader Sandy Pasch (D – Shorewood) released the following statement on Wensday, April 17, 2013, regarding Assembly consideration on Assembly Bill 85, which would significantly micromanage the budget and structure of the Milwaukee County Board: “At a time when Wisconsin ranks 44th in the nation, 45th in wage growth, and trails all our neighboring … [Read more...] about Rep. Pasch statement on status of Milwaukee county board legislation
Rep. Barnes co-authors redistricting reform legislation
State Representative Mandela Barnes on Thursday, April 11, 2013 announced with his 13 fellow freshman democratic representatives a bill to reform the process of legislative boundary redistricting. Current law requires that the majority party in both the Assembly and Senate redraw district boundaries every ten years, taking place after the census. This proposal would create a … [Read more...] about Rep. Barnes co-authors redistricting reform legislation