Wisconsin's newly redrawn legislative maps are set to reshape the political landscape this November, likely narrowing the current 22-11 Republican majority in the state Senate. Sixteen of the 33 Senate seats are up for election in 2024, with three considered highly competitive "toss-ups." Two additional races lean in favor of Democrats, while the remaining 11 contests are not expected to be closely fought. Although it’s mathematically impossible for Democrats to reclaim the majority this cycle, they do have the potential to significantly close the gap and make a majority possible in 2026. However, it won’t be an easy road - Republicans have incumbent senators running in two of the three toss-up races. A minimum of 17 seats are needed to control the Senate.

Democratic Strategy 

Democrats are aiming for a clean sweep of the three toss-up seats. If successful, this would raise their Senate member total to 15 seats - their highest number since losing the majority back in 2010. Reaching 15 seats would not only put a 2026 majority in play, but it would also make it challenging for Republicans to pass legislation without unanimous support within their caucus.

Republican Strategy 

For Republicans, winning two of the three toss-ups would allow them to maintain a comfortable 20-seat majority, securing their position for the upcoming legislative session, and likely quelling any 2026 talk of a Democratic takeover. This would also give the GOP some breathing room for internal disagreements and maintaining their ability to control legislative priorities.

Key Races to Watch...

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The Democrats hold a super majority in both Chambers. The Senate Democrats hold a 40-19 majority in the Senate. There are very few Senate races and even fewer competitive races, and MHA does not expect any changes to the majority. Both the Senate Democrats and the House Democrats have an overwhelming lead in fundraising. While the Senate Democrats have no competitive races, the House Democrats are using their funding advantage in an attempt to flip 9 Republican seats. The House Democrats already hold an advantage of 78-40. The Republicans face many headwinds, including the electoral map, a funding disadvantage, suburban candidate recruitment, and top of the ticket issues. The suburbs are dominated by women voters and while Trump does not play well in the suburbs, Harris will play well and provide dividends for House Democratic candidates.

HOUSE DEMOCRAT TARGETS

47^th District – Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) vs. Jackie Williamson. Williamson lost to Grant by six points two years ago but was not funded. President Joe Biden won this district by 12.3 percentage points four years ago. Every statewide Democratic candidate won the district two years ago and JB Pritzker won it by 8 points.

48^th District – Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) vs. Maria Vesey. Biden won the district by 2.6 points and all statewide Democrats except Treasure Mike Frerichs carried the district two years ago.

52^nd District – Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) vs. Maria Peterson. Peterson lost to then-Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie by just a few hundred votes two years ago. Biden won the district by 6 points four years ago and all statewide Democratic candidates won it in 2022.

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MHA is reminding all Members in Illinois to provide and document annual employee sexual harassment training before the end of the year.

Since January 1, 2020, all employers with one or more employees in Illinois are required to provide annual Sexual Harassment Prevention training to all employees, regardless of their status (e.g., seasonal, part-time, etc.). The annual training requirement is based on a calendar year. New employees should be trained as soon as possible after being hired, then on an annual basis.

Employers may develop their own training program, provided it meets or exceeds the minimum standards outlined in Section 2-109 and Section 2-110 of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), or employers may use a model training developed by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). 

Training Resources At Your Fingertips

Access all Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Videos and Audio

Download the Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (also available in Spanish)

Access the Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Video for All Employers (also available in Spanish)

Employers are required to keep a paper or electronic record of all training, which may be a certificate or signed employee acknowledgement.

Additional training information and resources are available on the IDHR Training website.

On August 30, 2024, OSHA published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This is a significant step toward a federal heat standard to protect workers. The proposed standard would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction. The standard would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace. It would clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat.

The ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce the number of occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities caused by exposure to hazardous heat.

The proposed OSHA rule for heat injury and illness prevention includes several specific requirements for employers:

1. Heat Hazard Assessment: Employers must evaluate heat hazards in their workplaces.
2. Heat Illness Prevention Plan: A written plan must be developed to address heat hazards, including procedures for acclimatization, hydration, and emergency response.
3. Rest Breaks and Hydration: Employers must provide adequate rest breaks and access to sufficient drinking water.
4. Monitoring and Training: Employers must monitor workers for signs of heat illness and provide training on heat-related risks and prevention.

These measures aim to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and ensure a safer working environment.

For more information:



Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule has been published in the Federal Register and is now available for viewing at https://federalregister.gov/d/2024-14824.

OSHA encourages the public to submit comments to the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rulemaking docket at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/OSHA-2021-0009-4761. The comment period is open until December 30, 2024.