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In this update:
- Election Updates
- Administration Updates
- Court Updates
- Committee Schedule
- Upcoming Events
| | Berrien launches second TV ad | | |
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Berrien has released his second television ad as part of a previously announced $400,000 media buy targeting conservative audiences across cable, streaming platforms, digital outlets, and radio.
In the ad, Mr. Berrien emphasizes his commitment to domestic manufacturing, stating, “At my manufacturing business, we hire American, build American, and take the fight to China.” He positions himself as a political outsider and businessman who “puts America first, just like President Trump”, and frames his candidacy as an effort to advance the Presidents agenda.
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During his visit to the Wisconsin State Fair, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany did not participate in typical campaign activities such as public speaking or greeting fairgoers. However, his presence drew attention as he engaged with conservative organizations, including Moms for Liberty, and took part in conversations focused on education policy and Title IX. These interactions have contributed to speculation about a potential gubernatorial run. In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Tiffany indicated that while a decision before Labor Day is unlikely, he expects to make an announcement by the end of September, stating, “The decision is going to be made by the end of September. I’m not going to drag this out beyond then.”
| | Evers announces $110M in statewide building projects | | |
Gov. Tony Evers announced that the Wisconsin State Building Commission, meeting at the Wisconsin State Fair, has approved approximately $110 million in key infrastructures and capital improvements.
“I’m proud we were able to approve these critically important projects, including making necessary improvements to our state agencies to help streamline government efficiency, ensuring the Fox Lake Correctional Institution entrance and visitor center is accessible to all, supporting the historic AL. Ringling Theatre by upgrading stage operations, and making essential upgrades to our beloved UW System campuses,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m grateful to the Commission for approving these projects and seeing the value in continuing to invest in the past, present, and future of Wisconsin. I look forward to seeing firsthand the impact these critical investments will have on communities and folks across our state.”
Read full press release here.
| | Evers, WEDC back Eli Lilly’s $4B Wisconsin Expansion | | |
Gov. Tony Evers, in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), announced the states commitment to support Eli Lily and Company’s planned $4 billion expansion in Wisconsin. The initiative includes up to $100 million in performance-based state tax credits aimed at fostering economic growth and innovation. “I’m proud of my administration’s efforts to invest in new economic opportunities, expansions, and developments in Southeastern Wisconsin in recent years with leading brands like Eli Lilly and Company moving and growing their operations here,” said Gov. Evers. “Coupled with our state’s designation as a U.S. Regional Tech Hub, history of game-changing innovations, and world-class manufacturing, Wisconsin is proud to partner with Lilly as they make this historic investment in our communities. This is great news for Wisconsin.”
Read the full press release here
| | Evers Administration calls $29M federal loss a major setback | | |
In May, the Trump administration rescinded $675 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds that had been designated to help states modernize their unemployment insurance system. According to a letter from the secretaries of the Department of Administration (DOA) and Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to the Joint Committee on Finance, this move terminates $29 million of DWD’s modernization grants, supporting the following projects:
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$11.25 million to upgrade the employer portal
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$6.8 million for UI Equity initiatives aimed at improving communication with claimants
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$6.3 million to enhance fraud detection and prevention
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$4.5 million to strengthen identity authentication
The Evers administration has described the federal government’s decision to rescind $29 million in funding for Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance program as a significant setback to ongoing modernization efforts. They have appealed to the US Department of Labor to reverse the decision and requested one-time state funding from the Joint Finance Committee to offset the loss. Both requests were denied.
| | Justice Hagedorn on ‘UpFront’ | | |
In an interview with WISN 12’s UpFront, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Brian Hagedorn indicated he is inclined to seek another 10-year term when his current term ends in 2029.
Justice Hagedorn stated: "I'm proud of my record and proud of where I stand, at the moment, I'm inclined to, but we've got three important races between now and then. So, like I've said, I've kept my promises. I'm proud of the work that I've done."
Three Wisconsin Supreme Court elections will take place before Hagedorn’s seat is on the ballot in 2029:
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2026: Justice Rebecca Bradley’s seat (conservative)
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2027: Justice Annette Ziegler’s seat (conservative)
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2028: Justice Rebecca Dallet’s seat (liberal)
Watch the full episode here.
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The following meetings have been noticed as of 12:00 pm Friday. Committee and Agency meeting notices are frequently updated and can be found here (for the Legislature) and here (for the Administration).
Monday, August 11
No meetings currently scheduled.
Tuesday, August 12
No meetings currently scheduled.
Wednesday, August 13
Assembly Tourism Committee
Public Hearing at 10:30 AM
Thursday, August 14
No meetings currently scheduled.
Friday, August 15
No meetings currently scheduled.
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Monday, August 25th at 11:30am - Meet the Cabinet with Department of Children and Families Secretary-Designee Jeff Pertl
Register for the event here.
Tuesday, September 16th at 11:30am - Meet the Cabinet with Department of Natural Resources Secretary-Designee Karen Hyun
Invite coming soon!
We are briefly pausing “Capitol Chats” through the summer, and the series will resume in September.
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If you would like any additional information about the above topic, or if you would like to find time to discuss the above matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact your Michael Best Strategies contact.
Have a great day,
Wisconsin GR Team
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One South Pickney Street, Suite 700
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-257-3501
Fax: 608-283-2275
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