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In this update:

• Election Updates
• Administration Updates
• Legislative Updates
• Committee Schedule
• Upcoming Events

Election Updates

Governor Candidate Forum

At the first candidate forum of Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial race, five Democrats and one Republican discussed the future of technology, the economy, and broadband expansion. Hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council and moderated by WISN-TV’s Matt Smith, the event featured state Representative Francesca Hong, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, state Senator Kelda Roys, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former WEDC CEO Missy Hughes, and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany was absent due to potential travel to D.C. amid shutdown talks.

Top Economic Concerns

Sen. Roys drew applause for calling Trump “our biggest threat"," citing tariffs, healthcare cuts, and judicial dysfunction. Rep. Hong echoed concerns about authoritarianism and inequality. Lt. Gov. Rodriguez focused on affordability, with Wash. County Exec. Schoemann advocating deregulation and lower taxes. MKE County Exec. Crowley warned against complacency, and WEDC CEO Hughes emphasized the need to invest in Wisconsin’s potential.

Data Centers and AI

Candidates addressed the environmental and economic impact of data centers, which are growing in Wisconsin due to water availability. MKE County Exec. Crowley stressed balancing innovation with environmental protections. WEDC CEO Hughes and Sen. Roys called for community engagement. Wash, County Exec. Schoemann saw potential for a “nuclear renaissance,” while Lt. gov. Rodriguez and Sen. Roys pushed for renewable energy and infrastructure upgrades. Rep. Hong emphasized worker well-being and referenced public opposition to large-scale projects.

Federal Relations

Democrats discussed how they’d navigated the Trump administration. Sen. Roys called President Trump a “bully,” advocating resistance and bipartisan cooperation. Lt. gov. Rodriguez urged consistency in federal policy. MKE County Exec. Crowley highlighted his bipartisan record. WEDC CEO Hughes criticized President Trump’s “silver bullet” approach, citing her experience renegotiating the Foxconn deal. Rep. Hong pointed to the broader impact of federal aid freezes.

Wash. County Exec. Schoemann said economic instability is global, not partisan, and called for steadier leadership.

Broadband Expansion

On broadband, Rep. Hong’s “leagalize weed” comment drew applause. Sen. Roys agreed, adding abortion rights and tax reform as ways to fund infrastructure. MKE County Exec. Crowley supported marijuana legalization and proposed tying broadband to data center deals and road projects.

WEDC CEO Hughes praised progress under Gov. Evers but said shifting federal priorities have disrupted funding. She pledged to fight for more federal funding support.

Wash. County Exec. Schoemann emphasized broadband needs in the Northwoods. While skeptical of federal funding, he said local governments have made smart investments. “AI and data are huge opportunities,” he said. “i just hope we’re willing to invest and get it done.”

Administration Updates

Evers vetoes in-person work mandate

Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have required most state employees to work in-person at least 80% of the time, roughly four days per week. Originally drafted to mandate 100% in-office attendance, the bill was later amended but still drew criticism for being overly rigid.

Governor Evers called the proposal a “one-size-fits-all” mandate that would burden taxpayers and hinder recruitment, especially outside Madison. He emphasized that state agencies are already implementing accountability measures and improving efficiency through flexible work arrangements.

Union leaders and agency staff also raised concerns about space limitations and the cost of expanding office capacity. Under Evers’ “Vision 2030” plan, the state is downsizing office space, aiming to save $7 million annually and avoid $500 million in deferred maintenance.

Republicans argued the bill would improve oversight and productivity citing a 2023 audit that found inconsistent tracking of in-office attendance across agencies. The bill passed the Legislature largely along party lines but was ultimately blocked by the governor

Evers signs cell phone ban

Governor Tony Evers signed a bipartisan bill requiring public school boards to adopt policies by July that generally prohibit student cell phone use during the school day. Exceptions are allowed for emergencies, health needs, and school-issued devices.

While Evers expressed concern about limiting local control, he emphasized the need to protect students from the negative impacts of smartphones on mental health, learning, and social development. The bill passed with the senate 29-4, and 90% of districts already report having similar policies.

Read the full article here.

DHS seeks $1 billion to expand rural health access

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has applied for $1 billion in federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to improve access to high-quality health care in rural communities. The proposal, shaped by input from over 200 partners since August, aims to build equitable, efficient, and sustainable health systems across the state.

"We look forward to being able to invest this funding to help expand access to quality, affordable health care—especially in our rural areas—while strengthening our workforce and supporting our local and state economies. Here in Wisconsin, we must keep working to lower the cost of health care, bolster our health care workforce, and support health care access across our state, and we look forward to continuing this important work." Gov. Evers stated.

The proposed investment targets three key areas:

Workforce Development — $337 million

Grants will support recruitment, career pathways, and community health worker services to address staffing shortages in rural areas.

Technology & Innovation — $329 million

Funding will upgrade provider systems, expand telehealth, and create a digital health care collaborative.

Care Coordination — $279 million

Competitive grants will help rural regions build integrated care systems across primary, behavioral, and specialty care, chronic disease prevention, and social services.

"One-third of Wisconsinites live in rural Wisconsin and often lack access to care due to limited provider availability, outdated technologies, and disconnected systems which can result in fragmented care. This funding will allow us to strengthen the infrastructure to improve health outcomes for those who live in rural Wisconsin." DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson stated.

Award decisions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service are expected by December 31, 2025. If approved, DHA will partner with rural providers, Tribal and local governments, and other stakeholders to implement the program. DHS will soon begin recruiting a team — including a program director— to manage the initiative.

Read the full press release here.

Legislative Updates

Dems roll out local government package

Democratic lawmakers unveiled a legislative package aimed at strengthening Wisconsin’s cities and counties through targeted financial reforms. The proposals include:

• Supplemental Aid — Per capita payments for cities with populations over 50,000 addressing gaps left by the 2023 shared revenue overhaul. Milwaukee would received $5.7 million; Sheboygan, $492,880
• Local Sales Tax Option — Municipalities and counties could adopt a new sales tax of up to 0.5% in 0.1% increments.
• TIF Modernization — Extend tax incremental districts by three years for affordable housing and raise the property value cap from 12% to 18% of equalized value.
• Expanded Eminent Domain Use — Allow use for recreation trails, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths.
• DEI Policy Reinstatement — Repeal 2023 law provisions banning diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in local hiring.
• Milwaukee-Specific Rollbacks — Remove limits on cultural and entertainment spending imposed by 2023 legislation.

Committee Schedule

The following meetings have been noticed as of 2:00 pm Friday. Committee and Agency meeting notices are frequently updated and can be found here (for the Legislature) and here (for the Administration).

Monday, November 10

Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Senate Committee on Education

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government

Executive Session at 12:00 PM

Tuesday, November 11

Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Senate Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development

Executive Session at 11:00 AM

Executive Session at 11:01 AM

Wednesday, November 12

Assembly Committee on Local Government

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Public Hearing at 10:01 AM

Assembly Committee on Ways and Means

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Public Hearing at 10:01 AM

Assembly Committee on Transportation

Executive Session at 10:45 AM

Public Hearing at 10:46 AM

Assembly Committee on Protecting Kids

Informational Hearing at 12:00 PM

Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs

Public Hearing at 1:00 PM

Thursday, November 13

Assembly Committee on Workforce Development, Labor, and Integrated Employment

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Public Hearing at 10:01 AM

Assembly Committee on Commerce

Executive Session at 1:00 PM

Friday, November 14

No meetings currently scheduled.

Upcoming Events

Friday, November 14th at 8:30am - Capitol Chats with Rep. Angela Stroud (virtual)

ABOUT US

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

Government Relations Team

Our Team |  michaelbeststrategies.com

One South Pickney Street, Suite 700

Madison, WI 53703

Phone: 608-257-3501

Fax: 608-283-2275