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STATE NEWS

Deaf versus deaf: social identity versus hearing deficiency

By Jack Styler | Nov. 21, 2019

“People assume that the only way for Deaf people to survive is to use hearing aids,” wrote UW-Madison student Tobin Zolkowski. “Deaf people do not want to cure their Deafness.” Zolkowski is one of 466 million deaf people in the world, according to the World Health Organization. He identifies with the Deaf community, which he believes is often misunderstood.

STATE NEWS

Legislator Jimmy Anderson believes hyper-partisanship disables vulnerable Wisconsinites

By Molly Davis | Nov. 21, 2019

The sound of rustling papers, bits of conversation and movement on the Assembly floor began to settle as a voice spoke into the microphone, thanking his audience for their attention.

STATE NEWS

Kaul, Evers announce expansion of treatment court, diversion centers

By Dominic LeRose | Nov. 18, 2019

Addressing the relationship between substance abuse and incarceration across the state, Attorney General Josh Kaul and Gov. Tony Evers announced the expansion of treatment court and diversion programs during a press conference Monday at the Capitol.

STATE NEWS

Democratic government officials band together to repair workplace inequity

By Jessica Lipaz | Nov. 13, 2019

Signed the day of his inauguration, Gov. Tony Evers’ first executive order required state agencies to develop and implement policies preventing discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community.

STATE NEWS

Dreamers, allies gather in support of DACA at Capitol

By Annabella Rosciglione | Nov. 12, 2019

“Sí, se puede,” “Immigrants are here to stay” and “This is what democracy looks like” were chanted from the steps of the Capitol Tuesday. Protesters gathered across the country in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program as the U.S. Supreme Court begins their hearing of its case.

STATE NEWS

Wisconsin bill, lawsuit attempt to increase women’s reproductive services

By Jessica Lipaz | Nov. 12, 2019

Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals three-judge panel found Attorney General Josh Kaul suitable to litigate in a lawsuit against Planned Parenthood the same day the State Assembly passed a bill to increase birth control access.

STATE NEWS

GOP detour official debate on guns

By Will Husted | Nov. 9, 2019

Throughout a week characterized by extended partisan disagreement, one action was notably quick and to the point: rejecting Evers’ gun control measures.

STATE NEWS

Opposing party chairs adopt similar campaign strategies for winning vital state in 2020 election

By Ashley Obuljen | Nov. 6, 2019

“Anyone in the world who wants to affect the 2020 election is going to try to get into the minds of Wisconsin voters,” Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler said. “Wisconsin is the state most likely to be the tipping point in the electoral college.”

STATE NEWS

Split government quarrel, Senate reject Evers cabinet nominee

By John Murphy | Nov. 5, 2019

The Wisconsin Senate dismissed Brad Pfaff, the agriculture secretary appointed by Gov. Tony Evers in a 19 to 14 vote made in a floor session Tuesday — unanimous along respective party lines. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, who first raised awareness of Pfaff’s potential to not get confirmed during a phone call with Evers Friday, shared his reasoning for voting against Pfaff’s nomination.

STATE NEWS

Wisconsin Senate expected not to confirm Evers’ Ag. Sec nominee

By Hope Karnopp | Nov. 4, 2019

Senate Republicans expected not to sanction governor-nominated Agricultural Secretary Brad Pfaff during the Nov. 5 floor session after a phone conversation between Gov. Tony Evers and the majority leader. Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, encouraged Gov. Tony Evers to remove Pfaff before the session, indicating Friday there were not enough votes in the caucus to confirm the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection nominee.

STATE NEWS

Increased state, federal attention on family caregiver deficit

By Jessica Lipaz | Nov. 3, 2019

Organizations and legislators band together to promote the importance of child caregivers’ roles across the state after Gov. Tony Evers declared November “Family Caregiver Month” in recognition of the current shortage.

STATE NEWS

DOC seeks media coverage of home visits to registered sex offenders’ on Halloween

By Jessica Lipaz | Oct. 31, 2019

“Would you normally let your six-year old walk outside by themselves in the dark?” Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registration Program Director Grace Knutson asked. “No, so let’s use this as an opportunity. When we can all as adults keep kids safe, that lessens the opportunity of a sex offender having an opportunity to reoffend.”

STATE NEWS

Bill package proposes increased funding, consolidation to support small school districts

By Annabella Rosciglione | Oct. 29, 2019

Representatives from the Assembly Committee on Education unveiled a bill package from the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Funding during an executive session aiming to consolidate small school districts and increase efficiency.

STATE NEWS

Wisconsin holds national “Drug Take Back Day” to tackle opioid crisis

By Dominic LeRose | Oct. 28, 2019

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced 277 local law enforcement officials participated in Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 26 — a day dedicated to supporting Wisconsinites dispose of excess opioid medications at various locations.

STATE NEWS

Evers receives open letter from legal experts supporting Dassey’s clemency

By Jessica Lipaz | Oct. 25, 2019

Two hundred fifty legal experts, state and federal prosecutors, exonerees, government officials and others affiliated with juvenile justice signed an open letter to Gov. Tony Evers Monday petitioning on behalf of Brendan Dassey’s request for clemency and pardon.

STATE NEWS

Legislators propose bill, straining child-care providers amid statewide deficit

By Kylie Ver Kuilen | Oct. 23, 2019

When looking for daycare options, parents across the state reported trouble finding options close to their home — or at all. “Everywhere we called had a two year waiting list."

STATE NEWS

Bill aims to combat gun violence by providing resources to firearm retailers

By Djamal Lylecyrus | Oct. 23, 2019

Between the years 2000 and 2017, the Wisconsin suicide rate spiked by 40 percent — 50 percent of which are committed by firearm. These statistics influenced legislators to create Assembly Bill 527, which aims to combat suicide by firearm by supporting gun retailers in intervening with at-risk customers.

STATE NEWS

Evers furthers primary policy agendas through environmental, gun control action

By Max Schaefer | Oct. 21, 2019

Addressing gun control and environmental issues, Gov. Tony Evers signed executive orders Monday, pushing his fundamental policy platforms over the course of a week. Evers, along with Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, announced the latest executive order, which initiates a special session to discuss gun control and focus on universal background checks Monday in Milwaukee, Wausau and Eau Claire.

STATE NEWS

Voucher programs expand, creating debates about public school funding

By Hope Karnopp | Oct. 21, 2019

Democrats expressed concerns regarding Republican efforts to expand K-12 school voucher programs rather than investing money toward Gov. Tony Evers’ budget plan to fully fund two-thirds of public schools.

STATE NEWS

Legislators aim to curb dangerous driving in Milwaukee via traffic cameras

By Jack Murphy | Oct. 18, 2019

Although DUIs in the state have fallen by 44.5 percent since 2007, a third of all traffic fatalities today include a drunk driver, according to data from safehome.org.