School and day care meal income eligibility guidelines were announced by DPI. They are in effect July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.
The Wisconsin Ethics Commission:
- Launched a voter photo ID campaign
- Unanimously selected Brian Bell as Ethics Commission Administrator.
- Unanimously selected Former Democratic AG Peg Lautenschlager as chair of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission.
Rep. Steffen announced a legislative proposal that would, “expand the definition of hate crime victims in Wisconsin to include law enforcement officers.”
According to a DVA report to Joint Finance, the Veterans Trust Fund ran out of money in the first quarter of 2016. The fund was brought back into solvency with a $12M transfer from the Homes appropriation.
In State v. Loomis the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that, “COMPAS risk assessment at sentencing does not violate a defendant’s right to due process.”
There was flooding in several northern counties after heavy rains. Gov. Walker declared a State of Emergency for Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer, and Washburn counties, as well as directing state agencies to assist. Emergency Management’s flood updates/information are here.
Racine County will pilot a drunk driving reduction project, according to a release from Sen. Wanggaard, Speaker Vos and Rep. Weatherston. The program is called, “24/7 Sobriety” and “requires participants to be under near-constant monitoring for drug and alcohol use and has shown success in other states.”
WEDC elected new officers.
DNR announced Hayward, Rhinelander and Wausau as preferred locations for a possible forestry division headquarters.