Wisconsin lawmakers voted to approve a state budget late Wednesday night that spends more than $111 billion over the next two years, cuts more than 300 state jobs and increases funding for the child care industry and the Universities of Wisconsin system. It also cuts taxes by about $1.4 billion.

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Lawmakers are aiming to get it to Gov. Tony Evers' desk before a deadline out of Washington could cost Wisconsin hospitals nearly $1.5 billion.

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The final state budget for 2025-27 will include a date to decommission the notorious Green Bay Correctional Institution, increase funding for the Universities of Wisconsin system by $256 million and cut taxes by $1.5 billion.

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Advocates are calling on the state Legislature to appropriate more money for crime victim services after funding approved by a budget committee on Friday fell short of the amount requested by Wisconsin's Attorney General Josh Kaul.

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The Joint Finance Committee did not take up three of the budget's most consequential issue areas when it gaveled in late Friday night — more than 12 hours later than initially scheduled. 

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The state Assembly passed a set of bills Tuesday that would expand nuclear power in Wisconsin, sending those proposals to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk.

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Assembly Republicans have endorsed an $87 million cut to the Universities of Wisconsin, while advocates for higher education say the state should invest more as federal funding declines.

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In the days since two Minnesota lawmakers were shot in their homes, Wisconsin representatives have differed about security needs for elected officials in the state.

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The powerful speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly said Wednesday that Republicans in his chamber support cutting the budget for the Universities of Wisconsin by $87 million.

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Lawmakers in both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature approved a bill Wednesday that would formally classify gig drivers for transit apps — such as delivery drivers and rideshare operators — as independent contractors, rather than employees.

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Republicans who run the Legislature's budget committee voted Thursday to increase state spending on K-12 schools by $336 million — about $2.7 billion less than what was proposed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. GOP lawmakers also voted to cut income taxes by $1.3 billion, largely by reducing taxes on retirement income and expanding the second lowest tax bracket so that people who earn more money can pay a lower rate.

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Wisconsin’s budget writing committee will turn its attention to public school funding Thursday. On the line is everything from increasing the special education reimbursement rate to supporting youth mental health to providing meals to children.

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Three Wisconsin lawmakers are among hundreds from around the country who signed a letter to Congress opposing a restriction on artificial intelligence regulation.

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Supporters of the bill argue menopause and the time leading up to it are often misunderstood and ignored. In a conversation with “Wisconsin Today,” the director of a local menopause clinic shares misconceptions and treatment options.

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The coalition needs bipartisan support, which activist Howard Fuller and Mayor Cavalier Johnson hope can be allocated in the next state budget. 

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The Joint Committee on Finance voted Thursday to increase borrowing by $732.2 million under the state’s Environmental Improvement Fund, which includes the clean water fund and safe drinking water loan programs.

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Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans who run the Wisconsin Legislature say they’re done negotiating over the state budget, leaving GOP lawmakers to write the document themselves.

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Wisconsin Democrats on Wednesday announced legislation aimed at proactively responding to measures out of Washington that they say will hurt Wisconsinites, including potential changes to federal funding for state programs.

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After critics of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos tried twice to recall the powerful Republican, GOP lawmakers are pushing a bill that would tighten the rules for circulating recall petitions. Under the bill, people circulating recall petitions would need to live in Wisconsin.

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The bills mirror measures included by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in his latest budget request — before GOP lawmakers removed them. Now, Democratic lawmakers are reintroducing the measures as standalone legislation.

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