Dec 05 2024 2 mins
Wisconsin has seen a flurry of significant developments across various sectors. Notably, the state's labor landscape is poised for a significant shift following a judge's decision to overturn Act 10, a 13-year-old law that effectively ended collective bargaining for teachers and most state government employees. This ruling has rekindled a battle over labor rights in Wisconsin, where the first public sector unions were formed 65 years ago[3].
In government and politics, the state budget committee approved the release of $27 million for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to cover grants aimed at creating a regional tech hub and to help communities affected by UW shutdowns[1]. Additionally, election experts defended Wisconsin's election system as safe and explained how it works, emphasizing that November's election will be smoother than 2020[1].
On the health front, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported a significant increase in cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, across the state, urging vaccination to prevent severe symptoms[2]. The department also identified salmonella infections linked to eggs and fresh basil sold in Wisconsin, highlighting the importance of food safety[2].
In community news, a youth crisis stabilization facility opened in Watertown with start-up funding provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, offering critical support for young individuals in need[2]. Furthermore, Wisconsin implemented 12-month continuous health insurance coverage for children under age 19, aiming to improve health outcomes by stabilizing access to care[2].
Environmental concerns remain a focus, with researchers at UW-Madison finding high levels of PFAS in naturally occurring foam on Wisconsin lakes and rivers, underscoring the need for continued environmental vigilance[1].
Looking Ahead:
- The Republican National Convention is set to begin next week in Milwaukee, with ongoing tensions between officials and protest groups over demonstration routes[1].
- The winter transfer portal period for college sports opens on December 9th, with several Wisconsin Badgers players already announcing their intentions to transfer[3].
- The legal battle over Act 10 is expected to continue, with more legal fights awaiting before unions can return to the bargaining table[3].
In government and politics, the state budget committee approved the release of $27 million for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to cover grants aimed at creating a regional tech hub and to help communities affected by UW shutdowns[1]. Additionally, election experts defended Wisconsin's election system as safe and explained how it works, emphasizing that November's election will be smoother than 2020[1].
On the health front, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported a significant increase in cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, across the state, urging vaccination to prevent severe symptoms[2]. The department also identified salmonella infections linked to eggs and fresh basil sold in Wisconsin, highlighting the importance of food safety[2].
In community news, a youth crisis stabilization facility opened in Watertown with start-up funding provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, offering critical support for young individuals in need[2]. Furthermore, Wisconsin implemented 12-month continuous health insurance coverage for children under age 19, aiming to improve health outcomes by stabilizing access to care[2].
Environmental concerns remain a focus, with researchers at UW-Madison finding high levels of PFAS in naturally occurring foam on Wisconsin lakes and rivers, underscoring the need for continued environmental vigilance[1].
Looking Ahead:
- The Republican National Convention is set to begin next week in Milwaukee, with ongoing tensions between officials and protest groups over demonstration routes[1].
- The winter transfer portal period for college sports opens on December 9th, with several Wisconsin Badgers players already announcing their intentions to transfer[3].
- The legal battle over Act 10 is expected to continue, with more legal fights awaiting before unions can return to the bargaining table[3].