The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) recently published a report titled Back to the Past: The Fiscal Threat of Reversing Act 10 in Public Education, shedding light on the potential consequences of undoing former Governor Scott Walker's landmark collective bargaining reforms. In the report, WILL Research Director, Will Flanders, emphasized the significance of Act 10 by stating, "When Act 10 was passed it took Wisconsin off the path of fiscal destruction toward long-term solvency." Flanders warned that a successful repeal of Act 10 could result in a substantial...
The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS) is conducting a Behavioral and Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) training in Appleton, Wis. as part of preparations ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting.Attorney General Josh Kaul highlighted the importance of such trainings, stating, "It has been 25 years since the Columbine tragedy, and, sadly, violence in schools hasn’t gone away. The need to be vigilant about school safety has only become clearer... we must take a proactive approach to keeping kids safe in school."...
The 5th annual ICAC Conference on Missing and Exploited Children in Appleton, Wis. has commenced, with a focus on the alarming rise of sextortion cases involving children. Attorney General Josh Kaul expressed the importance of keeping children safe, thanking participants and agencies for their dedication to combating internet crimes against children.Sextortion, a form of child sexual exploitation, was highlighted at the conference. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported a significant increase in cases, particularly in financial sextortion...
MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul has unveiled a new collaboration between Wisconsin and the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) aimed at enhancing consumer protections for airline passengers. The partnership focuses on addressing and resolving consumer complaints against airlines and ticket agents, with a particular emphasis on ensuring compliance with federal aviation consumer protection regulations.Kaul emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Airlines and ticket agents conducting business in Wisconsin must do so honestly and treat...
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued 1,012 home loans totaling $282.9 million in Wisconsin during the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.
The VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Wisconsin for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 averaged $315,061, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.
The average VA Purchase Loan amount for Wisconsin in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $290,352, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) recently hosted its inaugural school board summit, attracting over one hundred attendees, including school board members and administrators from districts across Wisconsin. The event, co-hosted by the Noah Webster Educational Foundation, focused on various topics such as government transparency, school board policies, parental rights, school finance, and curriculum reform.During the summit, Cory Brewer, WILL Education Counsel, emphasized the importance of addressing relevant issues facing school boards to enhance student...
PARK FALLS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating a death in Park Falls, Wis. that occurred on the afternoon of April 13, 2024.At approximately 4:09 p.m., officers with the Park Falls Police Department responded to reports of shots fired near the 600 block of 2nd Avenue North in Park Falls. When they arrived, officers found a deceased adult with multiple gunshot wounds. A handgun was found at the scene. A suspect has been taken into custody."There is no danger to the public at this time," assured the...
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently looking into an officer-involved shooting that took place in the Town of Grand Chute, Wis. on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024.According to reports, deputies from the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle crash in the 2800 block of W. Prospect Avenue in the Town of Grand Chute. Upon arrival, they encountered an individual brandishing a knife. Despite attempts to subdue the individual with a taser, one deputy resorted to discharging...
Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined a coalition of 19 states in support of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) climate disclosure rules. These rules, which were recently published, mandate that public companies disclose climate-related risks that could significantly impact their business operations.In a statement, Attorney General Kaul emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "Publicly listed companies should be transparent about their climate-related costs and risks." He highlighted the significance of the rules in ensuring that companies provide...
Amid President Biden's proposed student debt relief plans, concerns are rising about the implications for Wisconsinites as they face the potential consequences of shouldering the burden of others' debts.The scheme outlined by President Biden, described as "debt relief" or "debt forgiveness," has sparked discussions about the true cost and who will ultimately bear the financial responsibility. Estimates suggest that the price tag for this relief could reach $85 billion for new parts of the scheme and up to $560 billion when considering previously announced plans.As...
April marks New Homes Month, and the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) is providing guidance to homeowners on selecting the right home builder. This initiative aims to help individuals protect what is often their most significant financial investment.
Wisconsin lawmakers in both the Senate and Assembly have been introducing a significantly higher number of bills than in previous years, with less chance of seeing them enacted into law. In the last two legislative sessions, over 2,300 bills were introduced, but less than 12% were enacted, leading to concerns about legislative gridlock and political motivations.Bob Karius, a former rules committee clerk in the Assembly, expressed his views on the current political landscape, stating, “The media and Governor Evers love gridlock. He has the most anti-bipartisan staff and...
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty has taken action to appeal a decision that could potentially impact not only their client, Noah Gausman, but also numerous other law enforcement officers in Wisconsin. Gausman, a dedicated part-time law enforcement officer and single father, has been fighting to keep his job after being informed that he would no longer be able to serve due to a new policy adopted by a state agency.In response to the situation, WILL Deputy Counsel, Lucas Vebber, expressed, “Noah is a dedicated public servant and a hard-working father who is just...
Attorney General Josh Kaul has expressed his support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's move to designate nine PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). In a comment letter submitted alongside a coalition of 12 states, Kaul emphasized the importance of taking action to address PFAS contamination.“The EPA’s proposal to list these chemicals as hazardous constituents under RCRA would facilitate the cleanup of PFAS contamination,” Attorney General Kaul stated. “We must use the tools available under state and...
Apr 9, 2024The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has issued a response to the recent actions of the Wisconsin State Bar regarding a settlement reached between the two parties. WILL President and General Counsel, Rick Esenberg, expressed strong concerns about the State Bar's stance on race and media intimidation.Esenberg criticized the State Bar's announcement that race will continue to be a factor in their program despite the settlement agreement, calling it illegal and a breach of the agreement. He asserted, "It is impermissible and, frankly, offensive to...