Interviews

Wisconsin school districts are bracing for less help from the state with funding special education.

Some departments are starting to fight fires with soybean-based foam as an alternative to chemical-based products.

The Assembly today approved along party lines a bill to make it easier for Wisconsinites to appeal if the Elections Commission rejects a complaint filed with the agency. 

Lawmakers spent Wednesday afternoon debating a proposal known as Erin's Law, which proponents say could protect thousands of Wisconsin children.

An amendment eases the requirements for smaller towns, but clerks say the hourly minimums are a burden and could end up reducing access.

The conversation touched on the issues underpinning the crisis: low wages for overworked teachers; low teacher retention; high costs for families (sending two children to childcare for a full year runs nearly $30,000); low industry margins; and long waiting lists and unfilled slots. 

At a public hearing of the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections Tuesday, legislators engaged in an occasionally tense debate over proposed changes to the state election system. 

Families and providers say Wisconsin’s childcare system continues to be a burden, both financially and for reliability. Democratic lawmakers met with them on Monday to talk about ways to keep childcare centers open and affordable.

Wisconsin is one of 25 states suing the Trump administration over the suspension of funding for SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.

Friday morning, state representatives along with members of the Democracy Defense Project (DDP) spoke about election security at UW-Stevens Point at Wausau.