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  • Robert Cowles, Wisconsin State Senator: District 2
  • Press Releases
  • 2023
    • Applauds LAB’s Work Over the Past Two-Years
    • Supports Judges’ Ability to Protect Wisconsinites
    • Response to the State of the State Address
  • 2022
    • Statement on the Passing of Bill Vander Loop
    • Cowles Issues Statement on Thompson Resignation
    • Effort to Ease Water Supply Planning Requirements Signed into Law
    • Cowles’ Bills on Clean Water Pass Senate
    • Streamlining Exam Administration for Wisconsin’s Environmental Professionals
    • Push to Collect PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam Finally Successful
    • Four Cowles’ Bills for NE Wisconsin Pass Senate
    • Honoring the Oneida Nation’s Purple Heart Recipients
    • Community Revitalization Bill Signed into Law
    • Constituent Idea Eases Ancestry Research
    • Bill to Explore Ways to Improve Water Quality Passes the State Senate
    • Statement on Retirement of Senator Jerry Petrowski
    • Constituent Idea Protects the Rights of Condo Owners
    • New Law Provides Accountability and Transparency for a State Loan Program
    • Funding Critical Infrastructure Upgrades in the Wisconsin State Parks System
    • New Law Promotes Private Sustainability Efforts
    • Honoring the Oneida Nation’s Purple Heart Recipients
    • Rock County One of the First, But Won’t be the Last to Challenge the Private Sector EV Charging Market
    • Bill to Support Farmers and Improve Water Quality Signed into Law
    • Spiros/Cowles Disappointed in Governor Evers’ Veto of SB 703
    • Audit Recommends Improved Monitoring for Housing and Energy Assistance Programs
    • Audit Offers an Initial Look at Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan
    • Audit Reviews State’s Administration of Federal Funds in FY 2020-21
    • Applauds New Sexual Assault Kit Tracking Database
    • Pushes for Common-Sense from the PSC
    • Water Quality Trading Clearinghouse Finally Moving Ahead
    • Audit Recommends OCI Improve its Financial Reporting Process
    • Audit Recommends Improvements for SWIB
    • Applauds the Implementation of the Sexual Assault Kit Testing and Handling Procedures Law
    • Applauds Georgia-Pacific’s Expansion
    • Applauds the PSC’s Decision to Advance Petition on Solar Energy Financing
    • Incentives for Farmers to Go Above and Beyond on Land and Water Management Practices Now Funded
    • Audit Recommends Improvements for Certain PSC Broadband Programs
    • Perpetrators of Swatting Calls to Wisconsin Schools Can Be Charged Under Bill Cowles Passed
    • Honoring the Life and Public Service of Dale Cattanach
    • Thanks Sec. Preston Cole for Service to Wisconsin
    • Thanks Sen. Darling for Service to Wisconsin
    • Audit Reviews the We’re All In and Wisconsin Tomorrow Grant Programs
    • Audit Reviews Decisions about the Use of Supplemental Federal Funds
    • Audit Reviews UW System’s Financial Statements
    • Examining Energy Shortage Concerns
  • 2021
    • Inaugurated for a Four-Year Term
    • Applauds Brown County’s Riverfront Leadership
    • Condemns Events in Washington D.C.
    • Area Legislators Introduce Legal Notices Bill
    • Report Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement in State Government to Legislative Audit Bureau Hotline (1-877-FRAUD-17)
    • Expo Center will be Regional Asset for Decades to Come
    • Votes to Support Mask Use, Health Care Community
    • Joint Legislative Audit Committee Approves Comprehensive Review of Elections Administration
    • Votes Against PPP Tax Changes
    • Joint Legislative Audit Committee Co-chairs Statement on Green Bay Election Administration and Ongoing Elections Audit
    • Audits Review Child Care Counts Program and the Credentialing of Certain Health Care Providers
    • Senate Supports Survivors by Approving Sexual Assault Kit Bill
    • Senate Honors Memory of Dr. Alfred Tector Jr.
    • Audit Reviews State’s Administration of Federal Funds in FY 2019-20
    • Plan to Provide Cleaner Water Passes the Senate
    • Cowles and Tauchen Announce Two Listening Sessions
    • Cowles and Steffen Announce Listening Session
    • Audit Examines WEDC Operations
    • Governor Celebrates Earth Day by Vetoing Clean Water Initiatives
    • Cowles to Join Upcoming Listening Session
    • Statement on Oneida Casino Shooting
    • Four Bills Authored by Sen. Cowles Pass the Senate
    • Cowles to Join Upcoming Listening Session
    • Newspaper Legal Notices Bill Signed into Law
    • Audit Shows Decline in Net Position of the Unemployment Reserve Fund
    • Applauds Assembly’s Passage of Five Efforts
    • Cowles Votes ‘Aye’ on 2021-23 State Budget
    • Bill to Promote Tax Transparency Signed into Law
    • Bart Starr Memorial Bridge Signed into Law
    • Audit Reports Noncompliance with Unemployment Insurance Appeals Timeliness
    • A Smarter Approach to Flooding Signed into Law
    • Consensus Changes Made to E-Cycle Program Under New Law
    • Tax Accountability Dashboard Posted Online
    • Economic Development Assistance for Green Bay Moves Ahead in Cowles’ Senate Committee
    • Supports UW-System’s Mitigation Ability
    • Bills to Remove and Streamline Some Water Utility Regulations Pass Senate
    • Community Revitalization Bill Passes Senate
    • Sexual Assault Kit Testing Timeline Bill Heard
    • Elections Administration Audit Released
    • Cowles/Thiesfeldt Bill Signed Into Law
    • Bill to Simplify Water Meter Project Regulations Signed into Law
    • Celebrates Passage of Effort to Support Survivors
    • Easing the Financing Process for Local Utilities
    • Effort to Support Survivors Finally Becomes Law
  • 2020
    • Bill to Prevent PFAS Pollution Passes Senate Committee
    • Cowles’ Statement on Assembly’s Veto Override Attempt
    • Promoting a Smart Approach to Reduce Flooding Events
    • Two Bills from the ‘Bite Back’ Package Signed into Law
    • Senate Votes to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure
    • Bringing Condo Association Leadership to the Table
    • Bill to Prevent PFAS Pollution Passes the Legislature
    • Parks Revitalization Act 2.0 Passes the Assembly
    • SCHOOL Act Recommended for Passage by Senate Committee
    • Focusing In on PFAS Pollution in Wisconsin
    • New Law will Further Revitalize Our State Parks
    • Water Quality Efforts Move Ahead in Senate Committee
    • Bill to Prevent PFAS Pollution Signed into Law
    • JFC Rejects Locating a Youth Prison in Hortonia
    • Children’s Health Wins the Support of Assembly
    • Assembly Advances Pollution Prevention Partnerships Bill
    • Assembly Approves Five Cowles’ Bills
    • Legislation Designed to Deter ‘Swatting’ Becomes Law
    • Third Bill from the ‘Bite Back’ Package Signed into Law
    • Bringing Condo Association Leadership to the Table
    • Innovative Nonpoint Source Pollution Solution Signed into Law
    • State Aid Restored to Freedom Schools Under New Law
    • Applauds Action by Board of Nursing on COVID-19
    • Cowles Working to Include Accountability and Oversight Measures in COVID-19 Legislation
    • COVID-19 Response Bolstered by Bipartisan Effort
    • Plan to Improve Safety and Navigation On and Under the HHH Bridge Approved
    • Reopening of State Parks a Promising Step
    • Gallagher/Cowles Call on Evers to Aid Brown County’s COVID-19 Response Efforts
    • PSC Approves Green Bay Water’s Lead Removal Plan
    • More Solar Developments Shine a Light on Wisconsin’s Energy Future
    • Kaukauna Joins Green Bay with an Approved Plan to Reduce Lead-Laden Water
    • Shawano Lake, Following Today’s FERC Decision, Will Be Ready for Safer Recreation this Summer
    • Cowles’ Encourages Applicants for Farm and Small Business Assistance Programs
    • Thompson an Ideal Choice for the UW-System
    • Lawless Actions in Madison Despicable
    • Cowles/Nygren Applaud Action by the NRB on PFAS Firefighting Foam
    • Audit Bureau Reviews Overpayment of Unemployment Insurance Benefits
    • Report Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement in State Government to Legislative Audit Bureau Hotline (1-877-FRAUD-17)
    • Audit Examines UW System Financial Management
    • Cowles Applauds a Milestone for Northeast Wisconsin
    • Audit Bureau Reviews DPI Guidance to Schools and School Districts
    • Applauds Howard’s Partnership with HSSD to Lessen the Financial Burden of COVID-19 on Local Schools
    • Audits Assess IT Needs Assessment, Procurement, and Security
    • Audit Bureau Reviews Unemployment Insurance Call Centers
    • Cowles Applauds Green Bay’s Final Lead Lateral Removal
    • Congratulates James Golembeski on Retirement
    • Roth / Cowles Applaud Support for COVID-19 Prevention Steps
    • Cowles Applauds WEC’s Efficiency, Sustainability and Growth Plan
    • Ratepayers Protected and Air Quality Improved Under State’s First Environmental Trust Financing Plan
    • Cowles Echoes Call for Unity in COVID-19 Fight
    • Audit Recommends Recycling Program Improvements and Best Practices
    • Cowles Continues to Encourage Wisconsinites to Step-Up and Fight COVID-19 Spread
    • Audit Recommends Improvements for SWIB
    • The Leading on Lead Act is Working, but Milwaukee Isn’t
    • Excited to be Reappointed to Committee Assignments for the 2021-22 Legislative Session
    • Audit Analyzes DWD’s Processing of Unemployment Claims
    • Applauds New Clean Water Partnership
    • Statement on JCRAR Actions on Firefighting Foam Rules
    • Joins EPA and Local Leaders for Announcement on Federal Lead and Copper Rule
  • 2019
    • Pleased to be Returning as Audit Committee Co-Chair
    • Report Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement in State Government to Legislative Audit Bureau Hotline (1-877-FRAUD-17)
    • Announced as Member of Speaker’s Water Quality Task Force
    • Senator Cowles to Host Listening Sessions on Friday
    • Audit Recommends Improvements to Group Insurance Programs
    • Senator Cowles to Host Listening Sessions on Friday
    • State Legislators Call for Action to Replace Green Bay Correctional Institution
    • Legislation to address Water Quality by Creating Pollution Prevention Partnership
    • Sen. Cowles Response to the Budget Address
    • Shawano County Legislators Applaud Federal Action on Wolf Protections
    • Senator Cowles and Representative Tauchen to Hold District Listening Sessions
    • P3: Pollution Prevention Partnership Clears the Senate Committee
    • Audit Reviews State’s Administration of Federal Funds
    • Bill to Address Fraudulent Auto Sales Available in Both Houses
    • Sen. Cowles Concerned Following an Analysis Showing the Governor’s Plan will Create a $1.96 Billion Structural Deficit
    • Sen. Cowles’ Statement on State of the Tribes Address
    • Bill to Address Fraudulent Auto Sales Passes Legislature
    • Bill to Designate Mike Ellis Memorial Interchange Passes Legislature
    • Applauds PSC’s Approval of New Solar Energy Projects
    • Outagamie County Legislators Send Letter to Help Address Concerns with Proposed Hortonia Youth Corrections Facility
    • Committing to Stewardship through 2030
    • Mike Ellis’ Legacy Honored with a Memorial Interchange
    • DOT Now Has the Tools to Properly Address Fraudulent Auto Sales With New Law
    • Audit Reviews Adult Corrections Expenditures
    • Audit Examines UW Financial Management and Operations
    • Audit Examines WEDC’s Operations
    • Pollution Prevention Partnerships Unanimously Supported by Senate
    • Allouez to be Reimbursed for Law Enforcement Services Related to GBCI
    • Rep. Nygren and Sen. Cowles Introduce Bill Curbing Use of PFAS Fire Fighting Foam
    • It’s Time to Bite Back Against Lyme Disease
    • Major Progress in Addressing the Wastewater Permitting Audit
    • Budget Motion to Replace Green Bay Correctional Institution Passes
    • Supporting the Residents of Hortonia
    • Shawano Community Concerned about Federal Government
    • Shawano Lake is (Finally) Open for the Summer
    • Budget Provides a Substantial Improvement for Northeast Wisconsin
    • Legislators Introduce Joint Resolution to Establish ‘MVP Week’ in Wisconsin
    • Great Potential for Northeast Wisconsin with Expo Center Groundbreaking
    • Report Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement in State Government to Legislative Audit Bureau Hotline (1-877-FRAUD-17)
    • Senator Cowles Responds to Governor’s Press Conference on Lead
    • Lead Poisoning Prevention Bills Introduced to Protect Wisconsin Children
    • SCHOOL Acts Unveiled as a Bipartisan Effort
    • Two Creeks Project Helps to Shift Narrative on Solar Energy
    • Solar Continues to Soar in Northeast Wisconsin
    • DHS Investigations of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King (2012-2016)
    • Sexual Assault Kits Bill Receives Senate Hearing
    • Honoring Electa Quinney’s Place in Wisconsin History
    • Senate Unanimously Supports ‘Biting Back’ Against Lyme Disease
    • Senate Approves Sexual Assault Kits Bill
    • Plan to Move Green Bay Coal Piles Moves Closer to Reality
    • P3 Legislation Unanimously Recommended by Assembly Committee
    • ICYMI: Cowles Joins National Leaders in Applauding EPA’s Attention to Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
    • Bill to Support Planning to Move Green Bay Coal Piles Passes Senate Committee
    • Thanks Ray Cross for His Service, Wishes Him Well in Retirement
    • Wisconsin Turning the Page with Announcement by Alliant
    • Cowles Applauds WEC Settlement that Utilizes Environmental Trust Financing for the First Time
    • Parks Revitalization Act 2.0 Passes the Senate
    • Audit Examines Wisconsin Fast Forward Program
    • Cowles Applauds Northeast Wisconsin TAD Grants
    • Statement on Veto of CNA Shortage Relief Legislation
    • Redevelopment in Green Bay Area Get a Boost from the State
    • Audit Recommends State Agencies Improve Oversight of Residential Properties
    • Audit Again Recommends WEDC Revise Procedures
    • Latest Report Reaffirms Success of Focus on Energy
    • Audit Examines School Safety Grants, Plans, and Best Practices
    • EPA Promotes Innovative Solutions to Water Quality; Cowles Legislation, ‘P3,’ Helps to Advance these Goals
  • 2018
    • Audit Recommends Improvements to Management of State Fair Park
    • Bill to Reestablish the Conservation Corps Passes Committees
    • Bills to Turn Plastics into Fuel Move Forward
    • Leading on Lead Act Reaches Final Passage
    • Senate Passes Bill to Save Our Pets in Emergency Situations
    • Assembly Votes to Protect Children from Neglect
    • Audit Recommends UW System Address Continued IT Weaknesses
    • Senate Committee Passes Amended Wetland Reform Bill
    • Audit Recommends Improved IT Security for STAR
    • Cowles’ Bills to Combat Child Neglect and Hire Heroes Pass Senate
    • Bill to Address Lead Laden Water Signed into Law
    • Legislature Paves the Way for Highway Project Accountability
    • Farmer-Led Land Conservation Bill Passes Senate Committee
    • Audit Recommends Increased Oversight and Monitoring of UW Relationships
    • Senator Cowles Stands With Tailgaters
    • Cowles’ Bill to Turn Plastics into Fuel Passes Senate
    • Kitchens/Cowles Bill Promoting Farmer-Led Conservation Passes Senate
    • Bill to Save Our Pets in Emergency Situations Becomes Law
    • Bill to Hire Heroes Signed into Law
    • Farmer-Led Land Conservation Bill Signed into Law
    • Governor’s Signature Paves the Way for Highway Project Accountability
    • Cowles Questions DNR’s Closure of Another Iconic Tower
    • Bill to Combat Child Neglect Signed into Law
    • Bill to Turn Plastics into Fuel Signed into Law
    • Governor’s CWD Strategy is a Welcome Step Forward
    • Weekly Republican Radio Address: Paving the Way to Highway Project Accountability
    • Safety First: Raise Shawano Lake’s Water Level
    • Applauds Announcement from Green Bay Packaging
    • Boaters Rejoice: Water Levels on Shawano Lake on the Rise after Safety and Community Concerns
    • Thousands of Lead Water Pipes Being Removed Thanks to Loan Program
    • Applauds TitletownTech’s Investment in Northeast Wisconsin’s Future
    • Cowles Reacts to the Passing of Senator Mike Ellis
    • Local Legislators Advocate for State Roads in Brown County
    • Petition to Close GBCI Receives over 1,000 Signatures
    • Cowles Applauds STEM Center Approval
    • Weekly Republican Radio Address: Advancing Water Quality in Wisconsin
    • PSC Approves First Plan under new Leading on Lead Act
    • Audit Analyzes Use of Forestry Account Funds
    • Cowles Reacts to the Passing of Senator John McCain
    • Retirement Investment Funds Show Strong Returns in 2017
    • Green Bay Packaging Places Emphasis on Sustainability at Groundbreaking
    • Cowles Helps Break Ground for New STEM Center
    • Kenosha Breaks Ground on First Lead Lateral Replacement Under New Program
    • Work of Legislative Audit Bureau Again Affirmed
    • Receives ‘Friend of the Towns’ Award
    • Weekly Republican Radio Address: Workforce Development Opportunities Available in Wisconsin
    • Sen. Cowles’ Statement on Extraordinary Session
    • Looking Forward to Leading Policy Discussions on Natural Resources and Energy for Two More Years
    • Audit Recommends WEDC Revise Procedures
    • Audit Examines SWIB Performance and Management
    • State Financial Audit Identifies Continuing Concerns with IT Security
  • 2017
    • Senator Cowles Issues Statement on Governor Walker's State of the State Address: Continued Focus on Workforce is Important to Wisconsin's Economy
    • Report Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement in State Government to Legislative Audit Bureau Hotline (1-877-FRAUD-17)
    • Sen. Cowles Supports Governor’s efforts to support Financial Stability
    • Auditors Identify Potential Savings in the State Highway Program
    • Senator Cowles introduces the Leading on Lead Act Giving Local Control to replace Lead Water Pipes
    • Senator Cowles to be Joined by Representatives Steffen, Steineke and Tauchen for District Listening Sessions
    • Bill to Lower Phosphorus Levels, Strengthen Economy Finally Passes EPA Hurdle
    • Lawmakers Release “Ratepayers First” Proposal
    • Senator Cowles, Representative Summerfield to introduce legislation to tackle Credit Card Skimmers
    • Senator Cowles Statement on the Death of Ashwaubenon Village President Mike Aubinger
    • Senator Cowles Statement on Non-Fiscal Policy Items being taken out of the State Budget
    • Highway Project Accountability Bill Advances in the Legislature
    • Audit Reviews Revenues, Expenditures, and Capital Projects at King
    • Highway Project Accountability Bill Passes the Senate
    • Audit Notes WEDC Improvements and Makes Additional Recommendations
    • A Day to Pay Homage
    • Committees Approve Proposal to Combat Credit Card Skimmers
    • Skimmers Bill Sees Success on the Senate Floor
    • Cowles Bill to Protect Consumers at the Pump Passes the Full Legislature
    • Cowles/Kitchens Bill Provides Hope for Access to Clean Water
    • ‘Ruff’ Burden on Law Enforcement Removed by Cowles/Jacque Bill
    • GLRI Funding is Vital in the Fight against an Asian Carp Invasion
    • Act 54 Helps Wisconsin Catch Criminals at the Pump
    • Audit Assesses the Veterans Home at King
    • Uncertainties Remain on Foxconn Deal
    • Senator Cowles Releases a Statement on the Budget’s Passage
    • Cowles Applauds Brown County OWI Court Proposal
    • Bill to Improve Water Infrastructure in State Parks Passes Senate Committee
    • Senate Responds to Public Health Concerns with Bill to Address Lead Laden Water
    • Cowles Bill to Improve Water Infrastructure in State Parks Approved by Senate
    • Clean Water Access Bill Passes Senate
    • Assembly Committee Passes Cowles/Jacque Brownfields Reform Bill
    • Senate Approves Cowles/Jacque Brownfields Reform Bill
    • Bill to Address Lead Laden Water One of Six Cowles’ Bills to Clear Assembly
    • Cowles/Jacque Brownfields Reform Bill Signed into Law
    • Cowles/Tusler Bill to Improve Water Infrastructure in State Parks Signed into Law
    • Kitchens/Cowles Clean Water Access Bill Signed into Law
  • 2016
    • Audit Recommends DNR Improve Wastewater Permitting and Enforcement
    • Sen. Cowles Urges Caution on Spending
    • Governor Signs Combat Sports Safety Act
    • Audit Examines State’s Administration of $12 Billion in Federal Funds
    • HOPE Agenda Bill Signings Statement
    • More than 91,000 jobs available on JobCenterofWisconsin.com
    • Justice for Children Bills Signed into Law
    • COWLES RETURNS OVER 50% OF OFFICE BUDGET
    • Paving the Way for Innovative Phosphorus Management
    • Sen. Cowles Recycling Bill Clears Final Legislative Hurdle
    • Restoring Recycling Grants Proves Beneficial for Wisconsin Residents
    • Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Bill Signed into Law
    • Bill Paves way for Titletown District
    • Audit Committee Unanimously Approves Audit of Veterans Home at King
    • Brown County, Municipalities to Receive Additional $534,000 from Lambeau Sales Tax Revenues
    • Senator Cowles’s Statement on the Passing of Senator Rick Gudex
    • Audit Identifies Lack of Monthly Bank Reconciliations
    • Audit Evaluates SWIB Performance and Expenditures
  • 2015
    • Audit Committee Passes LAB Authority Bills
    • Cowles Statement on Milwaukee Arena Vote
    • Thumbs Down for Microbeads: Thumbs Up for Sen. Cowles
    • Audit Examines WEDC Operations
    • Audit Recommends DHS Improve Oversight of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services
    • Audit Recommends Further Improvements for GAB
    • Senate Passes Bill to Return Excess Stadium Tax
    • Senator Cowles and Representative Tauchen to hold budget listening session in Shawano
    • Cowles, DWD share demonstration of new JobCenterofWisconsin.com website
    • Gov. Walker signs Interstate Medical Licensure Compact into law
    • LAB and Audit Committee Are Important for Legislative Oversight
    • GOVERNOR WALKER SIGNS COWLES BILL TO PHASE OUT MICROBEADS
    • Quality Work of Legislative Audit Bureau Affirmed
    • Schimel, Cowles Release Justice for Children Package
    • Senate Passes Senate Bill 323 and 325
    • SEN. COWLES STATEMENT ON BUDGET VOTE
    • Statement on Passage of Microbeads Legislation
    • STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF RODNEY KREUREN
  • 2014
    • Audit Reports Concerns with UW System’s Implementation of Payroll and Benefits System
    • Clean Water, Healthy Economy Act introduced by Cowles, Farrow and Loudenbeck
    • Senator Cowles Hosting Office Hours April 30th
    • UW System finished March with $1.7 billion; No need for tuition increase

 

 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882; Office: 118 South, State Capitol

Office: (608) 266-0484; District: (920) 448-5092; Email: Sen.Cowles@legis.wisconsin.gov