Gov. Walker signs Interstate Medical Licensure Compact into law
Governor Walker signed Assembly Bill 253 into law. The bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.
Cowles, DWD share demonstration of new JobCenterofWisconsin.com website
Senator Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay), with the Department of Workforce Development, gave a live presentation of the new, mobile-friendly JobCenterofWisconsin.com website at Bay Central Job Center in Green Bay.
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF RODNEY KREUREN
Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) issued the following statement today regarding the passing of former Wisconsin Railroad Commissioner Rodney Kreunen.
Schimel, Cowles Release Justice for Children Package
Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay), with Attorney General Brad Schimel and Representatives Heaton, Macco, Murtha, and Tranel announced plans to address the growing problems of child abuse, neglect and sexual assault; introducing the Justice for Children package. The package of bills aims to protect Wisconsin’s children from such horrible crimes.
Quality Work of Legislative Audit Bureau Affirmed
Joint Legislative Audit Committee co-chairpersons, Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem), responded today to the announcement that the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) has received the highest rating possible from an external, independent peer review team on its system of quality control.
Senate Passes Bill to Return Excess Stadium Tax
"I'm pleased to have worked with Rep. Steffen and the stakeholders to return this money in a fair manner to the hard-working taxpayers in communities within Brown County."
Audit Recommends Further Improvements for GAB
“I am pleased that Act 2 affirmed the Audit Bureau’s authority to access and analyze confidential GAB records,” said Rep. Samantha Kerkman (R-Salem). “We now have a better picture of the nature of the confidential complaints and GAB handling of complaints.”
Cowles Statement on Milwaukee Arena Vote
“I think it is incredibly unfair that my constituents in Northeastern Wisconsin are being asked to pay for a sports arena in Milwaukee....
SEN. COWLES STATEMENT ON BUDGET VOTE
“During my time in the legislature, I have often said that non-fiscal policy items don’t belong in the state budget. These items deserve to be debated on their own and should have public input and discussion as separate legislation.
GOVERNOR WALKER SIGNS COWLES BILL TO PHASE OUT MICROBEADS
“Today we are one step closer to removing small plastic contaminants from Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers. This bipartisan legislation, backed by industry and conservation groups in the state, takes necessary measures to reduce and eventually eliminate microbeads from being released into the environment.”
LAB and Audit Committee Are Important for Legislative Oversight
Through its audit work with the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, LAB supports the Legislature’s oversight of state agencies by identifying instances or patterns of fraud, statutory noncompliance, waste, and mismanagement. LAB identifies ways state agencies can achieve cost savings and realize efficiencies. LAB also provides policy analysis to inform legislative action on specific programs or more generally across state government.
Audit Recommends DHS Improve Oversight of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services
Today, the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released its audit of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services to Medical Assistance recipients. The Medical Assistance program is administered by the Department of Health Services (DHS).
Audit Examines WEDC Operations
Today, the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released its audit of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). WEDC is the State’s leading economic development organization. In fiscal year (FY) 2013-14, WEDC administered 29 economic development programs that provided grants, loans, tax credits and other assistance to businesses, individuals, and organizations.
Senator Cowles and Representative Tauchen to hold budget listening session in Shawano
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet with constituents and listen to their concerns with the state budget,” Cowles said. “I would like to encourage individuals to come and discuss issues or problems they may have.”
Statement on Passage of Microbeads Legislation
“Today the State Senate took one step closer to removing small plastic contaminants from Wisconsin’s lake ecosystems. This bipartisan legislation, backed by industry and conservation groups in the state, takes necessary measures to reduce and eventually eliminate microbeads from being released into the environment.”
Thumbs Down for Microbeads: Thumbs Up for Sen. Cowles
The Janesville Gazette applaud the legislation to halt the use of Microbeads. Two Republicans, Sen. Rob Cowles of Green Bay and Rep. Mary Czaja of Irma, are introducing legislation to phase out their use.
Audit Committee Passes LAB Authority Bills
Assembly Bill 9 and Senate Bill 6 were passed unanimously by the committee.
Senate Passes Senate Bill 323 and 325
“I hope that these bills will help the fight against such horrible crimes against children, provide justice and better outcomes for victims of sexual violence. I want to thank my colleagues for unanimously supporting this legislation and hope that my assembly counterparts do as well”, said Senator Cowles.