Capitol Notes

By WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

What's Capitol Notes about?

There's never a shortage of political news in Wisconsin, from the governor's office to the Legislature to the state's elected officials in Washington, DC. Join WUWM host Maayan Silver and Wispolitics.com editor JR Ross as they highlight and provide context to the latest developments.

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Capitol Notes episodes:

04.22.2024
Capitol Notes: What's the hold up on PFAS? And the latest on Wisconsin Congressional Races!
Millions of dollars in state funding to clean up groundwater contamination are going unused in Wisconsin. Why? We also look into how Democrats and Republicans are trying to leverage their candidates in the state's competitive congressional districts.
04.08.2024
Capitol Notes: What to know about Wisconsin's U.S. Senate race, effect of constitutional amendments
Do you want to know about the candidates for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin, what U.S. Senators actually do for people on the ground here, and how the candidates are approaching their campaigns? Tune into Capitol Notes this week!
03.25.2024
Capitol Notes: Primaries, drop boxes and recalls, oh my!
JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com gives the big picture on the upcoming presidential primary election in Wisconsin, the new lawsuit over drop boxes and the latest in the recall effort against GOP Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.
03.11.2024
Capitol Notes: A settlement in Wisconsin fake electors lawsuit
Lawyers for former President Donald Trump and ten Wisconsin Republicans who served as false electors had to affirm President Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election. Find out more about that settlement, important 2024 potential legislative races and this week's...
02.26.2024
Capitol Notes: Trump Political Action Committee, other Republicans, implicated in potential Wisconsin campaign finance scheme
Wisconsin's Ethics Commission referred former President Trump's joint fundraising committee, GOP legislator Janel Brandtjen and other Republicans to local district attorneys for potential felony charges involving fundraising during the 2022 midterm elections.
02.12.2024
Capitol Notes: Would legislative Republicans pass Gov. Tony Evers' redistricting maps?
Last week brought developments in the redistricting lawsuit in the state supreme court over state legislative lines. With ongoing litigation in the court, Legislative Republicans weigh the idea of passing Democratic Governor Tony Evers' maps. This week's episode explores why.
01.29.2024
Capitol Notes: Republicans try on abortion, redistricting bills. But Gov. Tony Evers has the veto pen
Divided Republican lawmakers attempt a referendum on an abortion ban and don't exactly like legislative redistricting maps submitted by Gov. Tony Evers.
01.16.2024
Capitol Notes: Rolling out and rolling back? A medical marijuana bill. Also, Vos recall launched
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Racine County) is in the thick of state political news—again.
01.02.2024
Capitol Notes: Redistricting, elections, the RNC — our picks for 2024 political stories to watch
JR Ross of WisPolitics has been making a list of political stories to watch in 2024, and it's lengthy.
12.18.2023
Capitol Notes: It was a very Milwaukee year for Madison
Stories and people from Milwaukee were part of many big state stories in 2023.
12.04.2023
Capitol Notes: A new day, a new lawsuit — this time over Wisconsin's collective bargaining law
Seven unions representing teachers and other public workers in Wisconsin have sued to end the state’s near-total ban on collective bargaining for most public employees.
11.20.2023
Capitol Notes: What to know as Wisconsin redistricting lawsuit advances
Wisconsin's state supreme court takes up a lawsuit that could affect how state legislative lines are drawn. Find out what's key to know, from the big picture to the nitty gritty.
11.06.2023
Capitol Notes: What do the courts have to do with it?
Three important political stories in Wisconsin right now involve the courts, whether they're taking up lawsuits between the other branches of government or they're the subject of legislation themselves.
10.23.2023
Capitol Notes: What does house speaker debacle mean for key WI U.S. congressional races?
Freshman Wisconsin U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden is likely to have a key race for reelection in 2024. This week's Capitol Notes explains the importance of that race and how it could be impacted by the struggle over house speaker.
10.09.2023
Capitol Notes: Wisconsin GOP's approach to Megan Wolfe reflects larger fracture
A new week brings new efforts to challenge the state's nonpartisan top elections official. Jeff Mayers, president of WisPolitics.com gives a round up of where we're at.
$Capitol Notes: Wisconsin GOP's approach to Megan Wolfe reflects larger fracture$
09.25.2023
Capitol Notes: A swing and a miss on the Brewers funding plan?
Hear the latest on the GOP Brewers' stadium proposal and their "Iowa-style" redistricting reform plan.
09.11.2023
Capitol Notes: The 'I' word
Weeks into Justice Janet Protasiewicz's tenure as a state Supreme Court justice, and before she has even ruled on a case, Wisconsin Republicans have pulled out the "I" word. Impeachment. It's something they can do with a two-thirds majority in...
08.28.2023
Capitol Notes: Will Wisconsin's top elections official keep her job? The latest in GOP efforts to oust her
This Tuesday, the State Senate has scheduled votes to confirm or reject top elections official Megan Wolfe. The state's Democratic attorney general says the law doesn't support such a vote, and she gets to stay in her post indefinitely. What...
08.14.2023
Capitol Notes: Democratic control of Wisconsin state senate could stem from new redistricting lawsuits
Within a week of liberals taking control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, law firms and groups representing mathematicians and statisticians filed two redistricting lawsuits. This week's Capitol Notes digs into what they're hoping to get out of it.
07.31.2023
Capitol Notes: A new day on the Wisconsin Supreme Court
Liberal-backed State Supreme Court justice Janet Protasiewicz gets sworn into the role on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Litigation is already in the works for Democrats as Republicans defend a conservative legacy in place since the 2010s.
07.17.2023
Capitol Notes: Milwaukee's sales tax hike, Wisconsin's tax breaks, what does it all mean?
This week's Capitol Notes looks at taxes: Milwaukee's vote to raise sales taxes and Evers' actions on GOP tax breaks for the wealthy in the 2023-2025 budget. How will this affect Milwaukeeans and what can we expect going forward?
07.03.2023
Capitol Notes: The sizable power of the governor's veto pen
JR Ross, of WisPolitics.com, looks at how Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers might apply vetoes to the state budget.
06.19.2023
Capitol Notes: the uncertain future of Wisconsin's top election official
After baseless complaints of fraud by former President Donald Trump and a tumultuous pandemic election cycle in 2020, Wisconsin Republicans have reportedly "lost confidence" in the state's top election official. JR Ross of WisPolitics.com explains the politics behind this, and...
06.05.2023
Capitol Notes: GOP version of Wisconsin's capital budget slights UW-Madison
This week's Capitol Notes digs into the partisan discord over the state's capital budget, which funds state-building projects and looks into what's next for the GOP-controlled Joint Committee on Finance as they look to finalize the budget before the end...
05.22.2023
Capitol Notes: The latest on Wisconsin's shared revenue debate
Milwaukee is facing a fiscal cliff in 2025. What will the state government do about it (and for money to other counties and municipalities, as funds have been frozen for 30 years)? Hear about shared revenue politics, progress, and procedure...
05.08.2023
A look at Wisconsin Assembly Republicans' shared revenue bill and how it would affect Milwaukee
It's all things budget and shared revenue in the Wisconsin state capitol as local governments try to stave off fiscal cliffs after years of frozen state funding.
04.24.2023
Capitol Notes: Is medical marijuana legalization possible in Wisconsin?
The end of April has been busy for state legislators, the Assembly and State Senate have been taking up bills on everything from public safety to open records, and Republicans opened the door slightly to medical marijuana.
04.17.2023
Capitol Notes: Opposing takes on guns and welfare in Wisconsin
This week's Capitol Notes looks at GOP attempts in the state Legislature to advance their positions on school safety and welfare work requirements. Democrats are not on board. Also, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin announces reelection run.
04.10.2023
Capitol Notes: What's the next big thing under the dome?
With the Supreme Court election over, JR Ross guides us through other big matters ahead in Madison.
04.03.2023
Capitol Notes: All things Wisconsin Supreme Court race
What is staggering spending telling us about the Wisconsin Supreme Court race? Where's it coming from? Who's doing it better? How is it related to the outcome?
03.27.2023
Capitol Notes: Sec. of State office, capital budget, anti-LGBTQ laws in Wisconsin
This week's Capitol Notes looks into Republican calls for a special election for secretary of state, a GOP rejection of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' capital budget proposal and the state of anti-LGBTQ laws in Wisconsin.
03.20.2023
Capitol Notes: Wisconsin Republicans try to make headway on abortion ban, get shut down
JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com explains why abortion law developments have been difficult for Republicans in the state.
03.13.2023
Capitol Notes: What does baseball have to do with it? A Wisconsin budget refresher
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and GOP Legislative leaders are pitching alternate takes on what to do to keep the Brewers in Wisconsin. JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com explains the politics behind that and details how the budget process works.
03.06.2023
Capitol Notes: What does record-breaking spending mean for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race?
Spending in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is through the roof. JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com, breaks down what that means for the campaigns, ads and voters. Meanwhile, the state budget is chugging through the system, and we'll break down...
02.27.2023
Capitol Notes: What to make of tactics in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race?
Turnout, money and messaging, it's all at play in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. This week's Capitol Notes looks into the prevailing campaigns.
02.20.2023
Capitol Notes: How's that primary looking, Wisconsin?
Ahead of Election Day Tuesday, JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com lays out what to know about the statewide state Supreme Court primary race as it stands as well as a special election for the state's 8th Senate district.
02.13.2023
Capitol Notes: Is there hope for more state aid for Wisconsin's local governments?
Gov. Evers will unveil his full two-year spending plan to the GOP-controlled legislature on Wednesday and has already revealed several priorities. For example, he's calling for 20% of the state's sales tax collection to go toward municipalities and counties. What...
02.06.2023
Capitol Notes: Big spending underway in Wisconsin Supreme Court and State Senate primaries
The ads buys are getting bigger in some key races ahead of voters going to the polls on Feb. 21.
01.30.2023
Capitol Notes: Ads start in Wisconsin Supreme Court race, and 'judging' Evers' State of State speech
WisPolitics.com Editor JR Ross has his watchful eye on the Supreme Court race and state spending.
01.17.2023
Capitol Notes: Republicans continue their controversial ways in Madison and Milwaukee
Mid-January doldrums? WisPolitics.com Editor JR Ross says not at the State Capitol.
01.09.2023
Capitol Notes: It's the constitutional amendments edition
Wisconsin voters may have some state constitutional amendments to consider this April.
01.04.2023
Capitol Notes: A review of Tuesday's inauguration and a look at what we might expect in 2023
WisPolitics.com Editor JR Ross analyzes Tuesday's speeches and gets out the crystal ball.
01.02.2023
Capitol Notes: It's inauguration time at the state Capitol
After Tuesday's swearing-in, comes the intrigue of speeches and future political roles.
12.27.2022
Capitol Notes: The top political stories of 2022 include one leftover from 2020
JR Ross, of WisPolitics.com, recaps the 2022 elections and the 2022 probe of the 2020 election.
12.19.2022
Capitol Notes: A look of possible items Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers may place in state budget stocking
State agencies and some members of the public are making their wish list for the next two years.
12.12.2022
Capitol Notes: Milwaukee leaders Johnson & Crowley head to Madison to discuss state financial aid
Plus, there are major changes in Wisconsin GOP leadership and in the race for 8th state Senate district.
12.05.2022
Capitol Notes: It's getting crowded in the Wisconsin Supreme Court contest
Four candidates are now running for Wisconsin Supreme Court. JR Ross takes a look on Capitol Notes.
11.28.2022
Capitol Notes: What Darling's departure means for the Wisconsin Legislature
River Hills GOP Sen. Alberta Darling leaves the legislature this week, prompting political intrigue.
11.21.2022
Capitol Notes: It's the Republicans making headlines edition
State Rep. Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls) and GOP Chairman Paul Farrow are in the news.
11.14.2022
Capitol Notes: GOP plans and possible Gov. Evers reaction highlight this post-election edition
GOP proposals for abortion restrictions and school vouchers may be headed for difficulty in Madison.

What's Capitol Notes about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Capitol Notes episodes:

Capitol Notes: What's the hold up on PFAS? And the latest on Wisconsin Congressional Races!

Capitol Notes: What to know about Wisconsin's U.S. Senate race, effect of constitutional amendments

Capitol Notes: Primaries, drop boxes and recalls, oh my!

Capitol Notes: A settlement in Wisconsin fake electors lawsuit

Capitol Notes: Trump Political Action Committee, other Republicans, implicated in potential Wisconsin campaign finance scheme

Capitol Notes: Would legislative Republicans pass Gov. Tony Evers' redistricting maps?

Capitol Notes: Republicans try on abortion, redistricting bills. But Gov. Tony Evers has the veto pen

Capitol Notes: Rolling out and rolling back? A medical marijuana bill. Also, Vos recall launched

Capitol Notes: Redistricting, elections, the RNC — our picks for 2024 political stories to watch

Capitol Notes: It was a very Milwaukee year for Madison

Capitol Notes: A new day, a new lawsuit — this time over Wisconsin's collective bargaining law

Capitol Notes: What to know as Wisconsin redistricting lawsuit advances

Capitol Notes: What do the courts have to do with it?

Capitol Notes: What does house speaker debacle mean for key WI U.S. congressional races?

Capitol Notes: Wisconsin GOP's approach to Megan Wolfe reflects larger fracture

Capitol Notes: A swing and a miss on the Brewers funding plan?

Capitol Notes: The 'I' word

Capitol Notes: Will Wisconsin's top elections official keep her job? The latest in GOP efforts to oust her

Capitol Notes: Democratic control of Wisconsin state senate could stem from new redistricting lawsuits

Capitol Notes: A new day on the Wisconsin Supreme Court

Capitol Notes: Milwaukee's sales tax hike, Wisconsin's tax breaks, what does it all mean?

Capitol Notes: The sizable power of the governor's veto pen

Capitol Notes: the uncertain future of Wisconsin's top election official

Capitol Notes: GOP version of Wisconsin's capital budget slights UW-Madison

Capitol Notes: The latest on Wisconsin's shared revenue debate

A look at Wisconsin Assembly Republicans' shared revenue bill and how it would affect Milwaukee

Capitol Notes: Is medical marijuana legalization possible in Wisconsin?

Capitol Notes: Opposing takes on guns and welfare in Wisconsin

Capitol Notes: What's the next big thing under the dome?

Capitol Notes: All things Wisconsin Supreme Court race

Capitol Notes: Sec. of State office, capital budget, anti-LGBTQ laws in Wisconsin

Capitol Notes: Wisconsin Republicans try to make headway on abortion ban, get shut down

Capitol Notes: What does baseball have to do with it? A Wisconsin budget refresher

Capitol Notes: What does record-breaking spending mean for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race?

Capitol Notes: What to make of tactics in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race?

Capitol Notes: How's that primary looking, Wisconsin?

Capitol Notes: Is there hope for more state aid for Wisconsin's local governments?

Capitol Notes: Big spending underway in Wisconsin Supreme Court and State Senate primaries

Capitol Notes: Ads start in Wisconsin Supreme Court race, and 'judging' Evers' State of State speech

Capitol Notes: Republicans continue their controversial ways in Madison and Milwaukee

Capitol Notes: It's the constitutional amendments edition

Capitol Notes: A review of Tuesday's inauguration and a look at what we might expect in 2023

Capitol Notes: It's inauguration time at the state Capitol

Capitol Notes: The top political stories of 2022 include one leftover from 2020

Capitol Notes: A look of possible items Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers may place in state budget stocking

Capitol Notes: Milwaukee leaders Johnson & Crowley head to Madison to discuss state financial aid

Capitol Notes: It's getting crowded in the Wisconsin Supreme Court contest

Capitol Notes: What Darling's departure means for the Wisconsin Legislature

Capitol Notes: It's the Republicans making headlines edition

Capitol Notes: GOP plans and possible Gov. Evers reaction highlight this post-election edition