Wednesday, 10.9
The state Assembly's elections committee votes in favor of proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow recall elections only in cases where the officeholder has been charged with a criminal or an ethics violation.
Thursday, 10.10
Gov. Scott Walker proposes using $100 million of the state's surplus to lower property taxes around the state, giving the typical homeowner a $13 tax break this year and $20 the next year. Says Walker: "The taxpayers of the state helped us create the surplus, it's only right that we draw down their property taxes." See Judith Davidoff's report.
Friday, 10.11
The Dane County district attorney's office formally charges three men, Tavon Meyers, Manford White and Anthony White, with felony murder in the beating death of James Wilcox last week on the west side.
The UW Board of Regents approves new pay scales for top university administrators that will reward new hires. For instance, the outgoing UW System president now makes $418,000 a year; his replacement could make from $399,000 to $598,500. "Leaders matter," regent Gerald Whitburn tells the State Journal. "Part of our job is to do everything we can to ensure this system maintains its excellence and is at the top of the list nationally."
Monday, 10.14
Gov. Walker asks the Mexican Consulate to open an office in Wisconsin because of the growing Hispanic population here.
Tuesday, 10.15
UW-Madison reports that the loan repayment rate for its students is well above the national average. In 2012, 1.1% of UW students defaulted on loans, compared to 11% nationally.
Mary Burke, recently announced candidate for governor, criticizes Gov. Walker for turning down federal funds to expand Medicaid. "It defies common sense that we would turn down $120 million that frankly is the money of Wisconsin taxpayers. Federal money is our money, and we should make sure we are getting our share of it."
The opening of Snuggle House, an East Main Street business offering nonsexual hugs to customers, is delayed because city inspections have not yet been completed. Jennifer Zilavy, assistant city attorney, says the city is unclear about the business' plans. She tells the State Journal: "I don't know what they have done as far as training their staff to respond to potential sexual assaults and that type of thing."
