Tuesday, 3.26
Republicans in the state Assembly and Senate introduce bills that would create two sales-tax holidays. The first would be held on a weekend in August, exempting clothing and school supplies, including computers, from the state's 5% tax, along with any local sales taxes. The second would be in November, exempting appliances, roofing and other materials that have the federal Energy Star stamp of approval. The holidays would cost the state an estimated $14.5 million from its annual $4.3 billion sales tax collections.
Thursday, 3.28
The federal government releases its most accurate jobs data, confirming earlier, incomplete reports that show what everybody already knows: Wisconsin is doing terribly at creating private-sector jobs. Between September 2011 and September 2012, Wisconsin's private workforce grew by about 20,000. The state ranked 44th in the nation. Gov. Walker blames the weak showing on the Capitol protests and the recall effort. It couldn't possibly be his fault.
Saturday, 3.30
The Capital Times reports that Madison-Kipp Corp. allegedly asked Gov. Scott Walker to intervene in a state investigation and lawsuit the company faces from neighbors. The news was revealed in testimony from Department of Natural Resources official Michael Schmoller, who "could recall of no instance where a company went to the governor's office complaining."
Monday, 4.1
Republicans introduce a bill to the state Senate that would limit recall elections to public officials charged with criminal or ethics violations.
Tuesday, 4.2
The State Journal reports that Madison Bishop Robert Morlino forbid diocese priests from washing the feet of women during a Holy Week ritual. His edict came after the newly anointed Pope Francis washed the feet of two women at a Rome youth prison during the ritual, traditionally only performed on men.
About 19% of eligible voters take to the polls to elect several local and state offices. See pages 4-6 for results.
Wednesday, 4.3
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reverses an earlier decision and adds the name of Wauwatosa police officer Jennifer Sebena to its memorial honoring officers killed on duty. The fund originally opted not to honor the 30-year-old because she was allegedly killed on the job by her husband in an act of domestic violence.
Compiled, in part, from local media.
