Transportation and the economy: Politicians, business leaders gather for round-table discussion

WAUWATOSA -- Local politicians and business leaders on Wednesday, May 25th met for a transportation round-table discussion in Wauwatosa.The discussion focused on the impact local transportation networks have on the economy, and more importantly, how to improve that.We're told a majority of the feedback has indicated that the condition of those networks is actually putting a cap on economic growth."There's more and more people from more and more sectors of the economy and just the public in general that are telling our elected people that next budget, we can't come home again without fixing our transportation budget.

U.S. Senate race: Johnson's Zika vote, Feingold budget vote under the microscope

MILWAUKEE - Votes past and present are now fodder for attacks in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate race, as both candidates try to define their opponent to voters.

The 17 states with the highest unemployment rates

At the peak of the Great Recession in October 2009, the national unemployment rate sat at 10 percent — the highest the U.S. had seen since June 1983.

Unemployment fell or held steady in largest Wisconsin cities in March

MADISON — Unemployment rates dropped or held steady in Wisconsin's largest cities last month.Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday shows unemployment rates in 30 in the state's 32 largest cities decreased from February.

Wisconsin unemployment rate ticked down in March

MADISON — New preliminary data shows Wisconsin's unemployment rate dropped slightly in March.The state Department of Workforce Development released a report Thursday that put the unemployment rate last month at 4.5 percent, down from 4.6 percent in February.The national unemployment rate was 5 percent in March, up from 4.9 percent in February.The report found the state added 11,500 nonfarm jobs in March.

Wisconsin unemployment rate unchanged in February

MADISON — Wisconsin's unemployment rate didn't budge last month.Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Thursday shows the state's unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in February, unchanged from January.

Unemployment rose in all of Wisconsin's largest cities in January

MADISON — Unemployment rates rose in all of Wisconsin's largest cities in January.Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday shows unemployment rates in every one of the state's 32 largest cities increased from December.Racine had the highest rate at 7.2 percent, up from 6 percent in December.

Wisconsin Senate approves budget cut bill

MADISON — The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bill that would require state agencies to give the governor plans for cutting spending or maintaining it at current levels along with their biennial budget requests.Right now, agencies submit budget requests for the next two years by September 15th of every even-numbered year.Under the Republican bill, agencies would have to include proposals to cut their operations budget by a total of 5 percent and maintain operations spending levels for each of year of the biennium.

Unemployment rises in 29 of state's largest 32 cities

MADISON — Unemployment rates rose across most of Wisconsin's largest cities in November.Preliminary data the state Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday shows unemployment rates in 29 of the state's 32 biggest cities increased from October.

County Board committee approves amendment to arrange free bus rides for voter registration, ID

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County Board Committee on Finance, Personnel, and Audit on Thursday, October 29th approved a budget amendment that requires the Milwaukee County Transit System to develop a proposal to arrange free bus rides for people traveling to receive voter identification documents or registering to vote.“Voter suppression is real in Wisconsin, and we need to do everything we can to ease the burden on those who want to vote,” said Supervisor Khalif Rainey, sponsor of the amendment. “By providing free bus rides for people to get proper voter ID or to register to vote, we will enhance the chances that those people will be able to take part in the democratic process.

County Board chairman files lawsuit against Co. Exec. Abele over alleged pay changes, budget meetings

MILWAUKEE COUNTY -- Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb has filed a lawsuit against Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, for his "continued refusal to appear before the public in committee meetings" on the Milwaukee County budget, "as required by law" -- and allegations he made changes to Milwaukee County employees' pay, which exceeds his authority under state statute."If you were simply reasonable and would come, we wouldn't have to resort to this," said Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theo Lipscomb says of meetings missed by Abele.Lipscomb says the County Board is requesting Abele's presence so they can ask him questions about his proposed 2016 budget.

Wisconsin unemployment drops to 4.3 percent in September

MADISON — New data shows Wisconsin's preliminary unemployment rate in September was 4.3 percent, down slightly from 4.5 percent in August.State Department of Workforce Development reports released Thursday show added 1,400 nonfarm jobs over the month.

Five highway projects facing delays, Gov. Walker asks that $350M be set aside for transportation

MADISON — Governor Scott Walker says he wants to work with Republican senators to find a solution to funding for road projects in Wisconsin that has led to a delay in some work.Walker spoke to Republican state senators in the Capitol on Tuesday, October 6th.He also voiced his support for replacing the nonpartisan Government Accountability Board with a bipartisan panel, banning the sale of aborted fetal tissue and overhauling the state's 110-year-old civil service system.Walker says he hopes at least "some portion" of $350 million set aside in the state budget for transportation projects can be tapped to continue road projects.This, after a report by researchers at UW-Whitewater for the Transportation Development Association that suggests delaying several major highway projects in Wisconsin could end up costing taxpayers an extra $160 million, while delaying other economic benefits to residents and businesses that would benefit from the improved roads.Walker's Department of  Transportation last week announced it was delaying work on five major projects for two years.Walker told senators at the Capitol Tuesday he's willing to work with them on alternatives.The budget passed this summer authorized $500 million in borrowing, with lawmakers reversing the option to authorize up to $350 million more over the next year.Here is a list of the five major highway projects facing two-year delays, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:

Local unemployment drops in Wisconsin cities, counties

MADISON — Unemployment rates have dropped between July and August in every Wisconsin county and large city.The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development reported the latest figures Wednesday.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to present 2016 budget proposal to Common Council Tuesday

MILWAUKEE -- Mayor Tom Barrett is set to present his 2016 proposed city of Milwaukee budget to the Common Council on Tuesday, September 22nd.The Mayor's Office says this budget "will include a continued commitment to public safety, strong and healthy neighborhoods, economic security for residents and solid fiscal management."The budget proposal is set to be presented to the Common Council at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday.

Holding steady: Wisconsin unemployment rate remains 4.6 percent

MADISON — Wisconsin's unemployment rate for July is 4.6 percent, unchanged from June.The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development reports Thursday that the state added 8,200 private sector jobs over the month.The state's unemployment rate continues to be lower than the national average, which was 5.3 percent in July.The state data is based on a survey of 3.5 percent of Wisconsin employers.