Rep. Bob Wittke

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 4 (AJR 4) is a commemorative resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature. It honors the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr., recognizing his over 40 years of service in all three branches of state government, including 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature and 18 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The resolution also extends condolences to his family and friends.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Wisconsin married persons credit by increasing the maximum benefit amount for spouses with lower earned income. Specifically, it raises the credit limit from $480 to $870 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023. The change applies to married couples filing joint state tax returns where one spouse has earned income. The legislation was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes to lower individual income tax rates for residents in the third tax bracket while simultaneously expanding the retirement income subtraction available to retirees. The legislation would allow more retirees to exclude a larger portion of their pension and retirement account withdrawals from state taxable income, with specific provisions added for those who are permanently and totally disabled. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill expands the state tax deduction for retirement income, allowing more people to exclude certain pension and savings withdrawals from their taxable income. It specifically increases the annual deduction limit and adds new categories of eligible payments, including those from the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service. The legislation also clarifies the definition of disability for individuals under 65 who receive disability payments from non-retirement plans. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and the state legislature did not override that veto, meaning the proposed changes did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill, which was vetoed by the Governor, proposed changes to how Wisconsin calculates interest on late but non-delinquent taxes and on tax overpayments. It would have adjusted the interest rate applied to estimated net proceeds tax returns and aligned the state's filing deadlines with federal extension rules for income tax returns. Additionally, the legislation sought to modify specific interest rates charged on overpayments and clarify how extensions granted by the federal government affect Wisconsin tax deadlines. Because the bill did not become law, these specific interest rate adjustments and filing deadline changes were not implemented.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to install and maintain two directional highway signs along Interstate 94 in Racine County. The signs are intended to guide travelers to The Prairie School and the Wind Point Lighthouse by displaying their names at the CTH "K" interchange. Although the legislation was passed by the state legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific rights for parents and guardians regarding their children's upbringing, education, and healthcare, while creating a legal cause of action for violations of these rights. It requires schools to notify parents about controversial subjects taught in classrooms, such as gender identity or systemic racism, and grants parents the ability to opt their children out of related classes based on religious or personal convictions. Additionally, the legislation mandates that parents be informed about disciplinary actions, medical records, and school security systems, and it allows them to file complaints with school boards or sue for up to $10,000 if they believe their rights have been infringed. The law explicitly states that these provisions do not override existing court orders or authorize parents to neglect or abuse their children.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes expanding the state's individual income tax brackets to apply to higher income levels. It would create two new tax tiers for single filers, heads of households, and married couples, taxing income between $14,320 and $112,500 at 4.40 percent and income above $315,310 at 7.65 percent. The legislation also includes provisions to adjust these tax brackets annually based on changes in the consumer price index to account for inflation. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and the measure failed to override that veto.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 150 updates Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to rename the program "reemployment assistance" and establishes a new division within the Department of Workforce Development to manage it. The bill tightens eligibility rules by requiring job seekers to make at least two direct contacts with employers each week after their first week of benefits and mandates that they post current resumes on the state's job center website. Additionally, the legislation requires claimants nearing the end of their benefits to attend reemployment counseling and ensures they are offered at least four specific job opportunities weekly, including those with temporary staffing agencies. The bill also mandates that the department immediately create rules for drug testing applicants in occupations where such testing is standard and requires the state to continue participating in federal reemployment grants.