Act 10

A Wisconsin appeals court overturned a lower court's ruling that declared Act 10 unconstitutional, with the majority stating the law's distinctions for public safety workers have a rational basis. The dissent argued the law's exemptions lacked a substantial distinction and failed constitutional standards.

A Wisconsin appellate panel upheld Act 10, which limits collective bargaining rights for public workers outside the 'public safety' category, reversing a lower court ruling that found the law violated equal protection. The panel ruled the Legislature had a rational basis for distinguishing between public safety employees and others, despite unions' claims of unequal treatment.

A Wisconsin appeals court overturned a 2024 ruling that had restored collective bargaining rights to public workers, upholding a 2011 anti-union law. Unions plan to appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which is controlled by liberal justices, while supporters of the law argue it provides fiscal control to local governments.

Milwaukee officials are exploring municipalization of electric utilities due to rising energy bills and dissatisfaction with We Energies. The city's typical residential energy bill has increased 30% since 2022, with further hikes expected. Challenges include out-of-city power generation, union labor issues under Act 10, and opposition from investor-owned utilities.

The family of Donald Maier, who died of malnutrition and dehydration at Waupun Correctional Institution, settled a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for $3.75 million. The case involved charges against former warden Randall Hepp and staff, with the lawsuit citing failures in medical care and staffing issues linked to Act 10.