State Senator Jeff Smith (WI)
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About State Senator Jeff Smith (WI)
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New memo reveals repeated fund releases by Joint Finance Committee after partial vetoes
MADISON – Following the release of a Legislative Council memo yesterday, a new nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau memo has highlighted ten instances over the last two administrations where the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) released funds after a partial veto. This development comes amid ongoing discussions about the JFC's authority to address the HSHS closure crisis.
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New memo reveals past instances of fund releases after partial vetoes
MADISON – A new nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau memo released today highlights ten instances over the last two administrations where the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) has released funds following a partial veto. This follows a memo from Senator Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) yesterday, which stated that JFC has the authority to release funds for the HSHS closure crisis.
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Senator Smith criticizes Republicans over handling of HSHS crisis funds
Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) issued a statement on May 14, 2024, regarding recent allegations of political manipulation concerning the HSHS crisis and the $15 million available for local healthcare providers.
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Senator Smith criticizes Republicans over delay in releasing healthcare funds
Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) issued a statement regarding recent claims about the handling of the HSHS crisis and the $15 million available for area health care providers. "Senate Republicans like Senator Jesse James (R-Altoona) are scared to face the public. Cutting off debate today over the HSHS closure crisis proves they can’t justify their lies. Instead of simply releasing the money, they want to use the crisis as a political football while our communities suffer. Republicans shouldn’t even have bothered to pass the bill if they weren’t serious about releasing the...
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Governor Evers calls special meeting over hospital closures and PFAS funds
MADISON – Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and Representative Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) have expressed support for Governor Evers’ call for a special meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance. The aim is to approve $15 million to address HSHS hospital closures and release funds to curb PFAS pollution.
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Wisconsin senators push for vote on First Right of Refusal legislation
MADISON – Today, Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) urged their Republican colleagues to expedite the First Right of Refusal legislation and schedule it for a Senate vote. Assembly Bill 470 (AB 470) and Senate Bill 481 (SB 481) would grant incumbent transmission facility owners the right to construct, own, and maintain certain transmission facilities under Public Service Commission procedures if the facility is a regionally cost-shared transmission line.
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Governor Evers signs SB 1015 into law, vetoes SB 1014
Today, Governor Tony Evers vetoed Senate Bill 1014 (SB 1014) and signed Senate Bill 1015 (SB 1015) into law, making it the 2023 WI Act 97. Senator Jeff Smith released a statement in response to the Governor’s actions.
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Wisconsin Senate passes bills redirecting healthcare funds amid HSHS closures
Today, Senate Bills 1014 (SB 1014) and 1015 (SB 1015) were passed during the Senate session floor period. These bills aim to address the healthcare crisis in the Chippewa Valley area following HSHS's decision to close area hospitals and clinics by April 21, 2024.
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Senator Jeff Smith responds positively to Governor Tony Evers' State of the State Address
Governor Tony Evers delivered the 2023 State of the State Address this evening. Senator Jeff Smith (D–Brunswick) released the following statement in response to the address:
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Hospital Sisters Health System announces closure of Western Wisconsin operations
Today, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) announced their intention to close Sacred Heart, St. Joseph’s, and Prevea’s Western Wisconsin operations. The majority of the closures will occur before April 21, 2024.