Page 52 - Mark Born News Today

Wisconsin Republicans are unlikely to include their plan for a flat 3.25% income tax rate in the state budget, heads of the Republican-controlled Legislature's powerful budget committee said.

Big-ticket items include money for the Wisconsin History Museum, state Capitol, juvenile correctional facilities and UW campuses.

Big-ticket items include money for the Wisconsin History Museum, state Capitol, juvenile correctional facilities and UW campuses.

Big-ticket items include money for the Wisconsin History Museum, state Capitol, juvenile correctional facilities and UW campuses.

Big-ticket items include money for the Wisconsin History Museum, state Capitol, juvenile correctional facilities and UW campuses.

North Dakota is eyeing changes to the retirement plan offered to state employees. Future hires would be moved to a "defined contribution" plan, but there are concerns it would negatively affect the ability to attract workers. Conservative-leaning groups such as Americans for Prosperity, as well as the bill sponsors, say the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System has an unfunded liability of $1.8 billion. ...

Some older patients with diabetes are now getting easier access to insulin. But there is concern many younger ones are still navigating a difficult path in managing their situation, including an outspoken Wisconsin health care worker. The average cost of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013, according to The American Diabetes Association. ...

Tony Evers plan would provide 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for public and private sector workers.

Tony Evers plan would provide 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for public and private sector workers.

Studies show the tax burden on people and businesses in Illinois - and particularly those in Chicago - is among the highest in the country. Economists warn that unless lawmakers change how they write budgets, Illinois is likely to continue its decade-long exodus of residents and businesses. Reports show that the median Illinois household has a tax liability of $9,500, while Chicagos debt per taxpayer is almost $42,000. ...