News Release for July 28, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2026

Contact: Jon Henkes, jon.henkes@wiseye.org, 608-316-5490

WisconsinEye is grateful for action today by the legislature’s Joint Committee on Legislative Organization to provide $50,000 in monthly operational support through December 2026.

The committee’s action does three things:

First and foremost it affirms the Wisconsin Legislature’s commitment to open and accessible state government.

“We view today’s vote as a strong statement of support by the legislative body as a whole – both houses and both parties – for unfettered citizen access to state government proceedings,” said WisconsinEye president Jon Henkes. “They’ve put action to their words that transparency is essential to our democracy, and we are extremely grateful.”

Second, it provides funding support sufficient for the network to maintain operations through December, including exclusive Campaign 2026 coverage and streaming of this summer’s Joint Study Committees on current and emerging issues.

Third, JCLO’s vote signals charitable donors and program sponsors that their dollars will build upon an existing foundation of ongoing support.

WisconsinEye remains hopeful that when the new legislature convenes in January 2027, both houses will come together in bipartisan fashion to accomplish what the Senate and Assembly attempted in the previous legislative session – a level of continuing, partial funding that helps to maintain WisconsinEye as a trusted and independent window into our State Capitol.