September 2025 Legislative Update

Stewardship Lingers as Fall Session Gets Underway

One of WPRA’s top priorities is also one of the unresolved issues of the 2025-26 Legislative Session.

The program has been facing an uncertain future following last summer’s Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that deemed the JFC’s practice of anonymously blocking projects unconstitutional. This decision has led to concerns among some Republican legislators about the program's oversight.

The program is typically reauthorized and funded through the state budget process, however this time – it was not. This means that separate legislation will need to be introduced and passed through both the State Senate and State Assembly to then be signed into law.

There are two bills that are pending in the legislature to extend the program – one authored by Republicans and the other by Democrats. Unfortunately, there has been little movement on either bill. The KNSP is reauthorized through June 30, 2026.

Rep. Tony Kurtz (R–Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R–Stevens Point) have introduced a bill to reauthorize KNSP for four more years until June 2030. The proposal reduces annual funding to $28.25 million, about $5 million less than current levels—and imposes a $1 million cap on grants per project, requiring separate legislative approval for larger land acquisitions. However, the proposal maintains funding for the Local Government (LUG) and the Boating Aids subprograms. WPRA is submitted testimony in support of the bill.

In early September, Democratic lawmakers announced their version of bill to extend the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP) for six years at $72 million annually. Their plan would also create a 17-member oversight board to review large projects, with safeguards to keep projects moving if the board does not act on time. The lead authors, Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) and Rep. Miresse (D-Stevens Point), stated in their co-sponsorship memo that this bill is a “starting point for discussions around Knowles-Nelson throughout the remainder of this session.”

While publicly very popular, the program is caught in a post-budget predicament with no clear path forward for KNSP.  WPRA is working closely with a large coalition to advocate for some movement on KNSP and will continue to for the remainder of the session, which runs through early 2026.

Democratic Field for Governor Expands

The Democratic primary for Governor is growing, with State Rep. Francesca Hong and State Sen. Kelda Roys both entering the 2026 race this week. Hong, a Madison restaurateur and the first Asian American elected to the Legislature, is emphasizing progressive policies such as universal childcare, paid leave, and working-class issues. Roys, also from Madison, is centering her campaign on defending democracy, expanding labor rights, and other progressive priorities.

They join Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who announced earlier this summer. On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien are declared candidates, with other GOP figures still weighing bids.

The open seat, created by Gov. Tony Evers’ decision not to seek reelection, is expected to draw a crowded field ahead of the 2026 election.