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WisconsinEye Restarts After Unanimous Vote Grants $50,000 for February Coverage

Lawmakers are weighing a $10 million trust that would fund ongoing operations under new oversight conditions.

Overview

  • The network restored its website and video archive Monday and resumed livestreaming from the Capitol.
  • The Joint Committee on Legislative Organization approved the $50,000 by a 10-0 vote for February operations, with costs split equally between the Assembly and Senate and no full legislative vote required.
  • An Assembly bill set for a State Affairs hearing Tuesday would place $10 million into a trust whose investment earnings could provide operating grants.
  • The proposal would add four legislative leader appointees to the board, require free public access and a focus on official government proceedings, mandate annual financial reports, and require grant repayment with archive transfer to the state historical society if operations cease.
  • WisconsinEye is pursuing a $250,000 short-term fundraising goal, with about $56,000 raised and CEO Jon Henkes saying three donors have indicated $175,000 in support contingent on the bill’s passage.