Wisconsin Democrats gain full control, MPS hit by fraud

A $450,000 Fraud Hits Milwaukee Schools as Democrats Take Full State Control

Wisconsin’s political control shifted this week, with Democrats gaining full control of state government. The election also brought financial trouble for one of the state’s largest school systems, which was hit by a sophisticated fraud scheme.

Wisconsin Public Radio reported that the Democratic wave that swept the country Tuesday was felt across the country. In Wisconsin, Democrat David Crowley received more votes for governor than any candidate in state history. Democrats flipped three state Senate seats and eight state Assembly seats.

A Repudiation, Not an Embrace

Democratic consultant Joe Zepecki told WPR that the election was less about embracing the Democratic Party and more about repudiating former President Trump and the MAGA movement. This is not an embrace of the Democratic Party. This is a repudiation of Trump and MAGA. And Democrats need to govern like it, Zepecki said.

Wisconsin election: Democrats win control of State Legislature

Former Republican Governor Tommy Thompson, speaking on WPR’s Wisconsin Today, watched his party go, quote, crashing down in flames. He pointed to economic pressures as a key factor, stating, Anytime you pay uh five dollars plus on yes over six dollars a diesel as soon as I knew that was coming. I knew that the Republicans uh were definitely in a terrible situation.

Incoming legislative leaders say they have a big responsibility to prove that government can be a force for good in people’s lives.

Democrats Take Control of Wisconsin! Senate Leader Dianne Hesselbein on What's Next | Point Taken

A New Era of Governance in Wisconsin

When the new legislative session begins in January, Democrats will control all levers of power in state government. Senate Minority Leader Diane Hesselbein is expected to become Senate Majority Leader, and Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer is poised to become Wisconsin’s first female Assembly Speaker.

We understand that we have a big responsibility to deliver, to prove to the people of Wisconsin that things are different with Democrats in charge and that government can be a force for good in their lives.

The leaders have outlined a range of priorities, including lowering costs, increasing public school funding, and legalizing marijuana. However, with slim majorities in both chambers, they will need to maintain tight control over their caucuses or win support from some Republicans to pass their agenda.

A Financial Blow to Milwaukee Schools

While the political story dominated headlines, another major story unfolded in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) district fell victim to a bank impersonation fraud scheme, losing $450,000. The district has since recovered $255,000 and is working to trace the remaining $195,000, with the FBI now investigating the incident.

The loss is particularly painful for MPS, which is already facing a $58 million deficit. Superintendent Brenda Cassellius explained the fraud highlights the sophistication of modern scammers. Obviously we fell victim to that, just points out the real seriousness of how sophisticated these actors are in the impersonation, she said.

Democrats Take Control of Wisconsin Legislature After 16 Years

The district’s financial strain is driven by lower student enrollment, rising transportation costs, and higher spending on food. The fraud adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging budget situation, forcing administrators to implement both short-term and long-term financial controls.

Public Safety Funding Referendums Fail in Several Communities

In Muskego, a referendum that sought to increase the annual property tax levy by $5.9 million to fund over fifty full and part-time firefighter and EMS staff and five police officers was soundly defeated, with only around thirty-five percent of voters in favor. Muskego Mayor Rick Petfalski noted that the state’s shared revenue isn’t enough to cover their budget for public safety, forcing the burden onto local property taxpayers.