By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm
- New Occupational Credentialing Application Website Unveiled
On Monday, May 16, the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled its new online occupational credentialing portal – which is called “LicensE”. This will replace their paper-based occupational credentialing application process. At this time, most initial occupational credential applications in the health care field – including physicians, physician assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses – will now need to be submitted via this portal. The list of initial license applications that transitioned to LicensE on May 16 may be viewed here. License renewals and other initial credential applications will move to the LicensE portal at a later time.
- New Marquette Law School Poll Released
On April 27, Marquette Law School released a new poll that surveyed Wisconsinites on their opinions of various national and statewide elected officials, as well as candidates for statewide office.
- U.S. Senate Election – Democratic Primary
With respect to those voters who intend to vote in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s seat, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes was the leading candidate with 19 percent, Alex Lasry followed with 16 percent, State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski polled at seven percent, while Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson followed with five percent. The other candidates received one percent or less, while 48 percent of Democratic primary voters have not decided whom they will support.
- Gubernatorial Election – Republican Primary
In this poll, former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch led her primary rivals with 32 percent of Republicans selecting her, former U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson polled at 10 percent and four percent selected State Representative Tim Ramthun. However, 46 percent of these voters responded that they did not know whom they will support in the Republican primary. This poll did not ask about recently announced Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels, as this poll was conducted between April 19-24 – before he entered the race.
- Current Elected Officials – Approval/Favorability Ratings
At this time, Governor Tony Evers leads in popularity among elected statewide officials with 49 percent approving and 43 disapproving. President Biden has a 43 percent approval rating and a 53 percent disapproval rating. With respect to Wisconsin’s two U.S. Senators, 43 percent of poll respondents have a favorable view of Senator Tammy Baldwin and 36 percent have an unfavorable view, while 36 percent of poll respondents have a favorable view of Senator Ron Johnson and 46 have an unfavorable view of him.
- State Legislature Approval Rating
In addition, the poll asked about views of the state legislature. Poll respondents gave the state legislature a 38 percent approval rating and a 47 percent disapproval rating.
