A major project to overhaul Wisconsin’s prison system got a jump start with a vote to fund its planning, and state Sen.r Mary Felzkowski is among Republicans seeking more input on the plant. China agreed to resume buying soybeans from growers in the United States, with Brad Olson of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation saying this trade will provide relief to farmers. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to tap emergency funds for SNAP at a time when Jackie Anderson of Feeding Wisconsin said food banks and pantries wondered if they would weather the demand.
 

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski
R-Tomahawk

• The State Building Commission on Oct. 28 voted unanimously to spend $15 million to start the planning phase of a multi-institution prison building and programming project for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections put forward by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Felzkowski, a member of the commission, said Republicans voted with reservations, and expressed concern that they weren’t given enough input on the plan.
• Felzkowski: “Corrections has been in disarray under many governors, and Governor Evers, when he first ran against Governor Walker — what is that, eight years ago now — ran on corrections reform and has done really nothing. He’s pushed for the closure of Lincoln Hills, but we’ve all been working towards the closure of Lincoln Hills. So that’s not something special that he’s been doing. And now, all of a sudden, in 2025 budgetary cycle, he comes out with a proposal, and he’s kind of like shoving it down our throats. He didn’t include anybody in this proposal — not his own legislative Democrats..”

Brad Olson
President, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

• Following talks with President Donald Trump, the government of China agreed that the nation would once again start importing U.S.-grown soybeans, which were halted in May over tariff and trade disputes. After having a major market closed down to them, Olson said China’s decision is great news for Wisconsin’s soybean farmers.
• Olson: “Extremely welcome — I mean, a big deal, not just in Wisconsin, but across the nation to get China back. You know, maybe not this year, but the next two years of buying what they have in the past is exceptional — good news for soybean farmers and all farmers across the nation.”

Jackie Anderson
Executive director, Feeding Wisconsin

• Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to tap U.S. Department of Agriculture contingency funds to continue the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP in the midst of the government shutdown, which was set to stop as of Nov. 1. Anderson said demand for donated food has been high with people seeking to stock up before the turn of the month before the funding cuts impact FoodShare, which is what SNAP is called in Wisconsin. More generally, she said economic conditions like high costs of food and housing are bringing many people to pantries for the first time.
• Anderson: “They should know that our food pantries are welcoming and that they are there to help the community. They try to communicate what is available. Most, not most, all food banks and food pantries — their times are listed on their websites, and sometimes those change based on if it’s a mobile pantry. Also, expect long lines. We’re seeing right now where there used to be maybe an hour-long line, now it’s two to three hours long. So, expect a delay. If you could get there during the distribution hours early, that will help ensure that there’s enough food for you.”

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