Wisconsin Lawmakers Freeze $1 Million for DPI After Report on $369,000 Resort Meeting

Overview

• The Joint Finance Committee paused approval of the additional $1 million for DPI operations, with leaders planning a review over the coming weeks.
• Reporting said DPI spent $368,885 on a four-day meeting at the Chula Vista Resort in June 2024; DPI says the costs covered Forward Exam work with federal and state testing funds, including salaries, lodging, and vendor fees.
• DPI released 17 more pages of documents after a yearlong records request and a formal demand from the Institute for Reforming Government.
• The Dairyland Sentinel alleged missing receipts for staff time, food, travel, and lodging and questioned potential spending on resort amenities, prompting lawmakers to seek fuller documentation.
• DPI warned the hold covers about 10% of its operating budget and could force layoffs affecting licensing and misconduct investigations, while GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany called for a full audit.