Fox News Flash top headlines for February 7
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Republican lawmakers were poised Tuesday to order an audit of a Wisconsin agency that has taken weeks to issue professional licenses, causing lengthy delays for thousands of workers across the state.
The Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees licensing for hundreds of occupations including doctors, nurses, construction and trade workers, accountants and tattoo artists. It reported an average wait time of 45 days for professional licenses last August, down from nearly 80 days in 2021.
The Republican-controlled Legislature’s Joint Audit Committee was scheduled to meet Tuesday to consider a proposed audit of the department's license processing.
WISCONSIN POLICE OFFICER FATALLY SHOT IN EXCHANGE OF GUNFIRE WITH ROBBER, SUSPECT ALSO KILLED
An audit of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services has been ordered by the state's Republican lawmakers. The department is known for taking weeks to issue professional licenses.
Ahead of the meeting, Democrats sent a letter to the committee's Republican co-chairs saying the proposed audit would only further burden the staff responsible for issuing licenses.
Republicans made license delays a campaign issue during Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' reelection bid last fall, accusing him of hamstringing Wisconsin's workforce. But the department has blamed the backlog on inadequate staffing.
Republicans lawmakers have rejected Evers' requests to fund staff positions to address delays.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In its budget request, the department asked for 70 new full-time positions. Gov. Tony Evers will release his budget on Feb. 15, which the Republican-controlled Legislature will then rewrite over the coming months.
More from Politics
Fox News Politics
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.