Badger Institute
Recent News About Badger Institute
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Scandal-hit Wisconsin Social Services Agency Faces Uncertain Future
The Social Development Commission (SDC), Wisconsin’s largest anti-poverty social services agency, closed abruptly in late April following a series of scandals that spanned over three decades. The future of the SDC remains uncertain as its most recent board chair, Elmer Moore Jr., and its chief executive officer, George Hinton, have left their positions after the recent misallocation of $100,000 in federal home-weatherization program funds and non-payment to contractors.
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The economic implications of eliminating fossil fuels in Wisconsin
The ongoing debate on eliminating fossil fuel use by 2050, especially in Wisconsin, is met with resistance due to the significant costs involved. Advocates of this transition often overlook the numerous expenses tied to phasing out gas or diesel-powered engines and the subsequent price increases for goods manufactured in factories using fossil fuels or transported via oil or diesel-burning vehicles.
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Wisconsin committee votes for audit on diversity, equity and inclusion orders
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee in Wisconsin has voted 6-4 to instruct the state auditor to investigate the implementation and outcomes of Governor Tony Evers' 2019 order to prioritize "diversity, equity and inclusion" (DEI) within state agencies. The order also mandated equity and inclusion training for all state employees.
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Corey DeAngelis Advocates for School Choice Revolution in Upcoming Book
Corey DeAngelis, a former doctoral student who studied Milwaukee's pioneering experiment in school choice, has become a full-time advocate for the concept. His upcoming book, "The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools," chronicles the recent surge in school choice — a movement that DeAngelis believes was sparked by teachers unions' actions that incited parents. He notes that states are now not only allowing families to use state school aid as they see fit but also extending this choice to parents of all income levels.
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The Cost of Outlawing Fossil Fuel Heat in Wisconsin
In a recent analysis conducted by economists Hanson and Hawley, the potential cost of outlawing fossil fuel heat in Wisconsin has been brought to light. The study compares the operating costs of a conventional gas furnace to a heat pump over a 15-year period, revealing significant differences. According to Patrick McIlheran, the cost implications of such a transition are a crucial consideration for Wisconsinites.The researchers found that operating a conventional gas furnace for 15 years would cost just over $20,000 in today’s terms, while using a heat pump for the same...
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Wisconsin Scouts Facing Challenges as Schools Close Doors
Wisconsin Scouts are encountering increasing difficulties as school doors are shutting on their traditional outreach efforts. Lucia Cronin, who has been involved with Scouting for 29 years, reminisced about a time when a simple call to the school principal would secure a few minutes to speak to students. She recalled, "The principal would welcome us with open arms." However, Scout leaders now lament a shift in attitude from schools, with hundreds of them refusing even brief presentations.Joe Carlson, leading the Boy Scouts council in La Crosse, highlighted the issue,...
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Wisconsin's Constitutional Amendment Aims to Increase Oversight on Federal Funding
Wisconsin is gearing up for a significant decision come August 9 as voters will have the opportunity to approve two constitutional amendment questions that could reshape the state's approach to federal funding. If passed, Wisconsin would join 34 other states in granting governors and legislators authority over major federal funding allocations.The push for these amendments stems from concerns about the lack of legislative oversight over billions in federal funding, as highlighted during the pandemic. The State Legislative Audit Bureau has criticized Gov. Tony Evers and...
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Five Surprising Facts About the Wisconsin Economy: Experiencing the Benefits of Free Market Reforms
In a recent analysis of Wisconsin's economic landscape, Scott Niederjohn, a Badger Institute Visiting Fellow, highlighted the state's remarkable progress in various key areas. Niederjohn, who directs the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University Wisconsin, emphasized the positive impact of free-market reforms on the state's prosperity and overall well-being.One of the significant aspects Niederjohn touched upon is the transformation of Wisconsin's tax environment. He noted, "The days of Wisconsin being considered a 'tax hell' are long gone." Over the past decade, the...
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Minnesotans Flocking to Western Wisconsin for a Quieter Lifestyle
Eau Claire — The population of Eau Claire County, now approximately 108,000, has experienced significant growth in recent years, with Jon Hanson, field operations manager for Hoeft Builders, describing the past decade as "wild." Hanson also mentioned the construction of another apartment building, highlighting the influx of newcomers in their late 20s and early 30s.According to economist Scott Niederjohn, Eau Claire County gained around 885 people between 2022 and 2023, with much of the growth attributed to individuals migrating from Minnesota. Niederjohn notes that...
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The Impact of Proposed Student Debt Relief Plans on Wisconsinites
Amid President Biden's proposed student debt relief plans, concerns are rising about the implications for Wisconsinites as they face the potential consequences of shouldering the burden of others' debts.The scheme outlined by President Biden, described as "debt relief" or "debt forgiveness," has sparked discussions about the true cost and who will ultimately bear the financial responsibility. Estimates suggest that the price tag for this relief could reach $85 billion for new parts of the scheme and up to $560 billion when considering previously announced plans.As...
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Barely one bill in 10 becomes law in Madison
Wisconsin lawmakers in both the Senate and Assembly have been introducing a significantly higher number of bills than in previous years, with less chance of seeing them enacted into law. In the last two legislative sessions, over 2,300 bills were introduced, but less than 12% were enacted, leading to concerns about legislative gridlock and political motivations.Bob Karius, a former rules committee clerk in the Assembly, expressed his views on the current political landscape, stating, “The media and Governor Evers love gridlock. He has the most anti-bipartisan staff and...
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Wisconsin Voters Approve Majority of School Tax-Hike Requests
Wisconsin voters have given their approval to the majority of school district requests to levy higher property taxes on the ballots last Tuesday. According to a report by the Badger Institute, slightly more than 60% of the 92 referenda placed before voters on April 2 were approved, whether for funding operations or building projects. This approval rate is lower than in recent years but remains consistent with historical norms.Dale Knapp, the director of Forward Analytics, highlighted the localized nature of these decisions, stating, "Everything is so local." He emphasized...
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UW Tenure Hysteria Deemed Unwarranted by Recent Analysis
The number of tenured faculty in the University of Wisconsin System has fallen roughly in line with the decrease in student enrollment since 2015. This decline was sparked by a legislative decision to remove tenure guarantees from state statute, leading to backlash from professors who described the move as "destructive" and "remarkably chilling," akin to "a death in the family."According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the number of tenured professors in the UW System decreased by approximately 8% between the 2016-17 and 2021-22 school years, correlating with a 9% drop...
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Will government’s heavy hand make business “Go Galt”?
In a world where government intervention in business operations is becoming more prominent, concerns are growing about the impact of these policies on entrepreneurship and innovation. The resurgence of industrial policy, championed as part of Bidenomics, has sparked debates about the role of government in shaping economic activities.The sentiment that government involvement is pervasive in development projects is echoed by critics. As one observation points out, "Sometimes it seems that no major development project occurs in Wisconsin without the visible hand of...
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Badger Institute's Impactful Work Praised by Mike Nichols
The Badger Institute’s policy work, journalism, and advocacy have been commended for their role in bringing about significant changes in Wisconsin. In a recent statement, Mike Nichols, a representative from the Badger Institute, highlighted the institute's efforts in advancing policies that aim to provide Wisconsinites with more freedom and greater opportunities.Nichols mentioned that throughout 2023, the institute focused on promoting their "Mandate for Madison" - a comprehensive document containing free-market policy recommendations that have now been translated into...
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Wisconsin Taxpayers Face Influx of School Referendum Requests
Wisconsin taxpayers are facing a deluge of school referendum requests as 85 school districts in the state seek tax hikes. Among them, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) stands out with the largest request. The districts are collectively seeking billions of dollars in increased revenue or borrowing.MPS is leading the charge by asking for an eventual, permanent increase to its revenue limit of $252 million annually. This request is part of a larger trend where districts are seeking permission from voters for various financial needs, such as borrowing money for capital projects...
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Batzel on middle class tax increase: 'average extra payment [to Wisconsin] will be $537 due to Evers’ veto'
Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed Wisconsin’s two-year budget into law July 5, which includes his veto of a tax cut that will cost the average Wisconsinite $537, according to analysis by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Evers had promised a 10 percent tax cut when he ran for reelection for governor.
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Badger Institute official calls Wisconsin school voucher deal 'huge win for parents'
A limited government advocate calls last week's bipartisan deal that includes charter and private voucher schools and allows local governments to raise sales taxes without a referendum a "huge win for the parents of Wisconsin."
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Wisconsin legislators raise salaries for public defenders, prosecutors
The Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance has unanimously passed a bill to increase the salaries of public defenders and prosecutors to $36 per hour from about $27 per hour.
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Op-ed: Wisconsin’s misguided effort to keep gas prices high
Federal Trade Commission chairwoman Lina Khan announced earlier this month that the agency would soon begin scrutinizing gas stations, looking for signs of price collusion, which President Biden recently suggested may be a reason gas prices have spiked in the last few months.