Badger Institute
Recent News About Badger Institute
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Debate continues over effectiveness and funding of Wisconsin’s parental choice programs
State Sen. Jeff Smith, an Eau Claire-area Democrat and his party’s assistant leader in the upper chamber, recently expressed his views on Wisconsin's parental choice programs in the Cap Times. In his commentary, he stated: “It’s wrong to pump money into a broken system, especially into a failed voucher school program.”
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Wisconsin higher education faces financial challenges amid declining student demographics
The University of Wisconsin system recently recommended downsizing its two-year branch campuses. Concurrently, Concordia University announced it is considering downsizing or shutting down its Ann Arbor campus following recent reductions at its Mequon campus. This follows the closure of Cardinal Stritch University last year and Marquette University's announcement of a $31 million budget cut by 2031. Alverno College has also revealed plans to cut 37 faculty and staff, while Northland College, Marian College, and St. Norbert have faced financial challenges.
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Wisconsin prison system under scrutiny following multiple inmate deaths
Recent weeks have highlighted significant issues within Wisconsin's prison system, revealing potential incompetence and criminal behavior among those responsible for its operation. This scrutiny follows charges against nine former employees of the Waupun Correctional Institution, including ex-warden Randall Hepp, related to inmate deaths.
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Milwaukee Public Schools’ referendum reduces state aid for other Wisconsin districts
The passage of the controversial $252 million Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) referendum means hundreds of other districts statewide will receive less aid. Madison, Waukesha, and Racine school districts could lose $2 million or more in one year, Appleton and West Bend between $1 million and $2 million, and New Berlin, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, and Mukwonago at least $760,000, according to calculations by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB).
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Calls mount for Gov. Evers’ intervention amid turmoil at Milwaukee Public Schools
Gov. Tony Evers, a former state Superintendent of Public Instruction, has a unique opportunity given his skill set to take charge of the Milwaukee Public Schools, a former MPS superintendent said.
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Sociologist advocates traditional marriage for greater happiness
Sociologist Brad Wilcox is advocating for a return to traditional marriage, suggesting it can lead to greater happiness and prosperity. "There’s a big debate on whether marriage matters. Of course it does," he told the Badger Institute in an interview. Marriage is described by Wilcox as a "transformative institution" with norms that encourage better behavior.
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Conservative professor Ryan Owens leaves UW-Madison for Florida State University
Ryan Owens, 48, a Supreme Court scholar and current Professor of Political Science and Affiliate Faculty in the Law School at UW-Madison, is set to leave for Florida State University this summer. There, he will direct a new Institute for Governance and Civics. In an interview with Badger Institute President Mike Nichols, Owens discussed his conservative views and the academic environment at UW-Madison.
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Wisconsin allocates nearly $79M in federal funds for EV charging stations
Wisconsin is distributing nearly $79 million in federal funds to private businesses for the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This initiative comes at a critical juncture for both the EV and charging station industries. Despite recent industry turmoil, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) remains committed to establishing a statewide network.
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Wisconsin DPI webinar features Ibram X. Kendi discussing racial equity
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction began its webinar on racial equity with a ritual acknowledgment of the original homelands of the Menominee and Ho Chunk people. The statement, which included mentions of other tribes in Wisconsin, cited "repeated violations of sovereignty" by "invaders" impacting Indigenous people for the last 400 years. It emphasized that such acknowledgments are insufficient to undo harm and called for mindfulness regarding ongoing colonialism.
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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...