Substantial school choice support, natural gas policy, legislative update Analysis UW-Milwaukee Graduation Numbers for Black Students Plummet Even Further By Shannon Whitworth At a time when the job market is begging for graduates with bachelor’s degrees, the opportunity for many Black students to earn a college degree is being squandered. The number of Black students entering UW-Milwaukee — the UW school with the largest Black population — has been steadily decreasing in recent years. In 2015, 2,043 Black students were enrolled at UWM, making up 7.5% of the total student population, according to school data. Last year, 1,534 Black students, or 6.7% of the student population, were enrolled at UWM. And while a slightly higher percentage of those who start eventually graduate within six years — 33% — the actual number of graduates is down dramatically from 314 as recently as 2014 to 176 by 2018, according to the most recent UW System data. Read More Viewpoint Why public school-goers support choice By Patrick McIlheran The idea of school choice is so popular in Wisconsin that it raises a question. And it is popular. A new poll last month asked 700 likely voters, “Do you generally support or oppose school choice?” and 70% said “support.” That’s a landslide. Sure, the idea was big with Republicans, but 67% of independents favor choice. A majority of Democrats, 53%, did. Should the state funding that follows kids to private schools, now around $9,000, be closer to the $15,000-per-student average in public schools? Yes, said 57%. Should the state Supreme Court kill the program? No way, said 74%. Should the program expand? Yes, said 63%. Continue Reading   Policy Brief Natural gas and regulation in Wisconsin Since 1990, gross U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by just over 2%, according to the EPA, but direct on-site emissions from homes and businesses are increasing and now account for 13% of the U.S. total. Some policymakers and environmental activists opposed to the use of fossil fuels like natural gas have pushed state and local governments to ban their use in homes and businesses without consideration of increased cost to consumers, the nature and reliability of our energy supply or technological advances impacting emissions. Other policymakers and elected officials — including some in Wisconsin — have in response introduced legislation designed to ensure the continued right to use fossil fuels to heat and power buildings as well as cars and various other devices. Read the Policy Brief Update From the desk of Mike Nichols Our legislative progress in Madison The biggest policy decisions in the Badger State are typically made during budget deliberations in the first six months of odd-numbered years – that is, RIGHT NOW. The Badger Institute’s Mandate for Madison, the 300-page policy playbook hand-delivered to all 132 legislative offices and given to the Evers Administration, is at the forefront of those deliberations. Your generosity helped us produce this historic guide to prosperity and is helping us make sure legislators use it to push for reforms that limit government, improve access to great schools and ensure that victims of crime get swift justice. Here is how your support has helped spur policy ideas into tangible action:   Read Nichols’ Letter   Badger on Air Listen Now   Related Reading: Licensing reform gains momentum in Wisconsin Legislature At home with politically incorrect language   Weekly Survey: Who is most responsible for determining the type of education children need? Answer below! Parents The State   Previous Poll Results: What We’re Reading Heritage: The Role of Technology in Family Formation City Journal: Welcome to the World of Minority Contracting POLICYed: How Teachers’ Unions Became Political (Video) Education Next: Putting Teachers on the Ballot Invest in the Badger Institute The Badger Institute, formerly known as the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI), has long been at the forefront of the fight for school choice, right to work, welfare reform, tax restructuring, limited government, civil society and so much more. If you appreciate the Institute’s legacy and want to support free markets, opportunity and prosperity, please consider donating today. Your support will help the Institute continue to advocate for conservative principles now and in generations to come. The Institute never has, and never will, accept government funding. We gratefully welcome your online donation or email Angela Smith, Executive Vice President. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization funded solely by the generosity of foundations, companies and individuals. Support Freedom   Badger Institute | 700 W Virginia St, Suite 301, Milwaukee, WI 53204 www.badgerinstitute.org Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!