Surplus safe from clawback, double dose of radio, Badger backs the badge Viewpoint What Americans believe about the American Dream And some Wisconsinites who overcame adversity to achieve it By Mike Nichols Wisconsin’s kids are starting to return to classrooms, and I’ve been thinking about what a longtime school reformer told me a while back about the biggest challenge for the ones from poor neighborhoods. Struggles with math and reading? Not enough teachers? Too many disruptive classmates? Unstable home lives? Nope. She said the biggest challenge is getting kids to believe they have “agency” — convincing them, in other words, that their efforts matter, that they can lift themselves up the way others before them have, that there is hope rather than systemic oppression. Most Americans still believe that. Continue Reading News No cause for panic: Wisconsin surplus safe from federal clawback By Robert VerBruggen For a moment earlier this summer, there was a political and media panic that the federal government would “claw back” part of Wisconsin’s $7 billion budget surplus — which owes its existence in large part to pandemic-related federal aid. Gov. Tony Evers warned that the state might have to send back some federal money it hadn’t spent yet. A few days later, as the bill neared passage, Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan said he was combing through the curiously named Fiscal Responsibility Act “line by line” to secure as much money for the state as he could. In the end, the clawback is rather small. In fact, Wisconsin doesn’t have to send back a single dime it has already received, budget experts told the Badger Institute. Read More Badger on Air Policy Director Pat McIlheran and President Mike Nichols were heard on WSAU programming this week, discussing the Institute’s latest work in advancing opportunity and prosperity in Wisconsin. The Meg Ellefson Show Tuesday, August 15 Pat McIlheran highlights the story of one choice school expanding capacity to meet the rising demand of parents and students Listen Now Wisconsin’s Morning News Thursday, August 17 Mike Nichols comments on Evers’ vetoing a trio of bills that would prohibit WI governments from banning the use of fossil fuels Listen Now   Backing the Badge Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee) is doubling down on his claim that police officers’ jobs “have neither dignity nor value.” Speaking with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the lawmaker cited racism, classism and economic degradation as factors for considering an alternative to traditional policing. The majority of Wisconsinites value law enforcement much differently. Not only do most Badger State residents report a level of respect for police in their communities, they overwhelmingly acknowledge that proper policing improves safety and quality of life. Source: WPPA 2022 Wisconsin Public Survey Moreover, the Badger Institute has been advocating for strong law enforcement policies for decades. From as far back as 1993 to the present day, the Institute has publicly called for well-resourced police departments — and the utmost respect for those who serve therein. Related Reading: Want to Cut Crime? Support the Police. Mike Nichols, Oct. 2022 “All the engines of the economy require some modicum of the rule of law, protection of private property, and a sense of community trust,” said Kennedy on our podcast. Read More Community-Based Policing in WI John DiIulio Jr., Oct. 1993 We have to hire more and spend more on policing, and make sure that they are physically out in our communities. Without additional uniform police, the academic theories on community policing will fail. Read More   Badger Events Date change: Annual Dinner now October 12 Democracy, Freedom and a Massive Wake-up Call Regarding Communist China Join us Thursday, October 12 as we welcome keynote speaker Mike Gallagher, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 8th congressional district and Chairman of The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Sponsorship opportunities are available, along with general registration and VIP meet-and-greet tickets. RSVP Today Weekly Survey: Having a well-funded police force improves the overall quality of life in my community. Answer below! Agree Disagree   Previous Poll Results: 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. Support Freedom   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. 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] powered by Try email marketing for free today!