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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Weekly Survey: Having a well-funded police force improves the overall quality of life in my community.

Previous Poll Results:

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The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization funded solely by the generosity of foundations, companies and individuals.