It’s been a good year in the state of Wisconsin.

Together, we made historic strides through one of the most significant (and victorious) legislative budget sessions in recent memory.

We’re proud of the part we played in those victories, and exceedingly thankful for your support the whole year through.

Watch: Badger Institute’s 2023 Legislative Impact

To cap it off, here’s a brief review of some of the influential work we’ve done in 2023.

Have a safe and happy New Year. We carry on together in 2024.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu sat down with Badger Institute President Mike Nichols in the Capitol to explain the details of his flat tax proposal and the widespread benefits of pro-growth tax policy.

Parents are hungry for schools where opportunity abounds — where kids are taught to lead lives of purpose for the good of their families, their communities and their futures.

Despite the spin of some narratives, Milwaukee is significantly less safe than it was a short time ago.

Moving to a flat individual income tax could generate nearly $7.2 billion in additional GDP, $614 million in new investment, and nearly 24,000 additional jobs over the next five years.

Annual costs, which were on a steady rise for a decade before COVID 19, jumped nearly 20% to $12.7 billion in 2022.

“Every child should have equal value, and this deal goes a long way toward recognizing that essential truth.”

It’s hard not to laugh a little about the absurd state of our democracy and Wisconsin’s odd partial veto — though there are serious constitutional issues, and tax dollars, at stake.

Many counties have essentially decriminalized the possession or sale of marijuana, and relatively few who are charged criminally in other counties are ever incarcerated.

Emergency medical personnel were unable to respond to 10 different 911 calls over a recent 12-month period. Officials say that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

In the keynote address at Badger Institute’s Annual Dinner, Congressman Mike Gallagher issued a stark warning about authoritarian regimes and terrorist groups across the globe.

For all of the millions of dollars, time spent and inconveniences imposed, it’s nearly impossible to determine if the program meaningfully decreases exhaust emissions that form ozone and damage air quality.

In the lawsuit trying to kill school choice in Wisconsin, lawyers make an icy admission: They know it will “impact tens of thousands of children” to throw them out of their schools.

Over 100 places in Wisconsin have lost more than 20% of their population since 1990. This is the first of occasional profiles of persevering small towns in the Badger State.

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.

Badger Institute
700 W. Virginia St., Suite 301
Milwaukee, WI 53204