A legislative committee formed to study falling enrollment across the University of Wisconsin System could recommend putting an end to what’s left of a tottering two-year branch campus system.

The leadership of the Study Committee on the Future of the University of Wisconsin System insists that no one on the 18-member committee has suggested that in its first two meetings, in July and last Thursday, Aug. 8. 

Jay Rothman, president of the Universities of Wisconsin, told the Badger Institute through a spokesperson this week that the fate of branch campuses would not be decided apart from a review of all system campuses.

But however cautious and deliberative the committee is, it will be difficult to avoid the evidence that has been piling up like a jackknifed train for the last two years.

Bombarded with false assertions from big-spending liberals, many Wisconsin independents and conservatives were hoodwinked this week into voting against the two constitutional amendments that together would have given legislators shared responsibility with the governor over big buckets of federal spending.

In a primary with more than 1.2 million voters, 57% voted “no” on both amendments — a veritable landslide in a purple state usually open to constitutional change.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the percentage of voters penciling in “no” was over 70% in Milwaukee County and over 80% in Dane County — the stalwart liberal strongholds in Wisconsin.

But it wasn’t just liberals and progressives in favor of unrestrained and unexamined spending — or misspending — who voted “no.” A majority of voters in 21 counties that went for Republican Tim Michels in the last gubernatorial election voted “no” as well.

Wisconsin just celebrated a record breaking attendance at the Wisconsin State Fair, its largest statewide event, earlier this month. The festival in West Allis attracted 1,136,805 visitors over its 11-day run, topping the previous record of 1,130,572 set in 2019.

That’s a good thing for the surrounding communities: In a recent report, the State Fair Board stated that the event generates an economic impact of more than $200 million annually for the state.

Learn why the Founding Fathers created the Electoral College, its protections against a national popular vote as well as how our presidential system compares to other republics around the world. With the November election just months away, you won’t want to miss this timely and insightful look into how the Electoral College affects our democracy.

Keynote delivered by Michael Maibach, a Distinguished Fellow at Save Our States, giving talks across the country in defense of the Founders’ Federalism and the Electoral College design.

Date: Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30pm

Location: Concordia University

RSVP: to Katie Colson, [email protected]

Registration open!

Registration for the Badger Institute’s Annual Dinner is now open. The Institute is honored to welcome Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief of National Review, as the keynote speaker.

Event details:

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