WILL Exposes Race-Based Highway Construction Schemes in Four States

WILL filed a new Title VI civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), identifying four states that are flouting the Trump Administration’s directive to end DEI in highway construction.

The complaint describes new schemes by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The agencies appear to be shifting federal money away from some projects, making them exclusively funded by state tax dollars.

The gambit seeks to avoid the Trump Administration’s new rule prohibiting racial quotas in federally funded projects. But Title VI, which prohibits race discrimination, applies to all operations of all state DOTs, even if a particular project is funded without federal money.

WILL Vice President and Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, stated, “The Trump Administration took an important step to end race discrimination in federally funded highway projects. Now some states are flouting that rule by paying for some roadbuilding projects without any federal money. But federal law prohibits this shell game, and the Trump Administration should enforce the law against these states.”

Senate Passes Amendment to End Governor Evers’ 400-Year Veto

This week, WILL issued a statement applauding the Wisconsin State Senate for passing Senate Joint Resolution 116 (SJR 116). This proposed amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution curbs executive overreach by prohibiting the governor from using the partial veto to create or increase taxes or fees.

While past amendments eliminated so-called “Vanna White” and “Frankenstein” vetoes, Governor Evers exploited a remaining loophole in the 2023-25 budget. By selectively striking digits from a school funding provision, he transformed a two-year increase into a permanent hike lasting until the year 2425.

SJR 116 directly addresses future abuses of the partial veto. Voters will have the opportunity to ratify the amendment on a statewide ballot in November 2026.

WILL Policy Director, Kyle Koenen, stated, “No governor, regardless of political party, should have the power to unilaterally hike taxes through a veto pen. By striking single digits to turn a two-year funding plan into a four-century tax hike, the Governor effectively became a ‘super-legislator.’ Voters have a real opportunity to reject this awful and costly policy in November.”

OP-ED: Do Wisconsin Democrats Care About Improving Schools?

In a new Washington Examiner op-ed, WILL Education Counsel Cory Brewer and American Enterprise Institute Research Fellow Daniel Buck expose how Wisconsin leaders are masking academic failure by “moving the goalposts” on state exams.

By slashing proficiency benchmarks, vetoing rigorous standards, and denying families tools like the federal scholarship tax credit, Governor Evers and Superintendent Underly have manufactured a false sense of student success while true learning stagnates.

The op-ed warns that when politicians redefine “failing” as “meeting expectations,” they aren’t helping students—they’re just hiding the truth from Wisconsin families.

Where is Congress? New Episode of

"If You Can Keep It" Podcast

In Episode 6 of the “If You Can Keep It” podcast, we discuss the fast-moving executive branch and a Congress that seems increasingly sidelined. While the White House operates at light speed on the global stage, Congress has struggled to pass lasting law.

Former Congressman Reid Ribble joins WILL President Rick Esenberg to break down the reality of today's Congress. We tackle the push to “nuke” the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act, the debate surrounding war powers in the Middle East, and the need to restore the balance of power between the Legislative and the Executive.

The “If You Can Keep It” podcast can be listened to on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Substack, and Rumble.

APRIL 24: WILL School Board Summit!

Join hundreds of education leaders advocates at the 3rd Annual Wisconsin School Board Summit, taking place on Friday, April 24, in Milwaukee.

Registration is now open to school board members, district administrators, and key faculty and staff for a day of professional development to enhance the educational experience of Wisconsin’s students.

Public school board members and candidates are welcome to attend, along with charter and private school board members and school leaders. District leaders, such as superintendents, business managers, and other key staff, are also encouraged to join us.

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