Evers Vetoes Plan to Reduce Wisconsin’s Regulatory Burden and Lower Costs

Last Friday, Governor Tony Evers vetoed the WILL-backed “Red Tape Reset,” a comprehensive regulatory reform package supported by a broad coalition of free-market groups and Wisconsin job creators.

The package would have modernized the state’s regulatory system, restored constitutional checks and balances, and reduced costs for families and businesses across the state. Wisconsin is currently the 13th most regulated state in the country and 2nd worst in the Midwest, trailing only Illinois.

A study by WILL found that reducing the state’s regulatory burden by just 10% could increase Wisconsin’s GDP by $6.6 billion, while a 40% reduction could grow the economy by as much as $68.1 billion by 2037. Despite this, Governor Evers vetoed the “Red Tape Reset” bill in order to uphold an administrative code that keeps over 165,000 government regulations on the books.

WILL Policy Director, Kyle Koenen, stated “Wisconsinites are paying the price for excessive regulation every single day, at the grocery store, on their energy bills as well as the rising cost of housing and everyday goods. Instead of providing relief to Wisconsinites, Governor Evers decided that the failed status quo was the way to go. Ignoring Wisconsin’s burdensome regulatory climate is irresponsible, and it will make it harder for our state to grow and compete in the decade ahead.”

Dr. Cade Brumley to Keynote 2026 School Board Summit

WILL is excited to announce Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, as the keynote speaker for our 2026 School Board Summit on Friday, April 24th at the Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel.

Dr. Brumley will share insights on "Transforming Education" based on his successful reform efforts in Louisiana and offer a roadmap to help school leaders achieve better student outcomes.

Summit 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.

TOMORROW: Join WILL on The Future of "Red Tape Reset"

Governor Evers blocked the "Red Tape Reset," but the fight for Wisconsin’s regulatory environnment isn't over.

Join WILL’s Lucas Vebber and State Representative Lindee Brill tomorrow, March 26 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the AFP Sheboygan Field Office to discuss the veto and map out the next steps for regulatory relief in our state.

Learn how we can cut back on some of the more than 165,000 regulations stifling Wisconsin small businesses, workers, and families.

APRIL 2: Breaking Down Teacher's Union Lawsuit on School Choice

Join WILL on Thursday, April 2 at 11:30 AM, for a webinar breaking down the recent teachers' union and multi-district lawsuit targeting Wisconsin’s school choice programs. The lawsuit claims the state is not adequately funding public schools and, in part, blames choice programs for those shortcomings.

WILL Research Director Will Flanders will provide a data-driven look at the true reality of education funding, while WILL Deputy Counsel Lucas Vebber will discuss and analyze the legal merits of the case.

Don’t miss this deep dive into a legal challenge that threatens the future of choice and charter schools and the potential fallout for local budgets across the state.

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