WILL Secures Major USDA Settlement Ending Race-Based Programs

WILL has successfully secured a major settlement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), triggering the end of race- and sex-based programs that harmed American farmers for decades.

Following a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of Wisconsin dairy farmer Adam Faust, the USDA settled with WILL and agreed to end discriminatory preferences across three federal farming programs.

In June 2025, WILL filed the federal lawsuit challenging the USDA’s use of race and sex as eligibility criteria for several programs. The lawsuit targeted the Loan Guarantee Program, the Dairy Margin Coverage Fee, and the EQIP Grant Program, arguing that these policies violated the equal protection guarantees of the U.S. Constitution.

In August 2025, the Trump Administration filed a motion declining to defend the three Biden-era aid programs within the USDA, each of which discriminated against white male farmers.

As part of the settlement, the USDA will pay attorney fees to WILL.

WILL Managing Vice President and Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, stated, “The Trump Administration inherited dozens of discriminatory programs that supported certain farmers over others based on race and sex. Those shameful days are now behind us. We appreciate the USDA’s hard work in reforming important programs for American farmers.”

WILL Launches “What America Means to Me” Student Video Contest!

This week, WILL announced the launch of our statewide student contest, “What America Means to Me,” celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

The contest invites Wisconsin students in kindergarten through 12th grade to submit an original 30-60 second video reflecting on freedom, America’s founding principles, and the opportunities afforded by living in a free society.

Winners will receive cash prizes of $2,026 for first place, $776 for second place, and $250 for third place. Additionally, the first-place winner and his or her parents or guardians will receive complimentary tickets to WILL’s annual Celebration Dinner this fall, where the winner will be recognized.

For more information, including official contest rules and submission details, follow the link below!

OP-ED: Evers' Education Vetoes Leave Wisconsin Students Behind

In a guest op-ed for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WILL’s Cory Brewer and AEI’s Daniel Buck expose how Governor Evers’ recent vetoes have left Wisconsin’s education system isolated and stuck in a political stalemate. The pair point out that even Democratic governors in states like Colorado and New York are taking advantage of new federal programs, like the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, recognizing it as a "no-brainer" source of outside investment for families and schools.

This Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program relies entirely on private donations, not new state spending, to help families pay for essential educational expenses like tutoring, transportation, and special needs services.mWithout it, Wisconsin donors will see their funds flow out to other participating states.

Read the full op-ed below and see how Governor Evers' other education related vetoes, like the Teachers Bill of Rights, puts Wisconsin even further behind our peers in education.

WILL Adds New Policy and Government Affairs Manager to Team

WILL is excited to announce the addition of Sam Krebs as WILL’s new Policy and Government Affairs Manager.

Sam joins WILL with nearly a decade of experience across three distinct levels of state government. Most recently, he served as the Legislative Director at Wisconsin Family Action, where he specialized in family policy, religious freedom, and parental rights.

In his new role, Sam will be instrumental in advocating for Wisconsin families, promoting economic freedom, and working across a broad range of policy areas to advance limited government principles.

WILL Policy and Government Affairs Manager, Sam Krebs, stated, “What drew me to WILL is the conviction that the best solutions strengthen the rights and responsibilities of individuals, not the reach of government. I’m honored to join a team that delivers on this day in and day out both in court and in the public square.”

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