Plus: Where do you go for your news? 35 years of advancing freedom in Wisconsin New Report: Unemployment (Over)compensation As the COVID-19 pandemic struck the United States in 2020, Congress began shotgunning money out over the country in unprecedented ways. One was an extraordinary hike in unemployment benefits — an extra $600 a week. Many Wisconsinites were already receiving as much as $370 per week, bringing their total payment to almost $1,000, more than many normally earned. Employers short of workers swiftly pointed out that, for many employees, this meant returning to work could lead to an actual cut in pay. As companies struggled to open up again, commentators wondered how much of a severe labor shortage was caused by this disincentive to work — an “implicit tax,” as economists call it. Our latest report finds that extended supplemental benefits really did deter people from returning to work — and the authors were able to put a number on the harm done to Wisconsin. We now know the real impact of the governor’s decision to extend supplemental benefits even when so many other states had decided enough was enough. If Wisconsin had opted out of the supplement in June, the total unemployment would have dropped faster than it did. By September, we estimate, there would have been about 28,000 fewer unemployed. Read the full report here. Survey: Where do you get Your News? We need your feedback, and it will just take a minute. Please click here to take a very short media survey about where you get your local, state and national news. Thank you! Take Part in our Survey Inside the Capitol “Today, Governor Evers chose the status quo over the clear demand from parents for educational options and transparency. The controversial programs he quietly instituted years ago as the head of DPI he now protects with his veto pen as governor.” –Badger Institute Education Consultant Jim Bender following the governor’s veto of Assembly Bill 970, which would eliminate income and enrollment caps on parental choice programs, allowing more Wisconsin children to participate. Gov. Evers did sign a bill that would allow expanded function dental auxiliaries (EFDAs) to practice in Wisconsin. The Badger State has a dental shortage, and EFDAs working under the supervision of a dentist would allow dental offices to see more patients. It's our Anniversary! For 35 years, the Badger Institute, formerly known as the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, has 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 Badger Institute’s legacy and want to support our mission of advancing free markets, opportunity and prosperity, please consider donating $35, $350 or $3,500 today. Your support will help the Institute continue to advocate for conservative principles for the next 35 years – and beyond! New Free Exchange Podcast: Federalism and Think Tanks With Paul Teller How can local ideas lead to national impact? Paul Teller, the executive director for Advancing American Freedom, explains the role think tanks play in developing ideas that create statewide laboratories of innovation. The policies that produce the best results help to reinvigorate the vision of federalism where states and communities – not the federal government – find the best solutions to local challenges. Listen Now At a Glance Last Week's Survey Results What We're Reading Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kleefisch nods at moving Wisconsin to a flat income tax as she pursues run for governor Washington County Insider: Homeschooling newcomers find the keys to educational success Shannon Whitworth: I'm watching students and colleagues struggle to recover from lockdowns As the Badger Institute celebrates 35 years of advancing freedom Wisconsin, our work in promoting free markets, opportunity and prosperity in the Badger State is only made possible by generous donations from our supporters. We never have, and never will, accept government funding. Donate online or email Angela Smith, Vice President of Development. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Donate Now Catch up on Diggings A standard bearer of conservative thought in the Badger State, our biannual Diggings magazine takes an in-depth look at policy and cultural issues that affect Wisconsin residents. Click here to read Diggings. Read Now Top Picks is our weekly update. To receive more frequent content from the Badger Institute’s experts – or share with us your policy areas of interest – CLICK HERE Badger Institute | 700 W Virginia St, Suite 301, Milwaukee, WI 53204 www.badgerinstitute.org Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!