Restoring a vision for accountability and control Unaccountable Entanglement: How “Free” Federal Money Costs Wisconsinites Control Over Their Government September 29, 2022 Approximately 30% of the revenue in Wisconsin’s current two-year budget comes from the federal government — and that doesn’t include billions and billions of dollars sent to the Badger State to ostensibly get us through the pandemic. There are multiple problems that arise from that fact. Over 10,000 “state” employees are actually paid by the federal government and in many instances are bound by federal rules and requirements. A massive bureaucracy has arisen just to manage the relationship between the federal government and the state. It is difficult for federal officials to manage the money from afar, and state leaders are naturally less interested in making sure it is spent wisely (or at all) given the fact that voters often see it as “free” cash. It isn’t. In fact, as we’ve argued over the years, all of that federal support results in a loss of local control and accountability, time, innovation and transparency. There’s also just a lot of waste of tax dollars, nonsensical spending or lack of focus. Years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Wisconsin officials by the fall of 2022 still hadn’t spent billions of dollars of federal pandemic aid meant to ensure our health and economic rejuvenation. Rest assured, they will spend it somehow. Here, Mike Nichols and Mark Lisheron provide an overview of the problems and tell us what state and federal leaders can do to restore the original vision of James Madison. Read the Full Report Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Invest in the Badger Institute For 35 years, the Badger Institute, formerly known as the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI), 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 Institute’s legacy and want to support 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! The Institute never has, and never will, accept government funding. We gratefully welcome your online donation or email Angela Smith, Vice President of Development. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Support Freedom Let the experts at the Badger Institute bring a policy talk on topics such as student loan forgiveness, unemployment compensation, school choice and more to your local group or meeting. If you’re interested in a presentation or a speaker, contact Michael Jahr, Vice President of Communications, at [email protected]. Request a Speaker   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!