Flat tax and school choice, state needs more transparency, cops in schools Celebrating 35 years of advancing freedom in Wisconsin How to do the right thing Badger Institute submits flat tax, school choice recommendations to Gov. Evers' listening tour To: Gov. Tony Evers From: The Badger Institute Date: Dec. 14, 2022 Subject: How to do the right thing The unexpectedly bright revenue prospects of Wisconsin’s state government represent both an opportunity and a danger. A year from now, how will we know which one it is? By whether the state’s $6.6 billion in surplus revenue was used for epoch-marking reform. Such reform is the opportunity — the chance to turn Wisconsin away from stagnant mediocrity and toward opportunity and justice. The danger comes from the use of such money to fund the status quo. Read the full submission Not bigger, just better Wisconsin’s budget surplus presents risks and opportunities By Patrick McIlheran Turnout was “remarkable,” said his staff, when Gov. Tony Evers came to Kenosha to hear how to divvy up the state’s surplus. But of course people showed up. That happens when you have $6.6 billion and you ask who wants a helping. The surge of revenue outstripping even Madison’s surge of spending presents a problem for Evers: He has to burn off money — change-our-direction sums — while being a governor who hasn’t wanted to change the direction of government much at all. Read more Tracking the Trillions State needs greater transparency, clarity Audit bureau wants details on how state is spending nearly $6B in federal 'emergency' funds By Mark Lisheron The Legislative Audit Bureau criticized the state Department of Administration for its lack of openness in how it is deploying $5.7 billion in federal health emergency funds granted to Wisconsin. The audit report, released Wednesday, comes months after the Badger Institute first called for a comprehensive audit of all state spending of funds provided through the CARES Act, American Rescue Plan Act and the Investment and Jobs Act. For two years the Badger Institute has tracked the spending, raising questions about the need for the funding, the way it has been spent and the lack of transparency and accountability on the part of Gov. Tony Evers and the Department of Administration, which have sole discretion for the dispersal of the federal funding. Read more Free Exchange Podcast Why Milwaukee Needs to Get Cops Back in Schools The Milwaukee Police Department responded to more than 1,300 calls for service at 34 Milwaukee Public Schools high schools in the 2021-’22 school year, an average of 7.2 calls every school day. Many were for serious crimes including “battery,” “reckless vehicle,” “sexual assault,” “subject with gun” and “shots fired.” Yet the Milwaukee Public Schools Board of Directors refuses to put resource officers back into the schools. In this episode of Free Exchange, Badger Institute President Mike Nichols and Managing Editor Mark Lisheron discuss the disturbing numbers and how MPS is failing to protect kids and provide a safe place for them to learn. Listen in Dental Therapy Fact Sheet The Badger Institute has a growing library of one-pagers highlighting facts, data, trends and recommendations on a variety of policy issues. When it comes to dental care, too many Wisconsin residents have little reason to smile. Wisconsin has among the worst access and use rates of dental care for disadvantaged and underserved populations in the country, affecting children on Medicaid, rural residents, people with disabilities and lower-income populations. Fortunately, there is a simple, free-market solution that would fill many of these gaps. Dental therapy is being practiced in a growing number of states, producing meaningful results in a short amount of time. Dental therapists are mid-level providers — similar to physician assistants or nurse practitioners — who perform preventive, restorative and intermediate restorative procedures such as fluoride applications, cavity repairs and extractions of diseased teeth. Download the fact sheet At a Glance Weekly Survey: Should Gov. Evers and legislators pass a flat tax for Wisconsin? Answer below! Yes No Last Week’s Results What We’re Reading Associated Press: Vos wants ‘significantly’ more than $3 billion in tax cuts Hechinger Report: Third graders struggling the most to recover in reading after the pandemic City Journal: The Biden Bucks Blowout Daily Signal: ‘Food Inflation Is New Grinch’ as Survey Finds Nearly 70% of Shoppers Struggle to Afford Groceries  Manhattan Institute: Waste and Abuse in the Paycheck Protection Program 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 funded solely by the generosity of foundations, companies and individuals. Support Freedom 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!