Badger Institute · [email protected]

January 4, 2024 at 6:15 PM

We switched email providers (and want to stay in your inbox)

Open to ensure Badger content is delivered to you every Friday We have fully made the switch from print to digital, and with that, have switched email providers. We now provide our in-depth investigative journalism, research, videos, policy brie…

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November 24, 2023 at 12:03 PM

Top Picks: We’re thankful for Wisconsin’s risk-takers

Workforce by the numbers, your comments on our latest, on-air dental discussion Viewpoint Entrepreneurial dough: Just what stagnant Wisconsin kneads to rise up By Patrick McIlheran Did you enjoy home-baked …

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November 17, 2023 at 12:01 PM

Top Picks: A cure for Wisconsin’s dental care woes 🦷

Pot’s impact on public safety, Assembly bill recap, food stamps by the numbers Viewpoint Dental Therapy: A cure for Wisconsin’s oral care woes By Mike Nichols Sometimes it takes decades for common sense to …

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November 14, 2023 at 7:47 PM

NEW: Marijuana legalization and the impact on public safety

Policy brief looks at the tradeoffs in crime and crashes Policy Brief: Marijuana legalization and the impact on public safety In an effort to help Wisconsinites better understand the facts about marijuana, we offer here a …

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November 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM

Top Picks: The poor, powerless casualties of a school choice lawsuit

ARPA spent on soccer, Amtrak ridership numbers, Badger on the airwaves Viewpoint The poor, powerless casualties of Wisconsin’s school choice lawsuit By Patrick McIlheran In the lawsuit bankrolled by the Min…

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November 3, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Top Picks: Evers administration seeking big Amtrak expansion

Hop drama escalates, choice schools *do* serve kids with disabilities, UW salaries by the numbers Analysis Evers administration seeking Wisconsin Amtrak expansion By Ken Wysocky Wisconsin officials in the E…

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October 27, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: The path to a colorblind UW System

“The Death of Public School,” Tracking the Trillions timeline, student enrollment by the numbers News Conservatives push for colorblind UW System By Mark Lisheron Saying they “have not given up on a colorbl…

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October 23, 2023 at 7:15 PM

Video | You made these 2023 legislative victories possible

How your support is fueling a better Wisconsin Badger Institute 2023 Legislative Impact Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.” That’s why, acco…

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October 20, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: The suspect value of emissions testing 🚗💨

Hop's hand forced by federal grant, ridership by the numbers, Annual Dinner photo gallery Analysis The suspect value of Wisconsin emissions testing By Ken Wysocky Every year, more than 600,000 Wisconsin veh…

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October 13, 2023 at 2:10 PM

Top Picks: Congressman Gallagher’s stark warning

“Shut up“ won’t win WI, Annual Dinner recap, Badger not backing tax bill Breaking News Congressman Gallagher issues stark warning In a speech to the Badger Institute Thursday night, Congressman Mike Gallagher, the Gr…

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October 6, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Top Picks: Tax cuts working for Iowa; Wisconsin left standing still

Black conservatives protested, UWO by the numbers, last call for Annual Dinner Analysis Tax cuts working for Iowa; Wisconsin left standing still By Mark Lisheron Taxpayers in Iowa had themselves another pre…

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October 3, 2023 at 3:00 PM

LAST CALL: Get your Annual Dinner tickets today

Don’t miss Rep. Mike Gallagher next Thursday, Oct. 12 Final chance to reserve your spot! Attention, freedom aficionados! This is your final chance to reserve your spot at our highly anticipated Annual Dinner. Rep. Mike Gallagher joins us j…

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October 2, 2023 at 7:18 PM

Black conservatives targeted by lewd protesters

Progressive desperation exposed Protesters at Madison black conservatives event expose selves and progressive desperation By Michael Jahr A discussion on black conservativism that took place on the UW-Madison cam…

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September 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: UW-Madison and progressive arrogance — a cautionary tale

Healthcare innovation stifled, social division still bad policy, meet Badger’s latest hire Viewpoint What to do about progressive icon and eugenicist Charles Van Hise By Mike Nichols For years, I’ve wondere…

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September 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: State drags feet on Medicaid, taxpayers foot the $745 million bill

Corralling childcare costs, transportation taxes, 20 days to Annual Dinner News Delay in removing ineligible Medicaid recipients costs Wisconsin taxpayers hundreds of millions By Mark Lisheron A state Depar…

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September 19, 2023 at 4:15 PM

October 12: You can’t miss this keynote

Rep. Mike Gallagher on defending freedom against Communist China   Annual Dinner October 12 Democracy, Freedom and a Massive Wake-up Call Regarding Communist China by keynote speaker Congressman Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the House Select Committee…

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September 15, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: Billions stolen in pandemic unemployment funds

Cutting costs in childcare, remembering 9/11, one month to Annual Dinner Analysis Fraudsters scammed billions in pandemic unemployment funds By Mark Lisheron & Mike Nichols The U.S. Government Accountab…

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September 14, 2023 at 4:47 PM

POLICY BRIEF: Republican childcare reforms merit support

The path forward for maintaining quality and restraining costs Overregulated Childcare: Wisconsin’s 2023-’25 Biennial Budget and the Path Ahead By Angela Rachidi Childcare is essential for many working families i…

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September 11, 2023 at 5:06 PM

Remembering the victims of 9/11 – and how Wisconsinites can help

Mike Nichols on Meg Ellefson show talking tragedy and triumph Badger Institute President Mike Nichols talked to Meg Ellefson at WSAU radio this morning about his book, Just a Few Sleeps Away – the story of September 11 victim Andrea Haberman and her fa…

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September 8, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: What happens when emergency responders can’t respond?

Volunteers backbone of EMS, reading, equity & revolution, pot talk on radio News What happens when Wisconsin emergency responders can’t respond? By Mark Lisheron Increasingly short-handed emergency medi…

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September 6, 2023 at 4:35 PM

NEW DATE: Annual Dinner now Oct. 12

Hear from Rep. Mike Gallagher on democracy, freedom and Communist China The Badger Institute will celebrate another year of advancing freedom in Wisconsin at our Annual Dinner on Thursday, October 12 (formerly October 3). Our team is honored to welcome…

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September 1, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Top Picks: De facto decriminalization for Wisconsin weed

Your comments on equity, McIlheran on air, six weeks to Annual Dinner Research Criminal Enforcement of Marijuana Laws Uncommon in Many Wisconsin Counties By Jeremiah Mosteller Since the Badger Institute’s l…

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August 30, 2023 at 3:04 PM

Pot practically decriminalized in Badger State

Incarceration rare, prison almost nonexistent Criminal Enforcement of Marijuana Laws Uncommon in Many Wisconsin Counties By Jeremiah Mosteller Many counties in Wisconsin have essentially decriminalized the posses…

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August 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: DPI books leftist activists to teach ‘equity’ on your dime

New date for Annual Dinner, streetcar “expanding,” how to prevent WW3 News State school bureaucracy brings in high-profile leftists to teach Wisconsin teachers about ‘equity’ By Patrick McIlheran As part of…

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August 21, 2023 at 2:40 PM

RSVP today for the Badger Institute Annual Dinner on October 12

Rep. Mike Gallagher on Democracy, Freedom and Communist China Dear Friends and Supporters, The Badger Institute will celebrate another year of advancing freedom in Wisconsin at our Annual Dinner on Thursday, October 12 (formerly October 3). Our team is honored to …

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August 18, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Top Picks: What Americans, and Wisconsinites, believe about the American Dream

Surplus safe from clawback, double dose of radio, Badger backs the badge Viewpoint What Americans believe about the American Dream And some Wisconsinites who overcame adversity to achieve it By Mike Nichols …

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August 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: Great school giving more minority youth a chance

Another Evers veto, Mike Nichols’ SNAP chat, your comments on food stamps Viewpoint Increased choice funding — and Ramirez family’s generosity — will help thousands flourish By Patrick McIlheran Gus Ramirez…

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August 4, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Top Picks: The great food stamp fumble 🍫

Registration open for Annual Dinner, wedding barn warriors, too young for gunfire Viewpoint SNAP is a larded, sugary mess By Mike Nichols The subject line of the email from the disabled North Woods doctor r…

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July 28, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: Janet joins SCOWIS Tuesday. Then what?

Kia Boyz strike close to home, all things minimum markup, Mike Gallagher’s massive wake-up call Analysis Years of conservative gains could unravel starting Tuesday By Mark Lisheron Janet Protasiewicz joins …

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July 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: Sorry... Retirees should NOT get special tax treatment

Nixing minimum markup, WI workforce woes, Badger named a “Smart Bet” Viewpoint Sorry, but retirees shouldn’t get special tax treatment By Mike Nichols Two Republican legislators are circulating a bill that …

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July 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: Middle class spurned by price of progressivity

College debt decisions, governors’ veto history, continue your career with Badger Viewpoint Divide and ransack: progressive strategy on display in Evers’ veto aftermath By Patrick McIlheran After he kicked …

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July 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: Absurd, ugly and excellent — analyzing Wisconsin’s new budget

Fresh insight on vetoes, victories and everything between Viewpoint Absurd: Evers’ 400-year spending scheme Wisconsin needs an explicit constitutional amendment abolishing partial veto By Mike Nichols …

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July 5, 2023 at 9:56 PM

BREAKING: Why Evers’ tax veto is devastating for Wisconsin

Slow-growth status quo prevails Evers vetoes historic reforms to Wisconsin income tax rates Why lost opportunity to cut taxes is devastating for the Badger State By Mike Nichols and Patrick McIlheran The m…

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June 30, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Top Picks: BIG WINS are just the beginning ✅

Independence Day, tax cuts good for business, free-market thoughts on broadband Viewpoint Wins on justice, education and taxes are only the start of Wisconsinites’ work By Patrick McIlheran To win the vote …

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June 27, 2023 at 4:42 PM

Funny money: Another billion for broadband

The staggering cost of government’s fiber pipe dream Virtually all Wisconsinites already have internet access. Are fastest speeds now a right? By Mark Lisheron When state legislative Republicans pressed the pause…

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June 23, 2023 at 4:15 PM

Top Picks: BIG WINS continue with $3.5 billion tax cut (and why Gov. Evers should sign off)

DEI defective, last chance to register for June 30 lunch, Mandate up for major award Breaking Why — and how — Gov. Evers should sign off on Wisconsin’s big tax cuts By Mike Nichols First the “why.” The pla…

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June 21, 2023 at 11:01 AM

LUNCHEON: June 30 in Madison | John McCormack of National Review

Discussing SCOWIS and the polarization of American Institutions   Join us June 30 for a Badger Institute & National Review Institute event   Janet Protasiewicz, her big veto pen, and the polarization of American institutions John Mc…

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June 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Three great reasons to cut the top tax rate ✂️

It’s time to say goodbye to 7.65% Top three reasons to cut Wisconsin’s top tax rate The Badger Institute supports a flat-rate individual income tax, a structure increasingly adopted by competing states. We have spent years re…

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June 16, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: Kids win in Wisconsin budget battle

Why Vos is right about DEI, triumph over talking points, the end of annoying personal property tax Viewpoint With school choice deal, Wisconsin matches parents’ passion for their kids By Patrick McIlheran S…

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June 12, 2023 at 10:09 PM

EVENT: June 30 | John McCormack of National Review

Join us in Madison for a lunch on the polarization of American Institutions   Join us June 30 for a Badger Institute & National Review Institute event   Janet Protasiewicz, her big veto pen, and the polarization of American institutions …

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June 9, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks | Breaking: A historic moment for education freedom

Broadband busted, cops back in MPS, National Review event June 30 Breaking News A huge step toward sustainable school funding equality By Jim Bender and Patrick McIlheran The bargain struck Thursday between…

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June 8, 2023 at 5:54 PM

Why legislators should act NOW to close the school funding gap

Wisconsinites strongly support increases for choice and charter schools The Badger Institute has put more time and effort into education reform throughout the course of our history than any other issue. Our early research on education …

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June 2, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: Black grad numbers plummet at UWM

Substantial school choice support, natural gas policy, legislative update Analysis UW-Milwaukee Graduation Numbers for Black Students Plummet Even Further By Shannon Whitworth At a time when the job market …

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May 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM

From the desk of Mike Nichols | An update on our legislative progress in Madison:

Budget battles     John, The biggest policy decisions in the Badger State are typically made during budget deliberations in the first six months of odd-numbered years – that is, RIGHT NOW. The Badger Institute’s Mandate for Madison, the 300-page policy …

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May 26, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Top Picks: The untold story of mom-and-pop landlords

Words without meaning, licensing reform rolls forward, Memorial Day News State landlords hit hard by eviction moratorium Pandemic policy led to unfair losses for local rental property owners By Ken Wysocky …

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May 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM

POLICY NEWS: Licensing reforms advancing in the Capitol

Badger Institute backs universal licensure bill Licensing reform gains momentum in Wisconsin Legislature Badger Institute backs universal licensure bill By Michael Jahr Amid a sustained outcry from frus…

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May 19, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Top Picks: New school violence; old school solution

Parent choice penalized, letter to lawmakers, Hop talk with Weber News Violence has progressives bringing cops back to schools Milwaukee public high schools next in line By Mark Lisheron Progressive cit…

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May 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM

NEW: School violence has progressives changing their tune

Milwaukee next in line for returning police to public high schools Violence has progressives bringing cops back to schools Milwaukee public high schools next in line By Mark Lisheron Progressive city co…

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May 17, 2023 at 12:04 PM

BREAKING: Institute praises Legislature for increased prosecutor and public defender pay

Badger research influential in transformational investment in public safety and prosecutors Badger Institute praises Legislature for taking up recommendations on prosecutor and public defender pay CONTACT: Patrick Mc…

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May 15, 2023 at 5:59 PM

ICYMI: Hop hopes are fiscal folly

Op-ed: Public safety far more pressing for state’s largest city Legislature protects Milwaukeeans from $15-per-rider fare-free trolley folly This Viewpoint was originally published in Top Picks on May 12 By Patric…

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