WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- And just like that we are in to August and the partisan primary is just more than one week away. As election season continues to heat up, we'll be keeping tabs on the latest proposals from key campaigns and how they would affect the future of the state. Read on for this week's MacIver Monday Newsletter.
Spotlight
Wisconsin’s Fragmented Safety Net: Who Administers Welfare and Workforce Development?
Rebecca Draeger examines how Wisconsin’s public assistance and workforce development programs are spread across multiple state departments, county consortia, private contractors, nonprofits, and technical colleges. A single family in need of food assistance, health coverage, child care, cash aid, and job training often must navigate separate systems with different eligibility rules, limited data sharing, and individual case managers.
This fragmentation creates administrative redundancy, slows the path back to self-sufficiency, makes it harder to measure overall program effectiveness, and opens gaps that can enable improper benefits. While tools like the ACCESS website have improved access, Draeger shows the system remains complex and costly. A follow-up piece will compare Wisconsin’s approach with other states. Read the full report here.
Deep Dive
Michael Lucas defines socialism as the forcible curtailment of private ownership of the means of production. He carefully distinguishes between government ownership, collective/communal ownership, and worker ownership, while noting that most self-described “socialists” today are really advocates for a large welfare state rather than true socialists.
Lucas argues that understanding these distinctions is essential as socialist ideas gain traction in Wisconsin and nationally. The piece sets the foundation for a deeper examination of how socialist principles undermine prosperity and individual freedom. Read the full piece here.
Your support makes the difference!
As MacIver continues to expose risky contracts, demand real election integrity, and fight back against wasteful government spending, your contribution fuels the independent research and fearless accountability Wisconsin taxpayers deserve. While politicians expand bureaucracy and special interests tighten their grip, MacIver stands firm for limited government, school choice, and free-market solutions that put hardworking families first. If you believe in protecting Wisconsin’s future from bigger government and more taxes, please consider making a contribution today to help us expand this vital work.
Coming Soon
Democrats Scramble For Barnes' Voters After His Drop-Out
Benjamin Yount reports on the scramble among Democratic candidates following Mandela Barnes’ exit from the gubernatorial primary, as the remaining field jockeys for his supporters ahead of the August 11 vote.
You Should Know
Wisconsin Schools Now Spending Nearly $19,000 Per-Student
New data shows Wisconsin school districts are spending nearly $19,000 per student. Despite record spending, student performance remains a major concern, reinforcing longstanding questions about outcomes versus inputs in public education.
Quick Click
Hong Tax Increase: She Says One Thing, Legislation Says Different
Francesca Hong's track record is coming under increased scrutiny as she takes a stronger position in the Democratic governor primary. Benjamin Yount examines discrepancies between her public statements on taxes and the actual legislation she has supported, highlighting differences between campaign messaging and legislative records.
For Your Commute
The latest MacIver News Minute warns of the rise of socialism in Wisconsin and across the country. Give it a listen.
Last Update: Aug 03, 2026 5:24 pm CDT
