WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- The bad news: The groundhog saw its shadow this morning -- 6 more weeks of winter. The good news: Another week of MacIver Monday is just a short scroll away. Enjoy.
Spotlight
Over time, legislators in Congress and in Madison have seen their power eroded away by aggressive moves by the executive and judicial branches.
Now, State Rep. Brent Jacobson is fighting to reclaim some of power for the Wisconsin State Legislature.
Richard Moore reviews the history of dwindling legislative power and ends with a warning: Unless voters and lawmakers act to restore constitutional balance, we may find ourselves governed by rulers we never elected.
Deep Dive
MacIver's Michael Lucas looks at the effort in Congress to eliminate a provision in the Biden Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act that would require car manufacturers to install "kill switches" in all new vehicles that would allow them to be remotely disabled.
Last week's vote failed, but Michael argues that there are Fourth and Fifth Amendment arguments that can be made in favor of nullifying the federal law. Read his analysis here.
Wisconsin’s future depends on bold ideas and the courage to challenge the status quo—and that’s exactly what MacIver delivers every day. Your support allows us to hold politicians accountable, advance free-market solutions, and give a voice to taxpayers across the state. If you value independent research and fearless reporting, please consider making a contribution today.
Coming Soon
Tiffany Targets 400-Year Veto as Centerpiece of Property Tax Plan
Congressman and candidate for Governor Tom Tiffany announced last week that he would repeal Gov. Tony Evers 400-year property tax increase on Day One of his administration.
The announcement is part of Tiffany's plan to freeze property taxes in the state, and look to work with local governments and schools to address their needs without forcing them to go back to taxpayers.
You Should Know
MacIver Applauds Congressman Steil, MEGA Election Reforms
Congressman Bryan Steil introduced the Make Elections Great Again -- or MEGA -- Act last week. We at MacIver are pleased to support Congressman Steil's work and thank him for taking election integrity so seriously. MacIver CEO Annette Olson made the following statement about the MEGA Act:
"Fair and verifiable elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and the MEGA Act would restore confidence in our elections and make them safer. MacIver has led the charge to bring election reform to Wisconsin and we are pleased to see Congressman Steil put forward such strong legislation in Congress."
Watch Annette's breakdown of MacIver's election integrity efforts here.
Quick Click
Wanggaard: Ending Lincoln Hills Consent Decree is Good, Closing it Better
Republican State Sen. Van Wanggaard came out in support of Gov. Tony Evers’ push to end the federal agreement that rules the state’s juvenile prisons, including the troubled Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake facilities.
But, according to Wanggaard, more should be done. "I see no reason that Lincoln Hills cannot be closed by the end of the biennium, and we can put this sad chapter behind us,” Wanggaard said in a press release.
For Your Commute
A revamped MacIver Report will be coming soon!
About MacIver Institute: The MacIver Institute is a Wisconsin-based think tank that promotes free markets, individual freedom, personal responsibility, and limited government. Through research, analysis, and community engagement, we work to advance these principles and positively impact the lives of all Wisconsinites.
Last Update: Feb 02, 2026 2:17 pm CST
