WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- With summer in full swing and the 2026 election season gaining momentum, MacIver continues its watchdog role on government accountability, property rights, and election integrity. This week’s coverage highlights threats to real ownership, election safeguards, and shifting economic realities in Wisconsin.
Spotlight
When Ownership No Longer Means Ownership
Richard Moore explores the growing erosion of property rights in America, using President Trump’s push for “right to repair” — including recent EPA guidance and the John Deere settlement — as a prime example. If you buy a car, tractor, or other property but cannot repair it yourself or choose who fixes it without manufacturer approval, do you truly own it? Moore argues that government regulations and corporate control over software, diagnostics, and parts are effectively turning ownership into a mere license, undermining the foundational principle that private property includes practical control and authority.
This debate extends beyond vehicles to land use, environmental rules, and other areas where regulators and favored interests limit what owners can do with what they legally hold title to. MacIver believes restoring true ownership — through reduced regulation and stronger protections for individual rights — is essential for freedom and prosperity.
Deep Dive
How Reassessments Can Increase Your Property Taxes: And What To Do About It
Michael Lucas explains how even with levy limits in place, local assessors can dramatically shift property tax burdens through reassessments, causing some homeowners’ bills to spike even without improvements or new construction. Using a simple scenario, Lucas shows that your tax bill depends not on the absolute value of your property but on its value relative to others in the community — meaning a higher reassessment for your home can mean you pay a larger share of the total levy.
Lucas offers practical reforms, including capping assessment increases, tying them more closely to purchase prices, and making reassessments for existing properties less frequent to bring fairness and predictability back to Wisconsin homeowners.
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
Republicans Continue to Criticize Democrat Candidate Shifts in Governor’s Race
While Democrats try to put the best face on David Crowley’s surprise re-entry into the gubernatorial race — complete with an endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers — Republicans are calling it chaos and a rigged primary. Crowley, who dropped out earlier this month, jumped back in after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exited amid a fundraising scandal.
You Should Know
MacIver Calls for Immediate Action to Strengthen Election Integrity
After President Trump's speech, MacIver CEO Annette Olson released a statement calling for swift legislative and administrative steps to address repeated failures in local election administration, including duplicate ballot mailings and other errors that undermine voter confidence. With the 2026 elections approaching, stronger safeguards are essential to protect every legal vote.
Quick Click
Report: Wisconsin Economy Shifting, Healthcare Now Largest Employer
Benjamin Yount covers a new report showing healthcare and social assistance has overtaken manufacturing as Wisconsin’s largest employer. While manufacturing remains a high-value sector, the shift raises concerns about job quality, wages, and the need for policies that support trade and skilled labor to keep Wisconsin competitive.
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: Jul 20, 2026 5:43 pm CDT
