WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- This week we highlight the ongoing fiscal troubles in Milwaukee Public Schools, growing concerns about property taxes from business owners, and the latest snapshot of the crowded Democratic primary field.
Here’s this week’s MacIver Monday newsletter.
P.S. Don't forget to get Dad that Fathers' Day gift before this weekend!
Spotlight
Milwaukee Public Schools’ Budget Problem Is Far From Over
Rebecca Draeger reports that the Milwaukee School Board approved a $1.6 billion budget for the 2026-2027 school year, which includes adding hundreds of new positions despite a recent $46 million deficit, declining enrollment, and warnings from the Wisconsin Policy Forum about long-term fiscal strain.
With enrollment projected to drop another 6.5% and the district operating dozens of underutilized buildings, MPS continues to add staff and costs while resisting meaningful consolidation or reforms. The piece warns that without real changes — such as closing excess facilities and focusing on outcomes rather than headcount — taxpayers will face more pressure through higher property taxes or state funding requests, all while academic performance lags.
Read her full article here.
Deep Dive
C is for cookie, and O is for occupational licensing reform.
Richard Moore uses the absurd example of state licensing requirements threatening even home-baked goods and non-invasive horse bodywork instruction to illustrate the broader problem of occupational licensing creep by the Department of Safety and Professional Services. These rules turn everyday knowledge-sharing and small-scale entrepreneurship into activities requiring bureaucratic permission, stifling innovation, free enterprise, and common sense.
Moore argues this “neo-guild” system protects insiders at the expense of consumers and aspiring workers, adding unnecessary costs and barriers in a state already burdened by high taxes and regulation. True reform means scaling back licensing to only where clear public safety risks exist.
Read more here.
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Coming Soon
Crowley Pitches To Kill Minimum-Markup For Gas In Wisconsin
Milwaukee County Executive and Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley is calling for the elimination of Wisconsin’s minimum-markup law on gasoline, claiming it could save drivers nearly 40 cents per gallon. Crowley blames the Depression-era regulation — which requires stations to add at least a 6% markup or price 9.18% above wholesale, whichever is higher — for artificially inflating prices at the pump alongside other factors.
While pitched as a pro-consumer affordability measure, the proposal highlights the broader debate over government price controls versus free-market competition. Past legislative efforts to repeal or reform the law have faced stiff opposition.
You Should Know
Wisconsin Business Owners Fear Property Tax Hikes
Benjamin Yount covers the latest Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Employer Survey, which reveals that over half of business owners believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, with 51% saying high taxes weaken their competitiveness. Strong support for eliminating the personal income tax underscores growing frustration with Wisconsin’s tax climate.
Quick Click
Annette Olson reminds us of Wisconsin’s proud role as the birthplace of Flag Day and the enduring values of liberty, self-government, and individual rights that our flag represents as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.
For Your Commute
MacIver CEO Annette Olson sat down with Congressman Bryan Steil at the Republican Party of Wisconsin state convention to discuss his efforts in Congress to investigate Act Blue. Check out a segment of their conversation below.
Last Update: Jun 15, 2026 3:42 pm CDT
