WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- The story MacIver first broke in January about the state Department of Health Services handing a huge contract to run a state Medicaid program to a troubled out of state company picked up more steam this week, with the mainstream media finally noting the numerous red flags tied to private equity-backed PPL. That and much more in the MacIver Monday newsletter.
Spotlight
"Proceed With Caution": NY State Sen. Warns Of IRIS Bid Winner
MacIver continues to expose serious red flags surrounding the Evers administration’s decision to award a massive $1.4–1.5 billion IRIS Medicaid contract to Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) as the sole fiscal agent for 30,000 vulnerable Wisconsinites.
The story gained even more traction this week when the public affairs program UpFront featured the mounting concerns, with a New York state senator urging Wisconsin to “proceed with caution” after PPL’s troubled rollout in New York led to massive payment delays, unpaid caregivers, and service disruptions for tens of thousands. Just after Wisconsin’s selection, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit against PPL in New York alleging a “sham bid process” and unauthorized profits from federal funds. MacIver also revealed Missouri quietly revoked a similar contract with PPL earlier this year.
For seniors and adults with disabilities who rely on IRIS to hire their own caregivers, reliable payroll and support are essential. Wisconsin policymakers must now demand rigorous monitoring, contingency plans, and real accountability to protect participants and taxpayers from repeating failures seen elsewhere.
Deep Dive
No, the Farm Bill Isn’t Cutting SNAP Benefits
Rebecca Draeger sets the record straight on misleading attacks against the Farm Bill. Critics claim it slashes SNAP (FoodShare) benefits, but the piece clarifies that the bill maintains core nutrition support while incorporating commonsense reforms to reduce fraud, tighten work requirements where appropriate, and improve program integrity — all without cutting benefits for those who truly need them.
This debate underscores the broader need for responsible welfare policy that prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and work over unchecked expansion. Read her analysis here.
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Coming Soon
Tiffany: Wisconsin Must Be a “Firewall” Against Socialism
Benjamin Yount reports that congressional candidate and gubernatorial hopeful Tom Tiffany is warning that Wisconsin must serve as a bulwark against creeping socialist policies being pushed by Democrats. With multiple Democratic candidates floating big-government ideas on taxes, healthcare, and regulation, Tiffany is drawing sharp contrasts and emphasizing the need for free-market principles to protect Wisconsin families and taxpayers.
You Should Know
Green Bay Clerk Once Again Mails Duplicate Ballots
Once again, the Green Bay city clerk’s office mailed duplicate ballots to voters in eight wards, continuing a pattern of election administration errors that erode public confidence. Combined with other recent issues, this highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards and accountability at the local level.
Quick Click
Judge Blocks Milwaukee’s Food Truck Rules
A Milwaukee County judge issued an injunction against new city rules that would have forced food trucks to close at 10 p.m. The ruling protects small businesses from overly burdensome local regulations.
For Your Commute
MacIver CEO Annette Olson joined The Vicki McKenna show to break down all the latest on our investigation into the IRIS contract story. Give it a listen!
Last Update: Jun 29, 2026 11:50 am CDT
