WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- It's a hot one out there to kick off the latest work week. Keep yourself cool and informed by giving this week's MacIver Monday a read. Thanks for being here.
Spotlight
MacIver: Legislature Should Scrap Budget, Start From $0
After the latest budget negotiation failure, we called on the legislature to scrap the current budget and start from zero. Here's the statement our CEO Annette Olson put out this morning:
"There is no sense for conservatives to continue negotiating with Gov. Evers, who has proven himself supremely untrustworthy. Now is the time for leaders in the legislature to step up and actually lead.
"For years, the legislature has just taken the last budget and slapped more spending on top of it. This impasse provides an opportunity to do something that is radically sensible: start at zero and build a conservative budget from the ground up incorporating real reforms. The special interests and big spenders would kick and scream, but taxpayers would finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief."
Read more about the MacIver Institute's efforts to improve the state budget process here.
Deep Dive
The Left’s Latest Scare Campaign Over Medicaid
Democrats are in a panic over potential changes in Washington that would add Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied, childless adults and that would stop propping up the government’s unaffordable Affordable Care plans.
Although these changes only impact very specific populations, Democrats and their liberal allies are trying to convince everyone who receives insurance through BadgerCare or Obamacare that their coverage is at risk.
Bill Osmulski takes apart the Medicaid lies.
You Should Know
Stewardship Reform Must Protect Private Property Rights
Usually the state Legislature lumbers along, taking its own sweet time, and that’s not always a bad thing. But a new proposal is picking up steam that continues what has been a years-long assault on property rights, writes Richard Moore.
The proposal from state Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) would reauthorize the Stewardship program for four years with a nearly $30 million price tag. Richard argues that this bill fails because of two assumptions: one, that land conservation must be inherently defined as government control of that land; and two, that all conservation is good all the time.
The MacIver Institute is committed to bringing some of the most interesting and insightful newsmakers to Wisconsin to complement our extensive policy research and news coverage. But we need your help. Please consider making a donation so we can hold more events throughout the year.
Donate now!
Coming Soon
Speaker Vos: UW Budget not Just About Cuts
Republicans in the state legislature are considering cutting the UW budget by as much as $87 million -- and attach reforms in addition to the funding cut. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told reporters at the Capitol last week that the cut is tied to Republican concerns about the political mindset and political atmosphere on campus.
We'll continue to keep you posted as the budget negotiations unfold, but keep checking our website and social media pages for up-to-date information.
Quick Clicks
Wisconsin Labor Reforms: Ending the Rule of Two
Republican lawmakers hope to finally end the labor unions’ “rule of two” in Wisconsin, which limits each journeyman to one apprentice, restricting the labor supply and driving up the cost of construction. Legislation from State Rep. Dave Maxey and Sen. Chris Kapenga would allow journeymen to take on two apprentices.
JFC Democrats Question Politics of Republican Budget Opposition
Democrats on Wisconsin’s budget-writing committee are questioning whether the Republican split on the new state budget is more political than philosophical. State Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, on Thursday accused Senate Republicans of caving to their “extremist” members who have suggested not voting for a budget at all.
For Your Commute
As the budget process unfolds with an uncertain future, the MacIver News Minute highlights one area that conservatives have handled well. Bill Osmulski breaks down how Gov. Evers gambled that the legislature would increase funding for schools -- and provide him cover for his 400-year spending increase veto. Instead, legislative Republicans called his bluff. Give it a listen.
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.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, its employees, or any affiliated organization.
Last Update: Jun 24, 2025 5:33 pm CDT
