WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) --mGood Monday morning. Los Angeles is burning and Milwaukee may be next. Before then, let's get you up to speed on the latest news from the state capitol.
Spotlight
Ron Johnson is the Conscience of the Senate
Richard Moore says that Wisconsin's very own Ron Johnson is now the conscience of the Senate for his willingness to stand firmly on principal over party over and over again. While Johnson is firmly digging his heels in on federal spending levels in the "Big Beautiful Bill" currently going through Congress, Richard also points to his willingness to raise thorny issues that at times run counter to the government status quo, like with Covid-19. Read more here.
Deep Dive
Wisconsin's Energy Future Hangs in the Balance
Wisconsin's manufacturing economy depends on reliable, affordable electricity, writes guest columnist Andrew Weiss of the Weiss Energy Policy Institute. But standing in the way of reasonable energy rates and a strong grid are green subsidies that promote the use of less productive energy generation and regulations that empower the established energy monopoly.
Andrew argues that we need action at both the federal and state level to improve the situation: passing the "Big Beautiful Bill" at the federal level to pare back green subsidies, and then reform at the state level to encourage competition in the energy market.
You Should Know
Republicans Pitch Hospital Price Transparency in Wisconsin
Republicans at the Wisconsin Capitol, led by State Sen. Julian Bradley, Sen. Mary Felzkowski and Rep. Bob Wittke, are pitching a price transparency plan that they say will bring more competition and better care to the state.
The bill would ensure greater visibility into hospital costs with an eye toward driving down costs and bringing more hospitals in line with the federal price transparency rule.
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Coming Soon
Defying ICE: Opponents of Immigration Enforcement in Wisconsin Go on the Record
With the riots and fires in Los Angeles, and an anti-ICE "protest" planned in Milwaukee for Tuesday, it's important to remember where Wisconsin liberals stand. Hadley Ott has a rundown of comments actions by Gov. Tony Evers and other liberals in defiance of federal law enforcement.
Quick Clicks
Majority Leader August: “Unreasonable spending” Scuttled Budget Talks
Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August told News Talk 1130 WISN that Evers was willing to accept tax cuts for seniors and others in the state, but only if Republicans agreed to huge spending increases. That "deal" was a nonstarter for legislative Republicans, and was a big reason why budget talks between the governor and legislature broke down last week.
MPS Looks to Spend More, Grow Deficit in new Schools Budget
The Milwaukee school district released its 2026 budget proposal Tuesday, announcing plans to spend more than $1.5 billion in 2026. That breaks out to about $23,000 per student. With all that spending, MPS will run a $22 million deficit -- and is on pace to face a $145 million deficit by 2030.
For Your Commute
In this week's MacIver Report, Bill and Mike explain why they should never have tried negotiating with Evers in the first place, after he stabbed them in the back after the last budget had been negotiated. They also cover more bad news for Gov. Evers with his ending of the state's Senior Employment Program that helps seniors get jobs. Watch here or below.
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.
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Last Update: Jun 09, 2025 4:09 pm CDT
