WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- Spring is finally teasing us in Wisconsin, but the policy battles are still full throttle. Here's the latest from MacIver on government overreach, taxpayer accountability, and higher ed reform.
Spotlight
Benjamin Yount recaps Governor Tony Evers veto of key legislation to slash unnecessary regulations and reset burdensome red tape that's stifling businesses and economic opportunity in Wisconsin. This veto keeps layers of outdated rules in place, making it harder for job creators to thrive and for taxpayers to see efficient government. It highlights the persistent challenge of executive resistance to common-sense deregulation that would promote growth and freedom in the Badger State.
Deep Dive
Government Lobbies Itself… For More Government
Richard Moore shines a light on how local governments are using taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists and fund advocacy groups that then lobby for even more government spending and power, creating a closed-loop system where bureaucrats grow their own empires without real voter consent.
This insider practice wastes resources, inflates bureaucracy, and undermines accountability. Moore calls for reforms to stop the cycle and ensure tax dollars serve the public, not self-perpetuating special interests.
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Coming Soon
Support Grows for November Veto Amendment Vote
Benjamin Yount reports that momentum is building—including signs of bipartisan interest—for a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would give voters a say in limiting future governors' veto powers, particularly on tax-and-spend issues. This reform would restore balance, prevent executive overreach, and empower the legislature and the people to protect taxpayers from unilateral decisions.
You Should Know
Recent Survey Finds Deep Ideological Imbalance Among UW-Madison Faculty
Courtney Graves covers a fresh study from the Tommy G. Thompson Center revealing a heavy liberal tilt among UW-Madison faculty, with implications for viewpoint diversity, academic freedom, and the quality of education at our flagship taxpayer-funded university. The stark imbalance fuels concerns about echo chambers in classrooms and research, and it strengthens the case for reforms to promote intellectual openness and fairness for all students.
Quick Click
Wisconsin Lawmakers Finally Agree on PFAS Clean-Up Plan
After months of political posturing and back and forth legislative proposals, a bipartisan proposal is headed to Gov. Tony Evers' desk to address the issue of so-called "forever chemicals" in the state.
For Your Commute
MacIver's Michael Lucas talks with Will Flanders of the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty about school choice and the state of Wisconsin's education system. Give it a watch or listen below.
Last Update: Mar 23, 2026 11:16 am CDT
