WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- It's a short week, but still plenty going on before Thanksgiving. Let's get right to the last MacIver Monday of November!
Spotlight
Non-Profits Collect Millions from the State of Wisconsin to Run State Programs
The top three recipients of state money for the Wisconsin Works welfare program rake in millions of dollars every year but provide very little publicly available data on outcomes.
The Forward Service Corporation ($13.65 million), Ross Innovative Solutions ($12.20 million), and America Works of Wisconsin ($9.32 million) currently aren't required to report metrics on how many participants gain employment, retain jobs, or exit government assistance, but a recent legislative proposal (S.B. 201) seeks to require all workforce-development contractors to report the same performance metrics as the core federal programs.
The Bottom Line: Without transparency, taxpayers cannot assess whether these private contractors are delivering value, and the state’s oversight is limited. Read more here.
Deep Dive
Richard Moore takes a look at a regulatory reform initiative by State Sen. Steve Nass and State Rep. Adam Neylon that would cause every chapter of Wisconsin’s administrative code to automatically expire every seven years unless explicitly renewed.
With over 165,000 regulations, Wisconsin has become one of the most regulated states in the country. The “sunset” process flips the regulatory burden on its head, so rather than citizens having to fight for relief from outdated rules, agencies must justify why their rules deserve to continue.
Read Richard's full argument here.
This Thanksgiving, we give thanks for you, our readers. We are grateful that you find our work provides great knowledge to keep you informed on issues important to you. We hope you will join us on Dec. 2 for Giving Tuesday as we finish out the year and head into 2026.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Be safe to you in your travels and to all the deer hunters.
Coming Soon
Plan to Vote on Wisconsin Wheel Taxes Advances
A plan to allow people to vote on local wheel taxes is slowly making its way forward at the Wisconsin Capitol. State Sen. Rob Hutton wants cities and counties to have to ask voters to raise or create wheel taxes. He says it’s fairer.
You Should Know
Democrat Border Policy Devastates Mequon
Dan O'Donnell recounts how Mequon is grappling with a wave of burglaries traced to a South American ring — an outcome attributed to lax federal border and immigration enforcement under Democrat-led policy. Watch it below.
Quick Click
Kenosha casino risks forced unionization, unfair labor practices and political fallout
There's plenty of gambling-related news going on in Wisconsin these days, including possible plans for an off-reservation casino in Kenosha. We break down the possible negative unintended consequences of the development in this week's Quick Click. Give it a read.
For Your Commute
The MacIver Report tackles two topics in this week's episode, highlighting DPI's report cards and the latest on the campus free speech bill working its way through the state legislature.
It's a good listen for your commute -- or when you're peeling potatoes ahead of Thanksgiving dinner.
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.
Last Update: Dec 01, 2025 3:07 pm CST
