The Hop route is ‘expanding’ — why now?
Mike NicholsMilwaukee officials are opening a new line on Sundays, only during the coldest months of the year The City of Milwaukee announced this week that it is building out a…
What Americans believe about the American Dream
And some Wisconsinites who overcame adversity to achieve it Wisconsin’s kids are starting to return to classrooms, and I’ve been thinking about what a longtime school reformer told me a…
No cause for panic: Wisconsin surplus safe from federal clawback
Robert VerBruggenFor a moment earlier this summer, there was a political and media panic that the federal government would “claw back” part of Wisconsin’s $7 billion budget surplus — which owes…
Increased choice funding — and Ramirez family’s generosity — will help thousands flourish
Patrick McIlheranThe first fruits of Wisconsin’s school choice victory can be replicated Gus Ramirez softens nothing when diagnosing Milwaukee’s situation. “Minority kids are getting screwed,” he said, “and they’re getting screwed…
Governor keeps alive possibility of local bans on fossil fuels
Badger InstituteGov. Tony Evers, who has set as a goal that “all electricity consumed in the state be 100% carbon-free by 2050,” is making sure that state agencies and local governments…
SNAP is a larded, sugary mess
Unfortunately, Congress appears too unhealthy to fix it The subject line of the email from the disabled North Woods doctor receiving some temporary government assistance read “Food Stamps,” which is…
Don’t snuff out wedding barns, Badger Institute and other groups tell Wisconsin Legislature
A wedding barn is nothing like a tavern — especially in ways that matter for liquor laws. The Badger Institute is happy to join an effort to fill in Wisconsin…
Abortion, voter ID and other laws awaiting Janet Protasiewicz
Mark LisheronWhat to watch for when the newest Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice is sworn in August 1 In the weeks leading up to the swearing in of liberal Janet Protasiewicz to…
One Badger Institute staffer’s personal experience with the Kia Boyz crime wave
The healthy fear Milwaukee needs to curb unbridled car theft You know those decals that make your car look like it’s been hit by gunfire? My family’s car has something…
Sorry, but retirees shouldn’t get special tax treatment
Neutrality is the best policy for Wisconsin Two Republican legislators are circulating a bill that would virtually eliminate all income taxes on retirees. It’s an effort to keep older spenders…