Badger Institute

Breaking the cycle of incarceration

When law enforcement and ex-offenders come together, good things can happen. Partners in Hope is a Milwaukee prisoner reentry program where cops, federal agents and prosecutors (among others) offer training, mentorship and friendship to people returning from prison or jail. The result is changed perspectives and transformed lives on both sides.

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Wisconsin should reform process
for commercial property assessments

As with manufacturing property, valuations should be done by the state, with owners being able to appeal to a panel of tax experts rather than a local review board. By visiting fellow Jay Miller.

Hidden agenda?

Wisconsin newspapers fail to disclose left-wing funding for hundreds of stories they publish. By Dan Benson.

Front-row seat to media bias

It’s clear that Gannett newspapers, as least the one in Milwaukee, have a progressive mindset. By Mike Nichols.

Seeking to fill a void

The Badger State ranks last in the nation for providing oral health care to hundreds of thousands of children with dental benefits through Medicaid. Allowing dental therapists in Wisconsin could improve access to care and ease the crisis. By Betsy Thatcher.

New book urges states to push back

A reassertion of true federalism — the devolution of national control and the re-establishment of state interests and individual liberties — is the only solution to Washington's overreach.

#GivingTuesday

Our work to advance free-market principles, create opportunity and promote prosperity in the Badger State is made possible by our generous supporters. We don’t take government money — and we never will. Even after #GivingTuesday, please consider making a tax-free donation to the Badger Institute. Enjoy your holidays!

How federal grants are turning state governments against their own people

Almost a third of the money in many state government budgets now comes directly from Washington, D.C. But why are federal taxpayers paying for Wisconsin’s bike paths? By Mike Nichols and Dan Benson, published in The Federalist.

A journey of second chances

Imagine a prisoner reentry program where the mentors include an FBI agent and a former federal prosecutor. Or a graduation ceremony where ex-offenders are encouraged, cheered and hugged not just by family and friends but by police officers, prison officials and judges. Imagine what could happen if the law enforcement community partnered with nonprofit organizations and employers to increase the likelihood of successful transition back to the community, breaking the cycle of incarceration. This video tells the story of Partners in Hope, a new reentry program in Milwaukee that has made this vision a reality.

Diggings Fall 2018

► Newspapers fail to disclose left-wing funding for stories
► Wisconsin’s front-row seat to liberal media bias
► Dental therapists could fill void in Badger State
► The high price of financial illiteracy
► UW women’s studies program now offers 100 courses
► The ironic facts: Women are flourishing at UW
► Sand Valley Golf Resort lifting Adams County
► Slippery slope for pro-business Republicans

Wisconsin: A Blueprint for More Workers

Report provides an overview of labor force participation in Wisconsin. Increasing the rate by just 1 percentage point would increase state GDP by $667 annually per resident. By Badger Institute visiting fellows Ike Brannon and Andrew Hanson.

Interactive map of labor force participation rates

An interactive map shows the labor force participation rate for every Wisconsin county. Washington County enjoys the highest participation rate (74.8%), while Adams County has the lowest rate (48.6%). View the map here.

Rethinking Wisconsin’s Highways

The Badger Institute this summer hosted transportation expert Bob Poole to discuss Rethinking Wisconsin’s Highways. Poole promoted public-private partnerships and user-based tolls to address the congestion, maintenance, funding battles and pork barrel spending associated with the status quo. Watch video here.

Institute launches Center for Opportunity

The Center will focus on public policies related to poverty alleviation, criminal justice, upward mobility and occupational licensing. The Institute also announces Visiting Fellows Program.

Licensure reform helps barbers, cosmetologists

Madison — Barbers, cosmetologists and other beauty professionals will now be able to practice their professions with fewer regulatory burdens after Gov. Scott Walker signed into law reforms that will reduce complicated and costly licensing requirements. Read more here.

Project for 21st Century Federalism

The Project for 21st Century Federalism is the Badger Institute's multi-year investigation of the growth in federal grants and their effect on state and local governance. Highlights of the project: