Badger in the News

Wisconsin has a budget deal in place, and some tax relief is on its way. Pat McIlheran breaks down the policy pros and cons.

July 1, 2025 – The Meg Ellefson Show

Wisconsinites often hearing competing narratives on crime and safety, so visiting fellow Jeremiah Mosteller highlights the data behind real justice in the Badger State — and why it’s more rare than it ever should be.

June 26, 2025 – WCLO: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel

Pat McIlheran breaks down the tax cut proposal that ought to encourage and incentivize greater productivity among Wisconsin workers. (Segment begins around 29:50)

June 25, 2025 – WCLO: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel

Nichols on housing: “It should be about making the market work for people who are working hard and want to make a purchase without government getting in the way.”

June 24, 2025 – The Meg Ellefson Show

Wisconsin has stood firm amid constant calls for Medicaid expansion. Pat McIlheran outlines Wisconsin’s history of leading on the issue. (Segment begins around 10:05)

June 16, 2025 – The Vicki McKenna Show

Mark Lisheron debunks the emotive rhetoric on Medicaid reform.

June 13, 2025 – The Meg Ellefson Show

The nuclear option: New bill signals state will rise to the occasion on energy needs.

June 12, 2025 – WI Morning News

School choice opponents approve saddling taxpayers to protect their political rhetoric. Pat McIlheran and Meg Ellefson discuss.

June 5, 2025 – WI Morning News

Debate on ‘decoupling’ Wisconsin school choice, public school funding continues.

June 3, 2025 – Center Square

Mark Liseron makes the case that if public broadcasters want to be in the news business, they should compete in the news media market — not be propped up by taxpayer dollars. (Segment begins around 28:45)

May 21, 2025 – WCLO: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel

Mark Lisheron explains how state-funded media is principally at odds with how news services ought to operate.

May 14, 2025 – The Meg Ellefson Show

Local rules rule when it comes to housing development. Pat McIlheran shares how flexibility in regulation could help curb the rising costs of home ownership in Wisconsin. (Segment begins around 26:30)

May 13, 2025 – WCLO: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel

The Hop remains a hopeless money pit with no hope of further expansion. It’s time to simply rip the bandage off. (Segment begins around 1:33:12)

April 24, 2025 – The Vicki McKenna Show

Jay Weber welcomes Mike Nichols to talk shutting down the Hop — Milwaukee’s “cluster farce” of public spending.

April 24, 2025 – The Jay Weber Show

Five years after COVID, many state employees still work remotely. Mark Lisheron and Meg Ellefson discuss the details — including the alarming lack of data and documentation kept by state agencies.

April 18, 2025 – WI Morning News

There is a way to increase housing supply apart from taxpayer subsidies: Simply permit what the market is looking for.

April 10, 2025 – WI Morning News

Supply, demand, and out-of-reach affordability: Wyatt Eichholz explores the bleak landscape of Wisconsin’s housing market

March 5, 2025 – WCLO: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel

Gov. Evers is committed to a tax plan that’s bad for business. Pat McIlheran explains.

March 3, 2025 – WI Morning News

Dan Sem — professor and contributor to our Mandate for Madison — explains how Senate Bill 4 is apt to keep everyday healthcare simple and affordable. (Segment begins around 18:40)

February 17, 2025 – The Vicki McKenna Show

The push to expand free meals for Wisconsin schoolchildren is relentless. Mike Nichols and Meg Ellefson discuss the principled alternatives.

February 13, 2025 – WI Morning News

Education reformers push Wisconsin lawmakers to raise the bar for reading, math.

February 7, 2025 – Center Square

Pat McIlheran goes on air to offer a primer on the power of Wisconsin’s state schools superintendent. (Segment begins around 23:35)

January 21, 2025 – WCLO: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel

Direct democracy is rife with demerits and dark secrets. Pat McIlheran and Vicki McKenna discuss the details. (Segment begins around 41:05)

January 13, 2025 – The Vicki McKenna Show

Pat McIlheran and Meg Ellefson discuss the consequences of Gov. Evers’ proposal to cut lawmakers out of the lawmaking process.

January 13, 2025 – WI Morning News

Debate continues over Wisconsin’s minimum wage after Minnesota, Michigan raise theirs.

January 3, 2025 – WKBT News 8 Now