WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- Hopefully you had a fun and safe time celebrating America's 249th birthday last week -- we know we did. As you're getting back into the swing of things in the office, we're here to help you get up to speed.
Spotlight
It's no secret that we at MacIver are no fans of the new state budget. You can read MacIver CEO Annette Olson's statement on the budget here. But now that the budget is done, conservatives need to focus our attention on highlighting the coming effects of the bill and ensuring a better, more sound budget process in the future.
We lay out five proposals to reform Wisconsin budgets -- our recommendations remain the same as they have for months. They might not be easy, they will draw the ire of lobbyists and the Madison status quo class, but they are the right thing to do for the state.
Deep Dive
The Art of the Deal by Tony Evers
With the adoption of the latest state budget last week, MacIver's Bill Osmulski argues that Tony Evers has once again proven he can run circles around Republicans in the Wisconsin legislature.
Bill runs through the budget to detail just exactly everything that Evers got out of this "compromise" budget bill, including higher property taxes, childcare subsidies, higher fees on camping, and more spending across the board.
Look, we know there's a lot of groups, organizations and candidates asking for your hard-earned money. The reality is the MacIver Institute has an unparalleled track record of putting in the work and getting results. Just take a look at the two stories above. But we're asking for your help not because of what we've done... but what we ARE GOING to do.
In the next year, we are committed to:
- Holding Gov. Evers and liberals accountable for their reckless spending
- Educating Wisconsinites on the threat of lawfare from Attorney General Josh Kaul and the liberal Supreme Court
- Leading election reform initiatives
Help us keep the success going by making a donation today!
You Should Know
Of Surrender and Sovereignty: A Tale of two Republican Parties
Just in case anybody is still wondering why Wisconsin Republicans lose statewide elections all the time, look no further than the GOP’s legislative leadership for a quick explanation, Richard Moore writes.
While state legislative Republicans failed to secure necessary reforms in the state budget, Richard looks to Washington to highlight a different, bolder example for conservatives in Sen. Ron Johnson and Rep. Tom Tiffany. Read more here.
Coming Soon
Gov. Evers: 2029 Green Bay Prison Closing Date “doesn’t mean a damn thing”
Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday vetoed the piece out of the state budget that would have required closing the Green Bay Correctional Institution by 2029, saying the provision was needless. The budget provision would have mandated Green Bay’s closing in just four years, but there weren’t any plans to build a new prison, or to house the 1,000-plus inmates who are currently in Green Bay.
Instead, Evers has a plan in the works to focus more on rehabilitation and skills training as well as cut the number of inmates in Wisconsin’s prisons.
Quick Clicks
Ron Johnson: Waste, Fraud, Abuse Guarantee Changed his Reconciliation Vote
US Senator Ron Johnson told News Talk 1130 WISN’s Jay Weber last week that he changed his 'no' vote to a 'yes' on Saturday night after sitting down with President Trump. Johnson said the president promised to look at the federal budget, line-by-line, and really look at places where the government can spend less, or spend smarter. Sounds pretty much like the same request we have for our state budget: accountable spending.
Gov. Evers Declares Victory After Liberal Supreme Court Rules on Abortion
Gov. Tony Evers is doing a victory lap after the liberal-majority Supreme Court struck down the state's 1849 abortion law, ruling that Wisconsin lawmakers essentially nullified the 1849 law’s near-total ban on abortion in 2015 when they approved a 20 week ban on abortions in the state.
For Your Commute
The MacIver Report guys had off last week for the Fourth of July and are on a brief summer hiatus. They'll be back soon.
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.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, its employees, or any affiliated organization.
Last Update: Jul 07, 2025 1:05 pm CDT
