WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- It's Monday and we are back with another week of links and clips from the MacIver Institute to get things going. The MacIver team had a great time at the Republican Party of Wisconsin state convention this past weekend in the Wausau area. For everyone that stopped by, thanks for saying hi!
Spotlight
MacIver's Top Five Budget Recommendations
We've covered the state budget process extensively over the last several months, including in depth department by department analysis. Now that the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) has begun executive hearings on the budget, the MacIver Institute is highlighting five recommendations to make a better state budget.
The five recommendations:
- Start over
- Broad funding reductions
- Eliminate administrative rules and statutes tied to unaccountable programs
- Eliminate all appropriations that require ongoing oversight
- Require state agencies to write and submit operational budgets
Read the full analysis of the five recommendations here.
Deep Dive
Racine Official Calls Out Democrat Patronage Scheme
Gov. Tony Evers' plans to create a state office of violence prevention have faced heavy criticism from Republican officials. Now, a Racine alder is raising more concerns in light of the operations of that city's own Department of Community Safety.
Racine District 6 Alder Sandy Weidner pointed to the way Racine's Department of Community Safety has distributed funds to organizations that pursue leftwing causes -- and believes Evers would do the same with a similar statewide office.
You Should Know
No Judicial Immunity for Crimes
Dan O'Donnell covers the latest turn in the Judge Hannah Dugan story.
If it weren't enough that Judge Dugan criminally concealed an illegal alien and obstructed a lawful arrest - for which she was rightfully indicted by a grand jury - now she's trying to evade this heinous act by claiming "judicial immunity." But, unfortunately for the judge, Dan says her claims hold no water.
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Coming Soon
Republican Congressman, Democratic State Senate Spar Over Medicaid
The debate over a large tax reform and spending package in Washington continues to develop, and Congressman Tom Tiffany and State Sen. Chris Larson are at odds over how that final legislation could treat the state's Medicaid program. At issue: Medicaid eligibility for able-bodied adults without children. Look for this to continue to be an issue moving forward as Congress comes closer to passing a final bill.
Quick Clicks
Sen. Wimberger wants some COVID emergency money returned to state
State Sen. Eric Wimberger introduced a plan Thursday to return the interest on Wisconsin's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars to the state treasury. Wimberger’s proposal would not touch any unspent COVID money, just the interest that the unspent money has made.
Speaker Vos: Without Evers Meeting, tax cut Talks “on pause”
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday that he’s not sure what will happen with the Republican tax cut plan, or just how much lawmakers will spend over the next two years because he hasn’t been able to speak with Gov. Tony Evers.
For Your Commute
This week's MacIver News Minute focuses on the unfolding state budget process. Despite throwing Gov. Evers' budget out the window, the Republicans in charge of the legislative Joint Finance Committee are still planning to spend $100 billion over the next two years. Bill Osmulski explains why that represents just more of the same failed status quo in Madison.
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: May 19, 2025 3:21 pm CDT
