Focus

Focus #3

2019

State Budget Picture Brightens but Concerns Remain

The state of Wisconsin ended last year with a positive cash balance in its main fund but also a big qualifier. Every year the state makes financial commitments that it does not pay until future years, which add up to...Read More

Focus #2

2019

Divided Government Returns to Wisconsin

A decade has passed since the last time power was held by both parties in the state Capitol. With the election of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican majorities in both houses of the Legislature, sharing control of state government...Read More

Focus #1

2019

New Year Brings New Research from WPF

As we look ahead to our second year as the Wisconsin Policy Forum, our research offerings will include comprehensive, nonpartisan analysis of the 2019-21 state budget; an in-depth examination of the state-local fiscal relationship; a report on Milwaukee’s Hispanic workforce;...Read More

Focus #26

2018

Forum Unveils Top Five Research Findings of 2018

Reflecting on a year’s worth of policy briefs, reports, and digital research products, the Forum has selected its top five research findings of 2018. The list includes items involving state fiscal and justice system policies, Milwaukee County infrastructure, Milwaukee charter...Read More

Focus #25

2018

Uprooted: Evictions in Wisconsin

Rental housing evictions are pervasive in some Wisconsin communities, destabilizing families and neighborhoods. Our research finds eviction rates vary widely across the state and are particularly concentrated in southeast Wisconsin, where an effort to address the problem has begun in...Read More

Focus #24

2018

Municipal Voters Approve Levy Hikes

In our last Focus, we looked at the results for referenda on school district spending on the November ballot. In addition, voters in many communities cast referenda ballots to exceed limits on municipal property tax levies, eliminate “dark store” property...Read More

Focus #23

2018

School Referenda Reach New Heights

Voters this month approved school referenda at rates not seen previously, making 2018 the highest year on record with more than $2 billion in additional school spending passed, according to Department of Public Instruction data. Here we update readers on...Read More

Focus #22

2018

Under the Gun on Conservation Funding

A decline in hunting – and the license fees it generates – is threatening key conservation funding in Wisconsin. Total deer licenses dropped 5.8% between 1999 and 2017 and the decline is projected to continue. Interest in the natural world...Read More

Focus #21

2018

Challenge and Change Ahead for the State Budget

With the campaign over, the next governor faces the challenge of fulfilling campaign promises while balancing the 2019-21 budget. It may not be easy. Over the next two years, the state would need more than $2 billion in additional revenue...Read More