Newsletter
4/1/26
News & Updates | 1st Quarter 2026
President’s Message In our July analysis of the 2025-27 state budget, the Wisconsin Policy Forum noted that the legislation would leave school boards with a choice “between locking in an increase in revenue that they have been seeking in recent years and shielding local property taxpayers.” Continue reading… Data centers a...
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4/1/26
1st Quarter 2026 President’s Message
In our July analysis of the 2025-27 state budget, the Wisconsin Policy Forum noted that the legislation would leave school boards with a choice “between locking in an increase in revenue that they have been seeking in recent years and shielding local property taxpayers.” We now know the result –...
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3/20/26
Forum Friday: Aging and Substance Use in Wisconsin’s Criminal Justice System
Aging and Substance Use in Wisconsin’s Criminal Justice System Virtual event | March 20, 2026 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. On March 20 our virtual event series, Forum Friday, focused on our state’s criminal justice system, including the aging of our state’s defendant and prison populations. We also discussed substance...
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1/5/26
News & Updates | 4th Quarter 2025
President’s Message The Wisconsin Policy Forum excels at explaining complex subjects, but even we have to pause for a second while trying to do justice to our longtime leader, Rob Henken. For 16 years, Rob served as president of our organization and during that time no one observed him more...
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1/5/26
4th Quarter 2025 President’s Message
The Wisconsin Policy Forum excels at explaining complex subjects, but even we have to pause for a second while trying to do justice to our longtime leader, Rob Henken. For 16 years, Rob served as president of our organization and during that time no one observed him more closely than...
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12/12/25
Forum Friday: A Look at the Challenges Facing our Fire and EMS Responders
Answering the Call: A Look at the Challenges Facing our Fire and EMS Responders Virtual event | December 12, 2025 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. On December 12 our virtual event series, Forum Friday, focused on the challenges facing fire and EMS responders throughout Wisconsin. Forum research has documented the...
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10/17/25
Forum Friday: What’s Driving Local Property Tax Referenda?
What’s Driving Local Property Tax Referenda? Virtual event | October 17, 2025 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. On October 17 our virtual event series, Forum Friday, focused on local referenda to address budget challenges. Though 2023 Act 12 gave a major state aid increase to municipalities and counties throughout the...
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10/15/25
2025 Salute to Local Government Award Winners
The 33rd Annual Salute celebrates the benefits that public sector ingenuity and excellence bring to taxpayers and communities throughout Wisconsin. Award categories recognize local governments and school districts for innovative problem-solving, advancing racial equity, and public-private cooperation, as well as individuals in the public sector for excellence, leaders of the future, and lifetime achievement. ...
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10/1/25
3rd Quarter 2025 President’s Message
When big changes land in Washington and Madison, the ground can shake across the rest of Wisconsin. In those moments, the Forum helps the residents of our state to understand where they stand. We’ve played that role for more than a century for businesses, local governments, school districts, and ordinary...
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