News
5/31/19
Innovative Use of Data or Technology – 2019 Winner
Washington County Washington County Park Fees From 2015 to 2018, the Washington County park and trail system budget was reduced by more than $365,000 (30%) as the County implemented priority based budgeting in 2016. As operating costs for park maintenance continued to rise, county administrators looked to park fees as...
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5/31/19
Intergovernmental Cooperation – 2019 Winner
North Shore Fire Department, cities of Milwaukee, West Allis, Wauwatosa, Greenfield, St. Francis, and Oak Creek Improving Fire/EMS Capabilities in Milwaukee Region When an emergency occurs, the public has little concern for whether the responders are employed by their municipality – they simply want help as soon as they can...
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5/30/19
Wisconsin Among Top 10 “Brain Drain” States since 1980
Net brain gain/drain rates compare the percentages of people 31 to 40 who moved into versus out of each state and who are considered “highly educated,” which is defined as being in the top third of the national education distribution. For example, if 10% of those in that age cohort...
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4/26/19
Wisconsin’s Unemployment Fund
When the Great Recession hit, unemployment rose and so did jobless benefits for out of work Wisconsin residents. The state had to borrow money – and raise taxes – to cover the rising claims and more than $1 billion in debt. As unemployment has fallen, the fund has recovered but...
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4/9/19
School Referenda in Wisconsin-Spring 2019 Election Update
In recent years, Wisconsin voters have approved school district spending referenda in record numbers. Results for the spring 2019 vote still show support for many of these proposals. Our latest Focus looks at the updated trends in school referenda.
This interactive ...
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4/2/19
Bipartisan Expungement Bill Considered
A bipartisan proposal to modify Wisconsin’s expungement law is advancing in the state legislature. Our June 2018 report, A Fresh Start, identified possible changes state policymakers could consider to expand opportunities for individuals to expunge criminal records in certain cases. Matching bills in the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly (SB...
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4/2/19
1st Quarter 2019 President’s Message
The Wisconsin Policy Forum’s recent release of our first-ever State of Wisconsin Budget Brief marks another milestone in the successful merger between the Public Policy Forum and Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. Both legacy organizations had proud histories of publishing impartial fiscal analysis that educated the public and promoted fiscal responsibility. Hopefully,...
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4/2/19
News & Updates | 1st Quarter 2019
President’s message The Wisconsin Policy Forum’s recent release of our first-ever State of Wisconsin Budget Brief marks another milestone in the successful merger between the Public Policy Forum and Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. Both legacy organizations had proud histories of publishing impartial fiscal analysis that educated the public and promoted fiscal...
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4/2/19
Member Survey on 2018 Forum Research Results
Earlier this year, we asked members to complete our annual research survey to help us understand what we’ve been doing well and where we can make improvements. That feedback informs our 2019 research agenda and communications as well as our upcoming strategic planning process. We’ve highlighted some of the results below. First,...
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