Funding character in schools, Badger on radio, expungement testimony New Tax Research Study: A Flat-Rate Income Tax Would Spur Growth and Opportunity The Badger Institute published new research this week by nationally noted economist Dr. Don Bruce. The study explores the economic impact of moving Wisconsin to a 5.1 percent flat-rate tax. Wisconsin has long had one of the country’s most progressive individual income taxes, with a top rate of 7.65 percent that is the eighth highest in the nation. Bruce estimates moving to a flat individual income tax in Wisconsin could generate nearly $7.2 billion in additional GDP, $614 million in new investment and nearly 24,000 additional jobs over the next five years. The timely analysis contributes to a statewide discussion of flat tax legislation, particularly as Rep. John Macco, chairman of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, proposed a similar single-rate tax reform plan on Monday. Read the Study Read the Press Release Education Freedom Video: Celebrating character by closing Wisconsin’s school funding gap Kindness. Respect. Integrity. Character.  Parents long for schools where virtues like these are taught and celebrated. But due to Wisconsin’s school funding gap, it can be difficult for high-character schools to meet parent demand. Watch and Learn More Badger in the News Policy Director Pat McIlheran was featured on two Wisconsin radio programs this week to discuss the positive economic impacts of moving to a flat tax. Listen: Wisconsin’s Morning News with Meg Ellefson, WSAU Listen: The Jay Weber Show, WISN (segment begins at 21:25)   Inside the Capitol Expungement Testimony Badger Institute President Mike Nichols submitted testimony to members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety regarding Senate Bill 38 on April 18, 2023. Wisconsin’s current expungement statute is flawed. It forces judges to make poor decisions with limited information, encourages uneven and often nonsensical administration of justice, and does little to help employers, victims, or low-level, non-violent offenders we should all want in jobs rather than cells. Our 2017 white paper, Black Robes & Blue Collars: How to Let Wisconsin’s Judges Help Job-Seekers and Employers, is based on our analysis of more than 10,000 expunged cases and 21,000 different counts and charges. Read the Full Testimony Free Exchange Podcast: Making Sense of Milwaukee’s Crime Stats On the surface, Milwaukee’s latest year-over-year crime statistics show promise for the safety of the state’s largest city. Some city officials have even touted the aggregate numbers as cause for optimism. But the numbers tell a different story when examined in context: Milwaukee is in trouble. Researcher Sean Kennedy joins Patrick McIlheran to interpret the data and chart a path forward for Milwaukee to move from a culture of criminal coddling to one of certain justice. Listen Now   Related Resource: Latest crime figures show a Milwaukee in trouble Join the Institute Learn More Weekly Survey: Should lawmakers “close the gap” by providing equal funding for charter and choice school students? Answer below! Yes No   Previous Poll Results: What We’re Reading Angela Rachidi: The Evidence on Family Affordability Center Square: Wisconsin legislature sends new carjacking law to Gov. Evers’ desk National Review: Call Crime by Its Name City Journal: Civil Liberties Need Better Defenders Invest in the Badger Institute The Badger Institute, formerly known as the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI), has long been at the forefront of the fight for school choice, right to work, welfare reform, tax restructuring, limited government, civil society and so much more. If you appreciate the Institute’s legacy and want to support free markets, opportunity and prosperity, please consider donating today. Your support will help the Institute continue to advocate for conservative principles now and in generations to come. The Institute never has, and never will, accept government funding. We gratefully welcome your online donation or email Angela Smith, Executive Vice President. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization funded solely by the generosity of foundations, companies and individuals. Support Freedom   Badger Institute | 700 W Virginia St, Suite 301, Milwaukee, WI 53204 www.badgerinstitute.org Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!