Town Call

Wil & Luke dive into a new proposal circulating in the Wisconsin Legislature about mandating admission to the University of Wisconsin System for the top 5% of all graduating Wisconsin students and the U.S. Supreme Court's decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions.

Today we break down the new plan to fund high-speed internet access across the nation. Wisconsin looks to receive $1.1 billion to improve broadband access. What do you think? Has the internet become so vital to our way of life that it should be a public utility?

Matt Rothschild, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, brings us his expertise on state politics during his last week before retirement. He's not slacking off in his last few days, tackling the state and federal supreme courts, the Wisconsin Elections Committee, and other topics. Guest: Matt Rothschild

After we catch up on Friday's Most Wisconsin Headline of the Week, State Senator Chris Larson steps in to continue the discussion about the state budget. Guest: Chris Larson

The new Republican plan to spend half of our $7 Billion surplus has become public, and as we expected, it heavily favors the wealthy. We take your calls on what you think we should use this money for, from tax cuts to childcare, with a focus on programs that might entice people to move to our state.

Dane County Board Supervisor and all-around awesome person Analiese Eicher is our special guest today! The discussion today revolves around a new resolution to make Dane County a sanctuary for trans and other LGBTQ+ individuals. This came about simultaneously with the Joint Finance Committee's resolution to exclude gender-affirming care from Badgercare. Guest: Analiese Eicher

Todd Allbaugh joins Aaron and Luke to talk about noise pollution caused by F-35 fighter jets in Madison. What impact do these jets have on our communities, and how can we be informed about these potentially hazardous noise levels? Guest: Todd Allbaugh

In Wil's absence, Dan Shafer of The Recombobulation Area joins Luke to take your calls on childcare in our state. The new budget from the Joint Finance Committee will end the Childcare Counts program, and we want to hear what you think! Guest: Dan Shafer

Luke and Wil share their Most Wisconsin Headlines of the Week, spanning from Sporkies and Drinkies to fishing competitions.

Today, Wil and Luke ask what you think about election integrity on both the state and national level. Meagan Wolfe, Administrator of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, nears the end of her term. Should she be reappointed to another term?

If you were a state legislator, how would you write the budget? Luke and Wil take your calls on what you believe our state should be prioritizing.

Today public transportation is the topic of discussion. Todd Allbaugh joins us to provide an inside perspective on how Wisconsinites have been deprived of light railways. Guest: Todd Allbaugh

Today, we are joined by Jon Shelton to speak on myths about education. Jon Shelton is a professor of democracy and justice studies at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, and he is Vice President of Higher Education for AFT-Wisconsin. He is the author of The Education Myth: How Human Capital Trumped Social Democracy. Guest: Jon Shelton

Donald Trump has been federally indicted. The charges have yet to be unsealed, but there is still a lot to talk about. What effect do you think this will have on his campaign?

Today, we pose the question: Who should make policy decisions? Should the people be trusted with every decision regardless of expertise, or should we rely on our elected representatives?

Today, our hosts invite your calls on the proposed limitations of free speech in school. Where is the line? Can we prohibit schools and/or students from talking about sexuality, gender, politics, race, and "safe spaces?"

We discuss challenges faced by public libraries in today's polarized environment.

Will and Luke kick off with the first Town Call episode.