WPT Midweek Moment

This week, we look at problems that don't look like they are getting better anytime soon: Milwaukee and Wisconsin both appeared on a Top 10 list worth avoiding. We see some progress and promising results from the prison system. We see progress and promising results for tech skills training in 18 high schools. All this and more in less time than it takes to slow down for the pothole filling crews....

This week, since the Midweek Moment is an editorial podcast, we can give out some "actions speak louder than words" analysis and our first ever "That does not look good for you and your only have yourself to blame" awards. We look at the past two year trend of WE Energies rate increases. Be sure to listen if you want to know how many times bigger the requested increases are for the next two years....

Unfortunately, this week's podcast theme is summed up by our quote of the week: "Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story." What do we look at this week? The Senate and Assembly's calendar and how that impacts campaign contributions. Why did hundreds of "failed to pass" designations happen last week in Wisconsin and what does Ozempic have do with it? What are some insights on the Preside...

We look at quite a few time honored traditions in Wisconsin: Crazy Springtime Weather in Wisconsin. What is the sprint weather trifecta that happened in the past week? Property Tax Increases. How big are the jumps in taxes? How are increases being set up to happen for years to come? Power struggles at the state level. How are both sides of the aisle are pulling the same power plays? All in less ti...

In life, how you communicate your ideas, needs, and wants make a big difference in how receptive people will be. What are the unique and small things that have massive impact on success and failure? This week, we analyze the newest referendum results across the state. What successful strategies were used? What small differences in language could become massive problems? What is being pushed on loc...

This week, we re-live the focus on property taxes from our October 4th episode. It is particularly timeless and hinted at some of the issues that were likely to happen, like school referendums, and indirectly, a message on how important elections can be. What else did we focus on?: Which county in Wisconsin is easily #1 in highest property taxes? (What's your guess?) How much more will their 2024...

This week, we dive into current and timely topics about: What bills are a step in the direction away from our reliance on petroleum? What will be one of the downsides that no one has mentioned yet? Hear our prediction here first! What are your options for voting early if Election Day will be a challenge? We review your options. Where can you find one of the clearest explanations of the Wisconsin C...

How frustrating is it for Wisconsin dairy farmers, even from the groups "on their side"? Even the "tip of the iceberg" is preposterous.... We dive into that topic and have reasonable questions in this week's podcast about: Dairy farmers are struggling to cover costs, meanwhile, the CEO of their mandatory national association got an $800,000 retirement package? What is a "checkoff"? What does High...

How did the hospitals of Wisconsin get a blank check for $15 million? We dive into that question and more in this week's podcast, including: What awesome event is happening this weekend. What is the most un-satisfying thing that can happen to our budget surplus? What happened to the lifeline being thrown to the people of Eau Claire and how is someone's press release coming back to haunt them? All...

Why is there state money to address PFAS sitting unused since last June? A quote from the podcast: "A bill, one to try and address having clean water... a bill that, in concept, deserves bipartisan support, is now being opposed by Democrats ... and ... Governor Evers promised he would veto it." What is going on here? We look at Senate Bill 312, and is there a chance to pull it from the fire?...

This week's theme is how taxpayers deserve better, but get stuck in the same spot. We look at: A statewide energy roundtable of utility CEOs, Public Service Commission members, and private industry discussed the future of Wisconsin. What did everyone agree was the clear answer to ample, carbon-neutral energy? They agreed that "you want to be the first to be second". What does that even mean? What...

You really don't want to miss this one. Read the first two bullet-points below and I dare you not to listen! Did you know your absentee ballot will still count if you write a quote from the movie "Ghost" in the address line? No kidding! I explain! What was Governor Evers' response to a bill to give relief to property tax payers? (Hint: disappointing. I explain.) What does an official decree of con...

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Hello, neighbor! In this week's episode, we look at: What holiday captures the true range of feelings we feel about our neighbors? We have the definitive answer! How did WPT's past successes lead to another win for Wisconsin Taxpayers this week? How is the potential change in legislative maps going to impact people's jobs? We look at one specific district...

In this week's episode, we take a deeper look into the Legislative Committee process: What is the typical range of topics that a committee might take up in a hearing? What are the goals of some bills? We guess at where the motivation comes from to fix certain bills, and what "fixing" looks like in government. We look at a study on taxes. What trends play a big role in where people move? If we know...

It's about time everyone gets put on blast, so buckle in. This week's episode is a good one. Full of energy and turns of phrase! In this week's episode, we get caught up on: The State of the State Address - We update you on a few of the major announcements Governor Evers made. Rhetoric - Governor Evers talked about the state, its budget, and its finances, so we do a dive into the numbers. His acti...

In this week's episode, we get caught up on a few notable headlines about the Senate and Assembly: The Senate got things rolling in the Capitol this week with a morning floor session. We review how only one of Governor Evers' 30+ committee nominations was denied and why. Once those were done, they took up a wide range of bills, including air guns, muzzle-loaders, and pipeline safety. We look at ho...

In this week's episode, we get caught up on a few notable headlines: The DNR announces that one of the two annual Free Fishing Weekends are this month. We review which weekends and what the key guidelines are. Nearly $760,000 in housing grants were designated for people recovering from opioid addiction. We look at the four categories of homelessness that dictate who is qualified for the assistance...

In this week's episode, we get caught up on a few notable headlines: The DNR announces the 2024 Wisconsin Public Access Lands Atlas. How many ways can you access it (four) and what can you find? More than you might think. We take a brief look at politics and the first attempt to keep Donald Trump off the Wisconsin ballot. How far did that get? We share the details. Why did the Wisconsin Presidenti...

In this week's episode, we look at some news items about how our government is being efficient with tax dollars: How many Dept of Administration and UW employees are allowed to work from home and how are they using their office space resources? What has the state already done to try and be more efficient? What overhaul is proposed for school funding and can it actually bring down property taxes wh...

In this week's episode, we look at the UW System's spending deal with the Republicans in the legislature: A negotiated deal between sides that rarely get along is announced as done, then gets rejected by the Board of Regents. How did this happen? We break down the main wins and concessions on both sides of the deal. One of the most critical editorials on the actions by Democrats was written by a D...

You really don't want to miss this week's episode ... What's an amazing gift idea for someone that has you stumped? There's a big hint in the episode and in this email. Which bill did Governor Evers sign into law this week before any others? What controversial state statute is left in complete limbo? We read a portion of it and you can decide how you think it gets interpreted. We wrap it up with w...

In this week's episode... What is the latest legislation that Governor Evers vetoed? You will not be surprised. What was getting chippy in the WI Supreme Court? Oral arguments in a contentious case. Have you heard of the Republic of Kugelmugel? We learn about what inspires the founding of a nation state. All this and a very cool quote for Thanksgiving from General George Washingon. All in less tim...

In this week's episode ... How did some Senators pull a fast one on the law making process? We explain what happened! What other debatable laws were fast tracked to get them put away and off people's radar? We will pitch you some ideas. Also, where does Wisconsin rank for hunting and fishing participation and tourism? The numbers might surprise you. Listen in and find out, all in less time than ta...

In this week's episode ... What is the most recent example of Wisconsin farmers getting the short end of the stick? What is the latest industry that is losing poorly run competition? How is Milwaukee strengthening its hold on being the center of the universe? Listen in and find out, all in less time than it takes to do an easy sudoku puzzle!