The Badger Institute’s ambitious 2020 policy agenda has gotten off to a strong start. Occupational licensing remains a top reform priority, and Badger has already introduced two publications on the subject this year: “Absence and Violation,” which found that Wisconsin licensing boards are routinely in violation of a law requiring public representation; and “A Primer on Occupational Licensing” published jointly with the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty. Badger’s team testified on sunrise review and military spouse bills before three different legislative committees in January, and Badger plans to host a panel on occupational licensing with WILL in the Capitol this winter.

Policies that promote work will also be a focus on the Badger Institute. In January, the organization published “Wisconsin’s Missing Rung,” a special report by AEI scholar Angela Rachidi on efforts by the state to promote work through federal safety net programs. Rachidi presented her findings in the Capitol in February. A related research project by Rachidi and Visiting Fellow Eloise Anderson is in the works.

Criminal justice reform remains at the fore as Badger leads the Wisconsin Criminal Justice Coalition in public education campaigns targeting lawmakers, employers, and the public. Federalism, dental therapy, tax reform and transportation funding round out Badger’s policy priorities. In addition, Badger will continue reporting on issues and individuals routinely ignored by the mainstream media through video, online reporting, social media, and Diggings, Badger’s magazine.