WI Politics Midterm Study PDF

Early WI Government Predominate concepts of the proper role of government. ○ Commonwealth or moralistic those who believe that a government's proper role is to protect its citizens and to advance the interests of the community as a whole, rat...

Early WI Government Predominate concepts of the proper role of government. ○ Commonwealth or moralistic those who believe that a government's proper role is to protect its citizens and to advance the interests of the community as a whole, rather than the interest of a few. ○ Marketplace or individualistic The primary role for government is to serve the interest of those who control it; including members of the party in power as well as the individuals and business organizations that support them. They all expect to gain tangible rewards from government ○ These concepts place primary emphasis on one of two poles that Elazar tells us define the “basic political concerns of all civil societies”: power or justice In the marketplace, the concern is on who gets what, when and how. Power In the commonwealth, the emphasis is on the development of a good society. Justice ○ What does this mean in terms of who participates in governing under both concepts? In the marketplace, politics is viewed as a bargaining process among self interested individuals and groups. Sometimes seen as a dirty business and should be left to the professionals. Those who participate expect to gain rewards for their efforts and can sometimes be expected to distribute the benefits to those who help them. In moralistic, politics is viewed as important, even noble. Participation by all citizens is viewed as highly desirable. Politics is focused on the issues, the purpose of political activity is to create and maintain a government that advances the interests of the whole society. ○ The Conant reading tells us that the influence of the state's moralistic political culture can be seen in its constitution and governmental institutions, and day to day operation of its political system. Wisconsin's constitution was built in part on the idea that the government has an important and positive role to play in society. Wisconsin citizens have traditionally had very strong expectations about both the quantity and quality of services government should provide ○ States natural resources, and protect the environment ○ Good schools ○ Good roads ○ Outdoor recreational opportunities ○ Wisconsin citizens have traditionally assumed that state and local governments would provide assistance for those who are not able to compete fully in the marketplace- social welfare programs How has this translated into people's willingness to pay for these services through their taxes ○ WI has traditionally been a high tax state.  ○ On average, residents paid 10% of their income in state and local taxes. ○ Taxes have been decreasing over the last 50 years. This can be in part due to the fact that the state has restricted municipalities' ability to increase taxes. Early WI Government ○ The territory of WI was organized in 1836 Attempts to establish a constitutional convention were rejected by the voters in multiple votes. This is in part thought to be related to fears over taxes ○ In 1846 the referendum for a constitutional convention passed ○ The 1846 constitution The 1846 constitution was written by progressive democrats, members were inspired by jacksonian reforms to limit the power that economic interests had over the government Equality of men, apportionment by population, majority rule and rotation of office- still part of our political system today Progressive democrats wanted to avoid corruption of the state government. Specifically by the banks. This is seen with rules such as the prohibition against the incorporation of banks, prohibiting debt for state infrastructure projects, prohibition against seizure of homestead in bankruptcy, and the popular election of judges to block control of the courts by the rich. The constitution allowed women to maintain property- even after they were married, radical at the time. It did not contain provision allowing black men to vote. ○ However the constitution approved in 1848 was a new document, but not very different. The differences included Whether banks could be incorporated was to be put to referendum- so they didn't need to deal with it in the constitution Married women's property ownership clause was removed. but - black men’s suffrage was still left out The rise of Robert LaFollette and the progressive party ○ According to Conant, what is WI primarily known for The progressive role that the state government has played in society. But this was not true in the early days. Railroad and timber interests controlled much of the economy and politics. In the 1870s farmers joined together to complain about the monopoly that rail had, and the higher prices on moving grain. But this didn't make much of a difference. ○ In 1900’s Robert LaFollette came to power along with the progressives. The progressives were a faction of the republican party, fighting for control with the Stalwarts.  The progressives goal was to return political power to the people by promoting free, open, and honest government In 1891, LaFollette broke with the Stalwarts who represented big business, rail banks, manufacturing. Finally won the nomination and general for governor. Reelected a few times then to the senate ○ What did LaFollette accomplish as governor Wi became the first state to enact open primary laws Passed ad valorem taxation of railroads- tax derived from a govt assed value of the railroad. And the creation of railroad regulatory commission A permanent tax commission with the authority to assess the property values of several public utilities A system of civil service to eliminate the spoils system, jobs on merit rather than political affiliation Inheritance tax- that has since been abolished. Regulation of lobbying- WI Ethics commission State department of forestry A laboratory for democracy ○ Wi played a role in shaping legislation that was passed and influenced other states and federal legislation ○ Much of the legislation passed by progressives during the 1911 session benefited the party by shifting perception from the idea that republican policies only benefited the rich and powerful. Shift towards candidates who advocate for government intervention on behalf of other members of society Shift from marketplace to commonwealth. What did wisconsin start in its laboratory ○ Progressive income tax ○ Workers compensation law ○ Unemployment insurance ○ First code for regulating insurance companies Governor Formal powers- Constitutional ○ The “Executive Power” ○ Commander in Chief of the state national guard ○ Call the legislature into special session ○ Recommend legislation/condition of the state ○ “Take Care” that laws be “faithfully executed” ○ Executive clemency ○ Review legislation after bill passes ○ Sign into law ○ Veto ○ Partial veto on appropriations bills Formal Powers (just some examples) ○ Appointment to offices  ○ Removal from offices ○ At will ○ For cause ○ Prepare state budget ○ Review of proposed administrative rules ○ Extraditions ○ Approval of various contracts ○ Appointment of special counsel ○ States of emergency ○ Creation of committees Informal powers ○ Head of state ○ Head of political party ○ Chief executive ○ Chief legislator Executive orders ○ Governors generally have broad executive authority to act within their states. These authorities are often exercised through executive orders or proclamations. ○ The authority for governors to issue executive orders is found in state constitutions and states as well as case law, or is implied by the powers assigned to the state chief executive. ○ Governors use executive orders for a variety of purpose, among them to: Trigger emergency powers and related response during natural disasters, weather events, energy crises, public health emergencies, mass casualty events, and other situations Governors routinely use EOs to declare a state of emergency in a county impacted by floods, tornados, ect - necessary for the county to qualify for federal government funding for clean up and more. Evers used 35+ EOs during covid, Evers declared a state of emergency during super cold winter temps in 2019, that allowed truck drivers to work more than 16 hours a day so fuel could be delivered to people around the state Create advisory, coordinating, study, or investigating committees or commissions Governor's task force on healthcare workforce Governor's task force on AI ○ UW tries to get a faculty member or researcher appointed to any of these to keep UW front and center Create or reorganize state agencies, boards, and commissions Re-creation of the governors criminal justice coordinating council, focused on improving functioning of states criminal justice system  Address executive branch management issues such as regulatory reform, environmental impact, hiring freezes, discrimination, and intergovernmental coordination. Evers first two EOs were prohibiting discrimination in state employment, and relating to recognizing and respecting state employees. Other actions within the governor's executive authority, including announcing/establishing gubernatorial priorities and initiatives On earth day, Evers directed the DNR to increase the state's tree planting goal to 100M trees by 2031 Evers has issued 240 EOs on things from State of emergency for large events like the RNC to give law enforcement specific authority and have the national guard on standby Calling special elections for vacant seats Having flags fly at half staff to honor individuals List of WI state government agencies ○ Department of administration is the most important, sometimes referred to as the department of all. Has oversight or control of most important things, like state budget, facilities, IT, and more ○ UW is not considered a state agency in the same way. Why are some gubernatorial appointments so contested today? ○ 186 boards and commissions on the governors website that you can apply to. Some 300 seats the governor has to make appointments for over a 4 year period. ○ Most are non-controversial, bicycle coordinating council, funeral directors examining board, council on recycling ○ The senate must confirm through a vote almost all of these. ○ In the last few years, some very high profile appointees by the GOV have been turned down by the senate These are to the UW board of regents, the DNR board, and more The senate has now fired 21 evers appointees since he took office in 2019 Should the governor appoint the superintendent of public instruction, or president of the universities of wisconsin. ○ The education department head is independently elected in 14 states and is appointed, independent of gubernatorial approval by a board or agency head in 20 states In most states the higher education head is appointed by a board, independent of gubernatorial approval ○ But these are two of the largest agencies in the state gov. UW employees make up almost half of the state government and k-12 funding is the largest budget item  The governor is not term limited, and the governor and lt governor do not run together in the primary, but do in the general. Conant ○ LaFollette is the most important and Thompson is the most powerful ○ The formal powers written into the constitution mostly focus on teh relationship with the legislature Veto, special session, ect However command of the states militia, and pardons is written in. ○ VETO Partial veto authority-not line item veto The item veto only gives the governor the power to eliminate particular lines. The partial veto allows the governor to eliminate part of a line or even particular letters or numbers in a bill. Only appropriation bills Legislature Differences between senate and assembly ○ 4 years in the senate, 2 years in the house ○ 1/3 as many senses as reps. 3 assembly districts in each senate district. ○ The Senate has fewer committees, and fewer members on each. Typically, every member is the chair of one committee unless they are in leadership. The Speaker controls appointments in the assembly, most powerful. Majority leader in the senate. Three main areas of lawmakers work ○ Lawmaking Power derived from the 10th amendment, powers not delegated to the US nor prohibited by it, are reserved to the states or the people This means states have any power not expressly given to the federal government At the most basic level, legislators are elected by the people to represent them and express their will. ○ Oversight of executive branch agencies Over time, the state legislature has delegated some of its lawmaking function to administrative agencies, DNR, Dept of revenue…, this grants them the power to write administrative rules, known as regulations. This rule is a regulation, standard, statement of policy, or general order of general application that has the force of law and is issued by an agency to implement, interpret or make specific legislation enforced or administered by the agency or to govern the organization or procedure of the agency. These powers being delegated are inherently a legislative function.  ○ SCOWI has said that for this delegation to be constitutional, the legislature must maintain oversight and control of agencies when they engage in rulemaking ○ Until 1953, the legislature had no real way to maintain control of administrative agencies, until the passage of Wisconsin Act 331. Wisconsin Act 331- the legislature gave itself the power to disapprove of any rule by joint resolution, at any time. ○ But it became clear that this was not enough power to control agencies, so in 1955 they passed Wisconsin act 221 Wisconsin Act 221 created a 5 member legislative committee tasked with reviewing compliance on rulemaking and advising the legislature as a whole. ○ In 1965, 10 years later, they passed 659 which evolved into the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules, and was given the power to suspend rules on its own. ○ Casework/constituent relations Constituents are citizens whom a legislator has been elected to represent. Part of a legislator's job in a democracy is to serve their constituents by representing their interests in the legislature and providing a direct link to government. Citizens expect to have contact with their elected representatives and recognize them as someone who can solve their problems and help them navigate the complex bureaucracy. Constituent relations is communicating with the constituents, learning about their concerns, and helping to solve their problems when appropriate. Constituent relations is often one of the most challenging aspects of a legislator's job, but it is important Legislators who actively engage their constituents help to create a link between citizens and their government. This can help address real issues and provide tangible benefits to the communities. Engagement with one's constituency gives a human face to the legislator, legislature, and party. Can help build public trust Effective constituent relations work can help mobilize citizen participation in public affairs. When a legislator works with local officials, NGOs and ordinary citizens to solve problems, they empower them to improve their communities Constituent relations provide much needed public benefit. Representatives are situated to help navigate the bureaucratic maze and have resources and authority to get answers.  Legislative Services agencies ○ Legislative Reference Bureau wisconsin was one of the first states to have establish such Drafts all bills, resolutions, and amendments. Drafts the governor's executive budget, JCFs substitute amendment to the budget Also write an analysis of the governor's budget to brief legislators on policy in the budget Legal research Publishes info such as the statutes, admin code, blue book, and rules for both chambers ○ Legislative fiscal bureau Nonpartisan agencies provide fiscal and program info to the legislature, committees, and individual members. Also serves as staff for the joint committee on finance, thus the primary focus of the LFB is the budget Provides info on all bills considered by join finance, and analyzes all agency requests for appropriation supplements and new positions authorizations outside of the budget process Duties include: estimating revenue, analyzing tax policies, state aid distribution formula, state agency budget, language of the legislative budget bills and amendments, and more ○ Legislative Council Many of the major policy issues taken up are examined by the legislative council before they are introduced. Nonpartisan staff who work for all members and their staff They can provide legal advice and policy analysis, and procedural advice to the committees Provide general staff services to study committee created by the joint legislative council Response to information requests on legal and policy research questions Prep reports on all proposed admin rules and assist standing committees in oversight of the admin rule process Train new legislators, staff committee chairs, and clerks Prep an amendment memo to describe every amendment recommendation by a standing committee or adopted by either house of the legislature Prepare an Act Memo to describe every enactment of the legislature ○ Legislative audit bureau Supports the legislature in its oversight of the government and promotion of efficient and effective operations  Most performance evaluations are requested by legislators through the joint legislative audit committee. Examples include ○ Timeliness of state crime laboratories in analyzing evidence ○ Telework, space management, and risk management within state gov, including UW system ○ Wisconsin economic development corporation Joint finance committee ○ Most important committee. Introduces the budget proposed by the governor. ○ Has the most prestige and influence. ○ Votes are often on partisan lines ○ The only bill that has to pass is the budget, and it turns into an omnibus. The Budget The REINS ACT ○ Regulations from the executive in need of scrutiny act, signed by scott walker that requires state legislative authorization of administrative rules that carry a compliance and implementation cost of 10$ million or more over a two year period Conant says that Joint Finance, Leg fiscal bureau, and Leg Audit Bureau are the main participants in the budget process. ○ The final phase of the budget process is the audit, which determines whether the money spent by the executive branch departments was spent properly and effectively. The Leg audit bureau does not routinely audit every program or every department in state gov, they take direction from the legislative audit committee. Conant says if a new state budget is not in effect by the beginning of the new biennium,, the legislature and the governor have to extend the spending authority granted in the previous budget through a CR. This is incorrect. Under current state law, they operate with the same budget authority they had, until a new state budget is passed. Conant talks about how the same bill must be passed in both chambers, and often the text is different. They say a conference committee is required, however this usually only happens when the chambers are split and there are significant policy/fiscal differences. With the same party leading both, leadership and staff can talk. Lobbying is important during the budget process. Because the budget is the only bill that has to pass, and because there is so much in it, a lot of people want their stuff in the budget. ○ It is easier to get it in the budget, than to pass it as a standalone. ○ Groups spent $67 mill to lobby the capitol in 21-22, most of that was spent during the budget process. non-fiscal/policy items.  ○ Given the omnibus nature- the recommendations of the governor often included non budget related items. These are typically removed by the co-chairs of joint finance. These may be drafted as individual bills ○ It is completely up to the co-chairs what they want to pull out. If the legislature and governor are the same party, more non-fiscal items will be left in. Examples that republicans pulled from evers proposal 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to state employees Marijuana legalization A provision to prohibit vaping on school property Universal background checks for firearms Allowing undocumented people to get drivers licenses. ○ The legislature also adds policy to the budget. Last budget included a provision that would have blocked wisconsin residents from getting medicaid converge for certain gender affirming healthcare services However was vetoed by evers They can also use the budget to affect policy Withholding of UW funding and buildings to cause changes to DEI Capital budget ○ The 25-27 budget contained $3.8 billion in spending for new projects and increases for existing ones, higher than the previous one which was $1.5 billion. The legislature trimmed that down to 2.4 billion ○ Why so much? Most of the capital budget was funded with cash from the states budget surplus One time cash ○ Usually, most of the building program is funded with borrowing- debt that the state takes out ○ The 25-27 budget authorizes no new go-boding. Go bonds are paid back by the general fund. Corrections Terms ○ Incarceration Serving time in a prison or jail. The state runs prisons; counties run jails. ○ Probation Court-ordered period of supervision in the community, typically as an alternative to incarceration. During probation, the individual must comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, attending counseling or treatment programs, and avoiding criminal activity. If they violate these conditions, they may face additional penalties including imprisonment.  ○ Parole The conditional release of an inmate from prison before the completion of their sentence. Parolees are supervised by parole officers and must adhere to specific conditions, similar to those of probation. If a parolee violates these conditions, they can be returned to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence. ○ Extended supervision The period of community supervision that follows the completion of a prison sentence. In WI, it is part of a bifurcated sentence put in place as part of Truth in Sentencing, meaning that the total sentence is split into a term of confinement in a prison, followed by a term of extended supervision. During extended supervision, there are conditions just like parole or probation. Growth in prison populations in adult institutions: ○ 1990- 7,465 adults in prison in WI ○ 2024- 22,896 (with a designed capacity of 17,633). This is roughly the same number as 2015 ○ Growth can be attributed to different things. From 1990-1999 prison population grew rapidly as admissions outpaced releases. The inmate population increased from around 7,000 to over 20,000 Toughened drug laws passed in the late 1980s - mostly driven by the emergence of crack cocaine- included mandatory minimum sentences as well as a provision that increased the maximum sentence by five years for cocaine distribution within 1000 feet of school buildings, parks, public pools, youth and community centers, and school buses etc. This legislation took effect in 1995 and gave judges the option to impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole From 2000 - 2007, the growth continued but at a slower rate. The state's truth-in-sentencing legislation, enacted in 1997 but took effect Jan 1 2000, eliminated parole and increased the penalties for offenses by at least 50% and in some cases more than 100%. From 2008-2012, despite fewer inmates being released, the prison population declined due to a drop in admissions. From 2013-2019, admissions again started to outpace releases, resulting in renewed population growth During covid, there was a decline.- Corrections staff said that a fall in admissions, rather than an increase in early releases led to this decrease in population. Admissions to prison from newly sentenced inmates fell for a time because court trials slowed due to pandemic closures  The prison population was about 1,000 lower than typical because there was a backlog for moving mail prisoners from county jails to state prisons. This stretched back to the spring of 2020 when the state temporarily stopped admissions because of the pandemic DOC made changes that resulted in fewer inmates on extended supervision being revoked and returning to prison. Revocation for rule violations ○ People coming back to prison after violating a rule from parole, probation, or extended supervision was the top cause of incarceration in wisconsin from 2000-2020 and accounted for more than 30% of all new admissions each year until 2022. ○ The trend in revocations may be in part due to the truth in sentencing law. For offenses that occurred prior to 2000, inmates are generally eligible for discretionary release on parole after serving 25% of their sentence, and assuming no misconduct while incarcerated, inmates are typically required to be released after serving 2/3 rds of that sentence So an inmate sentenced to 12 years under the old law was eligible for release after 3, and had to be released after 8 and placed on parole for the rest of the sentence ○ However- under Truth in Sentencing, for offenders being sentenced to confinement in prison, a judge may sentence them to prison for a specific number of years, and extended supervision to a specific number of years which must be at least 25% of their prison time So an inmate sentenced to 12 years would be incarcerated for all 12, then face an additional 3 of extended supervision. The law gives judges some discretion to allow early release, but those exceptions are relatively limited ○ The longer someone is under supervision, the greater the chance they may violate the rules and be returned to prison. Implementing the extended supervision requirements under Truth in Sentencing may be a big part of why prison populations continue to grow. ○ Offenders who violate the terms of their extended release could face longer time behind bars under Truth in Sentencing. Under the old laws, they could only be re-incarcerated for the time remaining on their parole. Under the new law (Truth in Sentencing) they may be required to serve the entire term of their extended supervision. DOC modified a number of policies in January 2021 that raised the threshold for revocation making it less common. ○ Also in cases with violation that only involve drugs or alcohol, all other treatment options must be exhausted before revocation becomes possible. Rising costs of corrections ○ The department of corrections budget has seen a significant increase over the past 20 years.  In 2003, the budget was about $850 million In 2023, the budget was about $1.3 billion. - an increase of 55%. The UW system received $142 million less than the Dept of corrections. ○ DOC prisons were among the state institutions facing particularly high turnover and vacancy rates. The 23-25 budget provides $169 million in the first year and $174 million in the second year for a variety of compensation increases. Also provided additional $15 in funding for overtime for correctional workers The goal of providing these pay increases was what? To be able to hire more correctional workers in the prisons so that the prisons would be closer to fully staffed and inmates wouldn't need to be locked in tehri cells as long during the day. ○ The big driver of the cost of the correctional system is fixed costs in having an institution. If the state can get its prison population down to the point where it can start closing institutions, that's when we will see the corrections budget start to go down in a meaningful way. Other states led by both parties have close prisons by adopting rehabilitation focused reforms that trimmed thousands from the prison population The cost and political challenges of building new prisons ○ If we aren't going to make any meaningful changes to sentencing legislation such as Truth in Sentencing, and we aren't going to make any meaningful changes to stop revocation rules for violations that should not require sending someone back to prison, and we don't like the conditions of the prisons that we have, then we presumably need to replace those prisons with new ones. What are some of the main arguments against building a new prison or prisons? ○ Cost concerns Consultants say replacing the 100 year old Green Bay prison would cost taxpayers up to $500 million. The estimate to build a new prison in Waupun could be as high as $1 Billion, however that seems extreme. Many argue that this money could be better spent on other public services such as education, healthcare, and community development. ○ Job Losses Closing existing prisons could lead to significant job losses in the communities where these facilities are located. This is a major concern for local economies that rely on these jobs. ○ Criminal justice reform Some argue that instead of building new prisons, the focus should be on broader criminal justice reforms. This includes reducing the prison population through alternatives to incarceration, such as rehabilitation programs and changes to sentencing laws.  Evers and Dems have rebuffed Republican calls for closure, saying it can't be done without broader criminal justice reforms and a plan for housing teh roughly 1,700 inmates that would be displaced. Evers' admin even pointed to strides in hiring new prison guards using pay raises for corrections officers as a tool to attract workers. ○ Community impact High incarceration rates have a devastating impact on communities, particularly those with high numbers of incarcerated individuals. Advocates argue that investing in community based programs to prevent crime and support reentry would be more effective in the long term. ○ Historical and structural issues There are concerns about perpetuating the existing inequities within the criminal justice system. Critics argue that building new prisons does not address the root cause of crime and incarceration such as poverty, lack of education, and systemic racism Republicans seem to want to move forward with replacing the prisons, however nothing has ever come from their proposals. What are the main arguments for building a prison ○ Addressing overcrowding Wisconsin prisons are currently overcrowded which have led to unsafe and inhumane conditions for staff and inmates in at least two prisons. A new facility could help alleviate this issue by providing more space and better living conditions ○ Modern facilities Many of Wisconsin's existing provisions are old and deteriorating. A new prison would incorporate modern design and technology, improving security, efficiency, and overall environment for rehabilitation. ○ Economic benefits Building a new prison can create jobs and stimulate the local economy. This includes construction jobs during the building phase and permanent jobs for prison staff. ○ Improved rehabilitation programs A new facility can be designed with rehabilitation in mind, offering better educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs. Thai can help reduce recidivism by better preparing inmates for reintegration into society ○ Community safety By reducing overcrowding and improving conditions, a new prison can enhance overall safety within the correctional system. This can lead to better outcomes for inmates and a safer environment for staff. Social Welfare Policy analysis for social policy: background  ○ Importance- what all governments mainly spend money on is healthcare, education, and welfare. ○ Role of states are varied: education vs health care vs income support ○ Role for values: importance of markets work and how to help people thrive ○ Role for framing: what is the problem you are trying to solve Basics of social policy analysis ○ What is the social problem you are trying to solve Reduce poverty? Promote economic independence? Increase social mobility ○ What feasible alternatives are available to help solve the problem? ○ How do you evaluate the options? ○ Make a recommendation, legislature passes or not, ○ Evaluate program/policy effectiveness after law passes How about WI? ○ History of leadership 100 years ago: first with unemployment insurance; first with workers comp developed roots of the social security system ○ Even more recently: welfare reform and welfare to work in WI and the nation- WE didn't just stop checks, it helped find work, provide child care and health care to the working poor. ○ Plus big debates on how much programs ought to force recipients to work in order to get benefits ○ Things to note in program reviews: targeted at poor or not? Budget limits or entitlements? Look at where the money is to determine importance and effects. What programs and policies are available in Wisconsin to help families, children, and elders? ○ Not income tested, but for unemployed who qualify Unemployment insurance- work search required ○ Targeted (income or means tested), plus all of them largely federally funded but locally administered and delivered Snap- formerly food stamps TANF, now includes CCDF (child care development fund) childcare vouchers, limited to 1 in 9 eligible kids National school breakfast and lunch programs (special milk, summer feeding) plus WIC feeding for new mother Wisconsin badgercare plus (medicaid) Wisconsin head start - limited number of slots Wisconsin heating assistance (LIHEAP) Low income public housing vouchers (section 8) Other big federal and state programs not listed in the reading ○ Refundable tax credits administered by IRS Earned income tax credit (EITC) Amined at those with low wages not earning enough to support kids. There is a federal EITC and a state EITC in WI  Child tax credits (CTC) Fully or partially refundable to low income families but supporting families all the way up to $400,000 per year Understanding poverty as a social policy problem ○ Poverty is a social indicator, a status determined by a comparison of needs vs resources ○ The income package issue is important in assessing poverty Market income- earnings, self sufficiency, how much of your resources come from own efforts How much from family - doubling up From a third party - public sector mainly, but also charity or nonprofit Effects of anti-poverty policies ○ Poverty is affected by four key policy dependent levers Refundable tax credits Like the EITC and child tax credits, also income and payroll taxes Noncash benefits Snap, public housing, feeding programs, LIHEAP Work related expenses Childcare, affected by WI CARES, other childcare subsidies, and commuting costs Out of pocket health care costs Affected by BadgerCare, and Medicare/Medicaid for elderly Where do we go from here? ○ The job market and higher wages were not helping the poor as much as they could, same now ○ Work alone is not bringing the poor above the line, and likely never will. ○ Work support services could increase earnings Trainings, placements and apprenticeships especially for the hard to employ - formerly incarcerated A higher minimum wage, per hour in WI More and better childcare options for families with children ○ Not mandatory work requirements without support services or good childcare, which have been shown not to work. Work for benefits in WI? - yes for most ○ Under current stat law, unemployed people are already required to search for employment to receive welfare benefits- how much search is important access question For example, FoodShare benefits, applicants between 18-49 who don't have children at home need to meet a work requirement ○ Under badger care, applicants need to search for work 4 times a week to receive unemployment benefits ○ Wisconsin does not enforce work requirements for people on medicaid because the biden admin revoked a policy in 2021 that allowed states to implement these requirements  Carrot or sticks: Kleefisch vs. Smeeding ○ Goals are the same: long term solution to poverty and upward mobility for the able-bodied and non-elderly is a secure job that pays well. ○ But how to get there Kleefisch: stick, move in, move up, move out, work requirements, drug testing and time limits on SNAP, Medicaid and housing Smeeding: carrot, work supports better access to jobs, affordable childcare, training to meet employer requirements, mental health care for men who are not working ○ Evidence: welfare does not work without work support. Income support policy- implementation and delivery supporting parents and kids ○ Most income supports come from the feds like SNAP, school lunch, WIC, most of Medicaid, public housing ○ Bust states and localities administer these programs and can make it easier or harder to enroll and or stay enrolled. ○ State EITC in WI encourages work, but has been cut by the legislature over the past 10 years The medicaid example ○ From thompson, to doyle, to walker, to evers: twisting the dials ○ Making it easier or harder to keep access and keep benefits Presumptive eligibility Ease of filing and recertifying Auto enrollment Simplify applications Stigma Online enrollment and one stop shopping Community outreach Why is medicaid expansion a good idea? ○ Positive effects Medicaid expansion improved access to care, quality of care, and to a lesser degree, positively impacted people's health and finances Medicaid expansion in WI- why not ○ Tens of thousands would gain health care coverage ○ Would free up $1.7 billion in funding over two years ○ Would help address staffing shortages Keep hospitals in rural areas open by inverting reimbursements and cutting charity care ○ Medicaid expansions saves the state both lives and dollars ○ But CATO and WILL-WI and 40 other states could be left holding the bag if the feds decided to do away with the program Conant ○ The wisconsin idea ○ Created by the founder of Wisconsin’s legislative reference bureau, Chales McCarthy  ○ “Willingness to experiment to meet the needs of a changing economic order” ○ Homestead credit was one of the most interesting social welfare policy innovations that occurred in wisconsin Wisconsin homestead tax credit Designed to ensure that elderly with low income did not pay more than a certain percentage of their income to property tax. ○ Throughout the 1970s, national state welfare programs consisted of four principle programs Aid to families with dependent children Food stamps Medical assistance (Medicaid) And housing assistance