Wisconsin Policy Forum | School DataTool
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Highly challenging budget times have returned to Milwaukee County. A projected $47 million deficit for 2026 and revelation of a nearly $11 million mid-year 2025 budget hole for the transit system cast a tall shadow on budget preparations as they were initiated in the spring. Several new and expanded revenue sources adopted in the 2025-27 state budget alleviated the pressure considerably, but continued negative trends in public safety overtime and employee health care spending – coupled with...| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
As recently as the fall of 2022, an in-depth assessment by the Wisconsin Policy Forum found that the city of Milwaukee was beset by a series of fiscal issues that seemed almost insoluble. The lifeline of federal pandemic aid from the American Rescue Plan Act was scheduled to run out in 2024 just as the city would face a massive jump in its contribution for its underfunded pension system. As in many American cities, crime rates in Milwaukee had shot upward and staff vacancies had also risen am...| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
After peaking in 2023, the rate at which Wisconsin teachers transitioned out of their districts declined statewide but remained elevated. Principal and superintendent turnover has not stabilized, with a new swing upward in 2025. Some districts experience compounding instability, with above-average turnover across educator types. Alongside turnover, workforce diversity increased. Both trends merit tracking as they shape student experience and success. In the wake of COVID-19’s peak and the t...| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
After spiking during the pandemic, the rate of alcohol-induced deaths has declined in Wisconsin and nationally. Still, rates of such deaths remain significantly elevated from pre-pandemic years, particularly in Wisconsin. Once on par with the nation, our state’s rate of alcohol-induced mortality is now markedly higher — and that gap has been growing. Wisconsin’s rate of alcohol-induced deaths has seen major shifts in recent years, mirroring a national trend in which these deaths sharply...| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
The overall quality of bridges in Wisconsin exceeds the national average, with a higher percentage of bridges rated in good condition. However, bridges on local roads are often in significantly worse condition than those on state roads and highways, creating challenges for local governments responsible for their maintenance. Sustaining high-quality local bridges may require additional investments, but state and local governments may find these costs challenging. Bridges are a vital part of Wi...| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
Any questions or comments please contact Jeff Schmidt at jschmidt@wispolicyforum.org.| wispolicyforum.org
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Over the past 45 years, Wisconsin has seen a dramatic increase in damage caused by flooding, as the climate has warmed, extreme rains have become more common, and urban development has continued. Increased flooding, in turn, has resulted in larger payouts on flood insurance claims, as well as increased federal and state payments for disaster recovery. With projections suggesting that continued climate change will further increase the likelihood of extreme rains, federal, state, and local gove...| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
With labor shortages reported in Wisconsin across many industries, it is encouraging that participation in the state’s apprenticeship programs is at a record high. Newer apprenticeship programs in several high-demand health care occupations also appear promising for expansion. Gains could also be made by strengthening connections between youth and registered apprenticeship pathways and by expanding pre-apprenticeship training programs, which introduce workers to the skilled trades and conne...| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
