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
Please wait while we verify you're not a bot…| wispolicyforum.org
| 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
DataTool Sponsors Any questions or comments please contact Don Cramer at dcramer@wispolicyforum.org.| Research – Wisconsin Policy Forum
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
Amid intensifying debate on the benefits of higher education, we sought context by examining the educational requirements of projected job openings in Wisconsin. Although a strong majority of the state’s expected job openings through 2030 do not require a college| wispolicyforum.org
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
In the years prior to the pandemic, Wisconsin’s reported homeless population shrank after its programs to serve them shifted their focus from temporary to permanent housing to meet updated federal requirements. For the past two years, however, homelessness has risen| wispolicyforum.org