MacIver News Minute: Election Reforms & Diligence

MacIver News Minute: Flag Day

his week, as we approach Flag Day on June 14th, we’re reminded of the timeless symbol that unites our nation—especially as Wisconsin and America prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of our independence in 2026. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes: thirteen stripes of red and white, with thirteen white stars on a field of blue, representing a new constellation of free and independent states. That flag embodied the bold idea that liberty, self-government, and individual rights could triumph over tyranny. Here in Wisconsin, Flag Day has deep roots. In 1885, a young teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand in the small community of Waubeka placed a flag in his classroom and led students in honoring it. His efforts helped spark a nationwide tradition. Waubeka is rightly called the Birthplace of Flag Day, and Congress has recognized it as such. The flag stands for the values that built America: courage, sacrifice, unity under law, and the unyielding belief in freedom. As we head toward America 250, let’s fly it high, teach the next generation its true meaning, and recommit to the principles that keep our republic strong.

MacIver News Minute: Lame Duck Deal

Two weeks ago, we warned about the so-called "deal" the lame duck leaders of the legislature and lame duck Gov. Evers were trying to fast track into law. It would have spent down a PROJECTED surplus -- not money the state actually has on hand -- by sending one-time checks to taxpayers and adding millions of long-term recurring spending. By now, you're probably aware that deal went down in flames. Still, some of the deal's supporters want to bring it back for another vote. Some people are pointing to a recent poll that showed support for the deal as a reason to pass it.  Don't be fooled.  It was a flawed poll for more reasons than we have time for in this one minute. The bottom line is this: it was a bad deal. It is a bad deal. And it will always be a bad deal. At MacIver, we will always stay true to our principles. That means standing up for taxpayers and reining in big government.

MacIver News Minute: What is Memorial Day?

What is Memorial Day? Between the extra-long weekend, the cookouts, warmer weather, parades, and the Indy 500, it's easy to lose sight of why we take pause this time of year. But as fun as that all is, it comes with a cost. The lives of our nation’s heroes who gave it their all for our freedom. We owe our gratitude to those brave men and women who stepped up and swore their allegiance to America and gave their lives in service to our great nation. We wouldn't have made it 250 years without people from every walk of life stepping forward to serve their country -- Some whose families had been Americans for generations. Others who had been Americans for just a short time. They all made the ultimate sacrifice.  So, on this and every Memorial holiday, remember those who aren't here for the cookout or the trip to the lake. And thank God for their bravery, service, and sacrifice.  Now and always, God Bless the USA.

MacIver News Minute: Election Reforms & Diligence

Breaking news occurred just minutes before Cong. Bryan Steil joined MacIver last weekend to discuss election reforms he has diligently been working on: Act Blue’s CEO will testify in a public hearing before his Committee on June 10, over whether she misled Congress regarding foreign donations on its payment processing portal.   Grassroots activists have long advocated for legislators to pay attention to elections. Brian Steil has been paying attention.  He has been diligent.  Through his leadership on the Committee on House Administration, he has gone to work on comprehensive election reforms.  And he has been successful. Abraham Lincoln once said, “The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every calling, is diligence."    Freedom prevails when we are diligent in our work to protect those freedoms.     Every legal citizen deserves the respect to know their vote matters, and that no one else is canceling it out from the shadows. Thank you, Congressman Steil.

MacIver News Minute: Rule by Lame Duck

By now, most of you have heard about the negotiated so-called "deal" announced Monday.  A lame duck speaker of the assembly and the lame duck senate majority leader teamed up with the lame duck governor to negotiate away $2.5 billion dollars of taxpayer money.  About $900 million of that will supposedly go to education spending. It’s a ruse! Guess where a big chunk of that money will actually end up? In the pockets of the teachers' unions, who will turn around and spend like crazy to defeat Act 10 and soak the taxpayers even more.  The special interests win, and the taxpayers lose. Again. At the MacIver Institute, we are a policy think tank. We don't worry about the politics of things. We are simply looking for the not so lame ducks to stand up today, so taxpayers don’t end up paying in the future.  On any measure, this is a bad deal for taxpayers, agreed to by people who will never stand for election again. Voters will not be able to hold them accountable. And that should outrage everyone.