David Wise

1 week ago | wispolitics.com | David Wise

Wisconsin residents’ debt-to-income ratio was 11th lowest among U.S. states in 2024, a new Forward Analytics report shows. The research organization, part of the Wisconsin Counties Association, yesterday issued its “Badgers on a Budget” report, which explores household finance trends in the state and compares them to the rest of the country. It hinges on the Federal Reserve’s debt-to-income ratio, which includes household income and most types of consumer debt with the exception of student loans.

1 week ago | wispolitics.com | David Wise

Manufacturing and construction employment in Wisconsin is projected to shrink this year as the state’s overall labor market “continues to grow at a modest but steady rate.” That’s according to the state Department of Revenue’s economic forecast for May, which shows job growth in Wisconsin this year is expected to be focused in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and other services.

1 week ago | wispolitics.com | David Wise

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1 week ago | wispolitics.com | David Wise

The head of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation says farmers are “as concerned or more concerned than any other industry” about tariffs, though trade uncertainties haven’t yet had a major impact on agriculture. WFBF President Brad Olson said in a recent interview the threat of tariffs hasn’t resulted in many changes to purchasing or planting in Wisconsin. In other industries, tariffs and related concerns are having a paralyzing effect as some businesses hold off on hiring and other investments.

1 week ago | wispolitics.com | David Wise

The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com. This year, Wisconsin saw a record number of school referendums – a clear sign that districts across the state are struggling to keep up with rising costs for building maintenance, upgrades, and energy. Keeping classrooms warm in the winter, the lights on after dark, and computers running throughout the day takes energy – and that energy costs money.