William Osmulski

2 months ago | maciverinstitute.com | William Osmulski

When public officials say they need more money, they know most people will just take them at their word. School districts have understood this for years, and now municipalities are starting to catch on too. Voters in the City of Madison approved a $22 million operating referendum in November. This spring, the Village of Oregonis asking for $1.95 million and the City of Brookfield wants $6 million. For the record, those are permanent increases in the local tax levy.

Jan 22, 2025 | maciverinstitute.com | William Osmulski

CURRENT STATUS: Gov. Evers is preparing his budget proposal and address. Next Step: Gov. Evers will deliver his budget address on Feb. 18. Previous Step: Agencies submitted their budget requests to the governor. Whatever the US Constitution does not specifically authorize the federal government to do is left up to the states and to the people.

Nov 19, 2024 | maciverinstitute.com | William Osmulski

Elections have consequences, which is a concept that liberals struggle to grasp. Take the city of Madison for example. It’s trying to figure out why housing costs are out of control. The median rent in the city is now over $1,400 a month, far above what the median household can afford. And those rents keep going up. One guy on the local news just said his rent has gone up 35% over the past four years.

Nov 19, 2024 | maciverinstitute.com | William Osmulski

Major state agencies in Wisconsin are operating without a department-level budget, a MacIver Institute investigation has discovered. Every two years, the governor and legislature approve a new biennial budget that appropriates funds, approves programs, and authorizes staffing levels at all state agencies. That document is what's known in the private sector as a “master budget.” It does not include the level of detail that departments need to run efficiently and effectively at their level.

Oct 28, 2024 | maciverinstitute.com | William Osmulski

The City of Madison says it’s facing financial ruin if voters don’t approve a $22 million referendum next month, but independent accountants who audit the city’s books say the city’s finances are fantastic. “The City’s sound financial operations are expected to remain solid, supported by growing revenue from ongoing development and strong fiscal management.” Independent AuditEvery year, state law requires large cities like Madison to hire independent auditors to review their books.