Jon Peacock

Recent Articles

Wisconsin Budget: Slashing Safety Net Will Weaken Workforce
Wisconsin Budget

Slashing Safety Net Will Weaken Workforce

Healthy workers make better employees.

Wisconsin Budget: TANF Program Serves a Fraction of Poor Families
Wisconsin Budget

TANF Program Serves a Fraction of Poor Families

Replacement for AFDC has cut number of state families served by 80%.

Wisconsin Budget:  BadgerCare Expansion Too Good to Go Away
Wisconsin Budget

BadgerCare Expansion Too Good to Go Away

Benefits are so massive and popular the ideological opposition will melt away.

Wisconsin Budget: State Faces April 16 Deadline for Medicaid Money
Wisconsin Budget

State Faces April 16 Deadline for Medicaid Money

Legislature must amend lame duck law or lose hundreds of millions in federal funds.

Wisconsin Budget: Why Foxconn Contract Is In Dispute
Wisconsin Budget

Why Foxconn Contract Is In Dispute

Both sides may have reason to renegotiate contract.

Wisconsin Budget: Lame Duck Mistake Reopens Tax Debate
Wisconsin Budget

Lame Duck Mistake Reopens Tax Debate

Republicans' mistake gives Evers some say over how to apportion tax cuts from online sales tax revenue.

Wisconsin Budget: How to Improve the Foxconn Contract
Wisconsin Budget

How to Improve the Foxconn Contract

Changes could benefit both the state and company.

Wisconsin Budget: Health Care Ruling Exposes Republicans
Wisconsin Budget

Health Care Ruling Exposes Republicans

Court ruling they sought ends six Obamacare provisions supported by big majorities, polls show.

Wisconsin Budget: States Approve Progressive Ballot Measures
Wisconsin Budget

States Approve Progressive Ballot Measures

Increasing minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, legalizing marijuana and more.

Wisconsin Budget: Obamacare Critics Offer Weak Alternatives
Wisconsin Budget

Obamacare Critics Offer Weak Alternatives

Bill supported by Gov. Walker won’t effectively cover pre-existing conditions.

Wisconsin Budget:  Walker Rewards Kimberly-Clark For Layoffs?
Wisconsin Budget

Walker Rewards Kimberly-Clark For Layoffs?

Proposed state deal gives company subsidy if no more than 7 percent of workers eliminated.

Wisconsin Budget: Online Sales Tax Will Benefit Wealthy
Wisconsin Budget

Online Sales Tax Will Benefit Wealthy

Walker will use money for income tax cut, delivering much of benefit to wealthiest.

Wisconsin Budget: Census Undercount Could Cut State Medicaid Dollars
Wisconsin Budget

Census Undercount Could Cut State Medicaid Dollars

And state officials are doing little to address the problem.

Wisconsin Budget:  Farm Bill Will Leave Millions of Kids Hungry
Wisconsin Budget

Farm Bill Will Leave Millions of Kids Hungry

Analysis of federal bill show 11% of state food stamp recipients, including 23,369 kids, lose eligibility.

Wisconsin Budget: State Rainy Day Fund Trails 35 States
Wisconsin Budget

State Rainy Day Fund Trails 35 States

Would last six days. Ranks 37% below national average.

Wisconsin Budget: The Lesson of Kimberly-Clark Layoffs
Wisconsin Budget

The Lesson of Kimberly-Clark Layoffs

State gave huge tax giveaways to manufacturer, but company still laid off workers.

Wisconsin Budget: Federal Tax Plan’s Impact on State
Wisconsin Budget

Federal Tax Plan’s Impact on State

Half of tax cuts will go to the top 5 percent, many lose health care.

Wisconsin Budget: Revised Senate Plan Hikes Taxes for Many
Wisconsin Budget

Revised Senate Plan Hikes Taxes for Many

Lowest earning three-fifths of state taxpayers would pay about $365 million more.

Wisconsin Budget: House Tax Plan Punishes Working Families
Wisconsin Budget

House Tax Plan Punishes Working Families

They lose child tax credit for 23 million children, including 159,000 in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Budget: 10 Surprises in Revised GOP Tax Plan
Wisconsin Budget

10 Surprises in Revised GOP Tax Plan

Some are head scratchers. Many have gotten little attention.

Wisconsin Budget: GOP Tax Plan Still a Boon for Wealthy
Wisconsin Budget

GOP Tax Plan Still a Boon for Wealthy

Changes by House Republicans still leave about 80% of cuts helping wealthy taxpayers.

Wisconsin Budget: Good, Bad News on Medicaid Costs
Wisconsin Budget

Good, Bad News on Medicaid Costs

State personal income growth trails nation, but that means more federal funds for Medicaid.

Wisconsin Budget: State Would Lose $29 Billion Under New Health Care Bill
Wisconsin Budget

State Would Lose $29 Billion Under New Health Care Bill

And the plan could result in 32 million more Americans without health insurance.

Wisconsin Budget: Bill Hikes Taxes on Low-Income People
Wisconsin Budget

Bill Hikes Taxes on Low-Income People

Estimated 11,400 households will get tax hikes averaging $614.

Wisconsin Budget: State’s Uninsured Dropped 42% Under ACA
Wisconsin Budget

State’s Uninsured Dropped 42% Under ACA

Neighboring states saw even bigger drops under Obamacare since 2013.

Wisconsin Budget: Ryan Creates Disincentives To Work
Wisconsin Budget

Ryan Creates Disincentives To Work

Paul Ryan criticizes such disincentives but his policies worsen the problem.

Wisconsin Budget: Foxconn Could Take Till 2058 To Pay Off
Wisconsin Budget

Foxconn Could Take Till 2058 To Pay Off

Taxpayers could lose big, depending on number of jobs created, how long company in business.

Wisconsin Budget: The High Cost of Foxconn
Wisconsin Budget

The High Cost of Foxconn

Each job created could cost the state anywhere from $17,273 to $54,159 per year.

Wisconsin Budget: Obamacare “Fixes” Will Shortchange Wisconsin
Wisconsin Budget

Obamacare “Fixes” Will Shortchange Wisconsin

Latest GOP approach is bad news for this state and others.

Wisconsin Budget: Trump Tax Cut Massive Gift to Wealthy
Wisconsin Budget

Trump Tax Cut Massive Gift to Wealthy

Top 1% in Wisconsin would get more than half the tax cut.

Wisconsin Budget: The Problem of Pre-Existing Conditions
Wisconsin Budget

The Problem of Pre-Existing Conditions

Assembly bill addresses issue. But how much coverage does it provide?

Wisconsin Budget: Trump Budget’s Massive Medicaid Cut
Wisconsin Budget

Trump Budget’s Massive Medicaid Cut

At risk are 1.2 million Wisconsinites.

Wisconsin Budget: Federal Medicaid Critical to Schools
Wisconsin Budget

Federal Medicaid Critical to Schools

State schools got $107 million in 2015, helped pay for school nurses.

Wisconsin Budget: Medicaid Expansion Could Save $380 Million
Wisconsin Budget

Medicaid Expansion Could Save $380 Million

Total savings to taxpayers lost by June 2019: $1.07 billion.

Wisconsin Budget: GOP Health Care Plan Has No Price Tag
Wisconsin Budget

GOP Health Care Plan Has No Price Tag

House committees will vote without estimated cost or how many will lose coverage.

Wisconsin Budget: The Limits of Badger Care
Wisconsin Budget

The Limits of Badger Care

Someone earning more than $7.81 hour is ineligible. Many more will lose coverage if Obamacare ended.

Wisconsin Budget: State Budget Outlook Improves
Wisconsin Budget

State Budget Outlook Improves

Revenue higher, spending lower than prior projections but debt is deferred.

Wisconsin Budget: More Bad News on State Budget
Wisconsin Budget

More Bad News on State Budget

Due to lagging tax collections, meager state and UW reserves, sluggish economy.

Wisconsin Budget: State Revenue Well Below Projections
Wisconsin Budget

State Revenue Well Below Projections

Quietly released report shows anemic tax collections, points to budget problems.

Wisconsin Budget: Obamacare Repeal Would Slash Kids’ Coverage
Wisconsin Budget

Obamacare Repeal Would Slash Kids’ Coverage

Number of uninsured children in Wisconsin would rise from 49,000 to 96,000.

Wisconsin Budget: Will Trump Kill Federal Overtime Rule?
Wisconsin Budget

Will Trump Kill Federal Overtime Rule?

Labor Department rule, stalled by judge, would raise pay for 187,000 Wisconsin workers.

Wisconsin Budget: Revenue Shortfall Creates Tough Budget
Wisconsin Budget

Revenue Shortfall Creates Tough Budget

State faces $693 million shortfall, with tax collections $350 million below projections.

Op-Ed: Voters Support Increase in Minimum Wage
Op-Ed

Voters Support Increase in Minimum Wage

Will Trump support workers with hike in federal minimum?

Wisconsin Budget: State Budget Well Short of Projections
Wisconsin Budget

State Budget Well Short of Projections

2015-16 budget balance falls short, and tax growth this fiscal year puts biennial budget further behind.

Wisconsin Budget: Obamacare Slashes Uncompensated Care by 47%
Wisconsin Budget

Obamacare Slashes Uncompensated Care by 47%

Wisconsin Hospital Association’s data shows far less unpaid health care costs shifted to other systems, payers.

Wisconsin Budget: Strong Income Gains in 2015, But…
Wisconsin Budget

Strong Income Gains in 2015, But…

Poverty remains well above pre-recession level, and extreme disparities continue.

Wisconsin Budget: Uninsured Rate Declines Sharply
Wisconsin Budget

Uninsured Rate Declines Sharply

But there are still 323,000 uninsured Wisconsinites.

Wisconsin Budget: State Tax Collections Come Up Short
Wisconsin Budget

State Tax Collections Come Up Short

New data shows shortfall that could cause problems if slower revenue growth continues.

Wisconsin Budget: Uneven Progress for Wisconsin Workers
Wisconsin Budget

Uneven Progress for Wisconsin Workers

Slow job growth, wage stagnation and one in four workers earn poverty wages.

Wisconsin Budget: Big Benefits From Medicaid Expansion
Wisconsin Budget

Big Benefits From Medicaid Expansion

Studies of 31 states extending Obamacare show better health and budget savings.

Wisconsin Budget: Welfare Funding Dropped 75% Since 1991
Wisconsin Budget

Welfare Funding Dropped 75% Since 1991

26% of families below poverty line get assistance; was 96% in 1991.

Wisconsin Budget: Anti-Poverty Programs Are a Success
Wisconsin Budget

Anti-Poverty Programs Are a Success

Percent of people in poverty dropped from 26% to 16% since 1967, with big impact in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Budget: Lower Medicaid Spending Is Good, Bad News
Wisconsin Budget

Lower Medicaid Spending Is Good, Bad News

Means lower than expected costs, but also shows state below others in enrolling eligible kids.

Wisconsin Budget: Ryan’s Health Plan Could Hurt Working Families
Wisconsin Budget

Ryan’s Health Plan Could Hurt Working Families

Would make insurance coverage far more costly for low-income Wisconsin residents.

Wisconsin Budget: State Revenue Declines in May
Wisconsin Budget

State Revenue Declines in May

Numbers make it more likely there will be shortfall in projected budget for fiscal year.

Wisconsin Budget: State Health Care Evaluation Falls Short
Wisconsin Budget

State Health Care Evaluation Falls Short

Federal waiver allowed Wisconsin to experiment but evaluation of program won’t answer key questions.

Wisconsin Budget: Wisconsin Near Bottom in Public Health Spending
Wisconsin Budget

Wisconsin Near Bottom in Public Health Spending

Wisconsin ranks 48th lowest, far below average spending per capita by states.

Wisconsin Budget: $1 Billion Savings In Six Years
Wisconsin Budget

$1 Billion Savings In Six Years

If expanded federal Medicaid money accepted. But some legislators dispute LFB analysis.

Wisconsin Budget: State A Leader in Higher Education Cuts
Wisconsin Budget

State A Leader in Higher Education Cuts

Wisconsin cut higher education by more than all but one state in America.

Federal Aid Targets Native American Health Gap

Federal Aid Targets Native American Health Gap

Medicaid changes could help address disparities in Wisconsin. Will Walker accept the aid?

Wisconsin Budget Project: Bipartisan Way to Reduce Inequality
Wisconsin Budget Project

Bipartisan Way to Reduce Inequality

Increased Earned Income Tax Credit is simple measure that most state residents would favor.

Wisconsin Budget: State Facing Drop In Budget Revenue?
Wisconsin Budget

State Facing Drop In Budget Revenue?

Numbers trail estimates but hard to track since Walker administration doesn’t release monthly statistics.

Wisconsin Budget: What Makes State a Unique Primary
Wisconsin Budget

What Makes State a Unique Primary

Big turnout and strong manufacturing economy among many factors that make it unique challenge for candidates.

Six Achievements of Obamacare

Six Achievements of Obamacare

Including a 43% drop in uninsured non-elderly adults and 76 million more getting preventive care.

Wisconsin Budget: State Lags in Reporting Medicaid Data
Wisconsin Budget

State Lags in Reporting Medicaid Data

Wisconsin reports less data on quality of pediatric health care than nearly any state.

Wisconsin Budget: Benefits for Poor Don’t Discourage Work
Wisconsin Budget

Benefits for Poor Don’t Discourage Work

Bill to address "benefits cliff" is based on mostly exaggerated examples.

Wisconsin Budget: GOP Bill Hurts Elderly, Blind, Disabled
Wisconsin Budget

GOP Bill Hurts Elderly, Blind, Disabled

Proposed restrictions in Food Share benefits fall hardest on these vulnerable groups.

Wisconsin Budget: State Infrastructure Spending Plummets
Wisconsin Budget

State Infrastructure Spending Plummets

Has declined 31% since 2002, 7th worse drop in the nation.

Obamacare Could Get Sweeter for Wisconsin

Obamacare Could Get Sweeter for Wisconsin

Under president's budget, expanded Medicaid would give Wisconsin $1.1 billion or $137 per person.

Problems With Pothole Repair Act

Problems With Pothole Repair Act

Sales tax falls heavier on low-income transit users, but bars any spending on transit.

New Medicaid Savings Could Benefit Taxpayers

New Medicaid Savings Could Benefit Taxpayers

Two factors will reduce state Medicaid costs and give legislators room to improve system.

Wisconsin Lags Behind on Minimum Wage

Wisconsin Lags Behind on Minimum Wage

29 states, including those with GOP majorities, have increased minimum beyond $7.25 federal standard.

State’s Deficit Jumped by 28% in 2015

State’s Deficit Jumped by 28% in 2015

Bad news released quietly. But does it justify proposed constitutional change?

Which Companies Get Most State Subsidies?

Which Companies Get Most State Subsidies?

New data base tracks all info; Top three are Brunswick/Global Marine, Kohl's and NM.

Medicaid Expansion Would Save State $1 Billion

Medicaid Expansion Would Save State $1 Billion

And cover 83,000 more people, nonpartisan report concludes. Walker still rejects federal funding.

State Corporate Tax Credit is Soaring

State Corporate Tax Credit is Soaring

Rising to $279 million, more than double projections. No new jobs required to get credit.

Photo ID for Food Stamps Will Fail

Photo ID for Food Stamps Will Fail

By law, merchants can't check cards and new system costly for taxpayers.

Constitutional Change Would Limit State Budget

Constitutional Change Would Limit State Budget

Proposed amendment barring budgets that violate GAAP principles would tie legislators hands.

How Conservative States Use Expanded Medicaid

How Conservative States Use Expanded Medicaid

Montana, Arizona, Alaska and others saved on taxes by accepting federal dollars.

Benefits for Working Poor Decline in Value

Benefits for Working Poor Decline in Value

Legislators adjust campaign donation limits for inflation but not Homestead Credit and W-2 benefits.

Small Businesses Criticize States’ Economic Policies

Small Businesses Criticize States’ Economic Policies

Policies favor big business and big incentive deals and hurt state finances, they contend.

Wisconsin Still Has High Poverty

Wisconsin Still Has High Poverty

150,000 more poor people than in 2007; one in six children live in poverty.

Government Policies Tough on Working Poor

Government Policies Tough on Working Poor

Many work for fast food chains and are hurt by Badger Care changes.

Wisconsin Women Earn 81% Of What Men Do

Wisconsin Women Earn 81% Of What Men Do

The gap has fallen from 59 cents for every dollar earned by men to 81 cents. Why does the gap persist?

State Sees 50% Drop in Uninsured Adults

State Sees 50% Drop in Uninsured Adults

Since Obamacare, percent of Wisconsinites lacking health coverage dropped from 11.7% to 5.6%.

Op-Ed: No, It’s Not Cheaper to Keep Them
Op-Ed

No, It’s Not Cheaper to Keep Them

Subsidy for Bucks' arena won't save money for taxpayers, as Republican Rep. Dean Knudsen has pointed out.