Wisconsin Policy Forum
Coverage of Wisconsin Policy Forum in the Nexus archive.
- Studies across the nation assess recidivism risk tied to age of people released from prison
The Wisconsin Commutation Advisory Board considers age and time served as factors in assessing recidivism risk for commutation applicants. Data from the Wisconsin Policy Forum and U.S. Sentencing Commission shows older age and longer sentences correlate with lower recidivism rates, influencing criteria requiring applicants to serve at least half their sentence or 20 years for life sentences.
- Feds increasingly leave local governments hanging when climate disasters hit, report finds
A Wisconsin Policy Forum report found that federal aid for rebuilding public infrastructure after historic 2025-2026 floods in Wisconsin fell short, leaving local governments to cover $240 million in damages. The Trump administration approved $210 million for individual assistance but denied funding for local governments despite emergency declarations and requests.
- Feds increasingly leave local governments hanging when climate disasters hit, report finds
A Wisconsin Policy Forum report found that federal aid to local governments after climate disasters, such as historic floods in August 2025, often falls short. The Trump administration approved $210 million for individual assistance but denied funding for public infrastructure repairs despite requests from state and local leaders.
- More Wisconsinites are behind bars for intoxicated driving
In 2025, the number of adults in Wisconsin prisons for drunk driving and other Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offenses was four times higher than in 2000, according to a Wisconsin Policy Forum report. The report highlights racial disparities, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native Wisconsinites overrepresented in OWI incarcerations, and notes increased incarceration for repeat offenses due to court backlogs and policy changes.