FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2023 DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action Fund CEO, CJ Szafir, reacts to the news that Senate Bill 515 will have a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families: “It’s no secret that Wisconsin is facing a mental health crisis which has been […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 8, 2023 IRG ACTION: COMMON SENSE MENTAL HEALTH REFORM IS GOOD NEWS FOR WISCONSINITES Legislation authored by IRG Action that increases access to mental health services without costing taxpayers has an Assembly Hearing today. DELAFIELD, WI– The Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care is scheduled to hear testimony this […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 29, 2024 Evers Vetoes Legislation to Alleviate the Teacher Shortage Milwaukee, Madison, rural western Wisconsin excluded from Gov. Evers plan DELAFIELD, WI – Today, Governor Evers vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 917 – the teacher apprenticeship bill – which would have given every four-year college in Wisconsin another tool to help solve […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 29, 2024 Governor Evers Vetoes Tele-Mental Health Legislation Bipartisan supported legislation that would’ve helped with the mental health crisis in Wisconsin gets vetoed DELAFIELD, WI – Today, Governor Evers vetoed Assembly Bill (AB) 541 – the tele-mental health bill – which would have allowed Wisconsinites greater options to access services from […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2024 Support Grows for IRG Action Mental Health Bill The future of the bipartisan bill sits with Governor Evers – what will he do? DELAFIELD, WI – An IRG Action supported bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 541, to allow Wisconsinites greater options to access telehealth providers from out of state, has […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2024 IRG ACTION PRAISES JFC FOR FINAL READING CURRICULUM OPTIONS Four highest-quality options approved, first step complete of major Act 20 reforms DELAFIELD, WI – Today, the Wisconsin Joint Committee on Finance completed the first step in improving Wisconsin’s shamefully low reading scores. We applaud them for boldly approving the […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 21, 2024 IRG ACTION PRAISES ASSEMBLY PASSAGE OF TEACHER APPRENTICESHIPS BILL Bipartisan solution to teacher shortage has already been enacted in 30 other states DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action applauds the Wisconsin State Assembly for passing AB 1005 today on the floor on a voice vote, which would enable high-quality teacher […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2024 IRG Action: Time to Build Needed Child Care Access For Working Families IRG Action Testifying in the Capitol today on Senate Bill 623 DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action Fund’s Alex Ignatowski will be in the State Capitol this afternoon to testify before the Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2024 IRG Action Fights for More High-Quality Teachers for Students IRG Action Testifying in the Capitol today on Senate Bill 917 DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action Fund’s Executive Vice President Chris Reader and Institute for Reforming Government’s Senior Research Director Quinton Klabon are in the State Capitol today to testify […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 17, 2024 IRG Action Fighting to Help Overtime Workers Keep More of their Paychecks IRG Action Testifying in the Capitol today on Senate Bill 869 DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action Fund’s Alex Ignatowski is in the State Capitol today to testify before the Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue on an […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 8, 2024 IRG ACTION PRAISES “TEACHER APPRENTICESHIPS” BILL AS BIPARTISAN SOLUTION TO TEACHER SHORTAGE DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action applauds Rep. Will Penterman for introducing LRB 4274, which would lay the groundwork for teacher apprenticeships in Wisconsin. 28 states, red and blue, are using them to solve the teacher shortage crisis. […]
MEMO DATE: November 29, 2023 TO: Assembly Committee on Ways and Means FROM: Alex Ignatowski, Director of State Budget and Government Reform RE: IRG Action Support for AB 660: Creating an Employer Child Care Tax Credit Chairman Macco and Committee Members, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to testify in support of Assembly Bill […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2023 DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action Fund CEO, CJ Szafir, reacts to the news that Senate Bill 515 will have a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families: “It’s no secret that Wisconsin is facing a mental health crisis which has been […]
Representative Moses and members of the committee, Thank you for having me today to testify in favor of AB541, which would expand access to therapists in Wisconsin by allowing professionals who are deemed qualified to treat patients by other states to also treat patients in Wisconsin via telehealth. According to the National Alliance on Mental […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 8, 2023 IRG ACTION: COMMON SENSE MENTAL HEALTH REFORM IS GOOD NEWS FOR WISCONSINITES Legislation authored by IRG Action that increases access to mental health services without costing taxpayers has an Assembly Hearing today. DELAFIELD, WI– The Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care is scheduled to hear testimony this […]
A bill before the Senate Health Committee would require hospitals to publicly post the charges for services FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 4, 2023 DELAFIELD, WI– The Senate Committee on Health is scheduled to hear testimony this morning on Senate Bill (SB) 328, legislation authored by Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) that aims to help lower the […]
IRG Action Fund Applauds the Release of Common Sense Mental Health Reform Legislation increases access to mental health services without costing taxpayers. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 28, 2023 DELAFIELD, WI – Today, Representative Gustafson (R-Neenah) and Senator Cabral-Guevara (R-Appleton) released new legislation that will increase the availability and supply of mental health services for Wisconsinites. […]
Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue will take up appointments to the Board of Regents Tuesday morning FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 2023 WHAT IS IT? The IRG Action Fund is calling on members of the Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue to ask the hard questions, finding out if appointees to the UW Board […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2023 IRG Action Fund thanks Senator Wanggaard and Representative Snyder for Voter ID amendment proposal DELAFIELD, WI – IRG Action Fund thanks Senator Wanggaard and Representative Synder for the Voter ID amendment proposal put out today. Anthony LoCoco released the following statement on behalf of IRG Action Fund: “Senator Van […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 Delafield, WI – Moments ago, the State Assembly approved Assembly Bill 386 on a 64-35 vote. The legislation would provide $772 annual savings for over 1.7 million income tax filers in Wisconsin if signed into law. Chris Reader, the Executive Vice President of IRG Action Fund, offered the following […]
IRG Action Fund sent a memo to lawmakers earlier today urging support for AB 386.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2023 IRG Action Fund Applauds Introduction of Middle-Class and Retirement Tax Cut DELAFIELD, WI – Today, legislative Republicans in Wisconsin introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 386, a bill that would provide almost $3 billion in tax relief for retirees and the middle-class according to the lead author, Rep. Dave Steffen (R-Howard). […]
DELAFIELD, WI – Today, IRG Action CEO CJ Szafir responded to the Governor’s signing of Assembly Bill 321, the “Right to Read” bill. “Literacy is the basic building block of democracy, prosperity, and a child’s future. Yet, for decades, adults in Wisconsin have failed to provide this bare-minimum education to students across the state. Our […]
DELAFIELD, WI – Following the news that Governor Evers has vetoed the historic middle class tax cut, IRG Action Fund CEO CJ Szafir released this statement in response: “The legislature’s tax plan would have helped small businesses grow, assisting middle-class workers along the way. But instead of working with Republicans to make Wisconsin a better state for all, […]
The budget bill will provide tax cuts, strengthen education options, and improve literacy. DELAFIELD, WI – This evening, the Assembly approved the state budget, which will cut taxes in Wisconsin by an astounding $4.4 billion, $3.5 billion devoted solely to income tax relief. The budget will also provide increased funding for education and overhaul the […]
The budget bill will provide tax cuts for every Wisconsinite. DELAFIELD, WI – Today, the Senate approved the state budget which will cut taxes in Wisconsin by an astounding $4.4 billion, with $3.5 billion devoted solely to income tax relief. IRG Action Fund CEO, CJ Szafir released this statement in response to the news: “This […]
DELAFIELD, WI – It is a disgrace that Wisconsin children are not learning to read, especially low-income and special needs students statewide. Our literacy crisis has created a moral and economic crisis; that’s why IRG and IRG Action have worked on this issue for over three years. Right to Read gets us closer to addressing the […]
Petition drive will run until the budget is signed, asking Gov. Evers to sign the historic middle class tax cut into law. DELAFIELD, WI – Today, IRG Action Fund, the 501(c)4 advocacy partner of the Institute for Reforming Government, started a petition drive supporting the historic middle class tax cut approved by the Joint Committee […]
Petition drive announced to showcase bipartisan support for tax reform DELAFIELD, WI –Today, Wisconsin legislative leaders introduced a historic income tax reform plan, cutting taxes for all income earners by $3.5 billion in the next state budget. IRG Action Fund CEO CJ Szafir released the following statement upon the introduction of the plan: “Bold income […]
Statement from CJ Szafir, IRG Action CEO upon signing of historic school choice funding legislation. “We applaud Speaker Vos, Majority Leader LeMahieu, and Governor Evers for coming together to enact the historic charter and voucher school funding legislation. Because of this bipartisan action, countless children and families in Milwaukee and all over Wisconsin, including those […]
Statement from Chris Reader, IRG Action Executive Vice President upon passage of historic school choice funding legislation this week. “IRG Action applauds the Legislature for passing the school choice funding bill. The historic bipartisan increases will help countless kids and families have an opportunity for success. Thank you to Speaker Vos for his leadership and […]
Statement from Chris Reader, IRG Action Fund Executive Vice President, on the Senate’s vote on Senate Bill 330. “We applaud the Senate for their historic bipartisan vote on education funding today. Lifting the funding amounts for charter and voucher will help countless Wisconsin kids fulfill their potential and live lives that fill their parents and […]
IRG Action Fund comments on Mississippi-style reforms and educational freedom Today, IRG Action Fund delivered written testimony for informational purposes on Assembly Bill (AB) 321 to the Assembly Committee on State Affairs. The Committee is holding a public hearing on the bill this afternoon and may vote on it yet this week. A similar hearing is planned for the […]
IRG Action Fund to deliver testimony in support of key provisions Today, IRG Action Fund will deliver testimony in support of Senate Bill (SB) 330 to the Senate Committee on Education. The committee is holding a public hearing on the bill today at 10:00 AM and already plans to vote on it tomorrow. A similar […]
MADISON – IRG Action Fund has made improving literacy for Wisconsin’s kids one of its key education priorities. Today, IRG Action applauds the massive steps forward the “Right to Read” bill would take to put Wisconsin back on top nationally in reading. IRG Action Executive Vice President Chris Reader released the following statement: “With this […]
Everything You Need to Know as Lawmakers Debate Reading Reform in Madison Delafield, WI – Today, IRG Action Fund released two new memos that show the need for reading reform in Wisconsin and actionable solutions to get Wisconsin back on track. 25 years ago, Wisconsin was ranked near the top nationally in reading. Sadly, today, Wisconsin’s […]
MADISON – Following news that the state is projected to collect $755 million less in tax revenues than previously expected, Chris Reader, Executive Vice President of IRG Action Fund released the following statement: “The new revenue projections show that the state is still going to take in more than it needs. While the increase is 1% less of […]
Delafield, WI – IRG Action Fund Executive Vice President Chris Reader and Director of State Budget and Government Reform Alex Ignatowski yesterday delivered testimony to the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue in support of S.B. 1, legislation to cut taxes and implement a 3.25% flat tax. In their testimony, Reader and Ignatowski highlight […]
MADISON, WI – Today the Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue is holding a public hearing today Senate Bill 1, a transformational tax plan that would move Wisconsin to a 3.25% flat income tax. Chris Reader, Executive Vice President of IRG Action, released the following statement prior to the hearing: “A flat tax brings us one […]
MADISON – Following news that the Wisconsin State Senate will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 1, legislation that would provide a flat income tax rate to all Wisconsin residents, Chris Reader, Executive Vice President of IRG Action, released the following statement: “Wisconsin families deserve a tax plan that not only puts more money back […]
MADISON – Following Governor Evers’ biennial budget address, CJ Szafir, CEO of IRG Action Fund released the following statement: “Governor Evers’ proposed budget is a waste of time. From a “tax cut” that actually raises taxes more than it cuts, to the same tired efforts to put more people on government health care, too much of it focuses […]
MADISON – With news today that the state surplus is estimated to grow to an unprecedented $7.1 billion in the next biennium, CJ Szafir, CEO of IRG Action, issued the following statement: “The state continues taking in way more than it needs from taxpayers. It’s time to reset how the state taxes and spends, and that starts […]
Madison – Following Governor Tony Evers’ annual State of the State address this evening, IRG Action Fund CEO CJ Szafir issued the following statement in response: “We’ve seen many challenges facing the state, and we still need reforms. With no shortage of problems facing working families in Wisconsin, IRG Action is prepared to work across […]
A crucial independent charter school authorizer, the UW System’s Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO), is facing a change in leadership that could threaten the future of independent charter schools. The newest OEO charters are succeeding, but partisan politics now threatens their future. Wisconsin Right Now reported recently that the UW System has fired OEO Director […]
Madison, Wis. – Chris Reader, Executive Vice President of IRG Action Fund, issued the following statement applauding the selections of Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Green Bay) and Rep. Robert Wittke (R-Racine) as the incoming chairmen of the state’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee: “With billions of federal dollars flowing into the state with little oversight and an […]
Madison, Wis. – This week, IRG Action Fund launched a major grassroots advocacy campaign to educate residents in Beloit and Janesville on how Governor Tony Evers’ policies have failed their public schools. Through a series of targeted postcards and digital ads, IRG Action is highlighting the struggles of the public schools in Beloit and Janesville, […]
August 9, 2022 Madison, Wis. — IRG Action Fund CEO CJ Szafir released the following statement after conservative businessman Tim Michels won Tuesday’s primary: Our team at IRG Action congratulates Tim Michels on his hard-fought victory in Tuesday’s primary. Tim has proven to Wisconsin voters that he has the leadership and experience to challenge Tony […]
April 15, 2022 Today Governor Evers vetoed a slate of education reform bills supported by IRG Action that would have given kids everywhere a true chance at a great education. That’s why hundreds of parents from all over the state have urged lawmakers to support the proposals. Combined with his previous education vetoes this session, […]
Madison, Wis. — Governor Evers today vetoed the historic, comprehensive K-12 education reform package, which included school choice for all, breaking-up the failed Milwaukee Public School district, protecting parental rights, and expanding public charter schools. “Because of Governor Evers, the future for children in Wisconsin is less bright today,” said Chris Reader, executive vice president of […]
Madison, Wis. — IRG Action Fund Executive Vice President, Chris Reader, released the following statement after UI and welfare reform legislation was vetoed by Gov. Evers: “It is unfortunate and disappointing that Gov. Evers won’t help Wisconsin employers with the real issues they’re facing when trying to hire and recover from the pandemic. Rather than working […]
Madison, Wis. — Moments ago, the Wisconsin Senate passed historic legislation supported by IRG Action that would break up Milwaukee Public Schools. The Senate is also set to pass legislation that would dramatically increase educational options for children throughout the state. “The Senate is to be applauded for putting kids and families ahead of the education […]
Madison, Wis. — Moments ago, the Wisconsin Senate Education Committee advanced several significant, IRG Action-backed education reform bills, including: school choice for all, breaking-up Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), ending DPI’s manipulation of school report card data, allowing microschools, protecting parental rights, requiring in-person learning options, and expanding public charter schools. Chris Reader, Executive Vice President at IRG […]
Through the efforts of IRG Action, over 550 people from across Wisconsin signed the petition below to support school choice expansion and lift income caps on the school voucher program as found in Senate Bill 974 by Senators Roth and Darling. “Parents, from all corners of Wisconsin, want the freedom to send their children to […]
Madison, Wis. — Today, the Senate Education Committee will have a public hearing on the historic, IRG Action-backed, K-12 education reform package, which includes school choice for all, breaking-up Milwaukee Public Schools, childhood literacy reforms, and expanding public charter schools. Executive Vice President Chris Reader will be testifying along with IRG policy fellow Michael Brickman. “From […]
“Gov. Evers should sign this commonsense legislation to boost the economy and bring real help to employers who are struggling to find workers.” Madison, Wis. — IRG Action Fund Executive Vice President, Chris Reader, released the following statement Tuesday after UI and welfare reform legislation passed the Wisconsin Senate. “Thank you to Republicans in the Senate for […]
Madison, Wis. — Today, the Wisconsin Assembly passed legislation to break up MPS and expand school choice for all students in Wisconsin, along with other education reforms. These historic changes enable every family in Wisconsin to choose which school they want to attend and would finally break up the behemoth MPS district. “This is a historic […]
Madison, Wis. — Today, the Wisconsin Assembly passed legislation to break up MPS and improve one of the country’s worst performing school districts. CJ Szafir, CEO of IRG Action had this to say following the vote: “This historic bill is crucial to changing the educational trajectory for many urban students. Because of the sheer size of […]
Through the efforts of IRG Action, over 150 taxpayers in the Milwaukee-area signed the petition below to support improving the Milwaukee Public School District (MPS) by breaking it up into smaller districts. With only 4.2% of students proficient or better in Math, MPS is broken and in need of massive reforms. Taxpayers from all over […]
Through the efforts of IRG Action, over 200 parents from Milwaukee to Eau Claire have signed the parental bill of rights letter to lawmakers seeking fundamental rights as parents over their child’s education. “The Parental Bill of Rights is about empowering parents and shrinking a bloated bureaucracy,” said Chris Reader, EVP of IRG Action Fund. […]
Madison, Wis. — IRG Action Fund Executive Vice President, Chris Reader, released the following statement after unemployment insurance and welfare reform legislation passed the State Assembly Thursday. “The legislation passed today reforms UI to make sure benefits are available for those that truly need them while also keeping taxes low for employers. By passing these bills, […]
Madison, Wis. — Today, the Assembly Education Committee advanced legislation to break up MPS and expand school choice for all students in Wisconsin along with other education reforms. “This is a historic vote for Wisconsin’s families, enabling all children to have access to a school of their choosing and world-class courses and materials,” said CJ Szafir, CEO of […]
Moments ago, the Assembly Education Committee advanced legislation that would provide school choice for all students in Wisconsin! The historic vote also included approving breaking-up Milwaukee Public Schools and dramatic public charter school expansion. Next: The full Assembly is scheduled to vote on the bills next week. We hope the Senate Education Committee holds a hearing next […]
Madison, Wis. — Today, the Assembly Education Committee will have a public hearing on parts of the historic, IRG Action-backed, K-12 education reform package, which includes school choice for all, breaking-up Milwaukee Public Schools, childhood literacy reforms, and expanding public charter schools. Executive Vice President Chris Reader will be testifying. “It’s time for Wisconsin to lead the nation […]
Today, the Assembly Education Committee will have a public hearing on parts of the historic, IRG Action-backed, K-12 education reform package, which includes school choice for all, breaking-up Milwaukee Public Schools, childhood literacy reforms, and expanding public charter schools. Over the last few months, IRG Action has been active in connecting with and amplifying voices of teachers, […]
Madison, Wis. — Today, CJ Szafir, CEO of IRG Action Fund released the following statement in response to Governor Evers’ State of the State address: “Governor Evers isn’t fooling anyone. He tried to raise taxes by over one billion dollars, enact job-killing red tape and regulations, and give control on education decisions to special interests at […]
Madison, Wis. — This morning, the Senate Committee on Economic and Workforce Development voted to move important unemployment insurance and welfare bills forward to the full Senate. The votes were party-line, 3-2, with Republicans voting in favor of the bills and Democrats against. “These bills are common sense measures to reduce fraud, fix the broken UI system, and help […]
Madison, Wis. — Today IRG Action Fund’s Executive Vice President Chris Reader testified in front of the Assembly Committee on Education in support of Assembly Bill 964 – legislation that requires school districts to refund taxpayers if it closes its doors to in-person learning for an extended amount of time. Support for the bill comes on […]
Later today the Assembly Committee on Education will be hearing testimony on Assembly Bill 963, creating a Parental Bill of Rights – legislation aimed at empowering and protecting the rights of parents throughout Wisconsin. Ahead of this important hearing, IRG made outreach to parents all over the state, helping 123 of them submit a letter in support of […]
Madison, Wis. — IRG Action Fund Executive Vice President, Chris Reader, testified in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate this week in support of unemployment insurance reforms. These reforms would hold the Department of Workforce Development accountable, crackdown on individuals not showing up for interviews while still counting those interviews as a work search for benefit eligibility, […]
IRG Announces the Launch of IRG Action Fund IRG Action Fund will be focused on Reforms, Action, and Results. Today the Institute for Reforming Government announced the launch of IRG Action Fund, a new 501(c)(4) organization that will serve as the think tank’s strategic advocacy and lobbying partner. Based on the policy reforms generated by IRG, […]