Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce - Wisconsin's Chamber

06/04/2026

Wisconsin has a competitiveness problem. With a hefty tax burden on middle-class families and businesses, a declining population, an unworkable regulatory environment, poor educational outcomes, and unaffordable health care, our state is falling behind.

But many of these economic challenges have solutions, as shared by WMC's Kurt R. Bauer on WBAY this week. By addressing property and income taxes specifically, we can better attract businesses and families looking to settle down. This in turn would help solve some of our workforce and demographic challenges.

06/03/2026

Wisconsin has the 4th highest hospital costs and the 2nd highest health care costs in the nation. Why is this reality and what can be done? WMC's Rachel Ver Velde joined Dan O'Donnell yesterday to discuss:

Rachel Ver Velde, WMC’s Associate Vice President of Government Rela...

06/03/2026

Thanks to property tax increases like Governor Evers' 400-year veto, the average age of a first-time homeowner in Wisconsin is now 40. Ten years ago, the average age was 29.

Watch more from the Wisconsin Competitiveness Report video series: https://www.wmcfoundation.org/the-future-wisconsin-project/media-gallery/

06/02/2026

"Businesses decide where to invest based on which states make it easiest to operate, grow, and succeed. Some states roll out the red carpet for businesses. Other states roll out the red tape."

Why do we shop online? Easy. The process is simple, predictable, and efficient. Business investment decisions work the same way. Businesses decide where

05/29/2026

Wisconsin officially became the 30th U.S. state on May 29, 1848! Today we celebrate our heritage and work toward a bright future. Happy Statehood Day!

05/28/2026

🚨NEW SERIES: In the first episode of a new video series, WMC's Kurt Bauer and Wade Goodsell bring WMC Foundation's Wisconsin Competitiveness Report to life. Will we be a state that rolls out the red carpet for business, or will we continue to create red tape?

Wisconsin is at a turning point. The choices we make now will shape our ability to grow, attract talent, and compete.

05/28/2026

WMC's Small Business Committee convened at Dane Manufacturing yesterday to discuss economic trends and policy, learn about AI infrastructure opportunities for the business community, and hear Congressman Tom Tiffany's plan to unlock Wisconsin's potential.

Troy Berg graciously gave a tour of the Dane facility, showcasing how pro-business policies can spur growth and create more jobs.

Thank you to R&R Insurance Services for presenting the program!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their bravery and dedication have secured the freedoms and opportunities we cherish. We are grateful.

05/22/2026

Did you know Wisconsin is the second costliest state in the nation for healthcare?

Rising healthcare costs are a major threat not just to Wisconsin families, but to businesses and the state’s overall economic competitiveness. Common-sense policies can lower costs and better position Wisconsin for success.

Unlike in every other industry, where customers know the cost of a good or service upfront, health care patients are often left guessing the cost of care. Often, two patients can receive the same procedure but leave with dramatically different bills. This system creates confusion for families and employers alike. Patients deserve clear, accessible information to make informed decisions.

Additionally, Wisconsin recently enacted a workers’ compensation medical fee schedule for hospital facility charges. Because workers’ compensation rates typically exceed group health costs, this change is expected to generate savings for Wisconsin employers.

But this fee schedule should be a starting point, not the finish line.

Rising health care costs are a major threat not just to Wisconsin families, but to businesses and the state’s overall economic competitiveness.

05/22/2026

🚨LAST CHANCE: Today is the last day to nominate a company for a Business Friend of the Environment Award! If you know of a company that is making a difference (including your own), submit them now with our streamlined nomination form: https://www.wmc.org/bfoe/nomination/