State Policy Choices

With one foot in the rustbelt and the other in the depressed farm economy, Wisconsin, like other states, has plenty of problems. Balancing state expenditures and revenues, expanding economic development, containing medical costs, distributing resources to the needy, reducing financial stress on farmers, and responsibly exploiting natural resources, all are issues discussed in this volume by a variety of experts in a broad range of disciplines. Reductions in federal expenditures have forced important decisions on state and local governments. With its progressive heritage, Wisconsin has often served as a model of wise policymaking. This book is divided into three major sections: Budgets, Finances, and Conditions for Economic Development; Human Need and Human Services; and Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy. An introduction by the editors delineates the unifying themes. Although the issues are all set in the Wisconsin context, many of the problems, proposed solutions, and the innovative programs described in the volume will be of interest to those involved in or studying state and local policymaking in other states.