POLICY FOCUS

Our Policy Focus

Making an Impact

Local leaders and voters in black communities are the only ones equipped to lead our economic recovery and deliver our neighborhoods to long awaited prosperity. While some local leaders and politicians may choose, in their individual interests, more government intervention, The Black Policy Initiative will advocate for free-market principles and community-led solutions.

Education Freedom

Improve our public schools and provide unique learning experiences

Wisconsin consistently ranks as having the largest racial achievement gap for K-12 education in the country. Overall, only one-third of Wisconsin public school students can read or do math at grade level. Because of these failures, children in public schools are uninspired, undereducated, and unprepared for adulthood ahead of them. These students are the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners, construction and trades workers, healthcare staff and countless others.

Wisconsin must empower parents and students in black communities to access better education options that are not solely dependent on their family income and ZIP code to improve education outcomes for the future of our city.

Justice

Advocating for 2nd Chances

Wisconsin continues to use an outdated justice system. Not only have these laws prevented rehabilitated, non-violent citizens from starting over fresh after serving their time, but it also continues a cycle of barriers to access higher education, employment, and the restoration of families in Milwaukee. Reforming our Justice system could be mutually beneficial for business owners looking to fill job positions during a crippling unemployment crisis, motivate citizens to pursue entrepreneurship, and give those who've made mistakes to self-actualize and live their American Dream as a contributor to the community they reside. Part of the growth needed in black communities lie in the hands of this untapped group of creators and dreamers.

Economic Prosperity

Making Financial Freedom more Accessible

Despite billions in tax cuts over the last decade, Wisconsin remains one of the highest taxed states in the nation. In cities like Milwaukee, this adversely impacts the spending power of consumers as the cost of rent, food, gas, and electricity become more expensive. Milwaukee has a thriving and growing community of cosmetologist and medical professionals. Unfortunately, Occupational licensing continues to be an overwhelming barrier for individuals entering the workforce. Inconsistent and arbitrary licensure reciprocity coupled with consistent delays from regulators in issuing licenses discourage talent from moving to or staying in Wisconsin, especially in high-demand fields, and can slow overall economic growth.

Taxpayer Bill of Rights

TABOR (Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) ensures government lives within its means by capping spending growth and requiring civic voter approval for tax increases—protecting working families from runaway taxation.

Cosmetology Licensing Reform

Reducing cosmetology license hour requirements removes unnecessary barriers to entry, allowing talented professionals—especially in underserved communities—to access careers faster, earn sooner, and meet high industry demand without compromising safety.

Universal School Choice

Universal school choice empowers families—regardless of income or ZIP code—to select the best educational path for their children, fostering competition, innovation, and equity across public and private schools.

End Felony Charges for Child Support Delinquency

Removing felony charges for child support delinquency helps break cycles of incarceration and poverty by keeping parents in the workforce, where they’re more likely to pay support and contribute to their children’s lives.

Sealing the Record of 1 Non-Violent Felony

Sealing the record of one non-violent offense gives individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives—unlocking access to jobs, housing, and education without permanent punishment for a past mistake.