Latest news with #TommyThompson
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Rising housing costs could be pricing people out of college in Wisconsin
Education has long been one of the most direct paths to achieving the American Dream. It is how generations have climbed the ladder, by learning, earning degrees and opening doors to opportunity. But what happens when the ground beneath that ladder starts to shift? In Wisconsin, the cost of housing has been climbing steadily over the past decade, outpacing incomes in many counties. At the same time, enrollment in colleges and technical schools has been falling. At first glance, these might seem like two separate problems. But our recent research at the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute suggests they are more connected than we think. We studied data from 29 Wisconsin counties over 11 years, looking at how changes in housing prices relate to post-secondary enrollment. What we found was both troubling and revealing. When housing prices go up, enrollment often goes down, especially in places where economic opportunities are already limited. In fact, for every 1% increase in housing costs, overall enrollment dropped by about 0.36% the following year. Letters: Former Gov. Tommy Thompson omits real reason for rough Supreme Court race Our data review covers the years 2012 to 2023 for the following counties: Ashland, Barron, Brown, Dane, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Fond Du Lac, Grant, Jefferson, Kenosha, La Crosse, Manitowoc, Marathon, Menominee, Milwaukee, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pierce, Portage, Racine, Rock, Sawyer, Sheboygan, Walworth, Waukesha, Winnebago and Wood. The higher education enrollment figures include public and private colleges in the 29 counties. This trend is not just a statistical curiosity. It reflects real families making tough choices. When rent or mortgage payments take up more of the household budget, there is often less left for college tuition, transportation or even just the time to attend classes. In places with fewer local schools or higher unemployment, those trade-offs become even harder. We also found something we did not expect: a gender gap in how students respond to rising housing prices. University enrollment among male students drops sharply as housing costs rise. For female students, the pattern is different. In some cases, female enrollment actually increases, perhaps because women see education as a long-term investment worth making, even in tough times. But when tuition and housing costs rise together, even that resilience begins to falter. Technical colleges show a different picture. At first glance, they seem less affected by rising housing prices. But when we looked closer, we saw that in more urban counties, where housing costs tend to spike, male enrollment in technical colleges also drops. It is a reminder that even the most flexible or affordable education options are not immune to broader economic pressures. Our findings echo broader national concerns. In 2019, Fannie Mae launched the Sustainable Communities Innovation Challenge, emphasizing that stable and affordable housing provides families with greater opportunities for educational and economic attainment. The connection is clear: when housing becomes unaffordable, families are forced to make trade-offs that affect not just where they live, but how they plan for the future. Opinion: Here's what readers had to say about wake-enhanced boating on Wisconsin lakes These findings raise important questions: Are we quietly pricing people out of education and pushing the American Dream further out of reach? When housing costs rise faster than wages, it does not just strain family budgets. It shapes how people think about the future. If young people start to feel like homeownership and financial stability are out of reach, they may begin to wonder whether education is still worth the investment. And that could have serious consequences for Wisconsin's economy and workforce in the years to come. Our hope is that these insights can help inform how we think about policy. Housing and education are often treated as separate issues, but our research suggests they are deeply intertwined. To make education more accessible, we also need to make housing more affordable. It is not just about buildings and classrooms, it is about building futures. Joseph Ogunlade is an analyst and Student Scholar at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Pallav Routh is an Assistant Professor at UW-Milwaukee and Principal Investigator on this research, funded by the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute. Together, they study how housing affordability influences educational access and outcomes in Wisconsin. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin housing costs mean less money for college, future | Opinion
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Throwback Thursday — Celebrating 150 Years of the Messenger-Inquirer: Thompson spent 14 years as legislator while balancing family business
Tommy Thompson spent 14 years trying to balance his family's homebuilding business while serving as the state representative for the 14th House District. Thompson, an Owensboro Democrat, was first elected to the seat in 2002. It was the moment that his family's business — Thompson Homes — had been preparing him for. Thompson, 76, said his father, William 'Bill' Thompson, got involved in former governor and U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford's election campaigns. 'I kind of got a little bit of interest and inertia from that,' Thompson said. So much so that Thompson first ran for public office against Louis Johnson in 1977 for state representative of the 13th District — a race that Thompson would lose. 'I was young and probably a little naive,' Thompson said. '…Louis was a great guy and well seated here in the community. I lost that race but I learned a lot.' But it would be Thompson's involvement with the National Association of Home Builders that would provide him with valuable future political insight. By being in the homebuilding trade, Thompson said understanding the role local, state and federal governments played was essential. 'It really was involved in politics because housing, other than probably narcotics, is the most heavily regulated industry in the country,' he said. 'At all levels, there are regulations to deal with and policies that impact the ability to produce housing.' Thompson was part of the National Association of Home Builders board for five years, becoming its president in 1994. Thompson described it as 'a great time' as it allowed him to engage with national leaders such as the Federal Reserve chairman, members of Congress and U.S. presidents. 'I got to testify before Congress a number of times on housing issues,' Thompson said. '…There were five years there that I was in Washington a lot, traveled around the country and really around the world — I got to go to a number of foreign countries representing housing.' That experience with the National Association of Home Builders further ignited his fervor to run again for state office. 'I said to myself, 'Well, if you really want to affect change, you probably need to be on the inside of the arena instead of the outside,' Thompson said. In 2002, Thompson defeated Republican Ray Askins for the 14th District House seat, representing Ohio County and 17 precincts in eastern Daviess County. Although it was the long-awaited political victory for Thompson, he then had the challenge of balancing his business with having the responsibility of being a public servant. '…Something has to … suffer and so my business did because I couldn't be here day-to-day like I wanted to be,' said Thompson, who was the company's president then. 'Your family suffers because you're not there to attend ballgames, help be a dad, help Mom do the honey-do things.' Thompson would serve the 14th House District seven terms before being defeated in 2016 by Matt Castlen. According to Thompson, he could tell the political climate was changing both at state and national levels as Donald Trump entered the political fray. 'I really enjoyed most of my tenure in the legislature but in the last (few) years it became very partisan,' he said. '…People started being intractable around a particular policy or a particular party issue, so there was less opportunity to compromise, which was disappointing.' Now nearly 10 years later, Thompson said he's content on watching the legislature from the sidelines. 'I missed it initially just because it was such a big part of my life for a long time,' Thompson said. 'But I haven't missed the partisanship and it's become more so that way as I talk to some of my colleagues who are still up there.' After losing the race, Thompson returned his full focus back to the company that his father started 77 years ago. His son, Nick Thompson, now runs the day-to-day operations as president and Thompson has become the CEO. '(Nick's) been a real help, coming in here and lending his talents, commitment to the company and giving me a little flexibility,' said Thompson, who still goes into their Frederica Street office every day. '…I don't plan on retiring anytime soon.' Locally, the newest Thompson Home neighborhoods include Fiddlesticks off J.R. Miller Boulevard, Keeneland Trace off Carter Road and Saddle Pointe off Thurston Dermont Road. Thompson said the company has also expanded into southern Indiana, building homes in Newburgh and Evansville. '…My dad started our company back in 1948 and then I came in here,' Thompson said. '…And now that my son has come in, he's the third generation, so it's important to continue that legacy and hopefully continue that foundation that we started. …I hopefully took it to a little different level and my son will hopefully take it to the next level.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
What rigid support for 1849 abortion law says about Wisconsin Republicans
Delegates at the Wisconsin Republican Convention approved a resolution calling on the state to enforce the state's 1849 abortion law. Granted, it was just a symbolic vote May 17 with no legal authority. But it reveals that grassroots Republicans — both here and across the country — are still embracing rigid views on abortion, despite a barrage of headlines detailing the deaths and suffering of women under similar bans. And it made me wonder: Do we all live in different realities? Because in today's world of algorithms, relentless news cycles, and a never-ending stream of content, it's entirely possible that we all live in different realities when it comes to the news we consume. Social media feeds and search engines curate information based on our past behavior, reinforcing our existing beliefs and filtering out what might challenge us. Letters: Former Gov. Tommy Thompson omits real reason for rough Supreme Court race For going on three years, I've been reading the heartbreaking stories about women harmed by abortion bans from across out country. Is it possible that others aren't seeing them at all? For example, had any of the attendees at the WISGOP convention heard about: Adriana Smith, a pregnant woman in Georgia who was declared brain-dead in February and is being kept alive, against her family's will, because of the state's law banning abortions? Doctors told the family that because of Georgia's LIFE Act, Smith must be kept alive until the fetus can live outside of the womb, probably at 32 weeks. Smith's pregnancy is only about 22 weeks along. Porsha Ngumezi and Nevaeh Crain, who died in Texas because doctors hesitated, afraid of prosecution under their state's abortion ban? Or Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year-old mother, who died less than a month after Georgia passed its abortion law after waiting 20 hours to receive critical treatment? Elizabeth Nakagawa, a Coast Guard commander, who nearly died after miscarrying because medical personnel waited—paralyzed by fear of legal repercussions. Or Jaci Stratton, who was told by hospital staff in Oklahoma that 'we cannot touch you unless you are crashing in front of us" before they could provide life-saving abortion care. Her molar pregnancy meant that her fetus would never become a baby—but the law demanded she flirt with death before doctors could help her. Though deeply alarming, these instances merely scratch the surface of what is becoming a widespread issue in states with the most restrictive laws. In addition to these stories, countless other women have survived but suffered at the hands of providers opting for riskier treatments and delaying care because of the language used in their state's abortion ban. I'd like to believe that perhaps some of the most staunch anti-choice advocates are genuinely ignorant of how quickly abortion bans lead to maternal deaths, infections and dangerous complications. Because the alternative is that they have read these stories and just don't care. I don't write that lightly. But how else can we explain pushing for 19th-century laws in the face of 21st-century evidence that these bans are putting lives at risk? Some might call this a matter of moral conviction. But what kind of morality demands the painful deaths of women to prove a political point? Abortion is health care. That's not a slogan but a fact supported by virtually every major medical association in the country, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Abortion care is a necessary component of standard treatment protocol for miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and fetal diagnosis incompatible with life. Bans do not prevent these conditions, they only prevent timely treatment. And these laws don't operate in a vacuum. Every restriction breeds confusion, fear, and delay. Every vague statute pushes doctors to consult lawyers instead of focusing on patients. Every criminalized medical procedure sends a message: we don't trust women, and we don't trust the people who care for them. The Wisconsin resolution might be nonbinding, but it is still revealing. It lays bare a movement that appears more interested in punishing abortion than in grappling with its consequences. It exposes a political stance where symbolism takes precedence over safety — where women are expected to serve as ideological props instead of autonomous human beings. To the lawmakers and activists still supporting an abortion ban in Wisconsin, I ask again: are you reading these stories? Do you see what's happening to women in Texas, Idaho, Oklahoma, and beyond? Is that what you want for women in Wisconsin? It is not enough to say the resolution is symbolic. Symbols matter. They reflect priorities. They telegraph what we value. And right now, this one sends a loud, clear message: that even preventable deaths of women aren't enough to change course. If we're reading the same stories, then it's time to stop pretending this is a theoretical or political debate and starting acknowledging lives are on the line. Kristin Brey is the "My Take" columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Abortion is health care. WI GOP ignores dangers for women. | Opinion
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Gov. Tommy Thompson omits real reason for rough Supreme Court race
It was good to hear from former four-term Gov. Tommy Thompson (a principled man that I happily voted against four times). He is a vestige of a once great political party ('Campaigns have always been rough. I'm sick of politics of personal destruction.' May 6). Like him, I was disgusted by the recent campaign for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where partisans from both sides slimed us all. Thank goodness for the outcome, but "ugh'! Opinion: Campaigns have always been rough. I'm sick of politics of personal destruction. The former governor doesn't say it, but I will — I miss the rational GOP, of which he was a stalwart. I'm sure many others do, as well. The modern "give us what we want or we'll just burn it all down ourselves and our supporters included" Nihilistic version just alienates. I hope for better, when the current madness passes. Scott Cotterell, Waukesha Opinion: Having babies not a patriotic gesture or GDP fixer. Let's truly honor women. I just finished reading former Gov. Tommy Thompson's response to the Supreme Court campaign, and while I applaud his sentiment and past commitment to inclusion, he omits the elephant in the room ('Campaigns have always been rough. I'm sick of politics of personal destruction.' May 6). All those he referenced in his personal history were fellow Wisconsinites who were invested in the welfare of the state, despite their competing visions. The latest Supreme Court election (and I believe the one before as well) were heavily influenced by "investors" who have no Wisconsin equity. Unless that changes, it is naive of Thompson to encourage civility between competing visions. G.T. Schutz, Racine Letters: I've seen firsthand how wake-enhanced boating makes small Wisconsin lakes unsafe Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@ or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Outside spending on Wisconsin Supreme Court race behind woes | Letters
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Gov. Tommy Thompson omits real reason for rough Supreme Court race
It was good to hear from former four-term Gov. Tommy Thompson (a principled man that I happily voted against four times). He is a vestige of a once great political party ('Campaigns have always been rough. I'm sick of politics of personal destruction.' May 6). Like him, I was disgusted by the recent campaign for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where partisans from both sides slimed us all. Thank goodness for the outcome, but "ugh'! Opinion: Campaigns have always been rough. I'm sick of politics of personal destruction. The former governor doesn't say it, but I will — I miss the rational GOP, of which he was a stalwart. I'm sure many others do, as well. The modern "give us what we want or we'll just burn it all down ourselves and our supporters included" Nihilistic version just alienates. I hope for better, when the current madness passes. Scott Cotterell, Waukesha Opinion: Having babies not a patriotic gesture or GDP fixer. Let's truly honor women. I just finished reading former Gov. Tommy Thompson's response to the Supreme Court campaign, and while I applaud his sentiment and past commitment to inclusion, he omits the elephant in the room ('Campaigns have always been rough. I'm sick of politics of personal destruction.' May 6). All those he referenced in his personal history were fellow Wisconsinites who were invested in the welfare of the state, despite their competing visions. The latest Supreme Court election (and I believe the one before as well) were heavily influenced by "investors" who have no Wisconsin equity. Unless that changes, it is naive of Thompson to encourage civility between competing visions. G.T. Schutz, Racine Letters: I've seen firsthand how wake-enhanced boating makes small Wisconsin lakes unsafe Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@ or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Outside spending on Wisconsin Supreme Court race behind woes | Letters
