Mark Sommerhauser

Trade Tensions and Local Politics: Wisconsin’s Crossroads

July 10, 2025

Maggie dives into the complexities of Wisconsin’s shifting political and economic landscape. This hour begins with a close look at the state’s contentious budget—the first in over a decade to require Democratic votes due to newly drawn fair maps. Dan Shafer unpacks how Governor Evers and Democratic lawmakers navigated negotiations and whether they effectively used their newfound leverage. The conversation then shifts to local policy as Jeremy Jannene discusses Milwaukee’s "Vision Zero" initiative, an ambitious plan to eliminate traffic fatalities through strategic urban redesign and policy reform. Finally, Mark Sommerhauser explores Wisconsin’s evolving trade dynamics, revealing a 32% surge in imports since 2012 despite a drop in exports. With China and the EU as top trade partners, the conversation turns to the looming risks posed by escalating tariffs and global instability. Pivotal decisions are shaping Wisconsin's future.

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

Budget Cuts, Red Lights, and Rising Resistance

June 12, 2025

Maggie dives deep into new analyses with Mark Sommerhauser from the Wisconsin Policy Forum and Natasha Murphy from the Center for American Progress. They unpack the devastating potential of the “Big Brutal Bill.” With $87 billion in federal funding at stake, Wisconsin’s working families could face a harsh new economic reality if proposed budget cuts move forward. Maggie also discusses a shocking moment in national politics—the forcible removal of Senator Alex Padilla during a Department of Homeland Security press conference, raising urgent concerns about political intimidation and suppression. And finally Maggie, along with Jeramey Jannene from "Urban Milwaukee," explores Milwaukee’s potential use of red light cameras to combat reckless driving. While some tout the cameras as a public safety solution, critics—including union voices—warn of privacy overreach and misuse.

To read more on Wisconsin's state budget from the Wisconsin Policy Forum:
https://wispolicyforum.org/research/federal-funding-cuts-loom

Check out more health care research from
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/house-republicans-big-beautiful-bill-would-make-health-care-more-expensive-for-americans-with-medicare-and-other-insurance

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

Attractions, Living And Learning (Hour 2)

November 29, 2024

Jimmie Kaska, the Civic Media Sports Editor, takes the reins as guest host for this hour-long show dedicated to all things Wisconsin. From the incredible attractions scattered across the state to the political landscape that shapes our school funding, there's a lot to explore.

First up, Jimmie chats with Logan Wroge from Travel Wisconsin. This state truly offers something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a relaxing getaway or an exhilarating outdoor escapade.

Next, we turn to Mark Sommerhauser of the WI Policy Forum to discuss the unprecedented number of school referenda this election cycle. Almost half of Wisconsin's school districts have turned to referenda this year, with many simply trying to keep their doors open. What’s driving this funding crisis in our schools, and how can we work together as a state to guarantee a quality education for every student?

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

HER, 10 years later(Hour 2)

May 16, 2023

Is AI going to hurt or help the loneliness epidemic?

Then Mark Sommerhauser, Communications Director for Wisconsin Policy Forum, is back to compare the two tax proposals being discussed in Madison.

Wisconsin Women in Conservation (Hour 2)

May 10, 2023

We talk to Mark Sommerhauser from Wisconsin Policy Forum about the new report on how Wisconsin is funding higher education.

Then we talk to Kriss Marion about Wisconsin Women in Conservation and Jane and Kristin can't wait for their first field day with the group.

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