Natasha Murphy

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

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