A new report from the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) exposes how unelected federal bureaucrats are quietly steering Wisconsin policy through informal “guidance documents.” These documents often carry the weight of regulation without ever going before the Legislature or the public.

What IRG found:

IRG identified 14 examples across five major state agencies—including the Departments of Natural Resources, Health Services, Agriculture, Transportation, and the Wisconsin Elections Commission—where Washington directives shaped Wisconsin policy.

Why it matters:

Bureaucrats in D.C. are quietly rewriting Wisconsin’s rules without legislative approval. According to IRG polling:

32% of Wisconsinites say lawmakers—not bureaucrats—should make major policy decisions.

Only 8% think state agencies should take the lead.

What IRG is saying:

“Unelected federal bureaucrats often set policy for Wisconsin from behind the scenes, unbeknownst to the people’s duly elected representatives,” said Jake Curtis, IRG General Counsel. “Our elected officials, not bureaucrats in Washington, should be calling the shots. Wisconsin must lead the way in reminding Washington and state leaders that our Constitution starts with the states, not the other way around.”

What’s next:

Jake Curtis will testify at a joint Wisconsin Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs and Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency hearing at 10:00AM on Thursday to discuss the report’s findings and how lawmakers can reclaim authority from federal agencies.

View the full release and report