When you hear directly from the people themselves, the vexing problems in politics and government don't seem like such a mystery.

Sure, the job market is strong and the country has avoided the recession so many experts predicted last year. Inflation has abated, falling to the point where the Federal Reserve has signaled it will stop increasing its benchmark rates, thus easing the interest rates at which people borrow for car and home loans. Yet, Americans are glum despite the economy being decent by traditional measurements.

That is not so hard to understand when you consider how many people in Wisconsin would have trouble finding money to cover expenses in the event of an emergency. More than half are “not certain” they could scrounge $400, according to a University of Wisconsin Survey Center “WisconSays/La Follette Survey.” Not surprisingly, the share of people who feel the pinch rises for those who are younger, rent or have an income of less than $30,000.

Can you afford an emergency? UW survey shows many don't have $400 to spare. Blame inflation.

In a companion piece exploring the first batch of survey results, UW-Madison’s J. Michael Collins explores the findings of the survey where they pertain to pocketbook issues, particularly the pinch of inflation which continues to bite people of all ages, incomes and party affiliations. This is the first in a series of contributions that are part of the Wisconsin Main Street Agenda, a collaboration with the La Follette School of Public Affairs where we put the focus on issues that voters care most about heading into the fall election.

Main Street agenda puts focus on issues voters care about

If you recall, during the 2022 midterms, the Main Street Agenda highlighted issues residents identified as most important and held a series of town hall meetings across the state. These gatherings allowed voters to learn more about those issues, to pose questions to experts on those topics and to have civil discussions with fellow Wisconsinites of all political beliefs. The participation and feedback from the Main Street Agenda were so positive that we decided to bring it back.

This time, we’re starting earlier, which will give us more opportunities to dive into topics each month over the coming year. More importantly, it will allow this to be a dialogue. We want to hear from people across the state about how issues — like the ones Collins highlights in his column, such as inflation, saving for college and retirement, and overall sense of financial security — figure into how they will vote this spring, summer and fall. What do you want to hear from the candidates who are seeking your vote? The Ideas Lab will dedicate space to letters to the editor from readers on these issues throughout the year. In turn, we can answer your questions and put your issues in front of candidates for office.

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In addition, some of the town hall meetings (whose dates and locations will be announced throughout the year) will feature opportunities for small group discussions between voters from different political perspectives. So much has been spouted on the topic of political polarization that it has become an unquestioned article of faith. Our experience during the 2022 Main Street Agenda was the opposite. On the whole, we found Wisconsinites to be reasonable, engaged and eager for civil, thoughtful and spirited discussions about how to address topics.

UW surveys provide insight on Wisconsin's most important issues

Our partnership with La Follette allows us to do more than simply scratch the surface of complex public policy issues. The “WisconSays” surveys give us unique insights into what’s on the minds of Wisconsinites as they prepare to cast their ballots this year. It is a representative online panel of adults from all over Wisconsin who were scientifically selected to answer questions about their attitudes, experiences and thoughts about important issues facing Wisconsin and the United States. Some 50,000 residents were invited to participate by mail through December, and there are currently more than 3,500 who voluntarily have registered to take part in sharing their views.

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We will post columns monthly from other faculty at La Follette and experts across Wisconsin about a variety of topics highlighted in the surveys. The insights on finances already give us a window into the minds of voters. That is just the first part. How will your personal finances shape how you vote up and down the ticket this year? Tell us. Let’s kick off the conversation.

Contact Jim Fitzhenry at (920) 993-7154 or [email protected]. Follow on Twitter at @JimFitzhenry, Instagram at @jimfitzhenry or LinkedIn. 

How will your finances shape your vote?

We want your perspective. The Journal Sentinel and USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin welcome readers' letters. Timely, well-written, provocative opinions on topics of interest in Milwaukee and Wisconsin are given first preference. All letters are subject to editing.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: UW-Madison surveys starting point for 2024 election conversation