UW-L political scientist Chergosky says farewell to Fazoli's and talks WI "Democrat Drama"

UW-L political scientist Chergosky says farewell to Fazoli's and talks WI "Democrat Drama"

From La Crosse Talk PM WIZM by Rick Solem

May 23, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

Dr. Anthony Chergosky discusses the recent political drama surrounding Wisconsin's budget surplus and the closure of Fazoli's.

No Fazoli’s, no drink refill station at McDonald’s, is ranch dressing and cheese curds a Wisconsin thing — just some of the things we utilized UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky for on the Rick Solem Show on Friday. We did also talk some politics with some new revelations about the $1.8 billion budget surplus deal falling through. Chergosky called it “Democrat Drama,” with the governor being reassured by Republicans that they had the votes for it to pass. That deal, — passed overwhelmingly by the Assembly — was voted down by the all the Democrats in the state Senate, plus three Republicans, would was for no tax on tips/overtime, $300 rebate checks, lower property taxes for a year, and school funding. That deal — passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly — was voted down in the state Senate by all 15 Democrats plus three Republicans. The package would have eliminated tax on tips/overtime, provided $300 rebate checks, lowered property taxes for a year, and increased school funding for a year.   The conversation focused on the odd timing of the bill, Republicans (who control the Legislature) not…

People in this episode

Host: Rick Solem

Guest: Dr. Anthony Chergosky

Topics covered

  • politics
  • budget surplus
  • Wisconsin
  • restaurant closures
  • legislation

Keywords

  • Wisconsin politics
  • budget deal
  • Fazoli's closure
  • McDonald's
  • Democrat Drama

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UW-La Crosse, Fazoli's, McDonald's

Places: Wisconsin

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