Office of Policy Initiatives and Budget (OPIB)

Programs and services within the Office of Policy Initiatives and Budget

The Office of Policy Initiatives and Budget (OPIB) provides budgeting, policy and research services to the Department.

Budget Section

The Budget Section with program staff to prepare the Department’s biennial budget proposal. A budget proposal includes:

Requested funding
Statutory language changes
Description of budget items proposed by the Department
An analysis of the fiscal, policy and programmatic effects within the proposed budget.

OPIB responds to questions and requests from the State Budget Office and the Legislative Fiscal Bureau for additional information and analysis on proposed budgets.

The Budget Section prepares recommendations of gubernatorial vetoes. They assist in developing Department policy and program initiatives. They also monitor and assist in resolving operating budget problems with the Divisions and Offices and prepare fiscal notes on legislation proposed by the Department.

Policy and Research Section

The Policy and Research Section provides leadership and support to advance strategic Department initiatives, working across divisions, with other state agencies, and alongside external stakeholders. The Section conducts research and policy analysis, prepares briefing papers, and manages the Department's legislative mandates.

Policy Research and Analysis

Policy and research analysts provide timely research and analysis to inform decisions about Department priorities, exploring solutions to pressing issues that impact Wisconsin residents.

Priority Initiatives

The Policy and Research Section supports the Secretary's Office to develop and implement initiatives that are cross-divisional, inter-agency, or involve external stakeholders. Analysts identify potential connections between disparate programs to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Quality Improvement

Policy and research analysts identify evidence-based solutions to pressing issues, then work with division staff to design and implement these data-driven approaches. Staff also lead, support, and incorporate best practices to improve the quality and effectiveness of existing programs.

Legislative Mandates

The Policy and Research Section manages the process for submitting the Department's mandated reports. The Department processes approximately 30 mandated reports on either an annual or biennial basis. The Section also responds to Legislative inquiries as requested.