I had a great time meeting with United Way advocates to talk more about how we can continue building up our communities through advancements in childcare, food security, housing, and more. Thank you for stopping by!
All Wisconsinites deserve affordable, high quality healthcare. Yesterday, My Democratic colleagues and I introduced LRB-6040 to create a BadgerCare Public Option. This bill, upon federal approval, would allow any Wisconsinite to purchase health coverage through BadgerCare, regardless of income.
We’re here to represent our voters, our constituents, not the lobbyists, and we shouldn’t be soliciting anything from lobbyists that influences our work here and that would violate the trust that our voters put in us.
A bill introduced days before the state Assembly adjourned aimed to institute a year-long “cooling off period” for legislators before they can work as lobbyists. Its sponsors plan to introduce it again next year.
Public schools are the bedrock of our communities, and we know that our current formula for school funding isn’t working. It’s imperative we keep our promise of increased special ed funds, and our delivery of a well-rounded education at the forefront of our effort to move our state forward.
On Monday, I had the privilege of presenting Cross Plains EMS with a legislative citation alongside @senhesselbein.bsky.social. We were proud to recognize their recipience of the 2025 Excellence in Service Award from the Wisconsin EMS Association, and their continue commitment to serving Wisconsin.
The passage last week of a bill to extend postpartum Medicaid is a critical win and a highlight of this legislative session. But the road here shouldn’t have been this difficult.
What a week! Democrats accomplished some major goals: PFAS funding, Gail's Law requiring coverage of dense breast screenings, and an extension of Medicaid for new moms. This is the kind of progress that made me sign up for the long days and nights!
I released this statement late last night after the final scheduled floor day of this legislative session. Much has been done, but much more is still unfinished.
Made a new friend today and got a great reminder of why we do this work.
I admire Speaker Robin Vos's dedication to public service, and his devotion to the integrity of the Legislature. I hope he has a long and healthy retirement.
The Assembly is set to adjourn this week to follow a fake deadline Republican leadership has set, leaving so much critical work unfinished. Wisconsinites deserve a legislature that will work for them all year.
I was proud to sign onto this letter urging Republican leadership to bring Gail’s Law (AB 263 / SB 264) to the Assembly floor for a vote.
No one should have to skip lifesaving breast cancer screenings because of cost. This bipartisan bill deserves a vote.
Happy Valentine’s Day to my brilliant and dazzling wife. ❤️ 😘 Spread some love around today—we all sure need it.
This week, Senator Jamie Wall and I introduced legislation to make the state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit a refundable. This change would allow whatever monetary amount that’s remaining after offsetting income taxes to be returned to the pocket of our hardworking parents and caregivers.
Our office is excited to welcome Taija as our spring semester intern! Taija is a UW-Madison student studying Sociology, Social Welfare, and Legal Studies aspiring to go to law school. She is most excited to learn about housing and civil rights policy during her time with the office.
Our state government and the governments of Wisconsin’s sovereign tribal nations share a commitment to governing with an eye to the future. The State of the Tribes address honors this relationship in pursuit of finding common ground. I encourage you to tune in now on Wisconsin Eye: wiseye.org/live
Today is National Wear Red Day! In February, we recognize American Heart Month to raise awareness for the importance of heart health and leading healthy lifestyles. I encourage you to throw on some red and use this month to learn more about small ways to improve your health each day.
Today, @senkeyeski and I introduced a bill to ensure that public service is pursued for the right reasons. Wisconsin has long been a leader in legislative ethics, and I’m proud to co-introduce this legislation that only stands to strengthen that standard.
Today I introduced the Teaching is a Profession bill package alongside my Democratic colleagues. Our teachers are the backbones of our schools and our communities. We must better support and retain current teachers, develop future educators, and treat them like the invaluable professionals they are.
Happy Black History Month! The history, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans through time are honored this month as we continue to pursue racial equity and social justice across our country. I’m grateful to the Legislative Black Caucus for planning a month full of meaningful events!
The number one thing that comes to mind when I take a look at what’s happening with ICE across our country is that the good guys don’t do this. I encourage you to read my latest ‘Open Mike’ Substack post sharing more of my thoughts, resources, what my colleagues and I are doing.
Last night, I had the pleasure of presenting Dr. Tremayne Clardy with a citation commending him on his designation as the 2026 Wisconsin Superintendent of The Year. Wisconsin State Senator Dianne Hesselbein and I are so proud to have his leadership within our district!
I had a great time meeting this morning with students from a local chapter of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. These young students are working hard to succeed as students, grow as professionals, and address complex challenges their communities are facing. Keep up the great work!
Yesterday UW Health Nurses joined my Democratic colleagues and I to introduce the Patient Care and Worker Empowerment Act. This legislation supports nurses in providing high quality care by authorizing collective bargaining representation for certain UW Health employees.
Today we honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day, I hope we can reflect on and recommit ourselves to the ideals of equality and justice that he so tirelessly fought for.
Yesterday, my Democratic colleagues and I held a press conference acknowledging our firm support for reinstating measures to share video recording of legislative proceedings with constituents in each corner of the state.
Each January, we recognize National Blood Donor Month. With warnings of blood shortages following the holidays, I encourage all who are able to consider donating this month and help support our hospitals, our health workers and our neighbors in need of treatment. www.redcross.org
Today, Legislative Democrats introduced a housing bill package to help Wisconsinites across our state. Whether you’re a renter vs a homeowner, or live in urban vs rural areas, this legislation will help create more stable, affordable places to call home.
Homelessness is a systemic issue - not an individual one - and it’s one we all must work to address. Thank you Dane County Homeless Justice Initiative for uplifting donation sites and needed items. As you reorganize and declutter for the new year, I encourage you to donate if you’re able.
