Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

April is nationally and state recognized as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. To raise public awareness of child abuse and neglect happening in Wisconsin, and to encourage prevention efforts, the Wisconsin CASA Association schedules a day each April calling advocates to wear blue. This year, Wednesday, April 17th was CASA Wears Blue Day in Wisconsin. For the occasion, I invited legislators, staff and executive branch personnel to join together to support our kids and families. We had great turnout including 21 bipartisan legislators, DCF Secretary-designee Emilie Amundson and her leadership team, and staff from both sides of the aisle. While we may sometimes disagree on the issues, we can all unite behind protecting our children and supporting healthy families. 

Thanks for visiting! 

Thanks to Newman Catholic for coming to visit the State Capitol on Tuesday! I had so much fun giving them a tour of the building; the students were engaged and asked great questions!

If you have never done so, I encourage you to visit Madison and take a tour of the Capitol! There is so much history contained in our State Capitol. Official tours occur on the hour each hour, except at noon. If you're coming with a sizable group (more than 10), you can reserve a tour here. Can't find a time that works for you? No problem! My office can lead tours too! Contact us to schedule one today. 

Research in the Rotunda

Each year, students from University of Wisconsin campuses across the state visit the Capitol to present their research. UW's Research in the Rotunda event occurred this week and their research was, as always, fascinating. The work that these students are doing is incredible. There is so much talent and intelligence in Wisconsin; we must continue to attract and retain these impressive young people to our state!

ICYMI: Talking taxes

On Monday, my Assembly colleagues and I met at Merrill Steel, Inc. to talk taxes. It was no coincidence that our press conference was held on Monday, which was Tax Day in the United States; we used the opportunity to talk about the budget policies that have led to billions of savings over ten years. A memo from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau shows that, under current law, by 2021 over $12.6 billion in savings will be realized by taxpayers. 

We also discussed some concerning news: Governor Evers' budget would reverse the progress that we have made. His budget proposal increases spending by 8.3%, which would raise taxes by $1.2 billion dollars each year, and increase the structural deficit that we have worked to close. While there are certainly parts of the Governor's budget proposal that I agree with, taxpayers can't be left of the hook for excessive government spending and irresponsible fiscal management. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue finding ways that we can be cost efficient, while providing the services that our communities need.