Voucher program takes another hit as school closes mid-term
Another taxpayer-funded voucher school program has shut down mid-term leaving families and children to find a new school on short notice.
Shilling appoints Taylor, Erpenbach to serve on Joint Finance Committee
Sen. Taylor and Sen. Erpenbach have been outspoken advocates for working families in Wisconsin and understand the importance of investing in our future.
Shilling opposes out-of-state effort to lower worker wages
Previous anti-worker policies have taken money out of our local communities and made it more difficult for working families to make ends meet.
Transportation Projects Commission extends funding for La Crosse highway project
After hearing from numerous La Crosse-area business and community leaders, the DOT decided to recommend extending the funding for an additional year.
Statement on budget deficit projections
The Wisconsin Department of Administration projects a 2015-17 $2.2 billion deficit in their latest fiscal report.
Statement on Senate leadership election
Senate Democrats are united in our goal to stand up for working families, strengthen our communities and build a brighter future for our state. I appreciate the support of my colleagues and look forward to serving as the next Senate Democratic Leader.
Sen. Jennifer Shilling recognized for support of children and families
Citing her strong support and leadership on child support issues, the Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association presented Senator Jennifer Shilling with their 2014 Legislator of the Year Award.
Revelations about Walker's involvement in real estate scandal raise questions
Democrats said the new allegations of bid-rigging and pay-to-play politics raise troubling questions about Gov. Walker’s rush to sell state property.
Walker's $3 billion budget crisis worsens as Republicans abruptly cancel finance meeting
As Wisconsin’s budget situation continues to deteriorate, legislators and state residents have struggled to get straight answers from Gov. Walker’s administration and Republican leaders.
Marriage equality overcomes GOP obstacles
Marriage equality is now the law of the land in thirty states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.
Wisconsin's budget crisis
Sen. Jennifer Shilling offered the Democratic weekly radio address in which she highlights the massive budget deficit Wisconsin currently faces and solutions that Democrats have put forward.
Sen. Shilling announces Crawford County office hours
Sen. Jennifer Shilling will be holding in-district office hours on Friday, October 3rd in Wauzeka and Gays Mills.
Western Wisconsin schools awarded for excellence
State Superintendent Tony Evers has announced that several schools in western Wisconsin earned a 2014-15 Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition Award.
Walker budget deficit grows to $3 billion
The overall budget deficit could exceed $4 billion once state transportation, school funding and other agency budget figures are released.
Wisconsin faces staggering $1.8 billion budget deficit
According to the latest numbers, the state’s $1.8 billion budget deficit will cost each Wisconsin resident $300 - or about $1,200 for a family of four - over the next two years.
What happened to Wisconsin’s budget surplus
The most recent analysis of Wisconsin’s state budget shows the state is facing a $115 million budget deficit in the current fiscal year.
Republicans miss the bus on student loan debt relief
As campuses across the state prepare for the start of another school year, legislative inaction on the student loan debt crisis continues to burden residents and working families.
Sen. Shilling column - Pay more, get less - The new Wisconsin Way
If you were forced to pay $100 more for your health care coverage, you’d expect to get better benefits, see a health care provider sooner or receive improved coverage. Right?
GOP health care rationing to cost Wisconsin taxpayers $500 million
These increased costs, combined with Wisconsin’s sluggish economy and a structural deficit already estimated to total over $642 million, have many concerned about Wisconsin's future financial security.
Sen. Shilling recognized for legislative accomplishments
After being recognized by several statewide organizations this spring for her bipartisan work on issues ranging from job creation to investments in local communities, Sen. Shilling has received another round of honors.
Sen. Shilling announces Bangor and Onalaska office hours
The public is invited to join Sen. Shilling at her in-district office hours on Tuesday, August 26th at the Bangor Library and Onalaska Library.
41,000 Wisconsin students denied financial aid due to Republican budget deficit
As student loan debt continues to burden Wisconsin students and families, new statistics show that thousands of eligible students were recently denied state financial aid.
Sen. Shilling column - Action needed to solve student loan debt crisis
With over 40 million Americans currently burdened by student loan debt, including more than 900,000 Wisconsin residents, this issue has become an economic and financial crisis.
Sen. Shilling announces Viroqua office hours
The public is invited to join Sen. Shilling at her in-district office hours on Tuesday, July 22nd at the Viroqua High School.
$46.1 million budget deficit projected for Veterans Trust Fund
While the Veterans Trust Fund had a cash balance of $19.9 million in 2011, it is now projected to face a $46.1 million budget shortfall by 2019.
Sen. Shilling named to Conservation Honor Role
The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters has recognized Sen. Shilling as a “Conservation Champion” and named her to the organization’s exclusive“Conservation Honor Roll.”
Sen. Shilling column - Workplace flexibility needed to strengthen families and businesses
Family lives have changed dramatically since the 1950's, but many workplace policies haven't kept pace. That was a common theme at the Summit on Working Families which sought to address the challenges facing working parents.
Shilling joins national push for workplace flexibility and opportunities for working parents
White House Summit targets outdated 1950's era stereotypes and seeks to address challenges facing working parents.
Sen. Shilling recognized as Friend of Family Medicine
This award is presented to an exclusive group of legislators in recognition of their efforts to advance effective health care policy during the 2013-14 legislative session and promote the importance of family medicine in the health care delivery system.
Marriage Equality Ruling Advances Freedom For Loving Couples
Since the same-sex marriage ban was enacted in 2006, the Marquette University poll has tracked a significant shift in public opinion with 59% of voters now saying they would vote to repeal the amendment.
Celebrate June Dairy Month
Sen. Jennifer Shilling offered the Democratic weekly radio address in which she highlights the start of June Dairy Month and the many opportunities to learn about our state's many family farmers and food processors.
Shilling appointed to serve on Technical College Study Committee
This Study Committee has been directed to review the current Technical College funding model and governance structure.
Sen. Shilling column - Wisconsin does better when we all do better
In communities throughout Wisconsin, the economy revolves around more than just the industrial park. Putting Wisconsin back on track requires a commitment to invest in our communities and our public institutions once again.
Shilling workforce training bill signed into law
The Workforce Advancement Training Grant Bill co-authored by Sen. Jennifer Shilling has been signed into law by Gov. Walker as 2013 Wisconsin Act 328.
Badger-Coulee public meetings scheduled
Six open house meetings on the Badger-Coulee proposal have recently been scheduled by the Public Service Commission.
Statement on the passing of Gov. Patrick Lucey
Patrick Lucey was born in La Crosse, grew up in the village of Ferryville, and graduated from Campion High School in Prairie du Chien. He served with distinction as the 38th Governor of Wisconsin and later as the United States Ambassador to Mexico.
Broadband infrastructure key to local job growth
Sen. Jennifer Shilling offered the Democratic weekly radio address in which she highlights the need for investments in Wisconsin's broadband infrastructure to create jobs and support the growth of local small businesses.
Financial issues persist at troubled Walker agency
Republican JFC members cut $10 million in funding from the state’s Early Stage Business Investment Tax Credit program which is aimed at growing high-tech start-up companies.
Shilling recognized for focus on job training
Riverfront, Inc., headquartered in La Crosse, nominated Sen. Shilling for the award based on her work to support job creation efforts and strengthen employment assistance services for individuals with disabilities.
The time has come for public to weigh-in on Badger-Coulee Transmission Line
The Public Service Commission announced that the application for the Badger-Coulee transmission line project has been deemed complete and the public can now officially weigh-in on the proposal.
Delays in unemployment program trigger audit
A bipartisan group of lawmakers have approved an audit of the Department of Workforce Development to investigate ongoing delays in the handling of unemployment benefits.
Shilling recognized for support of local workers
As part of the La Crosse area’s observance of International Workers' Memorial Day, Senator Jennifer Shilling was presented with an award for her strong support of workplace safety rights.
Sen. Shilling announces Cashton office hours
Senator Jennifer Shilling will be holding in-district office hours on Monday, April 28th at the Public Library in Cashton, WI.
Shilling touts bill signing at Cashton Farm Supply
Senate Bill 448 corrects a flaw in the state’s assessment of equipment that is used by local agricultural manufacturers like Cashton Farm Supply.
Sen. Shilling column - Equal Pay Day is a reminder of Wisconsin’s income inequality
With April 8th being National Pay Equity Day, we should all take a minute to think about an important question. Would Wisconsin families be better off in these tough economic times with an extra $8.3 billion in their pockets?
Democrats hail passage of bills to improve workforce development, health care access and rural transportation
On the final session day of the 2013-14 floor period, the Senate passed over 50 legislative proposals including several co-authored by Sen. Jennifer Shilling.
Walker secretly signs asbestos bill limiting justice for veterans
Veteran groups stunned that Republicans refuse to defend rights of victims.
Shilling to receive the 2014 Government Leadership Award
2014 Government Leadership Award will be presented to Senator Jennifer Shilling at the Rehabilitation and Transition Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin on May 1, 2014.
Democrats urge veto of voter suppression bills
In a letter submitted Monday afternoon, 47 legislators urged Gov. Walker to veto several bills that will limit voting rights and create new obstacles for local election officials.
Shilling applauds Vernon Electric's Community Solar Farm
At their annual meeting on Saturday, March 22nd, Vernon Electric Cooperative announced that they will be building the state’s first community solar project.
Public pressure forces action on Cancer Treatment Fairness Act
In the face of mounting public pressure from cancer patients and health care advocates, Republican lawmakers were forced to take action on legislation to ensure parity for insurance coverage of oral chemotherapy treatments.
Sen. Shilling column - Citizens deserve the right to vote
Despite the fact that Wisconsin has dropped to 37th in the nation for job creation, Republicans have abandoned their “laser-like” focus on our economy in order to rush through a wave of anti-voter measures.
Republicans approve sweeping changes to restrict voting rights
In yet another partisan attempt to influence election outcomes, Republican legislators approved sweeping changes to Wisconsin's election laws to eliminate weekend and evening absentee voting.
Shilling counters GOP restrictions with Right to Vote resolution
The Right to Vote Act would clarify that a qualified elector has a fundamental right to vote in any public election held in the district in which they reside.
Shilling fights for middle-class tax relief
Republicans rejected a proposal by Senate Democrats to target property tax relief to working families and provide immediate funding for worker training during a special legislative session today.
Drug Endangered Children legislation advances
SB 471, also known as the Drug Endangered Children Bill, will update Wisconsin's child neglect statutes to protect children who are in danger as a result of their exposure to the use, dealing or manufacturing of illegal narcotics.
Shilling stands up for Marriage Equality
This proposal would repeal Wisconsin’s ban on marriage equality and protect the rights of all loving and committed couples.
Shilling introduces legislation to strengthen special education programs
Two new bills recently introduced by Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) would strengthen Wisconsin schools and provide better learning opportunities for students with special needs.
Democrats push for solutions to address growing student loan debt crisis
High student loan interest rates along with the increasing cost of college and unmet financial assistance have been blamed for the recent growth in student loan debt.
La Farge and Onalaska HS students accepted into Wisconsin Senate Scholar program
Two high school students from western Wisconsin, Ashlyn King from La Farge High School and Mike Gu from Onalaska High School, have been selected to participate in the 2014 Senate Scholar Program.
Sen. Shilling column - Increase accountability during National Voucher School Week
As part of this year’s National Voucher School Week, we should work to improve standards and reign in unaccountable voucher school spending.
Shilling statement on the State of the State
Under Gov. Walker, our state has dropped to 37th in the nation for job creation, 45th nationally for prospective job growth and 48th in new business start-ups.
New proposal would expand Walker's voucher program despite recent scandals
While recent scandals in Gov. Walker's private school voucher program have highlighted the need for increased accountability, Republican leaders have reintroduced a plan to expand the program without addressing ongoing cases of waste, fraud, and abuse.
Ongoing fraud in Gov. Walker's private school voucher program is cause for concern
As a co-author of Senate Bill 288 to increase voucher accountability, Sen. Jennifer Shilling renewed her call for action to prevent additional fraud and address the ongoing issues in this underperforming program.
Shilling introduces bipartisan legislation
Bills to address growing concerns with child safety and identity theft have been introduced with broad bipartisan support in both houses of the Legislature.
Shilling welcomes Chancellor Cross as new UW System President
As the ranking Democrat on the Senate's Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, Senator Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) welcomed the Board's announcement and applauded the decision.
WEDC admits failures, requests cash advance from taxpayers
Republicans voted to provide Gov. Walker's troubled Economic Development Corporation with $40.9 million in taxpayer funding despite concerns that job creation performance and financial accountability benchmarks are not being met.
Republican leader renews push for anti-women legislation
In his latest statement, Senate Republican Assistant Leader Glenn Grothman called for additional restrictions on women's rights.