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5/31/2024
Signing Off
Under Wisconsin’s campaign laws, all legislative offices that are up for re-election are prohibited from sending mass communications from the legislative office after June 1st of that year. With that said, this will be my last e-update until after Election Day in November.
5/24/2024
Memorial Day: Remember & Honor
As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, I'd like to take some time to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. This is more than a long weekend. It's a time to honor the brave men and women who have laid down their lives in service to our nation.
5/17/2024
Reflecting on a Decade of Tax Cuts
For over a decade, Wisconsin Republicans have prioritized giving more money back to the hardworking people of our state. Since 2011, tax cuts enacted by the Legislature have totaled over $31 billion – that’s an accomplishment I’m proud to be a part of!
5/10/2024
This Week in Finance
Although the Assembly has adjourned for this legislative session, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) continues to meet. We met on Tuesday to release funding for several programs that were funded through the budget and bills that were passed and signed earlier this session.
5/3/2024
Session Highlights: Combining the Choice Programs
This week I'm highlighting another bill I authored this session, Assembly Bill 1042 (AB 1042). Each year, more and more parents are asking for educational options for their children. Participation in Wisconsin's parental school choice programs continues to grow.
4/26/2024
Session Highlights: Shared Revenue
This week I'm highlighting another bill I co-authored, 2023 Wisconsin Act 12, which reformed shared revenue in our state. These reforms to the shared revenue formula led to the largest investment in local governments in a generation.
4/19/2024
Session Highlights: Clean Water Fund Program
With Earth Day coming up on Monday, I'd like to highlight my clean water bill that was signed into law as 2023 Act 106 this session. This session, I collaborated with Senator Rob Cowles on a bill that will allow the use of the existing Clean Water Fund Program for infiltration and inflow projects.
4/12/2024
Session Highlights: Education
Every child in Wisconsin deserves access to a high-quality education. That’s why our budget invested over $1 billion in K-12 education. Altogether, we continue to fund public schools at our goal of two-thirds state funding. We also passed legislation to reform the way we teach kids to read.
4/5/2024
Session Highlights: Budget Accomplishments
Over the course of the next several weeks, I'd like to use my weekly e-updates to remind you of some of the things we've accomplished in the legislature this session. I'll start with some of our budget investments, including those in the areas of healthcare, transportation, and tax relief.
3/29/2024
Tuesday's Spring Election
This coming Tuesday, April 2nd, is Spring Election Day. Don't forget to make a plan to vote if you haven't already! You can check MyVote.wi.gov for your correct polling place and to preview your ballot.
3/22/2024
4th Grade in the Capitol and the Classroom
It's that time of year again! 4th graders across our community are learning about state government in their Social Studies classes. This is one of the things that I enjoy as a legislator, because I get to go to the classroom and tell students about my job in the Capitol.
3/15/2024
Rodriguez Clean Water, Cost-Saving Measure Signed into Law
Yesterday, a bill I authored with Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) was signed into law as 2023 Act 106.
3/8/2024
Evers Vetoes Tax Cuts...Again
Last week, Gov. Tony Evers vetoed three of the four tax relief bills from the 'Return the Surplus' package that we recently passed and sent to his desk.
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3/1/2024
Legislative Redistricting
By now you have likely heard that last week, Governor Evers signed new legislative maps into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 94. Under our current 2022 districts maps, I represent the 21st Assembly District, containing all of Oak Creek, all of South Milwaukee, and parts of Franklin.
2/23/2024
Assembly Passes the Complex Care Package
Last night in the Assembly we passed 3 bills that comprise the ‘Complex Care Package.’ Every day, there are hundreds of hospital patients in Wisconsin who are ready to be discharged but do not have a post-acute care facility to go to. This leads to additional days in the hospital, which is costly.
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2/16/2024
Assembly Honors Detective Gary Schneider as a Hometown Hero
On Tuesday, the Assembly honored Detective Gary Schneider with the Hometown Hero Award for his body of work as a police officer and task force officer.
2/9/2024
Patient Rights in Adult Family Homes
This week I had a hearing in the Senate Committee on Health on a bill I’ve been working on with Larry and Holly. Larry and Holly live in Oak Creek, and they have a loved one who lives in an adult family home.
2/2/2024
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. This month, let's bring awareness to heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing nearly 700,000 Americans each year. The good news is, with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk!
1/26/2024
Republicans set out to Return The Surplus
This week, Gov. Evers delivered his sixth State of the State Address. He spent much of the speech highlighting the ways in which he would like to spend Wisconsin's current surplus of over $3 billion.
1/19/2024
Protecting Our Kids
I'd like two highlight two bills that we passed on the Assembly Floor yesterday to protect our kids.
1/12/2024
Medical Cannabis Care
For a few years now, our constituents have been asking us for a thoughtful, well-regulated medical cannabis program for Wisconsin’s patients. On Monday I joined my Assembly Republican colleagues to unveil a bill that will legalize medical cannabis in Wisconsin.
1/5/2024
South Milwaukee and Oak Creek to begin partnership for Dispatch Services
In case you missed it, the City of South Milwaukee and the City of Oak Creek will enter into an intergovernmental agreement under which Oak Creek will begin providing dispatch services to South Milwaukee.
12/22/2023
Merry Christmas!🎄
Season’s greetings! The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect. As I look back on 2023, I’m proud to say that we have worked in a bipartisan way to get a lot done.
12/15/2023
Thank You, First Responders!
Earlier this year, I asked you to nominate a first responder for First Responder of the Year. I received several impressive nominations for very deserving first responders!
12/8/2023
Don't Forget: Coffee with Jessie☕
Don't forget, my last listening sessions of the calendar year will be on Wednesday, December 13th. 'Coffee with Jessie' will be a drop-in style opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas on what's happening in our state.
12/1/2023
Evers is Not Serious about Middle-Class Tax Cut
Two weeks ago, the Assembly convened in a Special Session called by the governor to pass a broad workforce package, which would have cut taxes by $2 billion for the middle class. It also would have expanded the child and dependent care tax credit – something Gov. Tony Evers campaigned on last year.
11/22/2023
Happy Thanksgiving!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and don't forget to Shop Small this Saturday!
11/17/2023
Welcome, Pastor McLean!
It was a pleasure having my pastor, Andrew McLean, and his wife Shyla at the Capitol on Tuesday. Pastor McLean gave the invocation at the start of our legislative session.
11/10/2023
Strengthening Wisconsin Manufacturing
On Tuesday the Assembly convened to pass a number of bills. I'd like to highlight a few provisions that will support the pipeline of workers in manufacturing.
11/3/2023
W Rawson Ave Reconstruction
The Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is facilitating a Public Involvement Meeting to provide residents with additional information on the proposed roadway improvements on West Rawson Avenue from South 13th Street to South Howell Avenue.
10/27/2023
MONDAY: I-794 Town Hall
I'm holding a Town Hall on the I-794 Lake Interchange Study on Monday. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the study and share your thoughts with me and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).
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10/20/2023
Honoring Captain Dan Fournier of South Milwaukee
On Tuesday I presented Captain Daniel Fournier of the South Milwaukee Police Department (SMPD) with the First Responder of the Year Award. This award was created in 2019 to honor first responders from around the state for their outstanding service to their communities.
10/13/2023
Protecting Women's Sports
Allowing biological males to participate in women’s sports defeats the very purpose of the landmark Title IX protection. Female athletes do not have a fair shot against males, who are biologically bigger, stronger, and faster than females.
9/29/2023
NEXT WEEK: Public Hearing on Baseball Park District Funding
Next week the Assembly Committee on State Affairs will be holding a Public Hearing on the 'A Home Run for Wisconsin' proposal, which would provide funding for the maintenance, rehabilitation, and upkeep of American Family Field.
9/22/2023
I-794 Lake Interchange Study
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is conducting a Lake Interchange Study to evaluate alternatives for the I-794 freeway corridor. The department is currently in the process of developing design concepts.
9/15/2023
Returning Your Surplus Bill Advances
This week in the Assembly we passed the ‘Returning Your Surplus’ proposal, which would provide over $2.9 billion in tax relief for retirees and the middle-class.
9/8/2023
Seeking Nominations for First Responder of the Year!
The time has come once again to nominate a First Responder of the Year for this 2023-24 legislative session. To have your local hero be eligible, please complete the nomination form linked below no later than Friday, September 29, 2023.
9/1/2023
Returning Your Surplus
Earlier this week, Legislative Republicans unveiled our plan to 'Return Your Surplus.' Gov. Evers disappointed all of us when he vetoed the majority of the middle-class tax cut we included in the state budget. However, Legislative Republicans are committed to returning the state's surplus to YOU.
8/25/2023
Budget Recap: Transportation🛣️
If you drive, I'm sure you've noticed that we are in the thick of construction season! Each year, WisDOT completes between 350-400 state highway projects (averaging $1.5M each), in addition to passing funding through to local governments for road construction.
8/18/2023
Budget Recap: K-12 Education✏️
The first day of school is almost here! This budget, we made historic increases in K-12 education, investing over $1B in new dollars for public schools. Our budget provides support for our public schools and the school choice programs, empowering parents to pick the best school for their child.
8/11/2023
Budget Recap: Workforce Development
Despite historically low unemployment rates, our state is facing a serious workforce shortage. This is effecting all sides of the supply chain. Employers are struggling to recruit and retain employees, with many even modifying their hours because they're short-staffed.
8/4/2023
Happening Now: Wisconsin State Fair🎡
Our Wisconsin State Fair had its opening ceremonies yesterday, which means the fair is ON now through August 13th! I encourage you and your family to make a visit to this great tourist attraction that is also a wonderful display of our state's agriculture history.
7/28/2023
Operation We ❤️ Our Troops!
On Tuesday my colleagues and I packed over 100 boxes to send to members of our armed forces who are either deployed or stationed overseas. With the sacrifices these men and women make, I'm glad we could send something from the homeland to remind them of home and show them our appreciation.
7/21/2023
Congratulations, Shanda and Tami!
Congrats to Shanda Kaveney for being named Oak Creek's 2022 Citizen of the Year, and to Tami Mayzik for her 20-year work anniversary as South Milwaukee City Administrator!
7/14/2023
Travel Wisconsin this Summer!
As things slow down in the Capitol, I'd like to use this e-update to highlight things to do throughout Wisconsin this summer. As you're thinking about weekend getaways, consider being a tourist right here in our home state!
7/7/2023
Governor Signs 2023-25 Budget, makes 51 Line-item Vetoes
Earlier this week, Governor Tony Evers vetoed the largest tax cut in state history and ensured property taxes across Wisconsin will increase for the next four centuries.
6/30/2023
Budget Heads to Governor's Desk
Last night, I voted in favor of 2023 Senate Bill 70 (SB 70) – Wisconsin’s 2023-25 budget bill – a budget that is made for Wisconsin.
6/23/2023
Republicans Cut Taxes by $4.4B
Yesterday afternoon Finance Republicans unveiled our tax plan. We are cutting taxes by $4.4 billion in this biennium! This includes providing $795M in property tax relief and a $3.5B income tax cut. Every tax filer will receive an income tax cut, as we are reducing the tax rate for every bracket.
6/16/2023
Historic Investments in K-12 Education
This week the state’s budget-writing committee voted to make historic investments in K-12 education in our state! The proposal our committee approved provides over one billion dollars in new spending on education.
6/9/2023
Financial Literacy in Schools
Assembly Bill 109 (AB 109), a bill authored by my colleague Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake), would require one-half credit of personal financial literacy for high school graduation.
6/2/2023
Republicans' Historic $2.4B Capital Budget
We are making historic investments in our state properties with a capital budget totaling over $2.3B, about half of which is cash from our general fund. We have a large one-time surplus this year, and we know investing some of that cash in our state's buildings is a smart use of one-time money.
5/26/2023
Rodriguez Recap: Week of Workforce
JFC met on Tuesday and Thursday again this week as we work on our biennial budget. This week we made several investments in our workforce.
5/19/2023
Assembly Passes Historic Investments in Local Governments
On Wednesday, an amended version of AB 245, which I authored with Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma), passed in the Assembly. AB 245 makes reforms to our shared revenue program, provides support to local public safety, and repeals the Personal Property Tax (PPT).
5/12/2023
WisPolitics Luncheon
Today I participated in a WisPolitics Luncheon with my colleague on the Joint Finance Committee, Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee). We had a great dialogue about local government funding, K-12 education, and the state's surplus!
5/5/2023
Rodriguez Recap
The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) met on Tuesday and Thursday to begin crafting our biennial budget.
4/28/2023
Local Government Funding, My Spring Survey, and more!
I joined my colleagues, Mayor Johnson, County Executive Crowley, and other local officials from Southeastern Wisconsin in a press conference on Thursday afternoon to unveil a bipartisan package that will make historic changes to local government funding.
4/21/2023
Carjacking in Wisconsin
The Assembly was on the floor on Tuesday to consider a number of bills. I'd like to highlight a bill introduced by my colleagues Rep. John Spiros and Sen. Jesse James that defines 'carjacking' in state statute and increases the penalty of carjacking with use or threat of a dangerous weapon.
4/14/2023
REMINDER: Budget Town Halls
As a reminder, my Budget Town Hall Meetings are scheduled for next week! This is a great opportunity for you to share your thoughts regarding Wisconsin’s 2023-25 budget with me. I hope to see you at one of the sessions!
4/7/2023
JFC Roadshow: Waukesha
This week the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) traveled to Waukesha for our first Public Hearing on the budget. Our travels started on Wednesday with a stop at the Waukesha County Expo Center. It was great to hear so many perspectives from people right here in our region of Southeastern Wisconsin.
3/31/2023
Joint Committee on Finance: Agency Briefings
This session I'm once again serving as a member of JFC. We've already begun our work on the 2023-25 budget, and this week we held our agency briefings. This is when we invite state agencies to come before the committee and speak on their budget requests and answer questions from the members.
3/24/2023
Reducing Crime in our State
Promoting public safety is a core function of government, which is why we took up several initiatives on Wednesday aimed at reducing crime in Wisconsin. I'd like to highlight a few of the proposals we passed.
Reckless driving is on the rise and has been especially prevalent in Milwaukee County.
3/17/2023
The Inside Scoop on Gov. Evers' Budget Proposal
By now you've likely heard that the state is projected to have a $7.1 billion surplus come June. What I'm guessing you haven't heard is that $4 billion of that is a one-time surplus. Only about $3 billion of it is expected to be ongoing.
3/10/2023
Budget Committee Plans to Hit the Road
Earlier this week the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) announced our public hearings. Each session JFC travels the state to hear public input on our state's budget. This year, we will be going to Waukesha, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Dells and Minocqua.
3/3/2023
Women's History Month
To kick off Women's History Month, I introduced my bill, which seeks to establish a goal for at least 5% of state building projects to be contracted with woman-owned firms for architecture, engineering, and professional services. This is not a mandate, handout, or a set aside.
2/17/2023
MONDAY: Office Hours
My February Office Hours will be held on Monday evening. I will be at the South Milwaukee Public Library from 5:15-6:15pm and at the Oak Creek Public Library from 6:45-7:45pm. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
2/10/2023
Open Enrollment
The open enrollment application period is underway! Through the open enrollment program, parents and guardians can apply to send their children to a public school in a district other than their resident school district.
2/3/2023
All Aboard!
I started my week with a Mobile Meet-Up organized by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS). In addition to folks from MCTS, I was joined by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
1/27/2023
State of the State Reaction
Here's my reaction to Gov. Evers' 2023 State of the State Address.
1/20/2023
Bail Reform
This week my colleagues and I convened to consider Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2), which proposes an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution regarding bail.
1/13/2023
Qualified Bidders on State Projects
I kicked off this week by introducing my first bill of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. The idea for this bill was brought to me by a constituent who owns an electrical contracting company in my district.
1/6/2023
Beginning the 106th Wisconsin State Legislature
On Tuesday, I was inaugurated for my sixth term in the 106th Wisconsin State Legislature. I’m honored that the residents of the 21st Assembly District have supported me by sending me back to Madison, and eager to get back to work for my community and our great state.
4/13/2022
Signing Off
As our legislative session comes to a close, I wanted to share some highlights and talk about a few of our accomplishments.
4/8/2022
Recap: Rodriguez Bills sent to the Governor’s Desk this Session
This session I worked on a number of legislative proposals spanning over a wide array of topics. Today, I’d like to highlight for you all of the bills that I sent to the Governor’s desk this session.
4/1/2022
April 5, 2022 Spring Election
Tuesday is Spring Election Day! You can make sure you’re registered to vote, find your polling place, and look at a sample ballot by visiting myvote.wi.gov. Depending on where you live, your ballot will have elections for local offices such as mayor, common council, and/or school board.
3/25/2022
REMINDER: End-of-Session Town Halls
I’ll be holding end-of-session town hall meetings in both South Milwaukee and Oak Creek on Tuesday, March 29. These will be the last official office hours or town hall meetings of the session, so I hope to see you there to hear about what’s important to you!
3/18/2022
Wisconsin Simplifies the Process for Legal Separations
On Friday, March 11 a bill I authored with Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) was signed into law. Senate Bill 603, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 169, allows court commissioners to grant legal separations when the terms of the separation are fully stipulated.
3/11/2022
Wisconsinites save $22 billion in taxes since 2011
One of my top priorities as a legislator has been reducing the tax burden faced by Wisconsinites. I’m proud to say that we have delivered on this priority to the tune of billions in savings to taxpayers.
3/4/2022
This Week in Finance
The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) met on Thursday to approve two bills that involve state spending. Both bills, Senate Bill 520 and Assembly Bill 973, have already passed on the Assembly Floor and are awaiting action by the Senate before they can go to the Governor’s desk.
2/25/2022
Three Rodriguez Bills Move to Governor’s Desk
This week we were on the Floor Tuesday through Thursday to consider a number of proposals. Included were four of my bills, three of which had already passed in the Senate and are moving to the Governor’s desk.
2/18/2022
State of the State
Governor Tony Evers delivered the State of the State address before a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday night in the Assembly Chambers. The state of our state is strong, but is Governor Evers really responsible for the incredible position our state is in?
2/11/2022
Two Rodriguez Bills Become Law
2 of my bills were signed into law last week! 2021 Wisconsin Act 124 will allow for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to clean up the Milwaukee Estuary. 2021 Wisconsin Act 130 will allow naturopathic doctors to be licensed in Wisconsin and to be able to the full extent of their training.
2/4/2022
February is American Heart Month
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans die of cardiovascular disease, and heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. But together, we can change that!
1/28/2022
Law Enforcement Support Package passes State Assembly
On Tuesday we were in session to consider a package of bills aimed at supporting law enforcement. The legislative package allocates approximately $25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help recruit, train, and retain law enforcement officers across Wisconsin.
1/21/2022
Helping Local Restaurants
Yesterday, I joined my colleagues in unanimously supporting Assembly Bill 717 (AB 717), which provides an income and franchise tax exemption for restaurant owners who received a Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant.
1/14/2022
Vision Forward
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to tour Vision Forward in Milwaukee. Vision Forward is a nonprofit organization that serves individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
1/7/2022
Update on Licensing Naturopathic Doctors
I wanted to provide you with an update on my bill, 2021 Assembly Bill 529 (AB 529), which seeks to improve patient access to care and expand patient choice by licensing qualified naturopathic doctors (NDs) in our state.
1/1/2022
Happy New Year!
As we head into 2022, I want to wish the residents of the 21st Assembly District a very Happy New Year!
12/23/2021
Merry Christmas!
I want to extend a very Merry Christmas to the residents of the 21st Assembly District. I hope you are able to spend some time with your families and celebrate your traditions together. One of the things we have learned over the past two years is that being together shouldn't be taken for granted.
12/17/2021
Property Tax Relief
As property tax bills hit mailboxes, I wanted to take some time to look back on the reforms Legislative Republicans have worked on recently. In fact, most recently, we included a property tax reduction in Wisconsin’s 2021-23 biennial budget.
12/14/2021
JFC Continues to Put Kids First
Earlier this week, the federal Department of Education (DOE) partially denied Wisconsin’s plan for the third round of Elementary and Secondary Education Relief (ESSER III) funds.
12/3/2021
Clarifying and Simplifying the Family Law Process
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to testify on two of my bills, Assembly Bill 633 (AB 633) and Assembly Bill 634 (AB 634), before the Assembly Committee on Family Law.
11/29/2021
Happy Thanksgiving!
A very Happy Thanksgiving to all! Please travel safely and enjoy your time with friends and family.
11/22/2021
Wisconsin Among Best in Reducing Tax Burden
Wisconsin's tax burden has dropped more than any other state over the past two decades, according to the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Thanks to Republican reforms, Wisconsin is headed in the right direction.
11/12/2021
REMINDER: In-District Office Hours
As a reminder, I will be holding two listening sessions on Monday. These will be the last listening sessions until next year. I hope to see you there!
11/5/2021
Don’t Forget to “Fall Back!”
Don’t forget to “fall back” as Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday at 2am. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour!
10/29/2021
Honoring Detective Joel Bateman of Oak Creek
On Tuesday I presented Detective Joel Bateman of the Oak Creek Police Department with the First Responder of the Year Award. This award was created in 2019 to honor first responders from around the state for their outstanding service to their communities.
10/22/2021
New Legislative District Maps
Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau publishes updated information reflecting changes in the population since the previous census. This information is used by states to redraw local, legislative, and congressional districts so that each district has approximately the same number of people.
10/15/2021
REMINDER: In-District Office Hours
As a reminder, I will be holding two listening sessions next week. I look forward to hearing about the issues of importance to you and your family. As always, if these opportunities don’t work for you, I encourage you to share your thoughts with me by using my website form or by calling my office.
10/14/2021
Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin
October is Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin. Manufacturing is the biggest contributor to our states’ economy, accounting for nearly 19% of Wisconsin’s total economic output. The industry is also instrumental in employing about 1 in 6 Wisconsin workers.
10/1/2021
Licensing Naturopathic Doctors
On Wednesday, September 29 I had the opportunity to testify on my bill, 2021 Senate Bill 532 (SB 532), before the Senate Committee on Insurance, Licensing and Forestry. SB 532 seeks to improve patient access to care and expand patient choice by licensing qualified naturopathic doctors (NDs).
9/24/2021
Seeking Nominations for First Responder of the Year!
I am pleased to seek nominations from our community for the upcoming 2021-22 First Responder of the Year Award for the 21st Assembly District.
9/17/2021
Wisconsin Blue Book Coming Soon
The new 2021-2022 Wisconsin Blue Book will become available in the coming weeks. The Blue Book is published biennially by the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau and features a variety of information about our state government and history.
9/10/2021
REMINDER: In-District Office Hours
As a reminder, I will be holding two listening sessions on Tuesday. If you attend Office Hours, it will be necessary to respect the COVID-19 precautions set out by each individual venue. I hope to see you Tuesday!
8/27/2021
Draw Your District, Wisconsin!
The Assembly and Senate will pass legislation in the coming months that will include new district maps [...] to be used for the next decade based on 2020 Census data. The Draw Your District Wisconsin website has been created to allow Wisconsinites to learn about the redistricting process.
8/13/2021
Election Integrity Bills – VETOED
Earlier this week, Governor Evers vetoed seven bills passed by the Republican Legislature that are aimed at ensuring fair and secure elections in Wisconsin. If you would like more information, click on the bill number or send my office an email – we would be happy to answer your questions.
7/30/2021
Assembly Attempts Veto Override
On Tuesday, the Assembly voted and failed to override Governor Tony Evers' veto of Assembly Bill 336 (AB 336). AB 336 would end Wisconsin's participation in the federal unemployment benefit program which gives up to an extra $300 to people who are collecting unemployment.
7/16/2021
Capitol Tours Resume
The State Capitol is back open seven days a week and our tour guides are available for guided tours. If you have a large group (over 10) you must sign up using this link. If you are coming as a school group, please try and let our office know as well so we can meet you when you get here.
7/9/2021
Gov. Evers Follows Legislature’s Lead
Throughout the budget process, it was our intention to send Gov. Evers a budget that he could sign and that we could be proud of. This week, that became a reality. Gov. Evers has followed the lead of the Republican Legislature and signed off on the vast majority of the budget we passed last week.
7/2/2021
Budget Bill goes to Gov. Evers’ Desk
This week, the Assembly was on the floor on Tuesday to consider the biennial budget. The budget bill passed with bipartisan support in our house and was sent over to the Senate. The Senate concurred on the bill on Wednesday.
6/25/2021
Welcome back, Former Representative Mark Honadel!
This week, my predecessor, Former Representative Mark Honadel paid a visit to the Capitol while the Assembly was in session. It was my honor to formally introduce him on the floor of the Assembly. Mark served the 21st Assembly District from 2003 until his retirement in 2013. Thanks for visiting!
6/18/2021
Wisconsin Republicans Cut Taxes and Fund Schools at Historic Levels
Yesterday, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) voted to cut taxes by about $3.4 billion over the 2021-23 biennium! Our tax plan will provide an average of $1,200 in savings for the typical family. In addition, we were able to reach the goal of two-thirds funding for our K-12 schools.
6/11/2021
Welcome, Chief Anderson!
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Oak Creek Police Chief Anderson. He was in Madison for the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Legislative Advocacy Day. Thank you, Chief Anderson for all the work you and your officers do to keep our community safe!
6/4/2021
Happy June Dairy Month!
We take our dairy industry pretty seriously here in Wisconsin. As if June being Dairy Month wasn’t exciting enough – today is National Cheese Day!
5/28/2021
Finance Republicans provide nearly $150M in new K-12 Spending
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) met yesterday to make historic new investments in K-12 education spending.
5/21/2021
Budget Committee Updates
This week, JFC met to continue our work on the budget. First, we approved a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship request to assist in the creation of a trail using an old trestle bridge in the City of Appleton. In executive session, we tackled DOA, Tourism, Ethics Commission, and Elections Commission.
5/14/2021
May Floor Session Highlights
The Assembly convened on Tuesday to listen to the 2021 State of the Tribes Address and to consider a number of pieces of legislation.
5/7/2021
Back to Basics
Yesterday, my colleagues and I on the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) took our first votes on the 2021-2023 biennial budget with a goal of creating a reasonable, responsible, and realistic budget proposal.
4/30/2021
Opening of General Fishing Season
The general fishing season opens tomorrow, May 1. Over the last year, getting outside and enjoying our state’s natural resources has been a popular pastime. DNR is predicting a successful opening weekend. Good luck, anglers!
4/23/2021
Please complete my Spring Budget Survey!
Many of you have probably noticed that my 2021 Spring Budget Survey began to hit mailboxes late last week! I want to encourage you to complete the survey. You can fill out the survey you received in the mail and send it back, or you can save a stamp and answer the questions online.
4/16/2021
April Floor Session
The pandemic has affected industries and groups of people in Wisconsin differently. As a result of that, we have come up with a series of bills that use the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds to invest in multiple industries in Wisconsin as they recover.
4/9/2021
REMINDER: Budget Town Halls – Next Week
As a reminder, you will have three opportunities to participate in a Budget Town Hall with me next week. If none of these opportunities are convenient for you, I encourage you to share your thoughts with me by completing my budget survey on my website or by mail.
4/2/2021
Budget Town Halls
I am pleased to announce that I will be offering three opportunities for you to share your thoughts regarding the budget with me, including one virtual option. [...] I want every constituent who wishes to share their thoughts with me to have a safe and comfortable way to do so.
3/26/2021
Rodriguez Bill Signed into Law
Earlier today my bill, Senate Bill 116, was signed into law by Gov. Evers as 2021 Wisconsin Act 20. This legislation gives courts the flexibility to approve anticipated changes to a child custody or physical placement order without requiring divorced parents to return to court.
3/19/2021
Affordable Care
This week we were on the Assembly Floor on Tuesday and Wednesday. I want to take a moment to highlight a couple pieces of legislation that passed on Tuesday aimed at ensuring Wisconsinites have access to affordable health care and prescription drugs.
3/12/2021
Joint Committee on Finance Plans to Hit the Road!
On Wednesday I participated in a press conference with my colleagues on the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) to announce public hearings coming up for the committee. Each session JFC travels the state to hear public input on the sitting governor’s biennial budget proposal.
3/5/2021
Improving the Family Law System
On Tuesday, March 2 I had the opportunity to testify on my bill, 2021 Senate Bill 116 (SB 116), before the Senate Committee on Human Services, Children and Families.
2/17/2021
Starting the Biennial Budget Process
Last night Governor Tony Evers gave his Budget Address to the legislature, outlining his proposed 2021-2023 biennial budget. [...] I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) to craft a budget that is fiscally sound and works for all Wisconsinites.
2/5/2021
Gov. Evers Issues a New State of Emergency
You may be aware that yesterday the Assembly was on the floor to take up Senate Joint Resolution 3 (SJR 3), which nullified the governor’s emergency order in our state. This vote was not an easy vote for me.
1/29/2021
Congratulations Lt. Colonel Bobinski!
Today I had the honor of presenting Retired Lt. Col. Timothy Bobinski of Oak Creek with flags flown over the State Capitol and a legislative citation. Lt. Col. Bobinski retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years. I thank him for his service to our country and wish him a long, healthy retirement.
1/15/2021
The State of our State is Improving
The state of our state is improving. Despite a difficult ten months brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Wisconsinites have come together and persevered.
1/8/2021
Beginning the 105th Wisconsin State Legislature
On Monday, I was inaugurated for my fifth term in the Wisconsin State Assembly. I’m humbled that my constituents have sent me back to Madison to represent the 21st Assembly District in the 105th Wisconsin State Legislature.