Honoring First Responders, Assembly Floor Session, and More

October 24, 2025

The October 14th Assembly floor session began with the First Responders of the Year awards, honoring exceptional Wisconsin firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency personnel who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. I was proud to honor Thiensville resident and Milwaukee Police Officer Joseph “Joe” Binter as the First Responder of the Year for the 23rd Assembly District (see article, below).

The Assembly passed several bills that will benefit first responders across the state, including the North Shore Fire Department. One example is AB 199, which increases the reimbursement rate to ambulance service providers when an ambulance arrives on the scene, treats a patient, but does not bring the patient to the hospital. According to North Shore Fire Chief Whitaker, around 27% of ambulance trips fall into this category but their reimbursement does not cover the cost of providing the service, putting a strain on the department’s budget. The bill also helps consolidated departments that serve several municipalities, like the North Shore Fire Department, divide costs evenly while being careful stewards of local taxpayer dollars. The 23rd District is extremely lucky to be served by consolidated departments in Ozaukee and Milwaukee Counties that provide exceptional emergency services while using taxpayer dollars wisely. I sincerely appreciate Chief Whitaker’s advocacy in the State Capitol on these important issues.

Assembly Democrats also introduced amendments to several bills that would have restored $25 million in funding for EMS services that Republicans removed from the state budget, and another that would have protected FoodShare benefits for working families. Sadly, GOP leaders blocked these measures along party lines.

During each biennium the Wisconsin State Assembly recognizes first responders from across our state who keep our communities safe. I was proud to honor Officer Joseph “Joe” Binter of Thiensville as the First Responder of the Year for the 23rd Assembly District.

Officer Binter has served in the Milwaukee Police Department's District 3 Patrol Division for the past nine years. Earlier this year, while on duty with his partner Officer Daniel Gonzales, the two were involved in a dangerous encounter when an armed suspect opened fire. Officer Gonzales was struck and seriously injured. In an act of extraordinary bravery, Officer Binter engaged the suspect and stopped the threat, preventing further harm to his partner, himself, and members of the community. It was an honor to recognize Officer Binter for his bravery and his commitment to public safety.

On October 15th, I had the privilege of joining leaders, experts, and advocates from across Wisconsin at the 2025 Emergency Gun Violence Summit. This important event brought together educators, law enforcement, survivors, and policymakers who are all committed to finding real, effective solutions to ending gun violence.

I was proud to moderate and speak on multiple panels, including one on school safety with Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Casellius and Director of the Office of School Safety at the Department of Justice Trish Kilpin. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from experts and collaborate on best practices to keep our communities safe. Events like the Emergency Gun Violence Summit remind us that progress happens when we listen, work together, and stay committed to making Wisconsin a safer place for everyone.

Wisconsin deserves fair maps- now and in the future! Thursday, October 16th, I spoke in front of the Capitol at a rally demanding an end to gerrymandering and the establishment of an independent redistricting commission. Candidates for public office should win on their message, not their map. It’s time to restore competition, accountability, and give power to the voters of Wisconsin.

I was proud to stand alongside Moms Demand Action advocates on October 21st at the Capitol for their Day of Action.

Before I was elected, I was a Moms Demand Action volunteer, and it’s an honor to continue to be involved with the organization. Seeing so many passionate advocates, survivors, parents, and community members come together to demand common-sense gun laws reminds me why this work matters so much.

It is Trick-or-Treat season!  Here are the 2025 Trick-or-Treat times for communities across the 23rd Assembly District.

Have fun and stay safe!


Brown Deer: Sunday, Oct 26th from 1:00-4:00 pm

Bayside: Sunday, Oct 26th from 1:00-4:00 pm

Fox Point: Sunday, Oct 26th from 1:00-4:00 pm

Whitefish Bay: Sunday, Oct 26th from 1:00-4:00 pm

River Hills: Sunday, Oct 26th from 1:00-4:00 pm

Mequon: Friday, Oct 31st from 5:00-8:00 pm

Thiensville: Sunday, Oct 26th from 3:00-6:00 pm