August E-Update!

August 26, 2026
 
In This Issue: 
  • Constituent Survey Results
  • In and Around the District
  • Calendar of Local Events
  • Constituent Office Hours
 
I hope everyone is savoring the last bits of summer this August. Even though I am already getting back-to-school notices, I am doing my best to take the time to enjoy all that our Wisconsin summer has to offer. I've been to the State and Ozaukee Fairs, met with several of our school districts, and am reaching out to many constituents as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session. 

Earlier this year, we mailed our biannual constituent newsletter, which included our constituent survey. Hearing directly from constituents helps shape the work we do and is the most important part of my job. We were thrilled to hear from many of you, both by mail and through our online link, and we are pleased to share the results. If you did not return the survey, you can also sign up for my in-district constituent office hours or contact my office via phone or email at your convenience. 

If you see me around the district, please be sure to say hello! Thank you again for the privilege of serving our community in the State Legislature. 

With gratitude, 

Deb 

Constituent Survey Results

At the end of May, my office sent a paper newsletter to your mailboxes with a constituent survey attached. Our district had one of the highest return rates, with 164 responses via mail and online. We read every response, so thanks to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts.

1: Please rank the top five issues in order of importance to you and your loved ones. 

Protecting our Rights and Freedoms was a clear top choice for our district, followed by ensuring clean air and water and supporting local schools. 

Issues listed under “other” included: free/ affordable child care, animal protection laws, AI/ data centers (both pro and con), lower taxes, free and fair elections, easing burden on seniors, better support for veterans, support Knowles/ Nelson, mass incarceration, gun violence, immigration/ human rights (pro and con), election integrity/ voting rights, mandatory school nurses, wealth inequality, legalizing marajuana, and transportation/ mass transit.

2: What do you see as the top three challenges facing our state? 

This was an open-ended question without a list of options. Funding for schools, high taxes, and affordability were the top three listed by our constituents.

3: If you were in charge, what three policy changes would you pass to make life better for Wisconsinites? 

This was another open-ended question with a wide variety of answers. This word cloud represents all the answers we received. The larger the text, the more times the word was listed. Again, public schools and taxes/property taxes were two of the most cited issues.

4: What values do you share with your neighbors and friends that you hope to pass on to future generations of Wisconsinites?  

Responses included:

  • Being kind to each other, even when disagreeing/honesty/respect

  • Clean environment 

  • Good work ethic

  • Uphold democratic values/democracy

  • Importance of education
5.  Do you have a personal story you’re willing to share about how passing the policies you mentioned above would affect you or your family? 

I greatly appreciate our constituents for sharing their personal stories, the issues impacting their families, what they see in our communities, and what they care about most. A few of these stories are below. Thank you to these constituents for sharing their stories with us. 
 

Constituent from Mequon - My wife and I volunteer at the Jewish Food Pantry in the Milwaukee inner city. We witness the beauty of our guests along with the crushing weight of food deserts, poor healthcare, and homelessness.

 

Constituent from Mequon - The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program enabled us to fund the Door County Land Trust's longest nature preserve-- 830 acres on Chambers Island-- by providing 1/3 of the cost in matching dollars. 

 

Constituent from Bayside - I don’t want to worry that when my kids go to school, a movie theater, or a religious gathering that they might encounter gun violence. This common worry of everyday Wisconsinites takes a tremendous toll on our collective mental health. There is no excuse that gun violence has become the number one cause of death for children. This is a public health issue we must tackle.

 

Constituent from Whitefish Bay - I have a wife and two daughters. We are scared about the loss of women's rights and what their future looks like in this state and country.
6. Is there anything else you want me and other leaders in the Wisconsin Legislature to know?
 
Here is a sample of some of your responses: 
 

“Get off your back sides and get the work of the people done.”

 

“I want to take this space to thank you for designing an open-ended questionnaire. I have received many other questionnaires from both liberal and conservative groups that ask questions in such a way as to ensure that my responses can be interpreted as supporting the positions they already hold. I firmly believe that meaningful contact with the people and logical dialogue based on research and facts can result in policies and decisions that will serve us all. Surveys like this one are one step in that direction.”

 

“Continue your gun safety work. There is so much going on to distract- let's stick to and focus on "people issues" as your oath to the Constitution as you took office. We are with you.” 

 

“Yes, stop wasting our tax money!!!”

 

“I've lived in AZ, CA, and NY and I love my life here in WI! People are friendly, helpful, caring. The state is beautiful!”

 

“At both the state and federal level, most citizens do not trust our elected officials to do the right thing. We see our government flail around not accomplishing much” 

 

“Be honest, have morals, tell the truth.”

 

“State budget is reflection of state values”

 

“The political climate today is unsustainable. Important issues are not being addressed in a meaningful way. Honesty in politics and basic kind human interaction is gone.”

 

“Public institutions are a strong backbone for strong communities. Making sure everyone can have a decent standard of living and education and work - everyone wants that in their life and it only will lift up everyone in the community to have those things.”

 

“Keep it up. I appreciate all your bi-partisan efforts. Working together is the only way Wisconsin can get anything passed.” 

 

If you have any questions about the survey results or want to add your voice, reach out to our office at rep.andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov

In and Around the District
National Conference of State Legislatures

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), held relatively nearby in Chicago this year, brings together state legislators and staff from all 50 states to exchange ideas and best practices in our state capitols. I attended workshops on budgets, education finance, literacy, EMS, Medicaid cuts, data centers, and a host of other topics we will face in the next legislative session.

Wisconsin State Fair Visit

Before the final weekend of the Wisconsin State Fair, my office made a visit and enjoyed the festivities! I started off the day by meeting Wisconsin State Fair CEO Shari Black to hear how the week has been going. I then spent lots of time in the Wisconsin Pavilion to explore all the Wisconsin-made products, businesses, and organizations that make our state great. We had to make a stop to see the livestock and enjoy a cream puff, of course! It was wonderful to see the many families and friends enjoying the festivities.

Brown Deer School District Meeting

Over the summer, I have been meeting with our school districts as they prepare for the 2026-27 school year. This month, I had the opportunity to sit down with Brown Deer Superintendent Katrice Cotton and Board President Todd Beadle, along with Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin. It was great to discuss district priorities as we prepare for the next legislative session. 

Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies

At the beginning of August, the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies held a two-day gathering at the State Capitol to discuss the importance of social studies for Wisconsin students. I had the opportunity to join them to hear how legislators can best advocate for civic engagement and strengthen social studies learning in our schools.

North Shore Fire and Rescue Open House 

Last week, the North Shore Health Department and the North Shore Fire and Rescue held an open house to show the community their space and provide first-aid demonstrations. The North Shore Health Department has free gun locks, tick removal kits, lead testing, and many other critical resources for our communities. It was great to stop by to see how this small group of dedicated health professionals works to keep our communities safe and healthy. 
Calendar of Local Events

Whitefish Bay - 

  • Whitefish Bay Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm at 325 E Silver Spring Dr, on the Aurora Health Care lot. 

  • Klode Park Beer Garden: Torzala Brewing Company will be at Klode Park on September 11th, September 25th, October 2nd, and October 3rd from 4:00pm -9:00pm on Fridays and 1:00pm - 6:00pm on Saturdays.

Bayside - 

  • On Friday, August 28th, from 4-8pm, Torzala Brewing Company will be set up at the Ellsworth Park pavilion and will be joined by Leah Jee and Big E’s Epic Eats. The Beer Garden Community Partner Spotlight features the North Shore Library! Stop by to learn more about the resources our library offers.

Brown Deer - 

  • Each Wednesday, the Brown Deer Farmers Market is held from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Village Park and Pond (4920 W Green Brook Ln).

Thiensville - 

  • Eats and Beats Concert Series: On Thursday, September 10th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm, 52nd Street - Music of Billy Joel and Tarrah and the Trouble will be performing at the Eats and Beats Concert Series. Come listen to the best of Billy Joel and a mix of old and new songs and enjoy some delicious food from local vendors!

Mequon - 

  • The Mequon Community Pool is hosting their Dog Day to close out the pool season. On Sunday, August 30th, regular swimming will be held from 11:00am to 3:30pm. The pool will then be available for a special Dog-Only Swim from 4:00pm - 7:00pm.

Constituent Office Hours
Each month, you can usually find me in local coffee shops holding in-district office hours around the 23rd District for constituents to either schedule a meeting in advance or simply pop in! Listening to constituents is the most important part of my job, and I love hearing what issues people are focused on and what matters to them. You can find the location of my office hours on my social media or if you follow the link below. 
 

Calendly - Rep. Deb Andraca

Contact Us

There are several convenient ways to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with us:

  • Call our office at (608) 237-9123
  • Email us: Rep.Andraca@legis.wisconsin.gov
  • Visit our website to learn more about constituent services, legislative priorities and to share your comments or concerns
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Our mailing address is:
State Representative Deb Andraca
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI  53708

Our physical address is:
Wisconsin State Capitol
2 East Main St.
Room 109 North
Madison, WI  53703

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