Dear Friend,

Wisconsin is not the same state it was one year ago today.

As the 2011-2012 legislative session comes to an end, we must take stock of where we were, and where we are now as a state. 

We used to lead the nation in education.  Our public schools were considered a model for quality and results.  We were number one and two in healthcare quality and access.  Our reputation around the country was that of a state with an open, honest, and transparent government. 

This past year has changed Wisconsin's national standing and reputation.
 

Wisconsin is now falling behind the rest of the nation due to massive cuts that are undermining public education, the economic foundation of our future, with over $1.6 billion cut from public schools.  In addition, we lead the nation in job loss, with negative job numbers each month since Governor Walker's budget was signed into law.  We are the only state to have that disgraceful record.  Finally, over 29,000 children may lose access to health care due to the draconian cuts which were necessitated by the $2.3 billion in corporate tax giveaways at the beginning of this session.  Because of these factors and others, we are the most divided state in the nation politically. 

Please click here to see just a few of the areas that Scott Walker and the legislative Republicans have laid waste to in an effort to preserve their own political power. 

I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will remember the oath they took to their constituents, to represent their best interests and the best interests of Wisconsin.  As I have said before: actions speak louder than words and results speak louder than promises. 

Let us remember that moving forward as a Legislature and a state is of the utmost importance. We can be successful if we work towards common goals and conduct ourselves with the civil discourse that our elected posts require.   
 

Sincerely,