Legislative Democrats Unveil First Bill Package of 2025 Legislative Session to Lower Costs and Improve Lives

Today, Legislative Democrats introduced the Lowering Costs, Improving Lives legislative
package. The proposal works to help Wisconsinites with rising costs by reducing the tax burden for fixed
and low-income renters and homeowners, cutting the costs of grocery bills for families, and decreasing
prescription drug prices.

NOT COST-OF-LIVING, NOT HEALTH CARE, NOT GUN VIOLENCE, BUT A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

“While Wisconsinites face cost-of-living challenges, grapple with gun violence in their communities, and struggle with health care access, Senate Republicans’ first action of the new year is a constitutional amendment, cementing what already exists in state law into Wisconsin's constitution in a show of partisan gamesmanship."

SIX NEW DEMOCRATS SWORN INTO THE STATE SENATE

Having broken the Republican supermajority, Senate Democrats are ready to continue our work on behalf
of Wisconsinites.

Sen. Hesselbein Announces Senate Democrats’ Committee Assignments

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) announced the
following committee assignments for members of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

STATE SENATE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF JOINT FINANCE ANNOUNCED

I am very proud to announce our Senate Democratic team on the Joint Finance Committee for the 2025-2027 session. Senator Johnson and Senator Roys are effective and passionate advocates for the priorities of Wisconsinites and will continue to serve our caucus and state well during the budget process and beyond.

HESSELBEIN HERALDS RULING IN FAVOR OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS

“This is a crucial step to recognize and restore the rights of hard-working public employees doing the people’s work in every corner of Wisconsin,” Hesselbein said.  “There are likely further hurdles ahead and I applaud the resolve of those who have kept up the effort to restore the right to collectively bargain in the state.” 

Sen. Hesselbein Reelected Senate Democratic Leader

It is a tremendous honor to return as leader of this incredible caucus. We have a fantastic team and I cannot wait to get to work on the priorities of Wisconsin voters who have waited years for the chance to have their voices heard, and represented, in the State Senate. The people of Wisconsin have even greater opportunities ahead.

New Memo Shows Folly of Republican Opposition to Medicaid Expansion

As the Fiscal Bureau memo outlines, Wisconsin would receive the higher federal matching rate by extending coverage, resulting in a reduction in state costs and ongoing savings that would exceed the cost of extending coverage.

Wisconsin Senate Democrats Release New Spanish-Language Website

Este lanzamiento coincide con el inicio del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre. El nuevo sitio proporcionará información valiosa y la oportunidad de comunicarse directamente con los miembros del caucus (comité político) demócrata.

Can JFC Republicans Release Millions to Fight PFAS, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western WI? Legislature’s Attorneys: The Short Answer is Yes

A newly released legal memo prepared by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Legislative Council, which provides legal and policy analysis and advice to members of the Wisconsin State Legislature, confirms that, in fact, Republicans can release millions of funds at any time—Republican lawmakers are just choosing not to.