In 2011 I lost my father to Alzheimer’s disease, and for years before that, I watched as my parents struggled to navigate their constantly evolving reality that was fraught with heartbreak and nervousness in anticipation of what may happen next.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive and terminal disease that transforms the life of the person with the disease, as well as their surrounding loved ones, and it is an experience my family and I would not wish on anyone. The only thing we wish we had was more time with my father as we knew him best.

Cheerfully referred to as the “Bob and Bill” bill in honor of two champions of the legislation – New Glarus School Board President Bill Oemichen and Middleton-Cross Plains Area School Board member Bob Hesselbein -- the legislation would create an exception to current law that that generally prohibits members of school boards from serving in volunteer or paid positions in the districts they represent. 

Today, Senator Dianne Hesselbein (D‐Middleton) and Representative Lisa Subeck (D‐Madison)
introduced the Right to Contraception Act at a press conference alongside Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez,
legislative colleagues, and health care professionals.

For years our local governments have been asked to do more with less. Over the past decade, my Democratic colleagues and I have been consistently supporting shared revenue increases for our local communities but every single time the Republicans said no. While I am glad they have finally decided to recognize the severity of the problem caused by their stagnant funding to communities over the years, the price that it comes with is incredibly disappointing.

State Senator Dianne Hesselbein and Representative Mike Bare today celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 210 through the Senate.  Suggested by constituents, the legislation would allow school board members to serve as volunteer school bus drivers.  The Senate passed the bill during today’s floor session

If you wonder if my Republican colleagues sincerely wish to streamline the bureaucracy for working Wisconsinites, look no further than the flurry of activity cropping up after the April election.  The Republicans started the day after another bitter loss in the spring election. 

Today, the Republican members of the Joint Finance Committee voted to remove hundreds of provisions from Governor Evers’ proposed 2023-25 state budget. Programs like funding paid family leave, expanding broadband access and legalizing marijuana and many more were summarily dismissed as the committee voted.

Spring has finally arrived in Wisconsin, bringing with it the opportunity to enjoy public places and state parks currently awakening to rich green colors and budding trees. Sustaining the state parks we enjoy requires funding to maintain access, facilities and trails, and Governor Evers has addressed this in his proposed budget.

Being able to take leave from work to care for family members is an important priority for Wisconsin residents, but taking leave has often been financially impossible due to the associated loss of income when away from the job. An opportunity exists to overcome this barrier: paid family and medical leave.

New data from the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau shows that schools districts in the 27th Senate District would see $205.4 million more in resources for the children of our communities in Gov. Tony Evers budget.