'25-'26 Legislative Committees

January 15th, 2025

Transcript

Hi, this is Senator Jeff Smith checking in for the Chippewa Valley. This week, I wanted to update you all on which committees I’ll be serving on for our 31st Senate District…I know, kind of a boring topic, but I assure you this is where the action takes place in government. 

I’m proud to be serving as the ranking member for the Senate Health Committee. After the hospitals closed last year, it’s been the biggest priority for my staff and I to find ways to help and facilitate conversations with providers. I’m hopeful for actions taken by local providers and new providers stepping up to help our communities. It’s been hard on families financially, emotionally, and medically. 

There is no silver bullet for our region to get back to where we were, but I’m looking forward to working with Democrats, Republicans and the Governor to come up with solutions to make a difference. Those solutions get vetted at the committee level and I’m looking forward to my work on the Senate Health Committee. 

I’ve also been appointed as a member of the Senate Utilities and Tourism Committee. You couldn’t have picked two very different topics for a committee. I’ve served as the previous Ranking Member, so I’m keenly aware of the challenges and needs for reliable and affordable utilities like electric, water and broadband.

As a member of the Governor’s Council on Tourism, I’m looking forward to continuing my work to enhance Wisconsin’s incredible tourism industry. We have such a beautiful state with wonderful people. Our state brings so many visitors and our Wisconsin economy booms when we invest in opportunities to discover Wisconsin. 

And, of course, as Assistant Democratic Leader, I’ve been appointed to administrative committees. Senate Organization, Joint Legislative Organization and Joint Legislative Council may be boring, but essential for our Legislature to function. 

We have so many facets of state government and I’m excited to do my part as your State Senator on committees important for our state to thrive. As we keep doing the people’s business, I hope to hear from you. 

This is Senator Jeff Smith signing off. Have a great week and stay in touch!