Portrait of Mitchell Red Cloud Jr., a US Army corporal who was killed during the Korean War. After his death, he received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

Remember Mitchell Red Cloud Jr.

Monday was Memorial Day, and many people have come to view Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial kickoff to summer. However, Memorial Day is about far more than just backyard barbecues and main-street parades. It’s a day to remember and honor all the brave individuals who’ve died while serving in the United States military...

A photo of the Joint Committee on Finance meeting.

Can't or Won't Release HSHS Funds?

Social media can be a useful tool. We can easily share pictures and stories with friends and family. It can be used for business applications from marketing to educating the public. And there is no doubt that we can search for answers to problems and questions we may have...

Senator Smith and his wife Sue with their three dogs.

Honoring Our Teachers

Last week we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. Summer is approaching as students and teachers look for a successful close to the school year. Now is the time to thank our teachers before everyone moves on to new summer adventures...

Senator Smith speaking during a Committee on Elections hearing.

A Golden Opportunity

Study committees are formed during the spring of election years after the legislative session ends to investigate new issues that surface in Wisconsin or to examine old issues that may need a refreshed look to keep up with current events...

Senator Smith speaking with constituents.

Here to Serve You

It may not come as much of a surprise to anyone who knows how much I enjoy talking with folks, but I especially enjoy the conversations I have during my roadside Stop & Talk events. People from every walk of life will stop by...

School buses line up the road on a snowy day.

School Safety Office on Life Support

This legislative session could’ve been better, but there was one glimmer of hope. The Office of School Safety (OSS) at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) was a bright spot for lawmakers this past session...

Photo of the Senate Parlor interior.

The People's Work Undone

Last Tuesday the 2nd of April was the spring election. It was clear based on the referenda questions on ballots throughout Wisconsin that something isn’t right. Headlines throughout the past year proclaimed Wisconsin had a record surplus, but our ballots painted a different story of our state’s finances...

Hearing room for the Joint Finance Committee.

Inexcusable

On February 28th Governor Evers signed Senate Bill 1015 into law. This bill moved $15 million that had been targeted for HSHS to expand behavioral health services into a new fund for helping with the HSHS closure...