This week, Senator Smith talks about the start of the new legislative session and the Governor's proposal to let voters decide key policy questions through ballot measures. 

This week, Senator Smith announces he is turning a new leaf in the new year by shifting his regular written column to a video update moving forward.  Senator Smith additionally encourages everyone to consider engaging with their local opinion page with a letter-to-the-editor of their own to amply their views on current events that matter to them. 

This week, Senator Smith writes about the need to show respect as a way of building trust, especially when it comes to finding solutions to complex political problems at the Capitol. Senator Smith encourages constituents to reach out with any concerns as the new legislative session begins on January 6th.

This week, Senator Smith writes to encourage optimism after a historic election and notable changes in the make up of the state legislature.  Senator Smith is inspired heading in to a new legislative session and hopes citizens are prepared to weigh in as the budget process unfolds in earnest in the new year.

This week, Senator Smith encourages us to take time while celebrating this holiday season to consider the rich traditions and customs of other religious holidays as well. Senator Smith wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

This week, Senator Smith highlights the successful reintroduction of wild turkey by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 1976. Senator Smith encourages hunters to apply for their spring turkey tags before the December 10^th deadline by going to www.gowild.wi.gov.

This week, Senator Smith shares his hope for a renewed commitment to bipartisanship in the new legislative session in January considering the recent gains by democrats in both the Senate and Assembly.  Senator Smith also expresses his disappointment that Republicans decided to reject his idea for an interim study committee on the healthcare crisis facing the Chippewa Valley.

This week, Senator Smith reflects on the election results and gives perspective on the gains made by Democrats in the Senate and Assembly. Senator Smith expresses his hope that this new balance in the legislature will afford opportunities for real bipartisanship at the state Capitol, even though Republicans have majorities in both houses.

This week Senator Smith highlights the vibrant cultural benefits of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes and encourages everyone to find ways to celebrate November as Native American Heritage Month. Senator Smith is honored to serve on the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations and hopes the work of the committee will result in tangible policy proposals in this upcoming legislative session.    

This week Senator Smith celebrates our upcoming Veterans Day this coming November 11^th by highlighting the need to support all of our veterans and the programs that support them.  Sen. Smith invites everyone to thank a veteran this week for their service and consider volunteering at a VA clinic or at another charitable organization for veterans.