Columns

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.   

This week Senator Smith highlights the work being done around the state, and locally in Eau Claire, to remove and replace lead pipes. Sen. Smith encourages Eau Claire residents to call the city utility department to get their pipes tested for lead by calling 715-839-5045. 

This week Senator Smith encourages voters to take advantage of early in-person voting, which is available until November 1^st. Sen. Smith highlights local efforts to make voting accessible and encourages voters to use these opportunities to exercise their right to vote.

This week Senator Smith highlights a new report on the state of childcare in Wisconsin which found that parents are giving up an estimated $1.1 billion in lost income to solve their childcare needs by leaving the workforce. Sen. Smith believes now is the time to double-down on investing in our child care facilities and their workers before it’s too late.

This week Senator Smith brings attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October by highlighting the work needed by policymakers to strengthen protections and justice for the victims of domestic violence. Sen. Smith encourages anyone affected by domestic violence to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. 

This week Senator Smith writes about green energy tax credits that are now available to homeowners thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act which passed in 2022. Sen. Smith encourages folks to take advantage of new incentives for home energy efficiency, new and used electric vehicles, and solar power.   

This week Senator Smith writes about the glaring gap in school funding for special needs students which is contributing to the price tag of referendum questions asking voters to make up for the shortfall. Sen. Smith doesn’t think local property tax payers should have to foot the bill because Republicans keep kicking the can on fully funding our schools.