When I took my oath in January, I promised to advocate for western Wisconsin values. As we wrap up 2021, I want to reflect on what my team and I have been working on and look forward to the issues we can tackle in the coming year.
State Budget
The budget we passed earlier this year invests in our future. Here are just a few of the things I am proud to have voted for:
$2 billion in middle-class tax cuts.
The most significant broadband expansion effort in state history.
$100 million to fix our roads.
Increased funding for youth and adult apprenticeship programs to address Wisconsin's labor shortage.
$12 million in additional funds for school mental health services.
Although we didn't get everything our state needs from this budget, I have kept my promise to work hard and fill in the gaps by introducing new legislation.
Governor Evers and I recently announced a $110 million investment in our children's education at a Holmen High School event where we were joined by School District of Holmen leaders.
High prescription drug costs hurt Wisconsin families. That’s why I’m proud to be the lead author on a bill to create the first-ever Office of Drug Affordability here in Wisconsin.
Earlier this year, I worked to pass a bipartisan bill to pass pharmacy savings onto customers, which Governor Evers signed. We need to ensure that Wisconsinites get the best Rx drug prices possible. Nobody should break the bank for being sick.
As the proud son of multiple generations of family farmers, I know how intertwined agriculture is with our state’s economy. That’s why I introduced legislation to create new markets for Wisconsin farmers, attract new talent to the agriculture industry, and protect our land and water.
Main Street businesses are the bedrock of our economy, and they’ve been hit hard this past year. I introduced a bill to eliminate the burdensome Personal Property Tax in Wisconsin once and for all allowing our small businesses to keep more of the income they earn.
In April, I cosponsored the CLEAR Act, which will address PFAS contamination in the Town of Campbell and across the state.
The CLEAR Act is an integral part of the solution to manage the health impacts of dangerous chemicals in our water supply, and I am working hard to get it passed in the Senate.
Creating jobs to grow our middle class is crucial to economic recovery. I introduced the “Buy American” package to ensure that our state government promotes American and Wisconsin job creation by prioritizing purchasing products made in our country and our state.
With Scott and Cyndi Leckey, owners of the beautiful Westby House Inn, and Rep. Loren Oldenburg, during the Westby Area Historical Society annual meeting.
Looking Ahead
My goal for 2022 is to focus on what unites us instead of what divides us. Although many of my bills are still making their way through the legislative process, I’m confident that the work we’re doing will make a difference here at home.
Nobody has a monopoly on good ideas, and I firmly believe that we have the opportunity to make headway on so many issues important to our families and way of life.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a joyous Holiday season!
