Welcome to my e-update!

My name is Brad Pfaff, and I am proud to represent you as State Senator for the 32nd District in the Wisconsin State Senate.

Our district includes La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford, and southern Monroe County.

In January, I took an oath at the State Capitol and made a promise to work hard for the people of Western Wisconsin. I fully intend to keep my promise and show up every day for the 32nd District.

This newsletter helps me keep in touch with all of you and provide updates on what's happening around the district and in the State Capitol. 

As we celebrate June Dairy Month, I encourage everyone to find a dairy breakfast close by and get a taste of why we take pride in calling Wisconsin "America's Dairyland." 

Recently, I adjourned our Senate session in honor of June Dairy Month, our hardworking dairy farmers, and everyone who has a hand in making Wisconsin's agriculture industry prosper. You can see the video here. 

Around the District

I was happy to attend the grand opening of the All Abilities Trane Park Project in La Crosse. Prioritizing inclusivity and acceptance across the community from a young age is so important for our future.
Families from around the area will be able to enjoy this outdoor space for years to come thanks to everyone who has played a part in making this vision a reality.

Visiting the 88th Readiness Division at Fort McCoy
I recently had a great visit with the 88th Readiness Division at Fort McCoy. For over 100 years, the 88th has consistently adapted to provide critical services for America’s Army Reserve.
I have the utmost respect for any American with the courage to put on a uniform and serve our country at home and abroad. Thank you for making us proud, Blue Devils!

 

The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin with Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes
Wisconsin is a hub for freshwater science globally. We attract some of the best talent worldwide and produce groundbreaking research right here on the Mississippi River.
Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Jill Billings, and I visited the La Crosse Marsh to learn more about the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and express support for its continued funding in the biennial budget.

 

Celebrating 100 years with The Sweet Shop
What started in 1921 as a small ice cream and candy store has become a community staple that’s a must-visit on the north side of La Crosse. The Sweet Shop has been family-owned and operated for 100 years—and their secret ingredient is doing things the old fashioned way.
I was proud to present them with a legislative citation alongside Rep. Jill Billings commemorating their 100 years of service.

Press conference at St. Clare Health Mission on BadgerCare Expansion

Capitol Update

Pushing for BadgerCare Expansion
BadgerCare expansion is a win-win. 90,000 more people get access to healthcare and our state gets back 1 billion taxpayer dollars that we can use to kick start the economy. Last month, I held a press conference with my colleagues Jill Billings and Steve Doyle, as well as St. Clare Health Mission Executive Director Jason Larsen, to come out in strong support of expanding BadgerCare in Wisconsin.

 

Bills to Watch
I want to highlight a few important bills I am authoring in the State Senate.

 

The CLEAR Act (S.B. 361)
In April, I joined Governor Tony Evers and a group of officials to announce the reintroduction of the CLEAR Act, which will address PFAS contamination in the Town of Campbell and across the state.
The CLEAR Act is an important part of the solution to manage the health impacts of these dangerous chemicals, and I will work to advance this critical legislation in the State Senate.

 

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts
The ABLE program allows an individual classified with having a disability before age 26 to have a tax-exempt savings account set up in their name to cover certain expenses. This bill would require the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to implement and administer a qualified ABLE program more readily accessible to people in our state.


My Recent Columns

Agriculture Connects our Economy and Unites Our Community
We shouldn't think of agriculture as only a farmer's business – in fact, it is the business of many. Agriculture is part of a sophisticated supply chain that employs one out of every nine people in Wisconsin and serves as the bedrock for local economies across the state. From dairy genetics to feed nutrition, from crop scouts to cheesemakers, agriculture employs many people in our state. That's why we need to invest in agriculture and our agriculture supply chain.


COVID-19 Update

Municipalities with populations below 50,000 eligible for COVID relief under American Rescue Plan Act
ARPA Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are being provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury to help local governments recover from the Coronavirus pandemic. Municipal clerks must apply by June 18th to be considered!


Calendar
Date Event Location
6/19 La Crosse Dairy Breakfast Onalaska, WI
6/19 Vernon Dairy Breakfast Coon Valley, WI
6/19 La Crosse Juneteenth Celebration Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI
6/23 La Crosse Concert Band Performance Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI
6/30-7/4 La Crosse Riverfest Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI
7/4 Independence Day Nationwide
7/7 La Crosse Concert Band Performance Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI