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Wisconsin, our beloved state, holds a significant place in the history of school choice. It was here that the first school choice program in the United States, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, was established in 1989 under the visionary leadership of Governor Thompson. This rich legacy is something we can all take pride in.
Observers of initiative process in California, Michigan point out problems with process embraced by Evers
Would laws based on public petition campaigns and referendums do a better job of giving Wisconsin citizens a voice in legislation? Not necessarily, say observers in other states that have the process.
“It’s not direct democracy, really,” said Lance Christensen, a long-time legislative consultant and budget analyst in California. “It’s more of an oligarchy or plutocracy.”
As I write this the President elected in November has not yet been inaugurated and the candidates for the spring elections are already known! There are a couple of critical state-wide contests and a few “regional” elections in the judicial arena at the District Appeals Court or County Circuit Court level. Additionally, there will be elections for local municipal offices and School District Boards of Education. They are all important!
All members of the Senate and Assembly took the oath of office at Monday's Inauguration in the state Capitol. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley. It was a privilege to have her and I am honored to have earned the support and confidence of my colleagues to once again be voted in as the Assembly Speaker.
My inaugural speech focused on my hope that both parties could work together without sacrificing our principles to find common ground solutions for the most challenging problems facing Wisconsin.
“Our Nation cannot continue down the path of abortion, so radically at odds with our history, our heritage, and our concepts of justice. This sacred legacy, and the well-being and the future of our country, demand that protection of the innocents must be guaranteed and that the personhood of the unborn be declared and defended throughout our land.”
– President Ronald Reagan, National Sanctity of Human Life Day Proclamation, 1988
The new legislative session officially began on Monday, January 6 with the inauguration of our new members of the legislature. As the activity in the Capitol ramps up, I wanted to give you a preview of what this session may hold.
I am running for Superintendent of Public Instruction in the 2025 spring election. I have championed high standards for students and families throughout my career as an education leader. I have taught both science and special education in public schools. When I was an innovative principal at a public school serving low-income communities, then-State Superintendent Tony Evers honored me with the “Beating the Odds” award. I have held leadership positions in both local and national education organizations.
Activity ramped up at the state Capitol this week as members of the 107th session of the Wisconsin State Legislature were sworn into office.
Now entering my third term as a state senator, it is an absolute honor and privilege that you, the voters of the 24th Senate District, continue to put your trust in me to advocate for your priorities down in Madison.
I am anticipating a productive session where my colleagues and I will advance legislation that benefits all residents of the state.
I recently released the following statement on retaining positions on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for the 119th Congress:
