Over the past few weeks, I hosted a series of listening sessions across the 17th Senate District, including meetings in Albany, Argyle, Cuba City, Muscoda, Oregon, and Wauzeka.

I heard from more than 150 people during these events, with speakers coming from communities ranging from Prairie du Chien to Brodhead. People came from a wide variety of backgrounds and shared all kinds of opinions, ideas, and concerns.

I appreciate everyone who attended and spoke at these sessions. Investing your time to come to an hour-long listening session during the week is a commitment. I am grateful for all the input shared with me. While we may not agree on every issue, I enjoy hearing from as many of you as I can. I value the opportunity to hear your comments, criticisms, and questions. They help inform me as a legislator as I consider policy and budget decisions that impact our state.

I wanted to share a brief recap of some of the most common topics discussed during our series of listening sessions:

Funding for Schools: Attendees spoke to the need for increased funding for local school districts and concern over referenda in their communities. I share their concern and remain a strong supporter of our rural school districts.

Data shows that the primary reason that our school districts are struggling is declining enrollment in our rural areas, and the state as a whole. In the 17th Senate District, the state government is funding schools at a higher percentage than in the past. However, declining enrollment has caused a shrinking revenue limit, meaning the size of their budget is decreasing regardless of the amount of state funding.

Wind and Solar Farms and Data Centers: Similar to my listening sessions last year, attendees voiced frustration over the spread of industrial wind and solar farms and the lack of control that local officials have over the process. Many called for the advancement of Senate Bill (SB) 3, which I authored. This legislation would give local officials a voice in approving large wind and solar projects. I share their frustration that SB 3 has not yet received a hearing and recently sent a letter to the chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism requesting a hearing.

This year, I also heard concerns about proposed data centers. I am a co-sponsor of legislation that would ensure that Wisconsinites do not see their electricity bills rise because of data centers being built near them. Among other protections for Wisconsinites, the bill would prohibit utilities from passing the costs for data centers onto consumers.

Property Taxes and the 400-Year Veto: Many attendees were frustrated by large increases in January’s property tax bills. I understand this. I experienced a similar increase this year. Rising property taxes were primarily driven by two factors: school districts going to referendum due to declining enrollment and the Governor’s 400-year veto. I discussed these two factors during a recent Marklein Minute. During our last meeting, the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) approved legislation that would reverse this veto and help lower property taxes in future years.

I also heard concerns on a number of other topics including healthcare, local government funding, elections, and more.

I am grateful for the time and effort of everyone who joined me at a listening session. If you were unable to participate but still have ideas or input you would like to share, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.