Since the beginning of our legislative session in January, much of my attention has been focused on the state budget. The budget will continue to be my primary focus until it is signed into law. However, I also wanted to share a few of my other legislative priorities for this session with you.

Providing quality education – It is no secret that many school districts across the state have been going to referendum lately. I understand the challenges that our local school districts are facing. I have been meeting with many of them and discussing the best ways to support our public schools. In addition to funding, we discuss the importance of improving test scores and the impressive ways that many of our schools are preparing their students for the workforce. I am a strong supporter of public K-12 education and will continue to work with school districts and with my colleagues in the legislature to find sustainable ways to set our kids up for success.

Increasing the accessibility and affordability of healthcare – The 17th Senate District is home to seven hospitals and dozens of nursing homes, long term care facilities, and clinics. During the past few legislative sessions, I have successfully advocated for massive increases in funding for hospitals, mental healthcare, and long-term care providers. The legislature has also passed bills that will make it easier for rural Wisconsinites to access healthcare, such as through expanding telehealth. I will continue to support our local hospitals and advocate for investing more resources in our healthcare industry.

Reducing the cost of living – People across the state are feeling the effects of inflation, from buying groceries and filling up their gas tanks to trying to purchase that first home. Last legislative session I helped pass a package of bills aimed at cutting red tape and making it easier to build additional housing. I will continue to work to promote policies that make it easier for you to afford everyday goods and keep more money in your pockets.

Lowering taxes – One of my top goals this session is to provide broad tax relief for every taxpayer in the state. Wisconsin has such a large budget surplus in part because Governor Evers continues to veto my plan to provide middle-class tax relief. I will work to prevent excess government spending and the addition of unnecessary bureaucracy in Madison to ensure your tax dollars are returned to you.

Keeping government accountable – I will use my position on the Joint Audit Committee to make state government work more efficiently and effectively. Using the legislature’s oversight role over state agencies is the best way to shed light on agency actions that otherwise occur outside out of the public eye. With my role on Joint Finance Committee (JFC) I will provide budgetary oversight and ensure your tax dollars are being spent wisely and that state government is accountable.

Addressing the unique needs of our communities – I am also focused on the unique needs of the 17th Senate district. Every community I represent has an issue that may not affect Wisconsin as a whole, but is extremely important to the people who live there. I will always advocate for the unique needs of citizens across southwestern and southern Wisconsin.

Nearly everything I do in Madison this session will be with these six things in mind. Between the state budget and the legislative session, I will continue to work towards creating a more prosperous Wisconsin that is a great place to work, live, and raise a family. Please reach out to me with any ideas you have to move Wisconsin forward.

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, 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.