“Many people with disabilities depend on public programs so they can stay healthy and live, work and participate in the community,” Jason Endres wrote to me in favor of a bill I recently introduced.

Lake Hallie, WI – State Representative Kathy Bernier (R-Lake Hallie), announced today that she is a candidate for the 23rd State Senate district, currently represented by Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls).

“Wisconsin is moving forward and it is time to build on that success on behalf of the residents of west-central Wisconsin. I am proud of my record in the State Assembly, and am excited to announce my candidacy for State Senate,” said Bernier.

"The quality of interpreters is so important. I need someone who has the fluent skills to work with me,” Leah Simmons explained. “Their lack of knowledge reflects negatively on me.” Professor Simmons uses specific jargon and language. Her colleagues and students judge her by the language she uses. She cannot communicate directly to hearing students. Professor Simmons is Deaf.

“Public assistance should be a trampoline not a hammock,” read the title of Governor Walker’s press release touting work on a package of bills introduced in a Legislative Special Session. The bills made changes to certain programs targeted at helping those living in poverty.

Last Friday afternoon we learned of the 79 bills up for a vote on Tuesday. I spoke with my neighbor shortly after seeing the long list.

“How can they possibly know what they are voting on?” she asked me. I replied there is no time to talk with people and learn the effects of these changes.

In a recent committee hearing, I argued majority lawmakers were moving broadband expansion forward by press release and little else.

This week Representative Don Vuwink (D-Milton) and I are circulating bills to actually move broadband forward for Wisconsin.

On Saturday, Feb. 10 the Citizen Action Organizing Co-op of Western Wisconsin held a candidate forum at the Eau Claire Children's Theater. The event was attended by over 220 people, and gave 7 of the Democratic candidates for governor a chance to explain their positions. This is a video of the entire event. Candidates present were Paul Soglin, Andy Gronik, Matt Flynn, Kelda Roys, Dana Wachs, Mike McCabe, and Mahlon Mitchell. 

Farmers from several western Wisconsin counties traveled to Madison as part of the annual Ag Day at the Capitol.

On the day the Governor delivered his State of the State address, farmers shared with their legislators, the state of things in their world.