Shilling reaffirms Senate Democratic commitment to Governor’s priorities

MADISON, WI – Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) released the following statement in response to Gov. Evers’ State of the State address:

“For too long, we’ve seen misguided priorities under Republican control that favor the wealthy and well connected. This is a new era in our state, and it is refreshing to have a Governor that is committed to focusing on the people of Wisconsin rather than playing political games. Senate Democrats are eager to work with Gov. Evers on the issues impacting Wisconsin families every day. We will deliver on his plan to improve health care, strengthen schools, fix our roads and invest in pro-growth policies that build up the middle class.

“Democrats are committed to lowering property taxes, strengthening local schools and giving Wisconsin children the best possible education by restoring millions in state aid cut by Republicans. We are going to grow our economy from the ground up by raising wages, expanding access to paid sick leave and making child care more affordable for working families. We remain dedicated to jump-starting small business development, investing in 21^st century infrastructure by fixing our crumbling roads and bridges and expanding high-speed broadband internet access.

“With Gov. Evers’ leadership, these goals are all within our reach, but we need to find new ways to work together, invest in our communities and expand opportunities for everyone – not just the wealthiest one percent.”

Says people of Green Bay want access to affordable healthcare, public schools fully funded, and our roads fixed. Governor Tony Evers on track.

MADISON – State Representative Staush Gruszynski (D-Green Bay) offered the following remarks after attending Governor Tony Evers’ first State of the State Address at the State Capitol on Tuesday evening.

“Governor Tony Evers’ State of the State Address shows that the Governor has a clear agenda that sets politics aside to put the people of Wisconsin first. Like the Governor, I am ready to work with my colleagues in the legislature to move Wisconsin forward, which is exactly what my constituents asked me to do. The people of Green Bay want access to affordable healthcare, they want to see our public schools fully funded, and they want us to fix our roads. So does Governor Evers, and so do I,” Gruszynski said.

Gruszynski was elected to represent the 90th Assembly District in November 2018 and serves on the following Assembly committees: the Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the Committee on Local Government, the Committee on Sporting Heritage, the Committee on Tourism, and the Committee on Rural Development.

Milwaukee - Senator Larson released the following statement regarding Governor Evers’ First State of the State Address

“In his first State of the State Address, Governor Evers laid out a strong vision for a first term that has a foundation in working together for the benefit of all of our friends and neighbors, not just those who can afford an army of lobbyists. There are hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin families who have been left behind over the last eight years and are struggling to make ends meet. During that same time, some of our wealthiest corporations and citizens have done very well. Whether it is access to healthcare, a reasonable living wage, or funding our public education and infrastructure, Governor Evers recognizes the significant challenges facing our neighbors across Wisconsin.

“One of our cherished Wisconsin values is that we care about our neighbors. Governor Evers wants to restore that value and make sure that everyone in Wisconsin has the same access to opportunity.”

Wisconsin Values, Priorities Highlighted By The Governor

MADISON – Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) released the following statement regarding Governor Tony Evers’ first State of the State Address:

“How refreshing to see an agenda that expands health care access, makes a commitment to our public schools, and rebuilds our transportation infrastructure. These are the issues that people across Wisconsin care about, and these are the issues Governor Evers is prioritizing.

“It is a new era for Wisconsin. Governor Evers is focused on restoring our shared Wisconsin values, not his political future. The core principles of the new Administration are the ideals we should all strive for: equity, opportunity, and community. Governor Evers knocked it out of the park tonight.”

Democratic leader impressed with his professionalism and commitment to public safety in our state.

MADISON – Today, Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) commended Governor Evers’ appointment of Major Anthony Burrell as Superintendent of the Wisconsin State Patrol. Rep. Hintz released the following statement:

“This a terrific appointment by the Governor. I have met with Major Burrell over the years during his service as Captain of the Northeast Region and have always been impressed with his professionalism and commitment to public safety in our state. Wisconsin will be well served by Major Burrell.”

MADISON - The 2019 Spring Primary Election is Tuesday, February 19. Many municipalities and school districts will have nonpartisan primary elections to decide candidates for important local races such as mayor, school board, city council, etc.

Then on Tuesday, April 2, the 2019 Spring General Election will be held. Statewide court races (including a seat for the Wisconsin Supreme Court) as well as key local officials will be decided by the April election.

Be informed and help spread the word about these important state and local elections!

You can find out the date of your next election by visiting the official election website of the state of Wisconsin - MyVote.wi.gov and searching by your address. 

You may also consider absentee voting by mail to ensure you don't miss an election this year. You don't need to declare a reason to vote absentee by mail in Wisconsin, and many people find it very convenient to be able to vote when it fits best in their schedule. Find out how you can request your ballot.

MADISON - After eight years of staunchly refusing to consider Democratic proposals to protect Wisconsinites’ health care, fully fund the state’s classrooms and provide a long-term solution to Wisconsin’s transportation crisis, Assembly Republicans have suddenly expressed support for such priorities in a letter sent to Governor Tony Evers today.

“Where was this ‘hand of bipartisanship’ the last eight years?” asked Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Courtney Beyer. “Now that Vos no longer has a rubber stamp in the Governor’s office, he’s chosen to steal the same Democratic proposals that he spent the last six years shooting down. Clearly Republicans care more about taking credit for Governor Evers and legislative Democrats’ ideas than actually solving the problems our state faces.”

Assembly Democratic Leader to begin 7th term serving the people of Oshkosh

MADISON – Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) was sworn in Monday for the 2019-2020 legislative session of the Wisconsin State Assembly. Rep. Hintz has been serving the 54th Assembly District since 2007 and was re-elected as Assembly Democratic Leader for the 2019-10 legislative session.

“It is an honor to serve the residents of the 54th Assembly District. As someone who has always called Oshkosh home, I take the responsibility of representing our community very seriously and am eager to get to work in Madison.”

“The hardworking people of 54th Assembly District elected me to strengthen our public schools, improve access to quality healthcare, and fix our roads and bridges. I believe these goals are achievable when we come together to find solutions that work for everyone in our state. The 2019-2020 legislative session is an opportunity to make Wisconsin a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Let’s get to work.”

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Rep. Hintz represents the 54th Assembly District which encompasses the City of Oshkosh. Rep. Hintz served on the Joint Finance Committee prior to being elected to Assembly Democratic Leader in 2017.

MILWAUKEE - Senator Chris Larson released this statement regarding his inauguration Monday for a third term in the Wisconsin State Senate.

“I want to thank my neighbors in the 7th Senate District for once again entrusting me with the great honor and privilege of giving voice to our values in the Wisconsin State Senate. I look forward to continuing to work on policies that reflect their priorities for our great state.

“In the next four years, I believe that we can finally see movement on issues that were long stalled during Wisconsin’s time of one party rule. We must again prioritize the teaching of our children in Wisconsin and rebalance the education funding formula so that we are not picking winners and losers based on where children happen to live. Every child deserves early access to education. We need to commit ourselves to full-day 4K so our Wisconsin kids have the educational opportunities that bring a lifetime of success.

“This session, we must finally tackle the problem of drunk driving. I will be pushing very hard for common sense solutions to this problem and I call on my Republican colleagues to come to the table, work with Democrats on this issue, and pass comprehensive legislation that Governor Evers can sign this session. We can make sure that everyone convicted of an OWI install an interlock device in their vehicles. There must be a real and immediate consequence for all drunk drivers. Simply doing that can go a long way to changing Wisconsin’s culture of drinking and driving and making our roadways safe.

“We will renew Wisconsin’s commitment to good government that has been greatly diminished in recent years. In order for our government to function properly it must do so in an open and honest fashion. Our constituents have a right to know who is influencing their elected officials. That is why we must also prioritize laws that make it easier to hold elected officials accountable and make it harder for special interests to buy and bully politicians. Members of the legislature should no longer be able to simply delete any public record they want at any time they want. Additionally, we must limit the amount of money political action committees and individuals can give to candidates for office. I know, that if we work together, we can limit the corrupting influence money has on our democracy and make our government more accessible to those who have been shut out of the process.

“It is a new era for Wisconsin politics and I am thankful and grateful to be a part of building a better future for all of us. Thank you again to my neighbors in our shared community for this great honor.”

MADISON – Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) was sworn into office Monday as the 31st District Senator during the opening session of the 104th Wisconsin State Legislature.

Senator Smith offered the following statement:

“I feel humbled and honored to represent our Western Wisconsin values in the State Senate. There is much work to be done, but together, we can make our state a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“I look forward to reaching out to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to restore civility. I’m confident we can work together to find commonsense solutions for educating our children, fixing our roads and protecting our environment.”

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The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo and Pepin counties and portions of Trempealeau, Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Chippewa and Jackson counties.