Progressive Thinking

Senator Smith highlights the vibrant cultural benefits of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes and encourages everyone to find ways to celebrate November as Native American Heritage Month.

EAU CLAIRE - November is Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, invaluable contributions and rich histories of Native communities in our country. This month reminds us to confront our nation’s complex past, celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples and commit to addressing the systemic issues in our society today. We each have a role in honoring and amplifying Native voices, and this month provides us with an opportunity to do just that.

I feel a great sense of admiration for the strength, pride and persistence within Native communities. For generations, Native Americans have held onto their cultural identities despite tremendous adversity. From preserving languages and traditions to revitalizing cultural practices, Native communities are actively reclaiming their heritage and future. I’ve seen Native youth proudly wearing traditional attire like ribbon skirts and beaded earrings, celebrating their cultures and sharing their stories. This visibility is powerful, reminding all of us that Native culture isn’t a relic of the past, but a vibrant contribution to our present and future.

Native American Heritage Month also highlights the urgent challenges facing Native communities. Native women, for instance, experience violence at disproportionate rates, with over half facing sexual violence in their lifetimes, mostly committed by non-Natives. In response, federal legislation like the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), aims to address this epidemic, but sadly, this bill is still stalled in the United States Senate.

I am honored to serve on the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations which is tasked with investigating, and proposing, new legislation for the upcoming legislative session that impacts native communities across Wisconsin. Our next meeting is scheduled for today, and I hope meaningful reforms will be proposed in earnest in the next legislative session as a result of this committee’s work.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to Native veterans who, despite centuries of mistreatment, have served in the U.S. military at historically high rates. Native Americans have a proud legacy of service, defending the very nation that once marginalized them. Supporting organizations that assist Native veterans, such as those focused on addressing homelessness and healthcare, is one way we can honor their sacrifices.

As Native American Heritage Month should be a recognition to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into our daily lives and decision-making processes, let’s honor our first nations by learning about Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes, educating others, celebrating traditions and acknowledging the past. You can visit www.wisconsinfirstnations.org to learn more about resources that are available, and ways you can help educate others about our state’s tribal heritage.

This November, let us celebrate and uplift Native communities, confront historical injustices, and commit ourselves to building a future that respects and protects Native cultures, lands and voices. Native Americans have contributed immeasurably to our society and it is only right that we strive to create a society that values and supports them in return. May Native American Heritage Month inspire us to keep listening, learning, and acting as allies for Native communities every day of the year.

Senator Smith is honored to serve on the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations and hopes the work of the committee will result in tangible policy proposals in this upcoming legislative session.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith celebrates our upcoming Veterans Day this coming November 11th by highlighting the need to support all of our veterans and the programs that support them.

EAU CLAIRE - Veterans Day this coming Monday, November 11th is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who served our nation, but this recognition shouldn’t end after a single day. For the estimated 283,000 veterans living in Wisconsin, the transition back to civilian life often comes with significant challenges–from accessing healthcare and finding affordable housing to managing physical and mental health. Our commitment to veterans must extend year-round, ensuring they receive the support they need for a fulfilling life after service

Veterans in Wisconsin, especially those in rural areas, face unique barriers. Many are dealing with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or substance use issues. Nearly 20 percent of Wisconsin veterans live with a service-connected disability, and a lack of resources in rural areas can make these challenges even harder to address. Limited access to healthcare and mental health services creates gaps in care that leave many veterans without the support they deserve.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in our healthcare system, making it clear that we need to improve access to essential services, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth emerged as an invaluable resource during the pandemic, helping veterans access medical care remotely. Yet, this potential solution has a significant barrier: internet access. Around 30 percent of Wisconsin’s rural veterans lack broadband, which limits their ability to benefit from telehealth services. Expanding broadband in rural areas would make it easier for veterans to get the care they need without facing long travel times to reach VA facilities.

Mental health support is critical for veterans, who often face elevated risks of suicide and substance use. According to Prevent Suicide Wisconsin, from 2013-2017, there were 714 veterans who died by suicide, which accounted for 1 in every 5 Wisconsin suicides. Nationally, more than 17 veterans take their own lives every day.  The introduction of the 9-8-8 mental health crisis line is a positive step forward. By pressing “1” at the prompt, veterans in crisis can immediately connect to mental health resources tailored for them. Programs like these are vital, especially for those who may otherwise struggle in silence.

Housing insecurity remains to be another serious issue. Currently, more than 300 veterans in Wisconsin are homeless according to estimates from the Housing Assistance Council. Programs like the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Housing and Recovery Program offer temporary housing and support services to veterans facing homelessness. Expanding such programs would help ensure that every veteran has a stable place to call home.

If you’re looking for ways to show appreciation for Wisconsin’s veterans, here are some impactful ways to get involved:

·         Donate to veteran charities like Wisconsin Veterans Foundation or the Wisconsin Veterans Network

·         Show your gratitude by attending a Veterans Day parade or ceremony

·         Display the American flag to honor veterans in your community

·         Give your time at a veterans’ organization to show your support

·         Drive veterans to appointments at Veterans Affairs hospitals

·         Choose to shop locally and support veterans in business

·         Support organizations that provide health, career, and mental health services

·         Thank veterans in your workplace and show your appreciation

·         Spend time with a veteran by listening to their experiences

Supporting veterans goes beyond a single day—it’s about honoring their contributions every day. Let’s make it a priority to give back to those who have given so much for us, ensuring all veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith highlights the work being done around the state, and locally in Eau Claire, to remove and replace lead pipes.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - For years now you have probably heard officials warn about Lead Service Lines (LSL) or lead laterals. These are the pipes that bring water into a home or business from the main waterline out in the street. Every budget year, whether it be local, state or federal government, there are debates over funds for removing LSL’s to private homes.

The reason for concern is because lead has been proven to cause many health issues. There is no safe level of lead exposure no matter your age. In adults it is proven to cause neuropathy and to weaken bone health. The neurological effects in children, though, are most alarming. Lead can be the cause of ADHD, delayed learning, lower IQ, developmental problems and even hypertension.

In other words, lead is poisonous to anyone.

Lead components have been banned since 1986. But there are plenty of homes that still have lead laterals. In Wisconsin there are 141,473 known private lead service lines. In the City of Eau Claire alone there are an estimated 1,200 homes in need of pipe replacement.

The water many people consume may be poisoning them through no fault of their own. It can be a daunting task for a private homeowner to remove these lines. That is why programs have been established to help with that removal. Funding has too often been the stumbling block, though.

The Wisconsin DNR offers free technical assistance to small municipalities that report LSL’s in their distribution system. As of June of this year 280 systems have received that assistance.

Wisconsin began a pilot program in 2017-18 using $26 million in unused funds that 40 municipalities took advantage of. Around 7,000 lines were removed through that program.

In 2021-22 Wisconsin was one of eight states that participated in the Water Infrastructure Fund Transfer Act (WIFTA). With the $63.8 million from WIFTA, 14,000 private LSLs were removed in 132 municipalities.

As you can see, this problem is widespread and expensive to solve. Up to now, we have moved at a tortoise speed attacking a problem that is affecting millions of citizens daily.

Wisconsin will receive up to $400 million to address LSL’s from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This will take place from 2024 through 2027. According to the DNR the average cost of removing a private LSL in your home is $4,220 though that can vary depending on location and other factors. The BIL funding will not be nearly enough to remove all those dangerous lead lines but it is a start. The Governor requested $200 million for LSL removal in the 2023-25 budget but it was not in the final budget approved by the legislature.

Some municipalities are desperately searching for ways to accelerate the removal of LSL’s with their own limited funds. The City of Eau Claire is just now kicking off their own program using Capital Improvement Project funds rather than DNR funding. To find out if you qualify for this program, simply call to schedule a test of your pipe and if you have lead pipes, the city will pay up to $3,000 to replace the piping. Through this new local program the homeowner enlists a contractor who then directly bills the city.

To learn more about lead service line replacement in Eau Claire, or to confirm whether your water service line material is a lead service line, please contact the Utility Division at 715-839-5045 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

While it is encouraging that such a program is available in Eau Claire, whether you have safe drinking water should not depend on where you live. Everyone should feel free to drink their tap water knowing it is safe. With a projected $4.6 billion budget surplus there is no excuse for Wisconsin dragging its feet.

Sen. Smith encourage Eau Claire residents to call the city utility department to get their pipes tested for lead by calling 715-839-5045.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith encourages voters to take advantage of early in-person voting and highlights local efforts to make voting accessible and encourages voters to use these opportunities to exercise their right to vote.

EAU CLAIRE - In today’s political landscape, ensuring that your vote is counted has never been more crucial. Early voting offers a powerful way to safeguard your voice in our democracy, while avoiding the uncertainties and potential challenges that can arise on Election Day. Whether it’s long lines, unexpected issues at polling places, or even unforeseen weather events, early voting provides a convenient, private and secure option for all voters.

In Eau Claire, we are fortunate to have a robust early voting process, with in-person absentee voting starting on October 22 and running through November 1. Eau Claire has set up a drive-through early vote location in the City Hall parking lot at 203 South Farwell Street. This offers residents the opportunity to cast their ballots safely and efficiently, all from the comfort of their vehicles. This voter-centric approach not only prioritizes convenience, but also ensures that more voters can participate in the electoral process without facing unnecessary barriers.

By voting early, you reduce the stress of having to navigate potential complications on Election Day. Traffic delays, long lines or even personal emergencies can prevent voters from reaching the polls on time. Early voting removes these obstacles and allows you to cast your ballot at your own convenience.

Beyond convenience, early voting helps protect the integrity of our elections and ensures that every voice is heard. One of the most significant pieces of legislation aimed at protecting voters’ rights is the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. The VRA was a monumental step forward in American democracy, aimed at eliminating discriminatory practices that had long suppressed the vote of marginalized communities, particularly African Americans. Poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses were tools used to disenfranchise voters, and the VRA was designed to put an end to these injustices and discriminatory practices.

This is why early voting, and the measures taken by local governments like Eau Claire’s drive-through voting, are so vital. They embody the spirit of the Voting Rights Act by making voting accessible and ensuring that no one faces undue obstacles in exercising their fundamental right. Voting early is one of the easiest ways you can help to create a smoother, more manageable Election Day for poll workers and other voters by reducing congestion and long wait times.

You’re also making sure that any potential issues with your ballot—such as a clerical error or a problem with voter registration—can be resolved well before the polls close on Election Day.

In the upcoming election, we are facing critical decisions that will shape our community, our state, and our nation. The early voting period is not just a matter of convenience—it’s an essential part of a well-functioning democracy.

Local governments across the country are adapting to make voting more accessible. In Eau Claire, the drive-through early voting system is a prime example of this. Whether you are concerned about work schedules, health issues or simply want to avoid the rush, early voting offers a way to participate fully in the electoral process.

Our democracy thrives when everyone has an opportunity to vote, free from unnecessary barriers. I urge you to take advantage of early voting in your community. By voting early and in person, you are not only making your voice heard, but you are also upholding the legacy of the Voting Rights Act—a legacy that ensures fair and equal access to the ballot box for all citizens. Secure your vote and strengthen our democracy by voting early. Find your polling place right now at www.myvote.wi.gov.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith highlights a new report on the state of childcare in Wisconsin which found that parents are giving up an estimated $1.1 billion in lost income to solve their childcare needs by leaving the workforce.

MADISON - The child care crisis in Wisconsin is undeniable and urgent. As child care centers continue to close across the state, the impact on our families, workforce and economy grows faster. This crisis is not just a result of the pandemic—it’s a symptom of decades of underfunding and unsustainable business models in early childcare and education.

Last year Republicans turned their backs on Wisconsin families by allowing the Joint Finance Committee to give up on the Child Care Counts Program. In response, Gov. Tony Evers directed $170 million in emergency funding to the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) to continue the program at current levels through June 2025. With the consequences of inaction too great to ignore, we should address this issue head-on in January at the beginning of a new legislative session.

Child care providers in Wisconsin operate on razor-thin margins. Child care is labor-intensive and requires highly trained professionals. It’s been stretched to the breaking point. Staffing shortages plague the sector, with many classrooms closing due to a lack of qualified workers. This, in turn, forces parents—especially women—out of the workforce as they struggle to find affordable care for their children.

According to a new report by the UW Institute for Research on Poverty’s Department of Children and Families, the economic toll is staggering. Wisconsin is losing an estimated $1.1 billion per year in lost productivity, earnings and tax revenue due to child care challenges.

For most families in Wisconsin, child care is simply unaffordable. The average cost of center-based care for an infant is approximately $12,500 per year, or 16% of the median household income. This burden is comparable to the cost of tuition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Yet, child care must be paid upfront and in cash, placing a tremendous strain on young families. Even worse, the true cost of providing care—about $33,715 per infant—far exceeds what most providers can charge, leading to inadequate wages for child care workers and an unsustainable business model.

It’s clear that child care providers are being forced to choose between staying afloat and offering affordable, quality care. Teachers in these centers make an average of $13.55 per hour, far below the average wage of $28.34 for Wisconsin workers. Many lack health benefits, further exacerbating turnover and workforce shortages.

Child care providers continue to face rising costs, while too many Wisconsin families remain on waiting lists or are forced to leave the workforce altogether. The problem is systemic, and piecemeal reforms won’t be enough to fix it.

Wisconsin has an opportunity to lead the nation in addressing this crisis by investing directly in child care access, affordability, and workforce support. Before July, we must restore and increase funding to Child Care Counts, ensuring that providers have the financial stability they need to keep their doors open. Additionally, increasing Wisconsin Shares rates and expanding eligibility will make it easier for more families to afford care, particularly during the critical early years of their children’s lives.

We must also address the workforce shortages by offering better wages and benefits to early educators. These professionals are crucial to the development of our children and deserve to be compensated fairly for their work. By increasing scholarships, wage stipends, and professional development opportunities, we can attract more workers to the field and ensure that child care remains a viable career path.

The child care crisis in Wisconsin is an issue that affects us all. Without immediate action, we will continue to lose out on economic productivity, and more importantly, we will fail the families and children who depend on a strong early care system. It’s time for Wisconsin’s leaders to prioritize affordable, accessible child care and support the workers who make it possible. Our future workforce—and the future of our state—depends on it.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.