January takes its name from the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings, ends and transitions. Janus and January are positioned to look forward and back. Now is a time to take stock of the past year and envision what the new year can bring.
In the Wisconsin Legislature, Democrats are as focused in 2026 as we were in 2025 on lowering costs and improving lives for the people we serve around the state. From health care premiums to groceries to energy costs, Wisconsin families are feeling the squeeze. The policies, chaos and uncertainty emanating from the Trump Administration make costs rise and matters worse.
That’s why Democrats have proposed legislation that would bring down the cost of prescription drugs, expand the Homestead Tax Credit to help Wisconsinites who are struggling with housing costs, and provide a free, healthy school breakfast and lunch to all Wisconsin K-12 students.
Spoiler alert: none of those bills has even gotten a hearing in the Republican-controlled legislature.
I am an optimist. My door is always open to collaboration and conversation. As Democratic leader in the State Senate, I seek ways to work together to get the results Wisconsinites expect.
There are some critically important elections coming up in 2026 in the State Senate and the State Assembly. Currently, the Republican majority in the Senate is a razor-thin three seats. Fair maps have made a huge difference. Democrats could be in the majority after the November elections.
My colleagues and I will continue to propose legislation that the vast majority of Wisconsinites support — extending Medicaid post-partum care, upholding the State’s responsibilities to fund public schools, legalizing marijuana, renewing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program that protects our water and land, and common-sense gun safety laws.
Looking forward to continuing to work for you in 2026 and beyond!
