One year ago, we inaugurated four new Democratic senators, each one a champion for lower costs and reproductive freedom. Our first priorities were to limit property tax increases, provide families with relief on grocery bills with Healthy Schools Meals, and lower the cost of prescription drugs.
In the year since, Republicans have failed to give any of these bills a public hearing. In fact, they’ve spent 12 months making it harder for Wisconsinites to afford groceries and property taxes. Not only that, Wisconsin Republicans have sat by silently as their party leader sends an unaccountable paramilitary force into American cities to intimidate, create chaos, and, in the case of Renee Good, murder people.
This is unacceptable. I reacted to this incredibly predictable tragedy by writing a letter to every member of the Congressional delegation making sure they know that Wisconsinites do not want our tax dollars funding this illegal and violent conduct. I know Wisconsin’s Republican politicians are likely to ignore this plea because they have spent years ignoring public sentiment.
For 15 years, Republicans have had complete control of the legislature despite losing almost all statewide elections. The result is a discouraged electorate that doesn’t believe our government can solve problems. But when finally given the opportunity to elect individuals who do care about a people-first agenda in Green Bay, Appleton, Sauk City and Portage, they voted for Democrats.
With almost one year remaining in this legislative term, Republicans are now planning to end our session in February, taking another 10-month vacation without addressing affordable housing, child care, health care or utilities.
Democrats are ready and eager to deliver lower costs and better opportunities to Wisconsin families, even if our GOP colleagues are not. We will never stop working to build a Wisconsin where everyone has the freedom to thrive.
