Happy fall, Northside!
As the biennial session nears its end, I wanted to give you an update on my recent legislative activity, as well as a reflection on my final term representing the 76th District.
On August 25, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to discuss three proposed audits: certain Community Action Agencies (CAAs), the State Building Program, and FoodShare. I voted in favor of the first audit, which passed unanimously, to investigate claims of financial misuse. I voted against the second two, along with the majority of my Democratic colleagues, as they lacked sufficient justification for spending taxpayer money; these audits were evidently politically motivated.
In January, the 76th Assembly District will swear in its new Representative: current Madison Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford. Alder Martinez-Rutherford is a hardworking and experienced progressive candidate who is rounding out four years of service on the Madison Common Council. She is the first openly transgender woman to be elected to public office in Wisconsin, and will be the first openly transgender state legislator in state history. I am honored to be succeeded by her and look forward to seeing her represent the district.
Finally, as my term comes to an end in January, I want to thank my Northside constituents for all of your support over the years, and your hard work helping me fight for bold, progressive policies. In my time representing the 76th, I championed the introduction of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights; co-founded the Healthy School Meals for All WI Coalition; passed Act 266 to include Asian-American history in K-12 public schools; and so much more. It has been the highest honor to serve as your Representative, and I look forward to continuing the fight for a better future in years to come.
