Currently holds the office of Wisconsin State Assembly - District 1 until January 4, 2027.
Candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly - District 1 in 2026 Wisconsin Primary Election.
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.
Get StartedTourism is one of the pillars of the economy in all of Wisconsin, but particularly in the 1st Assembly District. This industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic but had shown very strong growth throughout the decade prior to that. As fear of the virus subsides, we will undoubtedly see a tremendous rebound. Tourism promotion shows a tremendous return on investment and it is important that Wisconsin keeps pace with surrounding states. We have increased our tourism promotion in Chicago and the Twin Cities with great results, but there is more to be done. As a member of the Assembly Tourism Committee, I will continue to be a strong advocate for the tourism industry. Learn more
We must also continue to address the lack of skilled workers in or state. This skills gap is not unique to our area and it is one of our most urgent challenges. I have supported the Fast Track program to provide grants for training workers and I authored legislation to provide better career counseling to our students. Learn more
Last session I supported the Stronger Workforce Initiative, which made it easier for people to go back to work and reduced fraud in our unemployment system. I want to build further on that. Another factor that is playing a role in our worker shortage is a lack of affordable housing. I have had legislation signed into law that allows municipalities to build more affordable housing and I will continue to work hard to ensure people can move to our area to fill many of the open jobs. Learn more
I will also continue to write bills that help our students become more proficient in reading. Research has shown that children who cannot read at grade level in fourth grade will struggle to graduate from high school and are far less likely to lead productive lives. About 85 percent of juvenile offenders are functionally illiterate, as are 70 percent of prison inmates. More than 75 percent of those on welfare have difficulties in reading the simplest texts. Learn more
Sadly, close to 65 percent of fourth graders in Wisconsin are not proficient readers, with 34 percent failing to meet even basic standards. I introduced legislation last session that would help teachers identify struggling readers earlier, but it was vetoed by the governor. I plan on reintroducing that proposal next session because too much is at stake. This issue must be addressed. Learn more
Our efforts have been effective. The recent test results from Door County wells show that, while we have the most vulnerable geology in the state, our drinking water is much cleaner than the state as a whole in every category. I have also been recognized for my leadership in preserving the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Programand I will continue to do everything within my power to protect it. Learn more
Furthermore, I will also look to reform our tax code to make it simpler and more competitive with other states. We have improved our business climate tremendously over the past decade and we must keep. Learn more
View your personalized ballot, check your voter registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and measure on the ballot with BallotReady.