Last week, a lone public hearing was held on the two most important pieces of legislation our legislature will consider this decade, our legislative and Congressional districts. Nearly 100 members of the public spoke, and not a single person other than the bills’ authors testified in favor of the proposed GOP maps. Jurisdictions representing about 80% of Wisconsin residents have passed either a resolution or referendum in support of fair maps. Every scientific poll that has been conducted in Wisconsin in recent years has shown strong majority support for fair maps. And yet, in today’s Senate floor session, every single

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Executive Director and CEO Joaquín Altoro is leaving the Evers Administration to accept a position in the Biden Administration effective immediately. “Joaquín Altoro has been an invaluable part of our administration and a tireless affordable housing advocate for Wisconsinites in every zip code as we’ve worked to connect the dots on lack of accessible housing across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m incredibly grateful for Joaquín’s service to the people of our state, and I know his expertise and advocacy will serve our country well. We

WASHINGTON, November 8, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold key staff positions in Washington, D.C. Joaquin Altoro was appointed Administrator of the Rural Housing Service within Rural Development For nearly three decades, Altoro has been dedicated to understanding the heart and passion of minority communities and applying his experience and wisdom to provide financing opportunities that spark economic development. Recently, he served as CEO and Executive Director for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). As CEO, Altoro strategically positioned WHEDA to adopt a holistic approach to leverage affordable housing

MADISON – Representative Scott Krug (R-Rome) is very pleased to announce that Assembly Bill 682 has been recommended for passage by the Assembly Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation. “The vote was unanimous,” said Rep. Krug. “Everyone on the committee understands that these mills need to re-open, and that this bill is our best path to seeing that happen.” Krug expects the full State Assembly to take up the bill in its floor action this coming Thursday. November 11. “I anticipate a voice vote by the Assembly,” said Krug. “I look forward to seeing this bill come up before

Madison, WI – Today, Senate Democrats voted for legislator-drawn maps they introduced on short notice without public input. The People’s Maps Commission’s (“PMC”) proposed maps would have gone unconsidered but for an amendment from Senate Majority Leader LeMahieu (R-Oostburg). In response, Sen. Stroebel (R-Saukville) issued the following statement: “I have heard countless cries from Democrats and their supporters that, notwithstanding the Wisconsin Constitution’s contrary language, legislators should not be drawing maps.  Only an independent commission can draw so-called ‘impartial’ or ‘fair’ maps.  What happened? “The fact that Senate Democrats didn’t propose the PMC maps and proposed their own, legislator-drawn maps

MADISON – Today, the Wisconsin State Senate rejected maps created by Governor Tony Evers’ People’s Maps Commission (PMC) with a bipartisan, supermajority vote. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) issued the following statement: “Governor Evers’ People’s Maps Commission created maps that are so deeply flawed that a bipartisan supermajority in the State Senate had no other choice but to reject them.  “Democratic Senators were so embarrassed by Governor Evers’ nonpartisan maps that they offered their own, hastily-drawn maps as a more suitable alternative to the PMC maps. “The non-partisan redistricting commission, long heralded by Democrats as the only way to draw

MADISON – Representative Loren Oldenburg (R-Viroqua) authored Assembly Bill 220. Assembly Bill 220 was signed into law on November 5, 2021 the bill is now officially 2021 Wisconsin Act 83. 2021 Wisconsin Act 83 requires school districts that operate a high school to provide information about the state’s Youth Apprenticeship program in the packet of information they are already statutorily required to provide to students. Representative Oldenburg has made advocating for Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship program a priority throughout his time serving in the State Assembly. “It is an honor to have Assembly Bill 220 signed into law,” stated Representative Oldenburg. “The Youth Apprenticeship

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI – Derrick Van Orden is among the first wave of ‘Young Guns’ announced by Leader Kevin McCarthy and the NRCC as top candidates in the 2022 midterms. Derrick has been the top fundraising Republican contender in both quarters since his announcement in August and has been campaigning across the district speaking with Wisconsinites about the out of control inflation across the country, fixing our global standing after Joe Biden’s failed Afghanistan withdrawal, and the self-inflicted illegal immigration crisis at the border. House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy unveiled the first set of ‘Young Guns’ today, highlighting candidates

On Friday, November 5, 2021, a bill authored by State Representative Todd Novak and State Senator Joan Ballweg that adds information about Wisconsin’s Safe Haven Laws into school sexual education curriculum was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers (2021 Wisconsin Act 90). Safe Haven Laws in Wisconsin allow newborn children less than 72 hours old to be anonymously relinquished to police officers, first responders, and hospital workers without legal consequence. Once a child is relinquished, an adoption can be facilitated. Under Wisconsin Act 90, education about the current laws will be incorporated into health classes in classrooms around the

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) recently joined Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee in writing to President Biden about the massing of Russian forces on the Ukranian border. In the letter, the lawmakers expressed concerns about the situation and called on the President to send Ukraine additional support, including enhanced intelligence and weapons. “I am increasingly concerned that the Russian buildup along Ukraine’s northern border is more than just a show of strength,” said Rep. Gallagher. “The quality of units present, alarming statements from the Russian government, and the leverage that President Biden gifted to Russia by

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today released a statement on the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. “This bipartisan infrastructure bill is a win for Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers. “For years, elected officials in this state failed to make meaningful investments in our roads and infrastructure. I’m proud we’ve gotten to work providing more than 300,000 homes and businesses with access to new or improved broadband service while fixing more than 1,000 miles of highway and more than 800 state and local bridges. “Now, because of President Biden’s efforts to pass this once-in-a-generation infrastructure

MADISON – The Wisconsin State Assembly will recognize Lieutenant Chris Williams as a “Hometown Hero” during the upcoming Assembly session on November 11th.   Williams was nominated by his state representative Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin) for his bravery and service to the West Allis Fire Department. “There are numerous stories of Chris going above and beyond the call of duty to help those in need,” said Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) who selected him for the award. “He embodies the true spirit of a public servant, and his community is lucky to have him on the force.” According to Mason Pooler, West Allis