MADISON…Today, Representative Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) announced that legislation he co-authored has passed the State Assembly on a unanimous 96-0 vote.  The bill would ensure the successful WI Merit Scholarship program continues into the future.  Set at $5,000, the scholarships are based solely on merit to Wisconsin residents who are attending UW System schools.  “The scholarship has been a valuable tool for the UW to ensure we are keeping our best and brightest students right here in Wisconsin,” said August.  “This scholarship has helped our university system compete with other schools across the nation.”  Created in 2018, the program has

MADISON – Today, the Legislature was in session and had the pleasure of hearing the 19th Annual State of the Tribes Address. It was delivered by Sokaogon Chippewa Community Chairman Robert Van Zile. Representative Tod Ohnstad (D-Kenosha) released the following statement: “I couldn’t agree more with Chairman Van Zile as he emphasized the importance of protecting our natural resources, investing in mental health and education, and ensuring our students are taught about the significance of tribal nations.” “The relationship between the Legislature and the 11 federally recognized tribal nations in Wisconsin is truly special. I look forward to continuing the relationship

MADISON, WI – Today Robert Van Zile, chair of Sokaogan Chippewa Community in Forest County, delivered the annual State of the Tribes Address. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D- Madison) released the following statement: “Chairman Van Zile spoke about the need for continued and improved state-tribal partnerships in improving health care, economic diversity, and educational opportunities.” “Once again I’m inspired by the words of a respected tribal leader who is advising the Legislature on ways to improve the lives of people across the state, both tribal members and non-tribal. The State of the Tribes address plays an intrigal part in bridging the

MADISON – Today, Sokaogon Chippewa Community Chairman Robert Van Zile delivered the 19th annual Wisconsin State of the Tribes. The Assembly met in regular session following the address. Rep. Conley issued the following statement in response: “I was honored to attend this year’s State of the Tribes Address, which is an important opportunity to strengthen relationships between state and tribal leaders. I thank Chair Robert Van Zile for his thoughtful words. I agree with his statement, ‘We continue to be presented with false choices. We do not need to choose between having economic prosperity and clean air, clean drinking water,

MADISON–On National Equal Pay Day, Rep. Sinicki issued this statement:   “I have introduced Equal Pay legislation in Wisconsin for two decades. For three of those years it was law, and then repealed, but not because the wage gap closed. In fact, sources* claim it will take well over a hundred years to achieve gender parity in pay in the US. “Some of the approaches that can help reduce the wage gap include:   “The current statistics show that: ‘in 2022, women earned an average of 82% of what men earned, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of median hourly earnings of both full- and part-time workers.

Madison, WI – The State Assembly today passed bills on crime prevention and school safety today, including one measure that discloses crime statistics for schools. Currently, there is no standardized, transparent method for school districts to report crimes committed on school property. Assembly Bill 53 requires public, charter, and choice high schools to collect and report statistics for certain crimes on the statewide DPI report card. “We send our kids to school expecting that they will be safe and secure, but there’s always the question in the back of our minds, ‘are they really going to be ok?’” said Rep.

Earlier today, Rep. Samba Baldeh (D-Madison) applauded the announcement of federal standards for PFAS contamination of water.   The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to regulate PFOA and PFOS at a level that can be reliably measured at 4 parts per trillion. (Note: Last year, the Wisconsin Legislature adopted a maximum limit on PFAS in water of 70 parts per trillion. The Wisconsin DNR proposed a maximum limit of 20 parts per trillion, but that was rejected by Republican members of the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules.) If finalized, the proposed regulation will require public water systems to monitor for these

MADISON, Wis. — Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) released the following remarks as prepared regarding 2023 AB 3: “Mr. Speaker, this bill, and the proposed referral to committee, is a mistake.  “The Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board made the decision to ban the dangerous practice of conversion therapy in Wisconsin. That decision was informed by expert recommendations and research that point to the fact that conversion therapy is a harmful and dangerous practice that jeopardizes the safety of LGBTQ+ children.  “Earlier this year, the GOP members of the Joint Committee for Review of

MADISON – Today, Chairman Robert VanZile of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community delivered the 19th annual State of the Tribes Address at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Chairman Robert VanZile focused on the shared values of the people living in Wisconsin. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison), Senate Democratic Leader, expressed her sincere gratitude to the tribal nations that came to Madison for this important event and released the following statement: “It was an honor to join my colleagues in the Wisconsin State Legislature to welcome Wisconsin’s First Nations to Madison for the 19th annual State of the Tribes Address. We recognize the sovereign