Eau Claire, Wis. — Democratic members of the Wisconsin State Legislature held a public listening session in Eau Claire on Saturday, May 10, where community members highlighted their support for Gov. Tony Evers’ budget and other popular policy priorities.
Following the listening session, Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire), Rep. Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire), and Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) released the following statement:
Rep. Jodi Emerson:
“Folks from around our community made it abundantly clear at our listening session: we need a strong biennial budget that will help move our state forward, not stop it in its tracks. It’s time we listen to the people and reflect their will in our legislative actions. The Chippewa Valley deserves nothing less.”
Rep. Christian Phelps:
“Today’s listening session confirmed what we already knew: constituents across the 93rd, the Chippewa Valley, and the state of Wisconsin need and want the Governor’s budget priorities: meaningfully increasing public school funding, especially for students with disabilities, reducing the need for referendums, funding childcare, expanding BadgerCare, and more. I join my constituents in demanding that Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee and in the full Legislature restore and expand these priorities, so we can actually pass a budget that matches our community’s needs.”
Sen. Jeff Smith:
“It’s an honor to hear directly from my neighbors about the issues that matter most to them. At this listening session, people made it clear – they support Governor Evers’ budget and want to see the Legislature act on key investments in areas like public education, child care and healthcare—priorities that reflect the real needs of the Chippewa Valley.”
