The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
In my first year as State Senator, I’ve learned so much about District 14 and the people living within it. While these have been really tumultuous times, they have also revealed so much goodness, and that deserves highlighting at the end of 2025. So, in the spirit of the holidays, let me use the metaphor of the three wise men from the Christmas story to highlight three special “gifts” the men and women of District 14 have offered our communities: Charitableness, Activism and Resilience.
The gift of charitableness. At a time when divisiveness and hatefulness often make the news headlines, constituents have time and time again reminded me of the goodness we are capable of. And while significant economic challenges impact most of us right now, helping one another in need is a beautiful rebuke of the selfishness and disdain for empathy that has become popular lately.
There are so many notable examples of giving that I’ve witnessed this year. I’ve joined volunteers at the Beyond Blessed food pantry in Baraboo where they provide approximately 55 pounds of healthy food to 725 families each week. I got a tour of the newly relocated Good Neighbor Clinic in Prairie Du Sac where volunteer medical professionals offer uninsured or underinsured individuals quality healthcare. At a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Dells Education Foundation, I learned about their dedicated efforts to financially support all students who wish to pursue post-secondary education. Finally, I joined Boy Scout Troop 247 in Reedsburg as they held their 13th annual food drive. They donated a remarkable 10,118 non-perishable items and $2,310 to the Reedsburg Food Pantry! As you can see from this list, there is so much benevolence in our district. I am in awe of the givers!
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The gift of activism. As an elected official, I have learned just how powerful activism by everyday people can be. While lobbyists are paid to tell me what is important to their clients, constituent activism has helped me better gauge and learn about which issues matter most to you. In turn, this helps me make well-informed decisions about current legislation and how to prioritize my own advocacy efforts at the State Capitol.
There were multiple moments this year where I was proud to be a part of events with constituents working to be heard and advocating for action. A few noted examples this year include attending a meeting of citizens in LaValle discussing their environmental concerns with wake boats, listening to the array of community input at meetings about the proposed data center in DeForest, participating in a panel discussion about gun violence put on by passionate high school students in Sauk Prairie, and walking the picket line with Meriter nurses advocating for better pay and working conditions. There were also many rallies and marches I attended all across the district alongside thousands of constituents, in big and small municipalities, fighting to protect our democracy.
Finally, the gift of resiliency. I’ve seen first-hand the way constituents and organizations in District 14 have responded to challenges thrown at them, showing their incredible grit and determination. So many of us are just trying to get by amidst the volatility of our federal government, ever-rising costs, and dwindling resources. Despite these obstacles, the people I meet are steady, hardworking, and determined to be resourceful while holding out hope for a better tomorrow.
I’ve met farmers navigating tariffs, climate concerns and market instability with future-focused efforts to diversify their crops, adopt sustainability practices, and initiate co-ops to protect their farmland and preserve their way of life. I have met clients of the Harbor Recovery Center in Portage and The Better Path Foundation in Madison who are on the difficult path toward recovery and healing from substance use and mental health struggles. Their resiliency is a beautiful reminder that healing is always possible, no matter what one has gone through. Finally, I’ve also seen the resilience of public school administrators and staff who are continually asked to do more for our children, with less. They have been innovative with resource sharing contracts between districts, developing private-public partnerships and outsourcing services when possible, all while prioritizing the best interest of our kids.
In closing, I’d like to end with a message of gratitude directly to you. I had expected to feel lonely in this job, but it’s been just the opposite. I feel support all around me as we navigate forward through these difficult times together. Thank you for putting your trust in me and giving me the opportunity to serve as your State Senator in 2025.
From me and my loved ones to you and yours, happy holidays and happy new year!
