MILWAUKEE – State Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) laid out her bold plan to build a Wisconsin where everyone has the freedom to thrive during a gubernatorial forum hosted by Main Street Alliance at the Cooperage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night. Roys outlined a bold, fresh slate of policy initiatives to raise wages and lower costs for working families, support small businesses, and ensure quality healthcare and public education for all while empowering Wisconsinites to control their own destiny.
Following the forum, Sen. Roys issued the following statement:
“As governor, I will deliver a bold, progressive, pragmatic agenda to make Wisconsin a place where everyone has the freedom to build a better life. Trump and right-wing politicians have been selling out Main Street to Wall Street for decades. Look no further than their property tax hikes needed to keep the heat on in our schools or rising prescription drug costs.
“I have recession-proof plans to raise wages and lower costs for Wisconsinites. But I also have the political courage and competence to implement them: to stop property taxes and childcare costs from skyrocketing and deliver better, more affordable health care by opening up the state’s great public employee health plan to drive down costs. I have introduced legislation to buy down the property tax levy, to increase special education reimbursement, and to restore public school funding – all strategies to lower property tax rates.
“My proposal to allow anyone to buy into the state health plan would ensure workers can afford quality health insurance regardless of their employment – this will reduce uncompensated care, help small businesses start and expand, and provide better healthcare options to more people than just Badgercare expansion.”
Roys, a small business owner and Joint Finance Committee member, emphasized her commitment to expanding BadgerCare, implementing statewide paid family leave and universal early childhood education, supporting UW, and raising wages.
“When I talk about the freedom to thrive,” said Roys following the debate. “I mean the freedom to pay your bills and see your baby smile for the first time. The freedom to have a second or third kid because you can afford child care and have confidence in public schools in every community in this state. The freedom to buy a home before you’re 40.”
The forum, hosted by Main Street Alliance, featured seven Democratic candidates for governor. Roys stood out in the crowded field by championing her strongest-in-the-field experience, record of fighting for Wisconsin values, and her political courage and capability to govern on Day One regardless of the political or economic environment.
About Sen. Kelda Roys
A lifelong Wisconsinite who was born in Marshfield and spent her early years in rural Taylor County, Kelda is running for governor because she knows Wisconsin can be a place of opportunity and fairness – but right now we’re in the fight of our lives for our democracy and our kids’ future.
For 25 years, Kelda has been a changemaker. She has fought for Wisconsin as a state senator, small business owner, attorney, champion for women’s rights, and mom/stepmom of five. She has spent her life putting people first – fighting for a stronger Wisconsin and never quitting on tough problems until they’re solved, including expanding health care, defending our rights and freedoms, and fighting to make life more affordable for Wisconsin families. As our governor, Kelda will be relentlessly focused on building a Wisconsin where everyone has the freedom to thrive.
