Hi, this is State Senator Jesse James, representing the 23rd Senate District. This is truly the best day for Wisconsin, the 23rd Senate District, and the rest of the Chippewa Valley. Our job here is to represent the wants and needs of the people back in our home communities to the best of our abilities, and do what we can to help.
This session—and throughout the budget process—my focus remains firmly on supporting Wisconsin’s kiddos, expanding mental health care, and improving substance use disorder services and resources. I take these issues personally—not just as a legislator, but as a father and law enforcement officer. I believe there are real, positive changes within our reach. It’s about recognizing the opportunities in front of us—and taking decisive action when the moment comes.
This budget is packed with great projects:
- We increased funding for our child advocacy centers, who take care of our child victims in a safe environment.
- We established funding for psychiatric residential treatment facilities to keep children with intense mental health treatment needs closer to home.
- We are bringing a new behavioral health hospital and reopening a substance abuse treatment center in Chippewa Falls.
- We increased funding for the Boys and Girls Club of Wisconsin and Jobs for America’s Graduates.
- We put more money towards the Positive Parenting Program and child care access.
- We put money towards addressing the mental health resources for farmers and for college students.
- We saved our suicide hotline, 988.
I will continue to focus on these priorities, and make recommendations for Wisconsin to invest in so we can take care of our kiddos. I am proud to support this budget!
