MADISON, WI – Yesterday, Senators Hesselbein, Wall, Pfaff, Smith, Keyeski, Habush Sinykin, Dassler-Alfheim, and Representative Jenna Jacobson introduced the new “Affordable Wisconsin Agenda”. Their remarks highlighted Senate Democrats’ commitment to lowering the costs of healthcare, childcare, housing, groceries, and energy across Wisconsin and made it clear that when Democrats win a majority in 2026 they will lead the charge to making The Badger State more affordable for everyone.
Take a look at Senate Democrats’ Complete Affordable Wisconsin Agenda HERE
Read more of the new Affordable Wisconsin Agenda:
Spectrum News 1: Senate Democrats put forth ‘Affordable Wisconsin Agenda’
- “As Wisconsin families struggle with the rising costs of health care, child care, groceries, housing and energy, Senate Democrats said they are ready to tackle those challenges. The ‘Affordable Wisconsin Agenda’ is a political and legislative framework that Democrats hope will help them win a majority in 2026.”
Wisconsin Examiner: ‘Affordability’ becomes a watchword as Democrats look to 2026 elections
- “On Wednesday, the State Senate Democratic Committee had a press conference outside the Capitol to announce the Democrats’ focus on affordability, both for their upcoming legislative agenda and with an eye on the 2026 elections.”
- “State Senate Democrats plan to spend the next few weeks traveling Wisconsin and hearing from state residents. Hesselbein said those conversations will become fodder for “tangible policy solutions that will help working families keep more of their hard-earned money, and we’re calling it the Affordable Wisconsin Agenda.””
- “At the Senate Democrats’ news conference Wednesday, a succession of senators — along with one state representative who is a Senate hopeful — spoke of how the issue of affordability cuts across a wide range of topics. And each laid blame for inaction on their Republican rivals.”
Fox 6 Milwaukee: Wisconsin Senate control up for grabs, Democrats unveil policy plan
- “Wisconsin is facing a child care crisis that is independent of region and political affiliation,” said State Sen. Sarah Keyeski (D-Lodi). “The simple fact is that there are not enough viable child care options out there for working families. The care that does exist is far too expensive, thus unaffordable to most.”
Urban Milwaukee: Senate Democrats Announce “Affordable Wisconsin Agenda”, Aimed At Lowering Costs Across Our State
- “Today my colleagues and I are here to announce a statewide tour that we’ll embark on over the next several weeks,” said Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein. “We’re excited to travel all across Wisconsin to hear from those who are being impacted by the affordability crisis and then take those struggles and turn them into tangible policy solutions that will help working families keep more of their hard earned money – the Affordable Wisconsin Agenda.”
WKOW 27: Wisconsin Democrats unveil agenda to tackle rising home and energy costs
- “According to the Wisconsin Policy Forum, prices have been rising faster than incomes. Home prices have risen the most, increasing over 50% in the past five years. Energy costs have risen between 7-10% in the state over just the past year. Sen. Diane Hesselbein (D-Middleton) added that there are many families struggling to make ends meet.”
- “Right now in Wisconsin, 65% of families are saying they are just getting by and they are struggling,” Hesselbein said. “Sixty-five percent. It’s unacceptable.”
- “Senate Democrats have already been leading the fight to lower the cost of housing, whether trying to expand the homestead tax credit or preventing hedge funds from buying up available housing stocks, but undoubtedly more needs to be done,” said Sen. Jeff Smith. “Over the coming weeks, my colleagues and I look forward to hearing from contractors, builders, realtors, and other stakeholders so that we can finally reign in soaring housing costs.”
58 News Milwaukee: Will Wisconsin have a divided Legislature next year? Democrats outline their plan to win control of Senate
- “At the steps of the state Capitol Wednesday, Oct. 8, Democrats in the state Senate presented their vision for how the party will win a majority in the chamber next fall. If that happens, it’d be the first time Democrats control part of the Wisconsin Legislature since 2010.”
