MADISON, WI – Representative Jenna Jacobson spoke with Spectrum News 1 about her vision for a Wisconsin that can properly fund its public school system, pointing out that under a decade of Senator Howard Marklein’s leadership, rural schools, like those in the 17th, have been struggling to keep their doors open.

Jacobson pointed to the need for new leadership that prioritizes the 17th Senate District and tackles the cost-of-living crisis.

Spectrum News 1: Race for 17th Senate District could determine State Senate control

  • “The southwest Wisconsin district is one of several key seats being closely watched on election day as Republicans seek to stay in power and Democrats try to win the majority.”
  • “Marklein has represented the district for more than a decade. For the past five years, he has served as co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee.”
  • “Jacobson, who has served two terms in the State Assembly, said she is running because she believes the district needs new leadership.”
  • “‘You work hard, you take care of your neighbor, and you fight for what’s right, that’s what being a public servant is about for me,’ Jacobson said. ‘What I’ve been seeing in the State Senate is that Howard’s not displaying some of those same things.’”
  • “One of Jacobson’s priorities is support for public schools. She said school districts in the senate district have struggled under Republican leadership.”
  • “‘A lot of the school districts in this senate district either lost funding or it stayed stagnant and they couldn’t afford it, and this is an issue that has been top of people’s minds for many years,’ Jacobson said.”
  • “Jacobson said Marklein’s leadership has not delivered on issues she believes matter to constituents.”
  • “‘If he was leading like his constituents are asking him to we would have seen the school funding go through, we would see child care funding, we would see meaningful relief on health care costs, and we’re not seeing that’ Jacobson said.”

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