19th Senate District Update: March 6, 2026

Happy Friday!

This week in the Wisconsin Legislature was highly productive. We engaged in meaningful, in-depth discussions on several priority pieces of legislation, held important public hearings in key committees—including the Senate Committee on Mental Health and the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges—and participated in numerous productive meetings both here in Madison and around our area.

A highlight of the week was welcoming a diverse group of advocacy organizations and stakeholders to the Capitol. These thoughtful conversations focused on existing bills as well as potential future policy initiatives. Among the groups we hosted were representatives from the Wisconsin Beverage Association, PepsiCo, the Badger State Sheriffs’ Association, the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Association, and even the Green Bay Packers! It was valuable to hear directly from these organizations about the impacts of proposed legislation on their sectors, communities, and constituents.

Several of my proposed bills advanced through the legislative process this week, advancing to or through public hearings. These measures aim to strengthen education at every level, from K-12 through higher education:

• Legislation to implement a stricter “bell-to-bell” prohibition on cell phone use in schools, building on the existing statewide policy that limits devices during instructional time. This proposal would require schools to adopt policies banning student phone use throughout the entire school day (from the first bell to the last), with implementation targeted for July 1, 2027, to help reduce distractions, support better focus in the classroom, and promote improved student mental health and engagement.
• A bill creating an innovation grant program for institutions of higher education, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This would provide competitive, one-time grants—primarily to private nonprofit colleges—to support the development of new academic programs aligned with workforce needs, foster community and industry partnerships, and fund infrastructure projects that benefit both campuses and the broader public, all while requiring matching funds and pathways to long-term sustainability.
• Provisions addressing the appointment processes for certain employees within the University of Wisconsin System, along with updates to faculty governance structures, to enhance efficiency, accountability, and shared governance principles across the UW System.
• A measure related to designating operators of demonstration charter schools, which would allow qualifying independent charter school operators (authorized by the Office of Educational Opportunity) to be recognized as “demonstration public schools.” This designation could involve participation in studies, sharing best practices, professional development opportunities, and community partnerships, potentially unlocking additional per-pupil funding to serve as models for innovative educational approaches.
• Legislation directing the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to make matching contributions to federal “Trump Accounts”—savings/investment accounts seeded with $1,000 by the federal government for eligible children born between 2025 and 2028. The state would provide an additional $1,000 match for qualifying Wisconsin-born and resident children (subject to available funds and application requirements), aiming to promote early financial security, long-term savings, and economic opportunity for the next generation.

We’re working to get many of these across the finish line before the end of the legislative session. I also want to congratulate the Omro wrestling team for winning the Flyway Conference Title for the first time since 1986!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend—luckily, it should be a bit warmer!

Lowe’s 2026 Community Impact Grant Nominations (Through March 20)

Lowe’s is inviting communities nationwide to nominate impactful renovation projects that strengthen local resources and public spaces. Nominations are open through March 20. Lowe’s will fund up to 100 large-scale renovation grants for eligible projects, including improvements to community spaces such as food pantries, shelters, parks, veteran facilities, first responder buildings and skilled trades education spaces. Learn more and submit a nomination at Lowes.com/BucketList.

Community Events

Here is a list of some events happening around our area in the next few weeks. If you have an event you would like included in future e-updates, email us here!

Below are some great resources to learn more about our community and fun events!

Fox Cities Events Calendar
Future Neenah Events Calendar
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
New London Chamber of Commerce
Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Sensory-Friendly Children Museums
Visit Waupaca County
Travel Wisconsin

Traveling to the Capitol

My office is available five days a week for anyone looking to travel down to the Capitol!

If you are interested in a guided tour provided by my staff, or me, please email Sen.Cabral-Guevara@legis.wisconsin.gov. Emailing my office as early as possible will help ensure that I can allot time in my calendar to get to know you, your family and friends, and show you around the building!

Committees

This session, I serve as the chair of the Senate Committee on Health. My number one priority has always been to increase affordability and accessibility in health care for the state of Wisconsin.

Health (Chair)
Universities and Technical Colleges (Vice Chair)
Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Children and Families
Agriculture and Revenue
Joint Legislative Council

Contacting My Office

My capitol office is here to help you with general inquiries as well as questions and concerns regarding legislative matters. Feel free to contact me or my staff. We are always ready to assist you in your needs. Please visit my website for press releases and other capitol updates.