First Responder of the Year Ceremony
Oconto Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Ryan Pecha was honored this week as the 2025 First Responder of the Year for the 4th Assembly District. Deputy Chief Pecha’s extensive service to the community prompted his nomination and selection for this recognition. Throughout his 21 years as an EMT and firefighter, he has gone above and beyond in dedicating himself to serving and protecting the people of Oconto.
It was truly my honor to recognize Deputy Chief Pecha for his commitment to our community, as he has certainly earned the distinguished title of our First Responder of the Year. The service and sacrifice of first responders cannot be overstated, and Tuesday’s ceremony was an opportunity to recognize one of the very best in our community. I am incredibly grateful for Deputy Chief Pecha and all the men and women who work to keep our communities safe every day. I am so proud to have him as a member of our community, and I thank him for his tireless service to the people of Oconto.
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Act” Heads to Governor
Assembly Bill 35, which creates a pathway for candidates who have suspended their campaign to stop their name from appearing on Wisconsin ballots, is now headed to the Governor’s desk. The proposal passed the State Senate on Tuesday and the State Assembly earlier this year.
During the 2024 presidential campaign cycle, we saw firsthand the effects of a quirk in our state’s election law. Although RFK Jr. formally suspended his presidential campaign, he was unable to remove his name from Wisconsin’s ballot. The legislation establishes a clear timeline and set of requirements for candidates to meet if they no longer wish for their name to appear on the ballot. A candidate would be required to submit a sworn and verified statement to the Wisconsin Elections Commission attesting that they are withdrawing their candidacy. They must also adhere to a strict deadline when filing this statement and must pay a processing fee for this service.
Most states have a pathway in place for candidates to remove their name from the ballot—in an effort to reduce unnecessary voter confusion, Wisconsin should follow suit. I urge Governor Evers to sign this legislation into law.
Visiting a Local Childcare Center
Thank you to Encompass Early Education and Care for giving me a tour of their Bellin childcare center. It’s always great to get a behind-the-scenes look at such facilities in action and discuss the policy priorities of the industry.
The biennial budget included many important provisions to address the complex childcare landscape in Wisconsin. It established the elementary school readiness program to allow families to choose what is best for their children when it comes to 4K. This new, first-of-its-kind program in Wisconsin is also designed to help ensure the state’s childcare industry will receive sustainable, ongoing state investments.
The budget allocated $330 million to lower childcare costs for working families, reduce wait lists, and help providers keep their doors open. Additionally, the funding was tied to reasonable regulatory changes that will increase capacity and further expand accessibility. My sincerest appreciation again to Encompass for allowing me to witness firsthand the daily operations of a childcare center that serves the district.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
