English AI Bill Passes Assembly
Last week the State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 377, known as the English AI Bill. This common sense legislation will make English the official language of Wisconsin. The State would be required to conduct all business in English going forward. Additionally this bill will grant flexibility for local governments, and clerks of courts to use AI translation tools, as well as platforms like Zoom to assist in official proceedings.
More non-English speakers are entering our court system, and right now, local courts must pay for in-person interpreters—sometimes even flying them in at a hefty cost when none are nearby. AB 377 changes that by letting courts use AI tools and platforms like Zoom to provide interpreting services. This smart fix saves taxpayers in the 56th District and across Wisconsin serious money while ensuring fair access to justice. AB 377 now moves to the State Senate hopefully for a vote soon.
State of Wisconsin Sees Revenue Increase
Last week the Legislative Fiscal Bureau announced that Wisconsin is projected to have a $2.5 Billion Dollar surplus at the end of 2026. This is significantly higher than the $1 Billion Dollars originally projected. The driving factors of this increase are stronger than expected economic growth, and the steady stewardship of the Legislature since 2010.
Despite a lot of doom and gloom in the media, the economy really hummed in 2025, and the big increase in revenue to the state proves it. Also important is since 2011 when Wisconsin was facing dire budgetary projections, the legislature has prioritized sound fiscal management and stability in Wisconsin’s economy.
Going forward the Assembly is looking at tax relief, specifically property tax relief as a priority in the coming weeks as session wraps up. I also want to see us continue to be responsible with the taxpayer’s money.
Assembly Sessions Recap
This month the Wisconsin Assembly has very been busy passing important bills that protect our kids, hold public officials accountable, and put more money back in hardworking Wisconsinites’ pockets.
We took a major step to safeguard children by finally defining child grooming as the serious crime it is. Right now, Wisconsin law has no specific criminal definition, so predators often face little more than a disorderly conduct charge. This new legislation closes that dangerous loophole, giving prosecutors the clear tools they need to go after those who target kids for sexual exploitation. Protecting our children has to be priority one—no exceptions.
We also passed Assembly Bill 380, which stops suspended judges from collecting their full salary while facing discipline for misconduct. The case of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan — suspended for allegedly blocking federal immigration officers from making an arrest in her courtroom — showed why this matters: taxpayers shouldn’t keep paying rogue judges while they face accountability. AB 380 ends that practice and restores trust in our judicial system.
On the affordability front, we advanced Assembly Bill 38, which exempts tips from state income tax for roughly 90,000 restaurant workers and thousands of other tipped employees across Wisconsin. This aligns with federal law, reduces complexity, and lets these hardworking folks keep more of their hard-earned money.
We also passed Assembly Bill 461, which lets workers subtract up to $12,500 of overtime pay ($25,000 for married joint filers) from their taxable income each year. This puts real cash back in pockets, rewards people who go the extra mile, and helps address workforce shortages by encouraging more overtime work. Affordability remains front and center for Wisconsin families, and Assembly Republicans are committed to keeping more money in your pocket.
Dairy Innovation Day at the Capitol
On Wednesday the Dairy Innovation Hub hosted an informational session in the rotunda of the Capitol. In the photo above I’m talking with Maria from UW-River Falls about new research she’s participating in. As a member of the AG Committee, and having spent much of my life involved in agriculture, I found the research very interesting. Thank you to the Dairy Innovation Hub for putting this on!
 |
 |
 |
 |
State Capitol Tours
 |
 |
 |
 |
The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin’s Capitol building (located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702) is to see it for yourself. It is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday – Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.
