Sounding the Alarm on Free Speech and Discrimination Threats in the UW System
I recently put out a statement about three very alarming developments that have come out of the UW System that jeopardize free speech and foster discrimination. First, on election day in April a College Republican’s information table was overturned by a professor who served as the chair of the department of English. Second, a complaint was filed with the U.S, Department of Education alleging that UW-Madison is ignoring a 2023 Supreme Court Ruling banning race-based admissions, and may be prioritizing race over merit. Third, the recent DEI audit of the UW System revealed that the System has still not gotten the message and is spending massive amounts of money with no return on investment. Unfortunately these incidents are not isolated, they are symptoms of a deeper problem. The UW System needs to commit to protecting free expression, and making decisions based on merit, not on ideology or race.
Capitol Meetings
On Wednesday I Chaired the Wisconsin-Ireland Trade Commission’s quarterly meeting at the Capitol. The Commission is made up of seven members; including members of the Assembly, State Senate, and appointees from Governor Evers. We discussed the impact of tariffs on trade between Ireland and Wisconsin. I was surprised to learn that Ireland is the 4th largest source of imports into Wisconsin, but is the 21st largest destination for total exports from our state. We discussed the potential of trade missions both to Ireland, and for a delegation from Ireland to visit Wisconsin.
On Tuesday Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara and I hosted Pam Seidl from the Greater Fox Cities Visitors Bureau. We discussed budget issues, and issues facing the tourism industry. Thank you Pam for stopping by!
Legislative Flight
This week I had the opportunity to join other legislators for a legislative flight that was put on by the Wisconsin Air National Guard. (See featured photo above.) The plane behind me is a KC-135 Stratotanker that is used to refuel F35 jets midair, and it can hold enough fuel for an entire squadron. It’s an amazing flight, and I was grateful for the opportunity to see up close the dedication and professionalism of our Air National Guard men and women.
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State Capitol Tours
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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.
