Nuclear Energy Package Advances to Governor
Wisconsin is one step closer to securing a cleaner, more reliable energy future. This week, the State Assembly gave final legislative approval to a trio of bills aimed at positioning Wisconsin as a national leader in next-generation nuclear energy. The package, authored by myself, Senator Julian Bradley, and Representative Shae Sortwell, now heads to Governor Evers’ desk.
The bill package includes legislation that directs the state to complete a nuclear siting study to identify potential communities ideal for nuclear power generation, establishes a nuclear power summit to position Wisconsin as a leader in the field, and declares formal support for nuclear development.
This is a bold, strategic move for our state. As energy demands skyrocket – especially with AI and data infrastructure booming – Wisconsin needs solutions that are scalable and reliable. Nuclear provides exactly that.
Wisconsin already benefits from nuclear power, with Point Beach Nuclear Plant supplying over a million homes and two-thirds of the state’s carbon-free electricity. The passage of this legislative package signals that Wisconsin is serious about expanding that role.
The package earned bipartisan support at every step of the legislative process and now needs only a signature from the Governor to take effect. Earlier this year, Governor Evers signaled his support for further nuclear development in the state, instilling confidence in the passage of the legislation. Click here to watch my floor speech on this issue.
RFK Jr. Act Passes Assembly
The Assembly also passed AB 35, known as the “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Act,” this week. This legislation establishes a pathway for candidates to remove their names from the ballot and creates a clear timeline and set of requirements for candidates to meet in such circumstances.
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.
We are now one step closer to revising our current statute to reflect real-world scenarios and minimize voter confusion. Most states provide this pathway for candidates, and it is in the best interest of our voters to adopt such a law in Wisconsin.
This bill has concluded the process on the Assembly side, and I am grateful for the support it received. Read the legislation and more information here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.
Victory for Literacy
The State Supreme Court ruled unanimously this week against the governor’s use of the line-item veto on Act 20 last session.
Act 20, known as “The Right to Read Act”, was written and passed with ample collaboration to follow proven state models and bolster literacy rates in Wisconsin. Improving educational and post-education outcomes begins with improving literacy before the third grade. The governor, unfortunately, attempted to exceed his authority and turn this science-based reading reform package into a slush fund for the education establishment.
The ruling is encouraging for both the principle of separation of powers and the specific case it addressed. The Joint Committee on Finance is now permitted to allocate the $50 million for the reforms, sending dollars into instructional time to boost literacy rates in Wisconsin.
Although the initial delay is unfortunate, I expect the results-driven legislation will significantly benefit our students’ success moving forward.
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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.
