Happy Friday! I hope your new year is off to a great start!
This week has been quite busy in Madison, with the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue holding public hearings and various meetings.
During the universities and technical colleges hearing, my bill, Senate Bill 591, was presented. This legislation aims to streamline the dual enrollment process, which allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school. These programs help reduce college costs, shorten the time needed to complete a degree, and enable students to explore potential career interests. Unfortunately, Wisconsin’s current dual enrollment system consists of a patchwork of programs governed by a complex maze of differing regulations, leading to confusion and significant barriers for both students and educators. By addressing these issues, the bill will better support our students and the dedicated educators who guide them toward success.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue also held a public hearing on several bills. Among them was a proposal to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoid products and another that would simplify the transfer of business ownership to employees.
Additionally, my non-compete bill, Senate Bill 675, received a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care. Many healthcare professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and psychologists—are required to sign non-compete clauses that prevent them from working for a competitor in the same area for a specified period after leaving their job. This bill would render such contracts void and unenforceable either upon an employee’s departure or after two years of employment. This measure is critically important because non-compete clauses disrupt continuity of care when providers are forced out, leaving patients without their trusted healthcare professional and forcing them to search for new providers in an already strained system. The impact is particularly felt in rural or underserved areas, where the loss of even one specialist due to a non-compete can deprive an entire community of essential local medical services. To address our state’s healthcare workforce shortage, Wisconsin must become a more attractive place for medical professionals to work, and removing these restrictive barriers sends a clear message that the best talent is welcome here.
While in Madison, my team and I met with representatives from the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association, the Wisconsin Wine & Spirits Institute, Ducks Unlimited, and a group of hunters, anglers, and trappers. The discussions with Ducks Unlimited and the sportsmen’s group were part of the annual Sportsmen’s Lobby Day, where we focused on their organizations’ missions and key legislative priorities for the upcoming session. The meetings with the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association and the Wisconsin Wine & Spirits Institute centered on their priorities for the remainder of the legislative session.
I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead!
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!
Saturday, January 10th:Â Washington Park Winter Festival
Saturday, January 10th:Â Family Discovery Days at the Oshkosh Public Museum
Saturday, January 10th:Â Neshkoro Lions Club Ice Fisheree
Saturday, January 10th:Â Winter Whirl
Sunday, January 11th:Â Early Reader Book Club
Wednesday, January 14th:Â Expanding Business Opportunities in Rural Wisconsin
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.
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.
