Equity Amendment Passes Assembly
This week the State Assembly passed Assembly Joint Resolution 102, a Constitutional Amendment that I authored along with State Senator Steve Nass.  AJR 102 restores Merit, Fairness, and Equality to all Wisconsin governmental entities, including all state agencies, UW system, technical colleges, public schools, commissions, and more. This proposal prohibits these entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to anyone based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, contracting, or administration. This proposal is proven policy modeled after a 2006 Michigan constitutional amendment that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Now that AJR 102 has passed the Assembly, it heads to the State Senate and if passed this proposal would be on the 2026 fall ballot as a constitutional referendum.
Colleges and Universities Committee Holds Hearing
Last week the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities, which I chair held two hearings. The first hearing was a Executive Session that voted out three bills that address national security (AB 663), public safety officer shortages (AB 750), and scholarship regulations (AB 486). All three bills passed and will go on the Assembly Rules Committee for a possible vote by the full Assembly.
The second hearing we held was a Public Hearing on four separate bills that address online course fees (AB 545), race-based higher education programs (AB 669), tuition and fee remission for veterans in the UW system (AB 659), and lastly a bill requiring private colleges to report veteran enrollment information (AB 636).
Madison Meeting
On Wednesday Erin and Kevin from the Wisconsin Farmers Union stopped by to discuss legislation that is currently before the Assembly Agricultural Committee which I serve on. Kevin owns Glass Hill Farm LLC in the district and shared his thoughts on the current dairy market. Thank you to Erin and Kevin for stopping by!
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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.
