Question of the Week
What steps should we take to prevent foreign surveillance and foreign adversaries from hacking our critical infrastructure? Click here to answer!
Committees
We had another busy week at the State Capitol! This week, I attended five committee hearings and testified in two of them on legislation I authored.
In the Assembly Committee on Education, I testified in support of Assembly Bill 795, which relates to including information about investigations of license holders in an online licensing portal maintained by the Department of Public Instruction. This bill, which I authored with Senator Jagler, helps protect children and empowers families by increasing transparency. It is a common-sense education reform, and I look forward to seeing it voted out of committee.
In the Assembly Committee on Local Government, I testified in support of Assembly Bill 807, which relates to the creation of an office of county board counsel in certain counties. This bill which I authored with Senator Wanggaard and Representative Ortiz-Velez (D-9). allows county boards to retain their own legal counsel, ensuring they have independent legal representation separate from the county executive. This strengthens checks and balances at the local level by providing county boards with unbiased legal advice, helping board members better understand their authority, fulfill their responsibilities, and make well-informed decisions on behalf of their constituents while promoting transparency and accountability in county government.
Floor Session
This week, the Assembly met on the floor twice to debate and vote on several important pieces of legislation.
Tuesday Floor Session – Bill Highlights
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Assembly Bill 554 – Relates to the sale, service, and labeling of food products containing lab-grown animal cells and providing a penalty.
This bill ensures transparency for consumers by requiring clear labeling of lab-grown food products, allowing families to make informed choices while supporting food safety and honest marketing. -
Assembly Bill 564 – Relates to allowing chiropractors to perform school employee health examinations.
By expanding who can perform these exams, the bill improves access to care, reduces delays for school employees, and helps ease pressure on traditional healthcare providers—especially in rural and underserved areas. -
Assembly Bill 572 – Relates to the definition of bingo.
This bill modernizes and clarifies state law to reflect how bingo is currently played, helping nonprofits and community organizations continue fundraising efforts without unnecessary regulatory confusion.
Thursday Floor Session – Bill Highlights
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Assembly Bill 30 – Relates to prohibiting a foreign adversary from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in this state.
This legislation protects Wisconsin’s farmland, forests, and food supply from foreign influence, ensuring these critical resources remain under domestic control. -
Assembly Bill 315 – Relates to the distribution and labeling of fertilizers and soil or plant additives produced from manure.
The bill improves transparency and environmental accountability while supporting Wisconsin’s agricultural industry and helping farmers and landowners make informed decisions about soil health. -
Assembly Bill 415 – Relates to the use of restrictions on state and local government electronic devices.
This bill strengthens cybersecurity protections for government operations by reducing exposure to foreign surveillance and data breaches. I authored this bill with Representative Dan Knodl and Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara. -
Assembly Bill 612 – Relates to the Warren Knowles–Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program and making an appropriation.
The bill supports conservation, outdoor recreation, and land preservation across Wisconsin, helping protect natural spaces while boosting tourism and local economies. -
Assembly Bill 661 – Relates to prohibiting state contracting with certain business entities and providing a penalty.
This legislation ensures taxpayer dollars are not used to support entities that pose security or ethical risks. -
Assembly Bill 663 – Relates to imposing certain prohibitions on foreign influence at University of Wisconsin System institutions.
The bill protects academic integrity, research security, and intellectual property at Wisconsin’s public universities. -
Assembly Bill 673 – Relates to banning the use of genetic software from foreign adversaries and restricting storage of human genome sequencing data.
This legislation safeguards sensitive medical and genetic data and protects patient privacy. -
Assembly Bill 683 – Relates to prohibiting critical telecommunications infrastructure from including equipment manufactured by a foreign adversary.
The bill strengthens Wisconsin’s communications networks against cybersecurity threats and foreign interference. -
Assembly Bill 749 – Relates to instruction in blood and organ donation in high school grades.
This legislation educates students on the life-saving impact of blood and organ donation and encourages informed decision-making.
Valentines for Veterans!
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is once again inviting community members, schools, and organizations to help spread some Valentine’s Day cheer by sending cards to be shared with veterans at our three Veterans Homes and within the Veterans Housing & Recovery Program.
Over the past three years, this initiative has brought smiles and encouragement to thousands of veterans thanks to the incredible generosity of people across Wisconsin and beyond.
To ensure cards arrive in time for Valentine’s Day, please mail them by January 31. For the safety and well-being of all recipients, please do not include candy, food, or snacks due to dietary restrictions and allergies.
Mail cards to:
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
Attn: Veteran Valentines
PO Box 7843
Madison, WI 53707-7843
Thank you for helping make Valentine’s Day a little brighter for our veterans!
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Human trafficking preys on the most vulnerable and thrives in silence and darkness. Raising awareness is a critical step toward prevention, accountability, and justice for survivors.
You can help make a difference by taking the HEMAD Pledge and committing to efforts that combat human trafficking here in Wisconsin.
Learn more and take the pledge here.
Blue Books
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If you would like a Blue Book, please email my office, and we will send one to you! |
Capitol Visits
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Planning a trip to Madison? Schedule a visit with me at the Capitol! Email my office! |
Follow me on Social Media!
Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates from the Capitol and around the district. You can also visit my legislative website at https://legis.wisconsin.gov/
