English AI Bill Hearing in State Senate
On Tuesday the State Senate held a hearing on  Assembly Bill 377, known as the English AI Bill. This common sense legislation will make English the official language of Wisconsin. The State would be required to conduct all business in English going forward. Additionally this bill will grant flexibility for local governments, and clerks of courts to use AI translation tools, as well as platforms like Zoom to assist in official proceedings.
More non-English speakers are entering our court system, and right now, local courts must pay for in-person interpreters—sometimes even flying them in at a hefty cost when none are nearby. AB 377 changes that by letting courts use AI tools and platforms like Zoom to provide interpreting services. This smart fix saves taxpayers in the 56th District and across Wisconsin serious money while ensuring fair access to justice. AB 377 passed the State Assembly in January, and is moving through the Senate now after this week’s hearing.
Irish Trade Commission Hears from US Ambassador
Wednesday I was invited to participate in a virtual meeting with the American Ambassador to Ireland, Ed Walsh. He spoke about various business opportunities for American companies in Ireland, and their companies doing business in the US. In particular, he spoke about agricultural opportunities and high-technology investments. He also spoke to Ireland’s impact in our nation’s fight for independence, and named George Washington’s involvement in the very first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston. As Chair of the Wisconsin Ireland Trade Commission, I am glad that our federal government is also looking for ways to support Wisconsin’s efforts to expand business with Ireland.
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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.
