Irish Trade Commission Year One
I’m proud to share that the Wisconsin-Ireland Trade Commission I introduced and helped create has been up and running for a year now, and we just submitted our very first annual report to the Governor and Legislature. As the Commission’s first Chairman, I’ve had the honor of leading this effort to strengthen the deep economic and cultural ties between Wisconsin and Ireland.
In our inaugural year we held three productive meetings, reviewed detailed trade data from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and began laying the groundwork for a major trade mission to Ireland in 2027 timed to the Badger football game in Dublin. We also hosted the Irish Consul General in Madison on May 30, 2025 — he met with the full Commission and Governor Evers, gave a public presentation in the State Capitol, and joined us for a reception that highlighted the many ways Irish companies are already investing and creating jobs right here in Wisconsin. We’re already planning our first site visit to a major Irish-owned manufacturing facility in Beloit this spring and exploring ways to bring an Irish soccer club to Wisconsin for an exhibition match.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Commission continue it’s work in the coming years. Ireland is already the 5th largest trading partner Wisconsin has, and I see this relationship continuing to grow.
FIRE Event in Madison
Last Thursday I attended an event hosted by the La Follet School of Public Affairs and Wispolitics with Greg Lukianoff the president of FIRE. FIRE is the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, and they are the foremost advocate for free speech in America today. Greg is an accomplished author, and lawyer, and his visit is very timely for Wisconsin. In recent months we have passed Assembly Bill 501 the “Free Speech Bill,” through my committee, and eventually the full Assembly despite opposition from faculty groups. And just last week we received a new faculty survey from the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership at UW–Madison, and the findings are concerning for anyone who values open debate and viewpoint diversity on our public university campuses.
I am currently reading his book The Coddling of the American Mind, and I thought his presentation was excellent, hopefully University leadership takes his message to heart.
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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.
