It is undeniable that the economy is not currently working for most Wisconsinites. Our economy is floundering. We need to bring forward creative solutions for our northern economy.
COoperative Enterprise
Co-operatives play a key role in our region's economy, from the Finnish American co-ops that supplied many materials needed for our historic communities to the electric co-ops that provide power to many of our small towns in modern rural America. Co-ops have an important role to play in our region's future.
I have seen what co-ops can do for a community. I market my farm's produce through the Bayfield Foods Co-op which helps a number of small farms in our area thrive in a time when small farms are struggling.
I believe we can use those same cooperative values in leading the state to implement rural broadband development and bring expanded job opportunities in solar implementation.
I have seen what co-ops can do for a community. I market my farm's produce through the Bayfield Foods Co-op which helps a number of small farms in our area thrive in a time when small farms are struggling.
I believe we can use those same cooperative values in leading the state to implement rural broadband development and bring expanded job opportunities in solar implementation.
Empowering Workers
Wisconsin used to be on the frontlines of the workers movement. Over the past decade, Wisconsin has seen increasing attacks on our ability to find jobs that provide a living wage, through so called right to work legislation. Union jobs once formed the backbone of our economy. As recently as 1990, 20% of our workforce were union members-- in 2022, only 8% of us have union jobs [1].
I support the development of good union backed jobs in our region. I support rolling back legislation that limits collective bargaining power. Unemployment is at a historic low; it is time to fight not just for jobs, but for high quality jobs.
I support the development of good union backed jobs in our region. I support rolling back legislation that limits collective bargaining power. Unemployment is at a historic low; it is time to fight not just for jobs, but for high quality jobs.
Support for an Aging population
The 73rd Assembly District has the highest average age of any region in our state. All of the rural areas of our state face an aging population. We need to be proactive in filling the skilled jobs held by retiring workers in our communities and finding additional resources for the aging populations of our communities. It is imperative that all of our community members can age and retire with dignity within their community.
living Wage
An adult employed in full-time work should be able to afford their basic living expenses. Cost of living is increasing sharply and is one of the effects that we feel most clearly as the inflation rate continues to rise. Wage increases just aren't keeping up. Corporate profits are at record heights; we need to distribute that back to you, the workers who make businesses successful.
I support increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, as well as increasing wages for skilled public employees including teachers, police, and public maintenance workers.
I support increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, as well as increasing wages for skilled public employees including teachers, police, and public maintenance workers.
IMproving our INfrastructure
Infrastructure investment is incredibly important when building a robust economy. Our roads and bridges are decaying and need replacement that our local communities can't afford on their own.
Our local infrastructure budgets are coming up short due to strict levy limits and decreases in state revenue sharing. Many communities have felt compelled to increase local wheel taxes and state vehicle registration fees to shore up the gaps, but these are exceptionally burdensome to working people trying to make ends meet.
We need to find alternative sources of funding for infrastructure investment that won’t disproportionately impact working Wisconsinites.
Our local infrastructure budgets are coming up short due to strict levy limits and decreases in state revenue sharing. Many communities have felt compelled to increase local wheel taxes and state vehicle registration fees to shore up the gaps, but these are exceptionally burdensome to working people trying to make ends meet.
We need to find alternative sources of funding for infrastructure investment that won’t disproportionately impact working Wisconsinites.
Affordable Housing
I hear concerns about housing everywhere I go on the campaign trail. Our community members face declining quality of existing houses, lack of rental options, and limited affordable housing. Homelessness is an increasing issue in our communities.
Solving this crisis will require new investment in our communities, including resources for new home buyers, incentives for housing development, and resources to repair decaying housing structures.
Solving this crisis will require new investment in our communities, including resources for new home buyers, incentives for housing development, and resources to repair decaying housing structures.
Bringing money back to you
When working people say they are concerned about the economy, we don't mean the bottom line of Fortune 500 companies or how well the Dow Jones Stock Market Index is performing. We are referring to the fact that we don't have enough money in our pockets to feel comfortable or afford our basic needs. We are talking about that one unexpected expense that could wipe out our savings or put us into debt.
We need proactive solutions that put money directly into your pockets, increasing take home pay for workers, fighting back against corporate price gouging, and implementing progressive taxes that don't disproportionately affect the working class. There is no reason why we should be worrying about the state of the economy while major corporations are raking in record profits.
We need proactive solutions that put money directly into your pockets, increasing take home pay for workers, fighting back against corporate price gouging, and implementing progressive taxes that don't disproportionately affect the working class. There is no reason why we should be worrying about the state of the economy while major corporations are raking in record profits.
