This week, the State Senate passed 26 bills. The majority of them dealt with two subjects: election reform and prioritizing the use of the $3.2 billion in federal COVID money.
 
Among the bills that cleared the Senate was one prohibiting the private financing of election administration. This bill springs from the controversy in Green Bay, where, thanks to a contribution from Facebook, a Democratic Party operative essentially took over Green Bay’s election. The Senate also passed bills improving access for election observers, requiring Elections Commission minutes to be published online, and improving court access for election challenges. More elections bills are still working through the process. As a reminder, the Legislative Audit Bureau is also auditing the election.
 
The Legislature also passed bills outlining our priorities for spending the $3.2 BILLION that Wisconsin is receiving from the Federal government for COVID relief. Among the priorities:

• $500 million for broadband expansion (AB 239)
• Property tax assistance payments (AB 232)
• Improving roads and bridges (AB 238)
• Lead pipe replacement (AB 243)
• Grants to small business, tourism, farms, and long-term care facilities
• Paying down Wisconsin’s long-term debt (AB 241)

Senate Bill 11, a bill that gives first responders PTSD coverage under workers compensation passed the Wisconsin State Assembly on Tuesday with unanimous and bipartisan support. I have authored this bill in the past and co-authored the bill this session.

Under current law, it is nearly impossible for a police officer or firefighter to qualify for workers’ compensation for PTSD because the standard for coverage is so high.

Under Senate Bill 11, police and fire officers can qualify for workers’ compensation based on a diagnosis by a mental health professional, and that the PTSD was the result of their employment.

PTSD, PTSI, and suicide is at an epidemic rate among police and fire officials. This is a small, but important step in recognizing and solving this mental health crisis among our first responders.

The bill now heads to to Governor for consideration.

Former Governor, and current UW System President, Tommy Thompson visited me on Tuesday for a little O&H Kringle (Wisconsin Flavor) and to discuss budget priorities for the University of Wisconsin. It's always great to catch up with Wisconsin's longest serving Governor.

Justice Annette Ziegler has been elected as Wisconsin's 27th Supreme Court Justice, replacing Chief Justice Patience Roggensack, who has served as Chief Justice since 2015. Justice Ziegler will officially become Chief Justice on May 1st.