Let’s end this endless cycle of power grabs and special interest influence and work together to solve our transportation crisis, fund public schools, grow jobs and tackle student loan debt.

MADISON - Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) offered the Democratic Weekly Radio Address. The topic this week is Democrats being ready to tackle Wisconsin's challenges.

"I hope we can work together to solve our transportation crisis, let’s fund our public schools, let’s grow jobs and wages, let’s tackle student loan debt – and let’s end this endless cycle of power grabs and special interest influence that has made people in Wisconsin feel like the system is rigged against them. Here in this state, protecting clean open and transparent government is especially vital at this time of complete one-party control," Rep. Barca said. "We hope all citizens will join together by staying engaged in our communities, in our state and in the country we love."

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here.

A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hello, I’m Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca with this week’s Democratic address.

"This certainly was a gut-wrenching and surprising election, and our state was swept in a Trump wave that upended the races for President, Congress, State Senate, and the State Assembly.

"There is a lot we disagree on, but as I traveled the state I heard common concerns – that people want high-quality schools, family-supporting jobs, better infrastructure and a stronger middle class. Unfortunately, those things have been out of reach for too many Wisconsinites.

"I hope we can work together to solve our transportation crisis, let’s fund our public schools, let’s grow jobs and wages, let’s tackle student loan debt – and let’s end this endless cycle of power grabs and special interest influence that has made people in Wisconsin feel like the system is rigged against them. Here in this state, protecting clean open and transparent government is especially vital at this time of complete one-party control.

"Democrats will never cease to be a voice for all people – especially those who woke up this week feeling alienated and powerless in their own country. At the same time, people overwhelmingly want us to work together so Democrats will continue advocating for important issues like clean water, good roads and quality schools and hopefully we can find some degree of common ground.

"We hope all citizens will join together by staying engaged in our communities, in our state and in the country we love.

“Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has participated in the elections and made sure Wisconsin voters had their voices heard. Thank you.”