Longtime Senator from Madison announces today that he will not seek re-election.

MADISON, WI – In announcing his decision to not seek re-election to the State Senate in 2022, Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-West Point) released the following statement:

“Today I announce I will not seek re-election to the State Senate. Representing the 27^th Senate District has truly been an honor and I have been humbled by those who have placed their trust in me to represent their values in the legislature for over 20 years.”

“I would like to thank my family, friends and staff that have supported me throughout my 24 years in state service. I would also like to thank all of the dedicated public employees from each and every state agency that work hard day in and day out to help legislators like me and the constituents we represent. I will miss spending time with all of the wonderful people across the state of Wisconsin that I have met along the way. I will also miss my Capitol parking space!”

Jon Erpenbach is finishing his sixth term in the State Senate after being elected in 1998. He served as the Senate Democratic Leader from 2002-2004 and has served on the Joint Finance Committee since 2015.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/capitol-xmas-tree-s5.jpgSen. Smith writes about the holidays celebrated and traditions observed during this time of year. It is truly a time of reflection for many reasons—the end of another calendar year and the cross section of cultural beliefs.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/schools-computer-class-1-s450.jpgGov. Evers made the announcement Monday in the Howard-Suamico School District. Program will help teachers bring computer science into all Wisconsin K-12 classrooms.

Nationwide, bipartisan deal will give Amtrak passenger rail $66 billion in funding, and the local impact is picking up steam in Madison and Milwaukee.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/solar-energy-systems-s5.jpgInvestments Will Make Rural Communities and Businesses More Energy Independent and Resilient

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/road-potholes-s5.jpgCreates penalty for traffic violations that result in bodily harm when they occur in a road construction area, utility work area, or emergency response area.

Romo, of Pardeeville, passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at the age of 32, after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #144 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff tomorrow, Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, in honor of firefighter Brandon R. Romo of Pardeeville, who lost his life in the line of duty after contracting COVID-19.

“By all accounts, Brandon was incredibly beloved by those who knew him, and Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, the Pardeeville Fire Department, and the entire Pardeeville community,” said Gov. Evers. “Especially with the holidays upon us, we’re thinking of his family, friends, and loved ones as they grieve his loss.”

Romo passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at the age of 32, after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. He proudly served the Pardeeville community as a volunteer firefighter for three years, demonstrating kindness, grit, and integrity in both his professional and personal lives. Romo will be remembered as a loving husband, father of three, son, friend, and colleague whose presence brought levity and laughter to those around him. 

A celebration of life will be held for firefighter Brandon R. Romo on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021. 

Executive Order #144 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, and is available here. 

In addition to honoring the life and service of firefighter Brandon R. Romo, pursuant to Gov. Evers’ Executive Order #141, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin were already ordered to be lowered on Sat., Dec. 4, 2021, as a mark of respect for two victims of the tragedy at the 2021 Waukesha Christmas parade.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/farmer-wicorn-s5.jpgLegislation signed Friday is modeled after governor’s 2020 special session plan to increase value of several Wisconsin agricultural products 25 percent by mid-2026.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/school-kids-s5.jpgEvers announces he is directing $110 million in federal funding to support Wisconsin kids and schools at press conference Thursday.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/work-from-home-s5.jpgFederal Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal connects Wisconsin with broadband.