Progressive Thinking

Ahead of our Labor Day celebrations, Sen. Smith highlights the glaringly obvious gap between our legal minimum wage and what we all know it takes to make ends meet – a living wage.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - We all know that Wisconsin’s minimum wage is stuck in the last century. I mean, who can actually afford to live on $7.25 an hour? That’s $1,160 a month at 40 hours a week, which is hardly enough to pay for groceries, let alone rent. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, an actual living wage in Wisconsin for a single adult without children is $20.22.

The last time we saw a bump in the Wisconsin minimum wage was in 2007. In the next year, the federal government increased the minimum wage again by only another 75 cents, outpacing Wisconsin’s increase the year before. That was 16 years ago folks, and counting.

For over 30 years I ran the window cleaning business my father started after he got back from World War II, so I know a thing or two about hard work. Most of all, I learned that paying people a fair wage is more about showing respect for the people who give their time to make your business run. People deserve a living wage, and our state is woefully behind the trend.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Wisconsin is $22.18 an hour, but one in five Wisconsinites still work for less than $12 an hour. Clearly, our minimum wage is not a viable living wage. Employers are willing to pay more to attract workers, but keeping our minimum wage in step with a living wage provides a backstop for workers and a reality facing Wisconsin employers.

Perhaps the answer has something to do with the makeup of our legislature. Perhaps Republicans in the majority do not support labor in Wisconsin as much as they let on.

How about new laws for workers’ rights to organize a union and address safety concerns in the workplace? According to AFL-CIO’s Death on the Job report, workplace hazards killed or disabled more than 100,000 workers nationwide in 2019. Of those work-related incidents, 5,333 died while on the job. Last year alone, 62 workers died on the job in Wisconsin. Shouldn’t more be done to make work safer for everyone?

Last week I had the opportunity to address the AFL-CIO’s annual conference, and I was proud to celebrate my 100% voting record on pro-labor bills during the last legislative session. Our Democratic Senate Caucus has an excellent voting record overall because we recognize and appreciate every time we get the chance to vote for workers’ rights and improve the conditions for workers from all walks of life.

Even though it was over 13 years ago now, it feels like yesterday when I joined the thousands of concerned citizens at the Capitol to protest the signing of Act 10 into law. At the same time, Republicans enshrined their gerrymandered map locking in a majority in both the Assembly and Senate ever since. Is it any wonder, then, why we haven’t raised our living wage in Wisconsin?

As we take some much-needed time off this coming Labor Day, I hope you will consider finding a brief moment of gratitude in your busy weekend for all of the great labor accomplishments and workers in our state. They fought to create this holiday and make the 40-hour work week a reality. I know I will.

And as soon as our next legislative session starts back up in January, I look forward to making sure others join me in a 100% voting record on behalf of the workers in our state.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith discusses the JFC Republicans’ decision to hold crucial funding needed to clean up PFAS pollution in our water.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - Over the past few years, you’ve no doubt heard of the expansive PFAS problem contaminating our drinking water and surface waters in Wisconsin and throughout the country. But what exactly are PFAS, and what is being done to address this crisis facing the future of our precious drinking water? Having safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental right and we must do everything possible to solve this immediately.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, commonly known as PFAS, have been used in countless industrial applications, from firefighting foams to non-stick cookware. While they have made our lives more convenient, PFAS are dangerous primarily because they are highly persistent in the environment and in the human body. These "forever chemicals" resist breaking down, leading to their accumulation in soil, water and living organisms. They can disrupt our endocrine systems, harm liver function and potentially cause cancer. Their widespread use in everyday products, such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, means that exposure is all too common, and the health impacts can be severe and long-lasting. The difficulty in removing them from water sources and the human body makes their threat to public health and the environment all the more difficult to address.

In 2023, Governor Evers signed the budget into law including $125 million in funding to remediate PFAS contamination across the state. Republicans and Gov. Evers agreed to set $125 million aside to address PFAS in the budget. However, Republicans now disagree with the Governor and Democrats in the legislature for using the money for testing and keeping polluters accountable. It’s been over a year now and Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee refuse to utilize these funds.

Wisconsin is already behind states like Minnesota and Michigan that have started widespread groundwater PFAS detection. The people of Wisconsin deserve better than to have their health and the environment jeopardized by unchecked industrial pollution and inactive government.

PFAS have already been detected in over 120 communities across the state, impacting approximately 2.5 million Wisconsinites, which is about 42% of the entire state. The DNR has done an excellent job with the authority they have to help municipalities deal with PFAS contaminations. However, without additional state guidance and funding, municipalities are left implementing a patchwork of remediation strategies.

Thankfully, municipalities like the City of Eau Claire have been proactive in protecting our community from PFAS by acting immediately. For instance, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department is currently partnering with researchers from UW-Eau Claire to offer a limited number of free private well water tests for PFAS. Also, the construction of a PFAS removal facility in Eau Claire has finally broken ground and is expected to be completed by 2026.

In the absence of Republican leadership, municipalities like Eau Claire are taking great strides towards safe drinking water in our area. However, these efforts will not be enough for the residents of greater Wisconsin. Why should these other cities be in limbo when there are resources waiting to be dispersed?

Wisconsinites expect our government to prioritize their health and their lives over the special interests of PFAS polluters. Water pollution is not a political discussion, and people should be able to drink a glass of water with no worries about their wellbeing.

The Republicans’ decision to hold crucial funding is dangerous and irresponsible. Their decision affects everyone, from our families to our friends to our children. They need to be held accountable for the damage they are doing and must release the PFAS funds now.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith encourages everyone to find ways to support our young learners as they head back into the classroom.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - As summer fades away and the new academic year begins, the ritual of going back to school takes on renewed importance. I remember growing up and feeling the flutter of anxiety as I gathered everything I needed to head back to school.  Seeing “old” friends or the thought of getting to make new ones, or getting new clothes to wear and figuring out what to eat for lunch. That can be a lot for young learners and it’s important we do all we can to support them.

For students, it’s a season of new beginnings, fresh challenges and endless possibilities. For adults—be they parents, guardians, or community members—this is a great time to reflect on how we might do more to contribute to the success of our students.

Going back to school is a chance for each student to start anew and reimagine what’s possible in the year ahead. The reality is that we are all responsible for fostering social growth, emotional resilience and life-long learning skills. Adults play a crucial role in this process, and their support can make the difference between a student merely surviving the school year and truly thriving.

How kids get back to school is more than just an academic exercise. It’s an essential part of a young person’s development. Our schools create structured opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration—skills that are vital in today’s world.

On the other hand, the challenges that come with returning to school can be overwhelming for some students. The transition from summer break to the structured environment of the classroom can be jarring. Students may feel anxious about academic pressures, social dynamics and extracurricular commitments they face. This is where adult support becomes so important. By actively engaging in their children’s education, adults can provide the stability, encouragement and guidance students need to navigate these challenges successfully.

In addition to these direct forms of support, adults can also contribute to student success by being involved in the broader school community. Volunteering at school events, participating in parent-teacher associations, or simply attending school meetings are all ways to demonstrate a commitment to education. Such involvement sends a powerful message to students that their education is important and adults around them are invested in their success.

Moreover, adults can support student success by establishing routines to promote good study habits. This includes setting aside specific times for homework, ensuring children have a quiet and comfortable place to study, and encouraging regular reading. Consistent routines help students develop discipline and time management skills, which are essential for academic success. Adults should also be mindful of the need for balance, ensuring that students have time for physical activity, social interactions, and rest, all of which contribute to overall well-being.

Parents shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to teachers to discuss their child’s progress, seek advice or to collaborate on strategies to support their learning. Similarly, students should be encouraged to speak up about their concerns, whether they are struggling with a particular subject, feeling overwhelmed by their workload or facing social challenges at school. When adults listen to students and take their concerns seriously, they help create an environment where students feel valued and supported.

Here are just a few ways you can help support our schools:

·         Adopt-a-Backpack for an Eau Claire Area School District student in need by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 715-852-3000.

·         Donate to the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation Ways to Give | Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation (ecpsfound.org)

·         Donate to the CFAUSD Foundation CFAUSD Foundation (cfausd-foundation.com).

·         Donate to Menomonie School Angel Fund Angel Fund - School District of the Menomonie Area (sdmaonline.com).

As the new school year begins, let's remember that the journey of education is not one that students should undertake alone. We can all find a way to support students in our community to help them navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that come with going back to school. How about you?  What can you do this year to help a student in your life?

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith reminds voters to do their civic duty and cast their ballots in the upcoming Primary Election next Tuesday, August 13.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - Voting is just like exercise. The more you do it, the stronger you become. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of participating in elections, especially in the upcoming Primary Election happening next week on Tuesday, August 13. Yet, voting is not just a civic duty. It’s a fundamental right that underpins the very essence of our democracy.

Primary elections often don’t receive the same attention or turnout as general elections, but they play a critical role in the democratic process. Participating in primary elections is essential for many reasons, especially for the August 13^th election because citizens will be voting on two constitutional changes. Primary elections also reflect a wider array of opinions and increases the legitimacy of the candidates selected for the general election.

These often overlooked elections also serve as a critical juncture for ensuring representative governance. In many districts, particularly those that are heavily skewed toward one party or another, the primary election effectively determines the winner of the general election. In such cases, the primary election is the most important opportunity for voters to influence who will represent them. By casting your vote, you help ensure that the elected officials who represent you truly reflect your preferences and values. Intra-party competition also allows voters to evaluate the performance of incumbents and decide whether they deserve another term.

It’s also worth pointing out that even though the primary election is only six days away, you still have until tomorrow’s August 8^th deadline to request your absentee ballot for this election and the upcoming general election in November. Acting today will help you get your ballot in time and make your choices from the comfort of your own home.

After requesting your ballot, you will receive your absentee ballot in the mail, but since we are 6 days away from the election, the best bet is to drop off your ballot to your municipal clerk’s office before 5pm on Friday, or you can drop off your completed absentee ballot at your polling location on Tuesday until 8pm.

Requesting your absentee ballot now will also ensure you receive it well in advance of the general election happening on November 5^th. It’s important to note that even if you signed up for an absentee ballot last year, you’ll have to sign up again every year after to get your ballot. If you moved, you will have to re-register, but it isn’t something you have to do every time you vote.

The best resource for understanding how to vote and making sure you know when the election is, where you vote, how to register and what’s on your ballot is to use the www.myvote.wi.gov website.

Despite continual court challenges and laws designed to limit voting, we must make our voices heard, even in the primary election. It’s not about politics, it’s about our civic duty to participate in democracy. It’s what makes our country great. Each citizen has the right, and the duty, to vote in every election.

Don’t forget to vote all the way down your ballot too. Learning about state and local candidates is just as important as your pick for US Senate or Congress. If you don’t know who is running locally or what their stances are, just ask your friends or look them up online.

If you ever have any questions about voting changes or need to know how to register to vote or request your ballot, my office is ready to assist you. Just email us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give us a call at 608-266-8546. Feel free to also contact the Wisconsin Elections Commission with any election related question by calling them at 608-266-8005.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.

Senator Smith points out the consequences of inaction by the Joint Finance Committee, including a measure to increase the Trout Stamp to support stream habitat improvements.

MADISON - When a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? How about when the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) removes an agency’s funding request before it even sees the light of day?

That’s exactly what happened last year when the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requested a $5 increase to Inland Waters Trout Stamp (IWTS) at the request of angling groups, in addition to another $234,000 needed to fully operate fish hatchery operations. The Governor listened – he included it in his version of the budget. Legislative Republicans didn’t include it in theirs. It wasn’t discussed, it was rejected outright for no reason except that it came from the Governor.

There are scores of examples just like this that never see the light of day. Political decisions by Republicans on JFC to leave out vital requests from agencies like these have downstream consequences that are playing out as I write this. Especially in this case when fisheries now lack the money needed to transport the fish they have already raised this year. Now we are hearing from anglers in western Wisconsin that this year’s crop of fingerlings may not be able to get to the streams they were intended to end up in.

As a result of JFC removing the DNR’s request to increase the Inland Waters Trout Stamp (IWTS) from $10 to $15, sportsmen are missing out on an estimated $800,000 annually. That money would have gone directly to supporting habitat restoration work needed for streams, and more specifically, for the end goal of sustainably stocking fish. After all, it would make no sense to breed fish if there is no place to put them where they can thrive and reproduce on their own.

The last time there was an increase to the Trout Stamp was in 2006, and since then inflation has risen approximately 55%. So what was intended to be $10 from each stamp 18 years ago is now less than half of the money going to stream restoration. Trout Unlimited and their members are the ones asking for this increase because they understand what’s at stake.

The DNR’s Bureau of Fisheries management is tasked with the very time intensive and expensive work of rearing trout and getting them into specially designated waterways to ensure their survival. Citing structural deficits to their funding in the 2023-2025 Biennial Budget, they are now forced to pause their trout and salmon production this year. Although the $5 increase in trout stamp offered by the Governor at the request of anglers wouldn’t go directly to fish rearing, it would however alleviate an already strained budget.

Without this vital work being done - from start to finish - the future of our trout fishing heritage will suffer in Wisconsin due to politics at its worst.

In talking with folks who care deeply about what it means to pass on our sporting heritage, our state government needs to do more to ensure these opportunities exist for the next generation.

Next year when we start the entire budget process again in February, the Inland Waters Trout Stamp fee increase needs to be requested yet again, in addition to allowing the money raised from it to go directly to tireless work of trout stocking. Now that we see the true ramifications playing out from chronically underfunding state agency programs like this, I hope everyone keeps a keen eye on the Joint Finance Committee. After all, no one hears the tree fall in the woods unless someone is listening for it.

Senator Smith represents District 31 in the Wisconsin State Senate. The 31st Senate District includes all of Buffalo, Pepin and Trempealeau counties and portions of Pierce, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson and St. Croix counties.