Progressive Thinking

Senator Smith shares his hope for a renewed commitment to bipartisanship in the new legislative session in January considering the recent gains by democrats in both the Senate and Assembly.

MADISON - “I just want you to get along and get things done.” I have heard several versions of that statement over the years from countless citizens. But rarely does the legislature satisfy that desired behavior.

If you have read many of my columns, you know I frequently discuss my wish for better relationships and results from our governing body. You may even tire of me harping on the reasons we don’t see better cooperation and results. If you need a reminder, it has a lot to do with gerrymandering which left very few legislators who actually felt they needed to work for their constituents since the maps guaranteed their reelection. If there is no potential of losing your job, there is no reason to be accountable or to respect the opinion of the other side.

We now have a real opportunity moving forward to work on those lost relationships legislators once had. The balance has shifted enough to change the dynamics of both houses in our legislature. Sure, the Republicans still held onto the majority in both the Assembly and the Senate, but by a margin that should make any reasonable lawmaker realize they should work across the aisle. Republicans control the State Assembly with a 54-45 margin. That may seem like a comfortable majority for Republicans, but when you consider that Democrats flipped 10 seats this year and only need to flip five more to reach the majority, a change of behavior should be expected.

In the Senate, four seats flipped from Republicans to Democrats. Republicans control the State Senate 18-15. That should warrant a serious pause by Republican leaders in our house.

I introduced 126 bills in the 2021-22 session and 65 bills in the 2023-24 session. Of those 191 bill introductions, the Republican majority leaders only allowed 2 of my bills to get public hearings in a committee. Two out of 191. And only one of those bills came to the floor for passage.

In Senate committees the Republican majority largely suspended in-person executive sessions where members can introduce amendments and debate bills under consideration. Instead they almost exclusively used “paper ballots” that only allowed senators to vote bills up or down, with no public debate and no way to even advocate for amendments. I am hopeful that will change and we can consider amendments now that Republicans will need votes from Democrats to actually pass laws of substance. Relationships must be built and fostered along the way – a good way to do that is to meet face-to-face.

After the shock we suffered in the Chippewa Valley with closures of two vital hospitals, the legislature should have sprung into action and set aside petty political behavior. What we saw, instead, was more of the same. Money that was set aside to be directed to the Chippewa Valley for relief during this crisis has yet to be released because the Republican majority didn’t like that their original, narrow target for that money was expanded to include services like obstetrics and behavioral health. When I tried to raise my voice about this on the Senate floor for our community, I was gaveled down and Senate Republicans cowardly adjourned instead of listening.

At the end of each session, the legislature forms study groups to dig deeper and prepare for the next session on what we expect to be important issues we should tackle. I submitted a study on hospital closures and reform. My request was blatantly ignored. Clearly, the Republicans did not consider your access to healthcare nearly as important as hunting Sandhill Cranes.

We now have a real opportunity this coming session to demonstrate that we can get along, get things done and make a difference. The few of us on both sides of the aisle who served during a time when such narrow margins allowed for real collaborative governance can offer guidance to our colleagues who haven’t had the chance to work with trust and respect of opposing ideas.

I am looking forward to this opportunity. For our own personal health and the health of 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 offers his insights after reflecting on the election results and gives perspective on the gains made by Democrats in the Senate and Assembly.

EAU CLAIRE - I know this is a time of recovery after a long and grueling election season. It’s when we all need to take deep breaths and resolve ourselves to accept the results no matter how we voted. Some who read this may have chosen to sit this election out. The final count proved there were fewer voters who participated than there were four years ago. We all have our reasons for who we vote for, and I know firsthand how exhilarating it can be to win and how crushing it can be to lose. 2024 had a lot of both.

While 90% of media coverage and attention landed on the presidential campaign and results, there were plenty of other consequential races and results to pay attention to. Wisconsin, once again, was a deciding factor for who resides in the White House, but once again proved we are a purple state. While Republican Donald Trump came out on top in Wisconsin for president, Democrat Tammy Baldwin won a third term in the United State Senate. Approximately 58,000 voters may have voted for Trump and for Baldwin on the same ballot.

Lost in the headlines from Election Day was that Wisconsin voters clearly decided on a more balanced State Legislature. Much has been reported over the years about Wisconsin Republicans who gerrymandered Wisconsin to give themselves a 22-11 super majority in the State Senate and an insurmountable 64-35 majority in the State Assembly. After many court cases and elections, Republicans and Democrats finally agreed to a new competitive legislative map in 2024 with very different results.

Going into the 2025 legislative session, Republicans will still hold majorities in both houses, but it looks quite different now. After flipping four seats out of 16 that were up for election this year, the Senate is now significantly more balanced with 18 Republicans and 15 Democrats. In the Assembly, 10 seats were flipped so the numbers are now 54-45. In all, Democrats won 14 seats, regained the ability to uphold the Governor's veto authority and better reflects Wisconsin’s purple political hue.

It’s been 14 years since the margins have been that close. There are only a few legislators still serving who were in office before 2011 when such slim margins were common and majorities swung back and forth. It is only when there are such close margins, coupled with the looming threat of losing power, that the two parties really tend to consider all opinions and work together in meaningful ways.

This was what voters have been asking for. “Can’t you all just get along and work together?” Politicians won’t always get along, but keeping elections close for either political party will force lawmakers to work together.

This makes me hopeful and optimistic. Republican lawmakers will need to relearn the art of diplomacy and statesmanship and Democrats will need to find opportunities for common agreement.

The return of real debate, consideration of amendments and being open to respectful consideration of all ideas to make laws better would be a welcome change. Maybe the majority leaders will consider allowing committees to hold hearings on bills introduced by minority members and give the public a chance to hear other perspectives.

So, while most of the attention is still on what happens in Washington, we have plenty of reason to be hopeful in Wisconsin that politics will look much different here.

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 highlights the vibrant cultural benefits of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes and encourages everyone to find ways to celebrate November as Native American Heritage Month.

EAU CLAIRE - November is Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the vibrant cultures, invaluable contributions and rich histories of Native communities in our country. This month reminds us to confront our nation’s complex past, celebrate the resilience of Indigenous peoples and commit to addressing the systemic issues in our society today. We each have a role in honoring and amplifying Native voices, and this month provides us with an opportunity to do just that.

I feel a great sense of admiration for the strength, pride and persistence within Native communities. For generations, Native Americans have held onto their cultural identities despite tremendous adversity. From preserving languages and traditions to revitalizing cultural practices, Native communities are actively reclaiming their heritage and future. I’ve seen Native youth proudly wearing traditional attire like ribbon skirts and beaded earrings, celebrating their cultures and sharing their stories. This visibility is powerful, reminding all of us that Native culture isn’t a relic of the past, but a vibrant contribution to our present and future.

Native American Heritage Month also highlights the urgent challenges facing Native communities. Native women, for instance, experience violence at disproportionate rates, with over half facing sexual violence in their lifetimes, mostly committed by non-Natives. In response, federal legislation like the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), aims to address this epidemic, but sadly, this bill is still stalled in the United States Senate.

I am honored to serve on the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations which is tasked with investigating, and proposing, new legislation for the upcoming legislative session that impacts native communities across Wisconsin. Our next meeting is scheduled for today, and I hope meaningful reforms will be proposed in earnest in the next legislative session as a result of this committee’s work.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to Native veterans who, despite centuries of mistreatment, have served in the U.S. military at historically high rates. Native Americans have a proud legacy of service, defending the very nation that once marginalized them. Supporting organizations that assist Native veterans, such as those focused on addressing homelessness and healthcare, is one way we can honor their sacrifices.

As Native American Heritage Month should be a recognition to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into our daily lives and decision-making processes, let’s honor our first nations by learning about Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes, educating others, celebrating traditions and acknowledging the past. You can visit www.wisconsinfirstnations.org to learn more about resources that are available, and ways you can help educate others about our state’s tribal heritage.

This November, let us celebrate and uplift Native communities, confront historical injustices, and commit ourselves to building a future that respects and protects Native cultures, lands and voices. Native Americans have contributed immeasurably to our society and it is only right that we strive to create a society that values and supports them in return. May Native American Heritage Month inspire us to keep listening, learning, and acting as allies for Native communities every day of the year.

Senator Smith is honored to serve on the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations and hopes the work of the committee will result in tangible policy proposals in this upcoming legislative session.

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 celebrates our upcoming Veterans Day this coming November 11th by highlighting the need to support all of our veterans and the programs that support them.

EAU CLAIRE - Veterans Day this coming Monday, November 11th is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who served our nation, but this recognition shouldn’t end after a single day. For the estimated 283,000 veterans living in Wisconsin, the transition back to civilian life often comes with significant challenges–from accessing healthcare and finding affordable housing to managing physical and mental health. Our commitment to veterans must extend year-round, ensuring they receive the support they need for a fulfilling life after service

Veterans in Wisconsin, especially those in rural areas, face unique barriers. Many are dealing with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or substance use issues. Nearly 20 percent of Wisconsin veterans live with a service-connected disability, and a lack of resources in rural areas can make these challenges even harder to address. Limited access to healthcare and mental health services creates gaps in care that leave many veterans without the support they deserve.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in our healthcare system, making it clear that we need to improve access to essential services, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth emerged as an invaluable resource during the pandemic, helping veterans access medical care remotely. Yet, this potential solution has a significant barrier: internet access. Around 30 percent of Wisconsin’s rural veterans lack broadband, which limits their ability to benefit from telehealth services. Expanding broadband in rural areas would make it easier for veterans to get the care they need without facing long travel times to reach VA facilities.

Mental health support is critical for veterans, who often face elevated risks of suicide and substance use. According to Prevent Suicide Wisconsin, from 2013-2017, there were 714 veterans who died by suicide, which accounted for 1 in every 5 Wisconsin suicides. Nationally, more than 17 veterans take their own lives every day.  The introduction of the 9-8-8 mental health crisis line is a positive step forward. By pressing “1” at the prompt, veterans in crisis can immediately connect to mental health resources tailored for them. Programs like these are vital, especially for those who may otherwise struggle in silence.

Housing insecurity remains to be another serious issue. Currently, more than 300 veterans in Wisconsin are homeless according to estimates from the Housing Assistance Council. Programs like the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Housing and Recovery Program offer temporary housing and support services to veterans facing homelessness. Expanding such programs would help ensure that every veteran has a stable place to call home.

If you’re looking for ways to show appreciation for Wisconsin’s veterans, here are some impactful ways to get involved:

·         Donate to veteran charities like Wisconsin Veterans Foundation or the Wisconsin Veterans Network

·         Show your gratitude by attending a Veterans Day parade or ceremony

·         Display the American flag to honor veterans in your community

·         Give your time at a veterans’ organization to show your support

·         Drive veterans to appointments at Veterans Affairs hospitals

·         Choose to shop locally and support veterans in business

·         Support organizations that provide health, career, and mental health services

·         Thank veterans in your workplace and show your appreciation

·         Spend time with a veteran by listening to their experiences

Supporting veterans goes beyond a single day—it’s about honoring their contributions every day. Let’s make it a priority to give back to those who have given so much for us, ensuring all veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.

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 highlights the work being done around the state, and locally in Eau Claire, to remove and replace lead pipes.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - For years now you have probably heard officials warn about Lead Service Lines (LSL) or lead laterals. These are the pipes that bring water into a home or business from the main waterline out in the street. Every budget year, whether it be local, state or federal government, there are debates over funds for removing LSL’s to private homes.

The reason for concern is because lead has been proven to cause many health issues. There is no safe level of lead exposure no matter your age. In adults it is proven to cause neuropathy and to weaken bone health. The neurological effects in children, though, are most alarming. Lead can be the cause of ADHD, delayed learning, lower IQ, developmental problems and even hypertension.

In other words, lead is poisonous to anyone.

Lead components have been banned since 1986. But there are plenty of homes that still have lead laterals. In Wisconsin there are 141,473 known private lead service lines. In the City of Eau Claire alone there are an estimated 1,200 homes in need of pipe replacement.

The water many people consume may be poisoning them through no fault of their own. It can be a daunting task for a private homeowner to remove these lines. That is why programs have been established to help with that removal. Funding has too often been the stumbling block, though.

The Wisconsin DNR offers free technical assistance to small municipalities that report LSL’s in their distribution system. As of June of this year 280 systems have received that assistance.

Wisconsin began a pilot program in 2017-18 using $26 million in unused funds that 40 municipalities took advantage of. Around 7,000 lines were removed through that program.

In 2021-22 Wisconsin was one of eight states that participated in the Water Infrastructure Fund Transfer Act (WIFTA). With the $63.8 million from WIFTA, 14,000 private LSLs were removed in 132 municipalities.

As you can see, this problem is widespread and expensive to solve. Up to now, we have moved at a tortoise speed attacking a problem that is affecting millions of citizens daily.

Wisconsin will receive up to $400 million to address LSL’s from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). This will take place from 2024 through 2027. According to the DNR the average cost of removing a private LSL in your home is $4,220 though that can vary depending on location and other factors. The BIL funding will not be nearly enough to remove all those dangerous lead lines but it is a start. The Governor requested $200 million for LSL removal in the 2023-25 budget but it was not in the final budget approved by the legislature.

Some municipalities are desperately searching for ways to accelerate the removal of LSL’s with their own limited funds. The City of Eau Claire is just now kicking off their own program using Capital Improvement Project funds rather than DNR funding. To find out if you qualify for this program, simply call to schedule a test of your pipe and if you have lead pipes, the city will pay up to $3,000 to replace the piping. Through this new local program the homeowner enlists a contractor who then directly bills the city.

To learn more about lead service line replacement in Eau Claire, or to confirm whether your water service line material is a lead service line, please contact the Utility Division at 715-839-5045 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

While it is encouraging that such a program is available in Eau Claire, whether you have safe drinking water should not depend on where you live. Everyone should feel free to drink their tap water knowing it is safe. With a projected $4.6 billion budget surplus there is no excuse for Wisconsin dragging its feet.

Sen. Smith encourage Eau Claire residents to call the city utility department to get their pipes tested for lead by calling 715-839-5045.

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.