Progressive Thinking

Claims about the administration damaging America undermine the real progress being made and perpetuate a divisive narrative that only serves to mislead and polarize for cynical political gain.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - Trump supporters claim that the Biden administration is the worst ever and that their policies have damaged America. The reality is quite the opposite. The Biden administration has been tirelessly working to address critical issues and improve the lives of countless Americans.

Under Biden's leadership, we’ve seen significant economic recovery efforts, especially in response to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stimulus packages, including direct payments to Americans, have stabilized the economy and provided much-needed relief to those hit hardest. Contrast this with the narrative from the right, which ignores these vital lifelines and paints a picture of economic doom.

Look at the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It's a monumental effort to rebuild and modernize America’s infrastructure, creating jobs and improving transportation, broadband access, and more. Yet, Trump supporters dismiss these transformative projects and spread misinformation about their impact.

Healthcare has been another priority, with the Biden administration working to expand access and affordability. Efforts to reduce prescription drug costs and enhance the Affordable Care Act are real, tangible benefits for millions. Still, the right clings to the false narrative that healthcare is being ruined, ignoring the progress made in making it more accessible.

Climate action has been a cornerstone of Biden’s policies. By rejoining the Paris Agreement and promoting clean energy initiatives, this administration is taking crucial steps to combat climate change and protect our environment. Meanwhile, Trump supporters continue to deny the urgency of the climate crisis and undermine these essential efforts.

Social justice is at the forefront, with Biden’s administration pushing for reforms in criminal justice and addressing systemic racism. These are steps toward a more equitable society, but the right dismisses these efforts, claiming they are divisive rather than recognizing their necessity for true justice.

On the global stage, Biden has worked to restore America’s standing through diplomacy and international cooperation. Rebuilding alliances and tackling global challenges collaboratively are critical, yet Trump supporters often view these efforts as weakness, ignoring the benefits of strong, respectful international relationships.

The right’s claims about the Biden administration damaging America are not just false; they are harmful. They undermine the real progress being made and perpetuate a divisive narrative that only serves to mislead and polarize. It's time to set aside these baseless accusations and acknowledge the positive changes happening under this administration. We need to move forward with a focus on facts and reality, not partisan distortions.

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.

Senator Smith highlights the record-breaking gains we are seeing from our tourism industry statewide, which is fueling small businesses in small towns all over Wisconsin, and especially in the Chippewa Valley.

EAU CLAIRE, WI - You know the feeling. The car is loaded up. The cooler is packed. The kids are buckled up and you are backing out of the driveway for that long-awaited vacation. Where are you headed? It doesn’t matter. You’re hitting the road and every moment after that is an adventure filled with new memories with your family. These are the moments during the year we live for, and what better place to go out and play than in our own backyard right here in Wisconsin.

Tourism, and every business associated with it, is not just a boon for our small towns – it creates opportunities for families to reconnect and, if you’re lucky, there are some moments along the way that just might last a lifetime. Whether traveling on a shoe-string or a lavish trip, every dollar spent on Wisconsin tourism makes a big impact for our state.

In fact, Wisconsin has reason to celebrate our tourism yet again. I don’t like getting into the weeds with statistics typically, but I think it’s worth noting some of the key highlights I took away from reading the Department of Tourism economic report (here) for 2023.

While 2022 saw record increases in spending in Wisconsin after COVID put the brakes on our usual travel plans, 2023 came over-the-top and smashed all previous records with over $25 billion (with a B) in revenue. That’s almost 6% more than the prior year and that increase is good news for thousands of workers across the state.

According to the report, tourism alone generated 127,000 jobs across the state and $6.8 billion in income for those workers. Locally, here in Eau Claire County alone, tourism generated $434 million in revenue and 3,851 jobs. That’s a lot of hard-earned cash making a real impact for those hard-working Wisconsinites.

The 2023-25 state budget, approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Tony Evers appropriated $34 million to “raise Wisconsin’s profile across the country as a premier business, cultural and recreational destination,” according to the Tourism Department. By my math, a $34 million investment from the state in an industry that generates $25 billion is a fantastic return on investment.

In my official capacity at the Capitol I have the opportunity to learn a lot about tourism being a member of both the Wisconsin Council on Tourism and the Senate Committee on Agriculture & Tourism. I get to see the successes and the challenges our tourism industry faces each year.

Here is western Wisconsin we have plenty of Minnesota people who like to drive the Great River Road and Illinois travelers who make the trek up to our region for fun. There is no shortage of people, but small towns that make our communities unique become stretched to the max supporting festivals and events that draw hundreds of people to towns that serve as home for only a few hundred folks. Fundamentally, it’s the slower pace of these small communities that bring people back again and again, and these communities are the backbone of almost all of our tourism statewide.

Our state must continue supporting the network of cities and towns that fuel our tourism industry and listen to their local elected leaders and business owners to keep identifying ways we can propel this trend moving in the right direction. If you have ideas about ways the state could do more, feel free to email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I am always here to learn from you so I can be your voice in the Senate.

Stay safe this summer and be sure to look out for each other on the roads.

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.

Kamala Harris is the right choice for the Democratic Party, and rallying behind her can lead America toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - Kamala Harris represents the future of the Democratic Party, making her the ideal candidate for the presidency in 2024. Her extensive experience as District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, U.S. Senator, and Vice President demonstrates her qualifications and commitment to justice, equity, and reform. Harris embodies the diversity of America, being the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President. This representation is crucial for energizing the Democratic base and ensuring high voter turnout, particularly among women and people of color.

To defeat Donald Trump, Harris must unite the Democratic Party by bridging the gap between its progressive and moderate wings, ensuring all voices feel heard and represented. She must engage key demographics, including young voters, women, and people of color, by addressing their specific concerns and presenting a compelling vision for the future. Economic concerns will be central in the election, so Harris needs to present a clear plan to address inequality, create jobs, and support working families with accessible healthcare, affordable education, and fair wages.

Emphasizing her competence, stability, and commitment to democratic norms will contrast sharply with Trump’s chaotic and divisive tenure. Her vice-presidential experience under President Biden provides a strong foundation for presenting herself as a steady leader. Additionally, Harris should highlight her dedication to restoring America’s standing on the global stage, appealing to voters concerned about national security.

A robust strategy to counter disinformation is essential, leveraging social media and grassroots organizations to ensure clear and consistent messaging. Kamala Harris is the right choice for the Democratic Party, and rallying behind her can lead America toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - The rise of far-right movements across the country isn't just a blip on the political radar; it's a growing phenomenon that demands our attention. We must understand the intertwined factors driving this surge to address the root causes effectively.

One major reason seems to be economic anxiety. When people face job insecurity, stagnating wages, and a declining standard of living, they seek strong leadership that promises economic protectionism. Far-right parties capitalize on these fears, presenting themselves as the defenders of the common worker against a perceived elite.

Increased immigration and rapid cultural changes have stirred fears about national identity and security. Far-right groups exploit these fears, positioning themselves as the only true protectors of the nation’s cultural heritage. Their anti-immigration rhetoric resonates with those who feel their way of life is under threat.

Many people are frustrated with traditional political parties, viewing them as corrupt, out-of- touch, or simply ineffective. This disillusionment fuels a desire for radical change, leading voters to embrace far-right alternatives that promise to shake up the status quo.

The rise of social media has revolutionized how political messages are spread. Far-right groups have mastered these platforms, using them to amplify their views and mobilize supporters. Social media creates echo chambers, where extreme views gain traction and moderate voices are often drowned out.

Globalization has brought many benefits, but it has also left some people feeling marginalized. Those who feel that their local economies and cultures are being eroded by global forces are more likely to support parties that promise to prioritize national interests and curb international influence.

Heightened security threats, such as terrorist attacks, also play a role. Far-right parties often use these events to stoke fear and promote their law-and-order agendas, appealing to those who prioritize security above all else.

Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the surge in far-right movements. It's not enough to simply denounce these groups; we must also tackle the underlying issues driving their popularity. Economic reform, thoughtful immigration policies, political transparency, and community engagement are key steps in countering this troubling trend. The far-right’s rise is a symptom of deeper societal issues that require comprehensive solutions. We must recognize this and work together to create a more inclusive and secure future for everyone.