Progressive Thinking

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.

Musk's support for Trump risks tarnishing his legacy as a visionary leader and aligning him instead with a figure who represents the antithesis of the rational, evidence-based thinking he supposedly champions.

LAKE GENEVA, WI - Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump is a baffling contradiction to his image as a champion of science and innovation, aligning him with a leader who denies facts and undermines democratic principles. This alignment risks damaging Musk's credibility and alienating the progressive communities that have supported his ventures like Tesla and SpaceX. Once a symbol of innovation and coolness, Tesla's brand is now being tainted by Musk's association with Trump's divisive politics, threatening his legacy as a visionary leader.

Elon Musk's vocal support for Donald Trump is not only perplexing but also dangerously misguided, especially given Musk's reputation as a champion of science, innovation, and forward-thinking ideals. On the surface, Musk's alignment with a figure like Trump seems wildly inconsistent with the values of rationality and progress that Musk has built his public persona around. After all, Trump has repeatedly denied scientific facts, from the reality of climate change to the efficacy of vaccines, and has shown a blatant disregard for truth and democratic norms. These are positions that should be anathema to someone like Musk, who has made his name by pushing the boundaries of what is scientifically and technologically possible.

Musk's support for Trump, therefore, raises serious questions about his motivations and judgment. Is Musk driven by genuine belief in Trump's policies, or is his support more about personal and financial gain? It's no secret that Trump's administration was favorable to billionaires and large corporations, offering tax cuts and deregulation that directly benefited Musk's businesses. However, this kind of transactional loyalty overlooks the broader consequences of endorsing a leader who has consistently undermined the very foundations of democracy and truth.

By throwing his weight behind Trump, Musk risks not only his own credibility but also the trust and admiration of the communities that have supported his ambitious projects like SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink. These communities are built on a foundation of scientific rigor, evidence-based decision-making, and a commitment to solving some of humanity's greatest challenges—principles that are starkly at odds with Trump's anti-science rhetoric and divisive politics. Moreover, Musk's support of Trump could alienate the very people who have been his most ardent supporters: the engineers, scientists, and progressive thinkers who see in Musk a beacon of hope for a better future.

It used to be cool to drive a Tesla, symbolizing a commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, and the future. Now, with Musk's increasingly visible alignment with Trump, that cool factor is fading, as the brand becomes associated with the very political ideologies and anti-science rhetoric that many Tesla drivers actively oppose. Musk’s support for Trump sends a message that he is willing to overlook—or even endorse—policies and behaviors that are fundamentally at odds with the ideals of progress and innovation. This not only undermines Musk's own credibility but also threatens to erode the public's faith in the projects and technologies he champions.

In the end, Musk's support for Trump reveals a troubling delusion: the belief that he can separate the man from the policies, or that his personal alignment with Trump won't have broader implications for his reputation and the causes he claims to care about. It's a dangerous gamble, one that risks tarnishing Musk's legacy as a visionary leader and aligning him instead with a figure who represents the antithesis of the rational, evidence-based thinking that Musk supposedly champions.

— Laura Kiefert

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.

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.