Senate Democrats Announce “Affordable Wisconsin Agenda”, Aimed At Lowering Costs Across Our State

MADISON, WI – Today Senate Democrats announced their Affordable Wisconsin Agenda. Aimed at addressing the statewide crisis of rising costs. Senators Hesselbein, Wall, Pfaff, Smith, Keyeski, Habush Sinykin, Dassler-Alfheim, and Representative Jenna Jacobson established Senate Democrats’ guiding principle of lowering prices for childcare, healthcare, energy, housing, and groceries across our state.

During this morning’s event, Democratic leaders addressed each pillar of the Affordable Wisconsin Agenda and the need to make lives in Wisconsin less expensive:

“Today my colleagues and I are here to announce a statewide tour that we’ll embark on over the next several weeks,” said Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein. “We’re excited to travel all across Wisconsin to hear from those who are being impacted by the affordability crisis and then take those struggles and turn them into tangible policy solutions that will help working families keep more of their hard earned money – the Affordable Wisconsin Agenda.”

“Senate Democrats have already been leading the fight to lower the cost of housing, whether trying to expand the homestead tax credit or preventing hedge funds from buying up available housing stocks, but undoubtedly more needs to be done,” said Sen. Jeff Smith. “Over the coming weeks, my colleagues and I look forward to hearing from contractors, builders, realtors, and other stakeholders so that we can finally reign in soaring housing costs.”

“My colleagues and I have rolled up our sleeves and proposed real solutions to lower everyday costs. The healthy school meals bill fills kid’s bellies for breakfast and lunch. This will increase learning outcomes and save parents money. The Local Food Purchasing Program funds grants to farmers who provide food to local food pantries,” said Rep. Jenna Jacobson. “That bill fills the hole left when the feds cut funding to this program and Wisconsin farmers. These are examples of some of the kinds of policies we can advance to lower everyday costs. Both are important multi-purpose steps that we can take today.”

We here in Wisconsin have proposed other ways to save on medical expenses. Senate Democrats are committed to fighting to reduce kitchen-table costs – one of the first bills legislative Democrats released this year was the ‘Less For RX’ package that would lower prescription drug costs for our families,” said Sen. Kris Dassler-Alfheim. “I also introduced a price-cap on asthma medication. These bills haven’t even gotten a public hearing, we could be doing more here in Wisconsin to make life a little bit more affordable for everyone. I ask my colleagues in the majority to start moving these bills forward for the good of all of Wisconsin.”

“National estimates have shown in the last year alone energy costs have risen anywhere from 7-10%, adding to the increased financial burden being placed on all Wisconsinites,” said Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin. “Senate Democrats are keenly aware of these challenges and are already working to lower energy bills – working with our utility companies to ensure new transmission lines are built with Wisconsin labor and ensuring that we take advantage of new cleaner, greener energy sources that diversify our grid and lower costs for families across Wisconsin.”

“As a mom to six kids, I know the struggles that face most when it comes to finding childcare. First the stress that comes with trying to find an available slot, then budgeting to afford the weekly cost, while always worrying ‘is my child in a place where they can thrive?’,” said Sen. Sarah Keyeski. “Despite these shared struggles for parents across our state, the Republican controlled legislature has not done nearly enough to support childcare professionals or young families across Wisconsin. Their inaction is more of an endorsement of the current environment and we refuse to settle for that.”

Take a look at Senate Democrats’ Complete Affordable Wisconsin Agenda HERE

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.