Dianne Hesselbein

Wisconsin Senate Democrats Plan To Work Across The Aisle

With major gains in the number of seats, Democrats see opportunity.

Senate Members of Legislature’s Powerful Joint Finance Committee Announced

The 16-person panel is responsible for how Wisconsin spends tens of billions of dollars. Assembly up next.

Hesselbein Heralds Ruling in Favor of Workers’ Rights

Only 30% of Wisconsin Hospitals Obey Federal Price Transparency Rules

New report shows widespread violation of rules meant to lower hospital costs.

State Senate Minority Leader Backs Using Budget Surplus to Fund K-12 Schools

Dianne Hesselbein suggests pairing this with a middle-class tax cut.

Greta Neubauer Reelected as Assembly Minority Leader

Democrats gained 10 seats, the largest increase in more than half a century.

Robin Vos Will Continue as Assembly Speaker

Senate Democrats also reelected Diane Hesselbein as minority leader

Without Gerrymander, Democrats Flip 14 Legislative Seats

The Democratic gains in a strong Republican year set up a chance for them to win majorities in 2026.

Results Show Wisconsin GOP Is Now Trump’s MAGA Party

Trump outperformed underlying Republican candidates, reversing 2020 results.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin on Election Results

Senate Democrats Flip Every Targeted Senate District

Wall Declares Victory in the 30th Senate District

Habush Sinykin Declares Victory in the 8th Senate District

Keyeski Declares Victory in the 14th Senate District

Pfaff Declares Victory in 32nd Senate District

Medicaid Expansion Could Benefit 90,000 Wisconsin Residents

Wisconsin Policy Forum studies long-offered expansion's potential, ability to save $200 million annually.

Democrats, Republicans Ramp Up Campaigns Under New Legislative Maps

Both parties poised to spend $1 million apiece on key state Assembly and Senate races.

DLCC Spotlights 14 Democratic Candidates for State Legislature

National group helps with funding, messaging; goal is Democratic Assembly takeover.

Wisconsin DNC Delegates Express Optimism After Harris’s DNC Speech

Democrats in the Windy City say they're ready to bring the energy and enthusiasm from the convention home, mobilize voters.

Wisconsin Democrats Rally Around High Stakes 2024 Election

But state convention shows division, protest against Baldwin on Israel-Palestine issue.

Wisconsin Democrats Running Candidates In All But Two Races

A multi-decade high. But will it matter to their electoral prospects?

Lawmakers At Odds Over Releasing Health, PFAS Funds

GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee won't release funding, citing legal risk.

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes

Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.

Parties Target 5 State Senate Seats With No Incumbent

More competitive races will mean fierce battles and huge spending.

Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds

Standoff between Republicans on Joint Finance Committee and Gov. Evers continues.

UW-Platteville Vacating Richland Campus

Democrats blame Republicans for cutting UW system funding.

Two Wisconsin Lawmakers Push “Right To Contraception” At State and Federal Levels

Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Rep. Lisa Subeck say protection would ensure personal autonomy.

Senator Hesselbein Applauds Governor Evers’ Veto of Hateful, Anti-LGBTQ+ Proposal

How Can We Reduce Salt Pollution?

Changes in state law needed, but there are also simple solutions to reduce over-salting. Final story in series

State Democrats Make Push To Codify Right To Birth Control

But Republicans aren't expected to advance proposal.

Senator Hesselbein Statement – Tax Relief Must Be Responsible & Targeted

Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees

GOP boots one from DNR board, three from UW Health board.

Senator Hesselbein Statement: After More than a Decade of Political Gerrymanders, Fair Maps are Signed into Law in Wisconsin

Republicans Cannot Be Trusted with WI’s Redistricting Process

Senator Hesselbein Commends Governor Evers’ Action to Veto Yet Another Set of Gerrymandered Republican Maps

Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein Announces Committee Reassignments

Senator Hesselbein Applauds Sen. Lena Taylor’s Appointment to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court

Senator Hesselbein Reacts to Governor Evers’ State of the State Address

Hesselbein & Neubauer Respond to Republican Proposal Making Abortion Less Accessible

Republicans Fearful of New District Maps

Under one proposed map, incumbent Republicans would have to run against each other.

Senate Leader Shoots Down Government-Run Marijuana Dispensaries

Republicans in Assembly proposed idea. Senate still working on tax cuts.

Senator Hesselbein Denounces Republicans’ Continued Attacks on Abortion Access

Senate Democratic Leader Reacts to Republican Medical Marijuana Proposal

Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein Reacts to Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling that Wisconsin’s Legislative Maps are Unconstitutional

UW Pay Raises Approved After Nearly 6-Month GOP Blockade

Some 34,000 workers had to wait since July for standoff on DEI issue to be settled.

Women Politicians Still Face Double Standard

Getting more criticism and social media insults than men. 'We get attacked more.'

Dianne Hesselbein Is New Senate Minority Leader

Democrats pick her to succeed Sen. Agard, now running for Dane County Executive.

“An exciting day” – Sen. Larson congratulates Sen. Dianne Hesselbein on her election as Senate Democratic Leader

Democrat’s Senate Leader Stepping Down, Running For Dane County Exec

Melissa Agard will serve out her senate term, but three candidates already running for her leadership post.

Psychedelic Research Blooms in Wisconsin

Bipartisan bill backs pilot program to study the effects of psilocybin on combat PTSD.

GOP Senators Renew Fight Over Abortion, Tax Cuts

And override an Evers' budget veto, part of busy session Tuesday.

Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties

Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.

Evers’ Tax Cut Plan Is Far Reaching

Detailed plan has many provisions, lowers taxes on four of five taxpayers in state.

Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership

Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.

Republicans Don’t Win Veto-Proof Legislature

Had to flip five Assembly seats and one Senate district and fell short.

Record Number of Legislators Retiring

At least 31 incumbents, one quarter of state Legislature retiring, highest since 1942.

State Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Medical Marijuana

But the state Legislature has already adjourned for the year, so a bill won't pass in 2022.

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.

Open Letter to the People of Ukraine

Two Medical Marijuana Bills Proposed

One by legislators from each party. 37 states, including Mississippi, now allow it.

Democrats Push Abortion Rights Bill

Without Roe, old state law would prevail, making abortion a felony, with penalty of up to 6 years in prison

Assembly Democrats Elect Neubauer As Leader

Will succeed Gordon Hintz, with Rep. Kalan Haywood as assistant minority leader.

Rep. Neubauer Elected Assembly Democratic Leader

Democrats’ Revolving Door Swings Again

Assembly minority leader Gordon Hintz's decision to step down the latest of many leadership changes.

Rep. Hintz Thanks Rep. Hesselbein For Her Leadership

Hintz Will Quit As Assembly Minority Leader

Democrat will resign position in January, cites need to spend more time with family.

Big Changes Needed In Political Districts

Population changes in Madison, metro Milwaukee require redrawn legislative and congressional seats.

Assembly Leaders Accused of ‘Systemic Racism’

Republicans use racist retaliation, punish free speech, Democratic legislators charge.

Assembly GOP Doubles Down On Racism, Retaliates Against Member of Color’s Efforts to Address Systemic Racism

Democratic state representatives lift the curtain on racist retaliation in the legislature

Republicans Scapegoat Struggling Families to Score Political Points

Hesselbein Votes No to Republican Private Investigators

Who’s the Most Right Wing Of All?

Conservative group ranks state’s most conservative members of Congress and Legislature.

Rep. Hesselbein Statement on Republican Attempt to Control Federal Funding

Gov. Evers Saves Food Assistance for Wisconsin Families

Rep. Hesselbein Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Emergency Orders

Legislature Has Dramatic Debate

Over its power, purpose, prestige... and whether Robin Vos hates Tony Evers.

Republicans Aim to Prolong Pandemic and Slow Down Distribution of Federal Funds

Hesselbein Calls on State Legislature to Take Immediate Action on Federal UI Funding

34 State Legislators Endorse Jill Underly for State Superintendent

Hesselbein Applauds Governor’s Budget Address

Sporting Heritage Committee Chair Denies Remote Participation Again

Underly Campaign Announces Endorsement of 12 State Legislators

Mask-Less Public Meetings Are Illegal

They endanger health and prevent access to all interested in attending.

Wisconsinites Put Pressure on Republicans to Stop Playing Politics

State Legislature Has Most Women Lawmakers Ever

31% of state legislators are women.

Representative Hesselbein Prevented from Attending Committee Hearing Remotely

Representative Hesselbein Reacts to Governor Evers’ State of the State Address

Hesselbein Sworn In for 5th Term

Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders

Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.

Hintz Re-Elected to Lead Assembly Democrats

Rep. Hesselbein Re-Elected Assistant Democratic Leader

Republicans Give Up on Governing

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Student Debt

Assembly Hastily Adjourns without Addressing Wisconsin’s Priorities

Short Session with Missed Opportunities

Gov. Evers Ready to Get to Work for Wisconsin

The people we represent deserve to have elected officials who show up and get things done for their families. That’s what I’m here to do.

Assembly Passes PFAS, Nurse Assault Bills

Will go to governor for signature. Five other bills passed need Senate approval.

Assembly Republicans Fail to Override Evers’ Veto

First floor session of 2020 saw partisan attacks and the passage of controversial legislation.

Proposal Would Ban Gerrymandering

Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment would amend state constitution, require non-partisan redistricting.

Hesselbein Advocates for Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment

Behold the Democratic Green Team

“Forward on Climate” package includes bills on green banks, weatherizing schools.

Republican Inaction on Gun Safety Fails Wisconsin

Governor Evers and legislative Democrats focus on safety while Republicans play politics

Republicans Attempt Another Power Grab

Last-minute resolution to overhaul rules brought before an Assembly Committee

Hesselbein Visits Octopi Brewing for Craft Brewery Day

"Octopi has been a great part of our community."

Hesselbein Supports Common Sense Background Checks

"This legislation on universal background checks is a reasonable, responsible and moderate first step in addressing the overwhelming public health crisis of gun violence in our state and nation."

Hesselbein Attends Ho-Chunk Nation Swearing-in

"I am honored to witness the newly sworn-in leaders take their oath of office."

Reflecting on Wisconsin Women’s Suffrage at 100

"Today, we can celebrate our triumphs in the last century, but we must remain steadfast in our effort to ensure Wisconsin is a leader in women’s rights."

Special Education Investments Are Paramount

"I’m glad the Governor sees the value in all of our children and wants to help our school districts do what’s best for our kids."

Earth Day

"It is important on Earth Day and every day to recommit to our goal of an environmentally sustainable future."

Hesselbein Opposes Tax Dollars for Private Attorneys

"This is another example of Speaker Vos subverting the will of the people for political gain."

Rep. Hesselbein Supports Governor Evers’ Fair Maps Plan

"Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around."

Rep. Hesselbein Supports Bringing Guard Members Home

"I’m thankful that Governor Evers is standing up for our Wisconsin National Guard personnel who were sent to the southwest border for a manufactured crisis."

Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?

27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.

Assembly Democrats Reach Gender Parity

Women make up 50% of Democrats but just 16% of Republicans in state Assembly.

Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates

Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations

Democrats Continue to Lead the Fight to Protect Taxpayers on Foxconn

Walker’s Republican allies in Legislature reject resolution calling for Foxconn contract to be made public

Changing Our Identity for Special Interests

Republicans seek to change Wisconsin’s well-known slogan for influential lobbyists on a whim

Rep. Hesselbein Statement on SCOTUS Hearing Oral Arguments in Gill v. Whitford

"Republicans in the legislature have rigged the system to maintain their power in Wisconsin."

Rep. Hesselbein: Statement on DVA Secretary Zimmerman’s Column

"The divisive and inflammatory rhetoric used by Secretary Zimmerman in his column is counter-productive and well outside the scope of his duties as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs."

Republican Agenda Puts Corporate Welfare Package for Taiwanese Company Ahead of our Public Schools

Hesselbein votes against boondoggle proposal that will hamstring state budgets for years to come

Terrible Jobs Numbers and Inability to Fund Wisconsin Schools: Just Another Day in Scott Walker’s Wisconsin

"Six straight years of Governor Scott Walker and six straight years of below average economic growth in Wisconsin."

Rep. Hesselbein: The Walker Economy Continues to Disappoint

“Gold Standard” job data shows 2016 was the worst year for job growth under Gov. Walker

Rep. Hesselbein: Statement on REINS Proposal

AB 42 has potential to open state’s regulatory process to corporate influence

On International Women’s Day, Let’s #BeBoldForChange

Reflecting on extraordinary accomplishments of Wisconsin women, Hesselbein calls for continued action

Republicans to Privately Approve Slush Fund to Defend Unconstitutional Maps

Hesselbein predicts hundreds of thousands of tax dollars will be wasted by GOP to defend unconstitutional maps

Rep. Hesselbein Honored to Be Recognized By AARP with Capitol Caregiver Award

“Again, thank you to AARP Wisconsin for recognizing me for my work on this vital issue.”

Rep. Hesselbein Calls for Open, Transparent, and Public Process for Drawing New Legislative Lines

"For too long, Wisconsin taxpayers have had their voices silenced because of Republicans hiding behind crooked, unconstitutional legislative district lines."

Walker’s Tax Cuts for the Wealthy are Costing Wisconsin Big Time

Regressive tax credit claimed by millionaires set to be $800 MILLION over budget

Rep. Hesselbein: Scott Walker Ignores the Real State of our State in Annual Address

Walker has turned a blind eye to problems facing our veterans, our working families, and our infrastructure

Rep. Barca Statement on Democratic Leader Reelection

“I am honored and humbled by my reelection.”

Democrats propose Corrections Reform measures to improve public safety

“The lack of urgency by Gov. Walker’s administration and the Republican majority to address complaints of child abuse and assaults in our correctional facilities is appalling”

Assembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388

Bills Will Have a Devastating Impact on Wisconsin’s Tradition of Clean, Open and Transparent Government

Rep. Hesselbein Warns: Cuts to Public Broadcasting Threaten Public Safety

“The governor’s cuts of $27 million per year and 24 positions put the state’s emergency communication systems in peril.”

Goyke backs proposals to help vets in education, other areas

State senator backs package being circulated by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein

Redistricting reform the antidote to Republican extremism

Assembly Democratic freshmen urge support for non-partisan redistricting reform as fall session ends

Freshmen legislators push new legislation to correct flawed partisan redistricting process

Freshmen Democratic legislators from the State Assembly today announced new legislation that would remove the redistricting authority from politicians and assigns it to a non-partisan body.

A Solution to Our Billion-Dollar Democracy

11 states support a constitutional amendment to overthrow Supreme Court decision allowing unrestrained campaign spending. What about Wisconsin?

Rep. Barca announces Democratic committee assignments for upcoming legislative session

Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the Assembly Democratic members of the standing and joint committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session.