Melissa Agard

Dane County Will No Longer Send Immigration Data to the Feds

Some 25 Wisconsin counties accept federal funding to send info on immigrants to ICE.

Republican Bill Forces Wisconsin Sheriffs to Cooperate With ICE

Sheriffs must report immigrants who lack permanent legal status or lose state funding.

Wisconsin’s Immigrant Rights Advocates Prepare for ‘Mass Deportation’

A key issue: how much will law enforcement authorities cooperate with effort?

Protect The Press From Frivolous Lawsuits

Wausau outlet ensnared in costly SLAPP lawsuit.

Victims’ Names in Abundant Life Christian School Shooting Not Yet Released

Shooter was Natalie Rupnow, 15, a student at school. Madison Police investigating.

Statement from Dane County Executive Melissa Agard on the Tragic Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School

Indigenous-Led Campaign Launches to Support Medical Marijuana

New public awareness effort called 'Wisconsin Wellness' pushing for legalization.

Most Incumbents Beat Challengers in State Legislature Primaries

Wisconsin had the most contested Assembly primary races since 2012.

How Delta-8 Impacts Marijuana Debate in Wisconsin

Hemp-derived low-THC products like delta-8 live in a legal ‘gray zone.’

Nearly Half of Legislature Won’t Run in Old Districts

Redistricting shakes up Legislature for both Democrats and Republicans.

Parties Target 5 State Senate Seats With No Incumbent

More competitive races will mean fierce battles and huge spending.

What Will Wisconsin Do Now That Feds Are Moving to Ease Marijuana Restrictions?

Wisconsin supporters of legalization say fed change is welcome, but don't expect any sudden shifts.

Will Legislators Run Or Not?

The long list of legislators in newly mapped districts who haven't filed to run includes Robin Vos.

Wisconsin’s Anti-Violence Coalitions Commend Assembly for Increasing Funding for Sexual Assault/Domestic Abuse Victim Services

Senator Agard Releases the BEST Agenda to Promote Economic Security in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Democrats Restart Push For Comprehensive Sex Education

Proposal is modeled after state law.

Senator Agard Reacts to Governor Evers’ 2024 State of the State Address

Republicans Fearful of New District Maps

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

Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana

Republican divisions between geographic areas, between Senate and Assembly on the bill.

Dianne Hesselbein Is New Senate Minority Leader

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

Public Unions Challenge Act 10 In New Lawsuit

Seeing liberal control of court, unions seeking to overturn Scott Walker's signature legislation.

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.

Senator Agard: Statement on Lawsuit Challenging Act 10

Senator Agard: Statement on Republicans Continued Book Banning and Censorship Efforts

LeMahieu Grows Into Majority Leader Role

Republican Senate leader has worked at times with Democrats to get legislation passed.

Officials Condemn Neo-Nazi March in Madison

Blood Tribe, a growing white supremacist group, chanted that 'Israel is not our friend.'

Brewers Stadium Deal Passes the Legislature

Gov. Tony Evers promises to sign it.

Senator Agard Statement: Senate Republicans Prioritize Polluters over People

Senator Agard Statement: Legislation to Keep the Milwaukee Brewers in Wisconsin Passes State Senate

Top Senate Democrat Calls For Changes To Brewers’ Subsidy Deal

Agreement expected to need bipartisan support to pass Senate.

Bipartisan Child Victims’ Act, Receives Public Hearing

Senator Agard Introduces Prevent and Protect Legislation with Democratic Colleagues

Senator Agard Introduces Firearm Safety Bills with Legislative Democratic Colleagues

Senator Melissa Agard and Representative Alex Joers Introduce Gun Buyback Legislation

GOP Senators Renew Fight Over Abortion, Tax Cuts

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

Republicans Endorse Raises For All State Employees, Except UW System Workers

Raise denial is latest salvo in fight over UW System's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees

Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.

Senator Agard Statement – GOP Rejects Well-Qualified Appointments

In just one day, Senate Republicans more than double the number of executive appointments that have been rejected by the body since 1981, per data from the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Republicans Continue to Hold UW Employees’ Pay Hostage

Senator Agard Introduces Menstrual Products Legislation

Protect The Press From Bogus Lawsuits

Legal costs can put publications out of business. Other states' laws help stop this.

Senator Agard Statement – GOP’s Egregious Attacks on Trans Kids Continue

Senator Agard Urges Passage of Governor Evers’ Workforce Initiatives Package

Senator Agard and Democratic Colleagues Introduce Mental Healthcare is Healthcare Legislative Package

Senator Agard Denounces GOP’s Continued Attacks on Trans Kids

Senator Agard Joins Legislative Democrats in Roll Out of Elections Bills

Democrats Push Again to Legalize Marijuana

State Sen. Agard cites broad support, polls showing 70% in state favor it.

Evers’ Child Care Proposal Might Get A Second Life

After inaction by GOP leaders, Senate quietly moves legislation forward.

Senator Agard and Representative Madison Introduce Legislation to Legalize Cannabis for Responsible, Adult Use in Wisconsin

Taxpayers Paying For Both Sides of Senate Lawsuit Over Redistricting

Democrats and Republicans both charging State of Wisconsin for redistricting legal fight.

Parties Bicker Over How to Do Iowa-Style Redistricting

Democrats charge that Vos plan will hand ultimate power to Republican legislators.

Speaker Vos Consulting Former Supreme Court Justices On Protasiewicz Impeachment

Move comes as Republicans rush to push through redistricting alternative.

Republican Child Care Proposals Are Inadequate Say Gov. Evers, Other Democrats

Democrats have called for continuing provider subsidy program.

Senator Agard Statement on Senator Knodl’s Continued Relitigation of the 2020 Presidential Election

Senator Agard Statement on Justice Protasiewicz Impeachment Threats by Speaker Vos & Legislative Republicans

Ron Johnson Calls for Justice Protasiewicz to Recuse

Joins other Republicans calling for Supreme Count member to recuse on redistricting case.

Proposal Would Help Media Outlets Hit With Frivolous, Costly Lawsuits

Democrats' proposal inspired by lawsuit from GOP senator against Wausau publication.

Wausau Pilot statement on anti-SLAPP legislation

Senator Melissa Agard and Representative Jimmy Anderson Introduce Anti-SLAPP Legislation

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation are a tool used by the powerful and well-connected

President Sells ‘Bidenomics’ In Visit To Milwaukee

Biden touts green jobs, low unemployment, rebuilding middle class in factory floor speech.

Legislative Democrats on ‘Veto Watch’ after Gov. Evers Blocks 10 Bills

Republicans only need two-thirds of those present to override the governor’s veto

Senator Agard Statement on the Investiture of Justice Janet Protasiewicz

Rep. Robyn Vining & Sen. Melissa Agard Re-Introduce Universal Changing Stations Bill

State’s Child Care Industry Struggles with Worker Turnover

Low pay, widespread vacancies leading to burnout, turnover among workers.

Wisconsin Billionaires Bankroll Efforts To Shrink State’s Social Safety Net

Quiet lobbying backed by major GOP benefactors like the Uihleins and Bradley Foundation.

Senator Agard Statement: Republicans’ War on Trans Kids Continues

Republicans Two Seats From Veto-Proof Majorities

Just 2,498 votes assured that GOP legislators can't override Gov. Evers' vetoes.

Senator Agard – Statement on Governor Evers Signing State Budget

Today, Governor Evers signed the biennial state budget after determining 51 partial vetoes which significantly improved the legislation.

Republican-Controlled Senate Laying Groundwork To Fire Wisconsin Elections Chief

But Democrat on election board says there is nothing for Senate to actually vote on.

Senate Republicans Pass Budget That Cuts Taxes and Democrats’ Policies

Two Republicans join Dems in voting against. "Generational harm," says minority leader.

Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills

Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.

Democrats Push Gun Safety Bills

Democratic legislators, attorney general support background checks, red flag laws.

Republican Bills Would Change Unemployment Insurance, Licensing

"Solutions in search of problems," says Sen. Melissa Agard.

Senator Agard Statement on Republican PFAS Proposal

Legislation Would Change National Guard Sexual Assault Investigations

Proposal trigged by 2019 federal investigation into Wisconsin National Guard that found several issues.

Senator Agard Reacts to Assembly GOP’s Shared Revenue ‘Plan’

Capitol Has New Generation of Leaders

44% of Legislature's 132 members changed in last four years.

Senator Agard: Response to Speaker Vos’ Medical Marijuana Comments

Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties

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

Should State Use More Nuclear Power?

Federal, state officials say it may be needed for Wisconsin to meet climate change goals.

Conservatives Push To Protect Walker-Era Reforms

Seeking constitutional amendments to enshrine Act 10, right-to-work, school choice laws.

Wisconsin Teachers and Janitors Could Carry Guns Under New GOP Bill

Bill would allow school staff to carry weapons at school. Gov. Evers threatens veto.

Rep. Vining and Sen. Agard Announce Installation of Universal Changing Station in State Capitol

Senator Agard Statement: JFC Co-Chair to Remove Firearm Safety Proposals from State Budget

Senator Agard Disappointed in Republicans Doubling Down on Anti-LGBTQ+ Action

Senator Agard Backs Restore Roe Legislation Introduced by Democratic Colleagues

Gov. Evers, Democrats Announce Legislation to Repeal Wisconsin’s 1849-era Criminal Abortion Ban

Senator Agard Statement: Governor Evers’ Budget Lifts up Working Wisconsinites

State Residents Paid $36 Million in Illinois Marijuana Taxes in 2022

Nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau study shows revenue lost annually by Wisconsin.

Senator Agard Statement on Retirement of Secretary of State Doug La Follette

Governor Tony Evers Appoints Former State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski to Fill La Follette’s Vacancy

Wisconsinites Paid over $36 Million in Taxes to Illinois on Cannabis Purchases

Senator Agard Denounces Republican Bill to Control Women’s Healthcare Decisions

Senator Agard Emphasizes Importance of 2023 as the Year of Mental Health

Senator Agard Visits White House for Communities in Action: Building a Better Wisconsin Series

Local Governments Starved For Revenue

Not a Democratic or Republican issue, it's needed by cities, counties across the state.

Senator Agard Appoints Carousel Bayrd to the Ethics Commission

Senator Agard and Democratic Colleagues Call on Senator LeMahieu to Remove Bob Spindell

Public Still Paying for Gableman Probe

Taxpayers paying for court fights by Vos and Republicans to hide records, pushing total cost to $2 million.

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

Democrats Offer Abortion Referendum. Again

Asks voters if 1849 ban should be repealed. But referendum must wait for April 2024.

Contribution to David Crowley of $100