Melissa Agard (Dem.), 48th Assembly District
Born Madison, March 28, 1969; married; 4 sons. Graduate Madison East H.S. 1987; B.A. UW-Madison 1991. Small business owner. Member: Wis. League of Conservation Voters; Sierra Club; Democratic Party; Wis. Business Alliance; Emerge Wis.; NARAL Pro-Choice Wis.; Make Room for Youth; Friends of Cherokee Marsh. Former member: Midwest Shiba Inu Dog Rescue (pres.); Gompers PTO (pres.). Dane Co. Bd. of Supervisors 2010-present.
Elected to Assembly 2012. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Aging and Long Term Care; Financial Institutions; International Trade and Commerce; Small Business Development; Jt. Legis. Audit Com.
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Content referencing Melissa Agard
The Legislature’s Revolving Door
Lots of turnover of legislators in both parties. Why?
Feb 9th, 2026 by Steven Walters
Nurses Strike at Madison Hospital
First such strike in hospital's history. Dane County Executive Melissa Agard supports strikers.
May 28th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
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.
Feb 5th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Republican Bill Forces Wisconsin Sheriffs to Cooperate With ICE
Sheriffs must report immigrants who lack permanent legal status or lose state funding.
Feb 5th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Wisconsin’s Immigrant Rights Advocates Prepare for ‘Mass Deportation’
A key issue: how much will law enforcement authorities cooperate with effort?
Jan 21st, 2025 by Henry Redman
Protect The Press From Frivolous Lawsuits
Wausau outlet ensnared in costly SLAPP lawsuit.
Jan 2nd, 2025 by Jim Malewitz
Victims’ Names in Abundant Life Christian School Shooting Not Yet Released
Shooter was Natalie Rupnow, 15, a student at school. Madison Police investigating.
Dec 17th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Indigenous-Led Campaign Launches to Support Medical Marijuana
New public awareness effort called 'Wisconsin Wellness' pushing for legalization.
Sep 4th, 2024 by Isiah Holmes
Most Incumbents Beat Challengers in State Legislature Primaries
Wisconsin had the most contested Assembly primary races since 2012.
Aug 14th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
How Delta-8 Impacts Marijuana Debate in Wisconsin
Hemp-derived low-THC products like delta-8 live in a legal ‘gray zone.’
Jun 18th, 2024 by Richelle Wilson
Nearly Half of Legislature Won’t Run in Old Districts
Redistricting shakes up Legislature for both Democrats and Republicans.
May 31st, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Parties Target 5 State Senate Seats With No Incumbent
More competitive races will mean fierce battles and huge spending.
May 13th, 2024 by Steven Walters
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.
May 2nd, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Will Legislators Run Or Not?
The long list of legislators in newly mapped districts who haven't filed to run includes Robin Vos.
Apr 15th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Democrats Restart Push For Comprehensive Sex Education
Proposal is modeled after state law.
Jan 26th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
Republicans Fearful of New District Maps
Under one proposed map, incumbent Republicans would have to run against each other.
Jan 22nd, 2024 by Steven Walters
Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana
Republican divisions between geographic areas, between Senate and Assembly on the bill.
Jan 15th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Dianne Hesselbein Is New Senate Minority Leader
Democrats pick her to succeed Sen. Agard, now running for Dane County Executive.
Dec 2nd, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Public Unions Challenge Act 10 In New Lawsuit
Seeing liberal control of court, unions seeking to overturn Scott Walker's signature legislation.
Dec 1st, 2023 by Baylor Spears
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.
Dec 1st, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
LeMahieu Grows Into Majority Leader Role
Republican Senate leader has worked at times with Democrats to get legislation passed.
Nov 20th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Officials Condemn Neo-Nazi March in Madison
Blood Tribe, a growing white supremacist group, chanted that 'Israel is not our friend.'
Nov 20th, 2023 by Ruth Conniff
Brewers Stadium Deal Passes the Legislature
Gov. Tony Evers promises to sign it.
Nov 14th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Top Senate Democrat Calls For Changes To Brewers’ Subsidy Deal
Agreement expected to need bipartisan support to pass Senate.
Nov 7th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
GOP Senators Renew Fight Over Abortion, Tax Cuts
And override an Evers' budget veto, part of busy session Tuesday.
Oct 18th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
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.
Oct 18th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Republicans Reject 7 Evers Appointees
Including elections commissioner and 4 DNR board members. 'This is insanity,' says Evers, then immediately names replacements.
Oct 17th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Protect The Press From Bogus Lawsuits
Legal costs can put publications out of business. Other states' laws help stop this.
Oct 14th, 2023 by Bill Lueders
Democrats Push Again to Legalize Marijuana
State Sen. Agard cites broad support, polls showing 70% in state favor it.
Sep 25th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Evers’ Child Care Proposal Might Get A Second Life
After inaction by GOP leaders, Senate quietly moves legislation forward.
Sep 24th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Taxpayers Paying For Both Sides of Senate Lawsuit Over Redistricting
Democrats and Republicans both charging State of Wisconsin for redistricting legal fight.
Sep 21st, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Parties Bicker Over How to Do Iowa-Style Redistricting
Democrats charge that Vos plan will hand ultimate power to Republican legislators.
Sep 18th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Speaker Vos Consulting Former Supreme Court Justices On Protasiewicz Impeachment
Move comes as Republicans rush to push through redistricting alternative.
Sep 14th, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Republican Child Care Proposals Are Inadequate Say Gov. Evers, Other Democrats
Democrats have called for continuing provider subsidy program.
Aug 31st, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Ron Johnson Calls for Justice Protasiewicz to Recuse
Joins other Republicans calling for Supreme Count member to recuse on redistricting case.
Aug 26th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
Proposal Would Help Media Outlets Hit With Frivolous, Costly Lawsuits
Democrats' proposal inspired by lawsuit from GOP senator against Wausau publication.
Aug 24th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
President Sells ‘Bidenomics’ In Visit To Milwaukee
Biden touts green jobs, low unemployment, rebuilding middle class in factory floor speech.
Aug 15th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Aug 11th, 2023 by Jack Kelly and Matthew DeFour
State’s Child Care Industry Struggles with Worker Turnover
Low pay, widespread vacancies leading to burnout, turnover among workers.
Jul 18th, 2023 by Jenny Peek
Wisconsin Billionaires Bankroll Efforts To Shrink State’s Social Safety Net
Quiet lobbying backed by major GOP benefactors like the Uihleins and Bradley Foundation.
Jul 12th, 2023 by Jacob Resneck
Republicans Two Seats From Veto-Proof Majorities
Just 2,498 votes assured that GOP legislators can't override Gov. Evers' vetoes.
Jul 10th, 2023 by Steven Walters
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.
Jun 29th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Senate Republicans Pass Budget That Cuts Taxes and Democrats’ Policies
Two Republicans join Dems in voting against. "Generational harm," says minority leader.
Jun 29th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills
Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.
Jun 15th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Democrats Push Gun Safety Bills
Democratic legislators, attorney general support background checks, red flag laws.
Jun 13th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Republican Bills Would Change Unemployment Insurance, Licensing
"Solutions in search of problems," says Sen. Melissa Agard.
Jun 8th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Legislation Would Change National Guard Sexual Assault Investigations
Proposal trigged by 2019 federal investigation into Wisconsin National Guard that found several issues.
Jun 1st, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Capitol Has New Generation of Leaders
44% of Legislature's 132 members changed in last four years.
Apr 24th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties
Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Should State Use More Nuclear Power?
Federal, state officials say it may be needed for Wisconsin to meet climate change goals.
Apr 17th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Conservatives Push To Protect Walker-Era Reforms
Seeking constitutional amendments to enshrine Act 10, right-to-work, school choice laws.
Apr 17th, 2023 by Steven Walters
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.
Apr 13th, 2023 by Gaby Vinick
State Residents Paid $36 Million in Illinois Marijuana Taxes in 2022
Nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau study shows revenue lost annually by Wisconsin.
Mar 20th, 2023 by Isiah Holmes
Local Governments Starved For Revenue
Not a Democratic or Republican issue, it's needed by cities, counties across the state.
Feb 11th, 2023 by Dane County Executive Melissa Agard
Public Still Paying for Gableman Probe
Taxpayers paying for court fights by Vos and Republicans to hide records, pushing total cost to $2 million.
Feb 1st, 2023 by Bill Lueders
Democrats Offer Abortion Referendum. Again
Asks voters if 1849 ban should be repealed. But referendum must wait for April 2024.
Jan 24th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Republicans Advance Cash Bail and Welfare Referendum Questions
Both likely to be on April ballot, could influence turnout for state Supreme Court election.
Jan 18th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Higher Minimum Wage Reduces Child Poverty?
Wisconsin among 16 states that haven't raised it and have higher child poverty rates.
Jan 3rd, 2023 by Casey Quinlan
Embattled Former DNR Board Chair Resigns, Ending Saga
Prehn, whose appointment had expired, was able to stay on because Republicans wouldn't confirm his replacement.
Dec 23rd, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Legislators Tackle National Guard Sexual Misconduct
Years of reported mishandling leads to bipartisan legislative effort.
Nov 22nd, 2022 by Christina Lieffring
State Democratic Chair Hail’s Party’s ‘Triumph’
But election results -- and party's future -- more clouded than that.
Nov 21st, 2022 by Steven Walters
Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership
Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Legislative Democrats Review Losses, Strategy
Party lost 4 more seats, hopes for compromise on some issues with Republicans.
Nov 14th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
5 Lessons From Mid-Term Election
Milwaukee's under-performance is a problem. And lack of national Democratic funding doomed Pfaff.
Nov 13th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
Republicans Don’t Win Veto-Proof Legislature
Had to flip five Assembly seats and one Senate district and fell short.
Nov 9th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Is Nonpartisan State Audit Bureau Getting Political?
Report on PSC the second one where critics say agency bent findings to please Republican leaders.
Sep 17th, 2022 by Henry Redman
Democrats Want Audit of Gableman’s 2020 Election Review
Request comes after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Gableman "an embarrassment."
Aug 11th, 2022 by Rich Kremer
State Democrats Push Legislation Changing Gun Laws
Republicans have stymied all previous attempts by Gov. Evers and Democratic legislators.
Jun 3rd, 2022 by Erik Gunn
State Democrats Push Gun Restrictions After Texas Shootings
Kaul calls for law requiring background checks and preventing sale of 'ghost guns.'
May 25th, 2022 by Rob Mentzer
AG Josh Kaul Pushes Public Safety Legislation
Kaul calls for passage of bill providing $115 million for crime prevention, gun control.
Apr 14th, 2022 by Christine Hatfield
Democrats Relaunch ‘Economic Bill of Rights’
Resolution went nowhere in Legislature but now a statewide campaign for fall elections.
Mar 22nd, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Two GOP Legislators Push Medical Pot Bill
Bill allows medicinal marijuana use for those meeting a narrow list of qualifications.
Jan 26th, 2022 by Christine Hatfield
GOP Lawmakers Try to Strip Evers Power Over Federal Aid
Republican controlled state Senate would change state law to place authority with legislature.
Jan 26th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Bill Creates Fines for Texting Unwanted Sexual Images
Democratic lawmakers say state needs to crack down on "cyber flashing."
Dec 30th, 2021 by Laurel White
Bill By State Democrats Targets ‘Stealthing’
Charges, fines for people who sabotage their partner’s birth control without consent.
Dec 28th, 2021 by Laurel White
Hintz Will Quit As Assembly Minority Leader
Democrat will resign position in January, cites need to spend more time with family.
Dec 13th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Evers Signs Law to Prevent Rape Kit Backlog
Attorney General Kaul campaigned on the issue and Republicans had stalled the bill.
Dec 7th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
GOP Legislators Push To Continue Gerrymandering
Pushing for redistricting to diverge from current districts as little as possible.
Sep 29th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin and Henry Redman
Big Changes Needed In Political Districts
Population changes in Madison, metro Milwaukee require redrawn legislative and congressional seats.
Sep 27th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Kaul Supports Gun Bills Proposed by Democratic Legislators
Bills includes increased background checks and new court orders blocking individuals from gun possession.
Sep 24th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Kleefisch Borrows “Tampon Tax” Idea From Democrat
Ending "pink tax" on feminine products was opposed by Walker-Kleefisch administration.
Sep 7th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Sen. Agard Unveils Marijuana Legalization Bill
Outside a dispensary in Illinois, the state lawmaker called for legalization.
Aug 11th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Could ‘Baby Bonds’ Close Racial Wealth Gap?
A similar program run by the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin offers some clues.
Aug 9th, 2021 by Ben Baker and Zhen Wang
State Democratic Lawmakers Propose Campaign Finance Reforms
Lawmakers say they face "uphill battle" to pass bills in republican controlled Legislature.
Aug 5th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
State Democrats Push $15 Minimum Wage
Housing, retirement and baby bond proposals also included in legislative package.
Jul 23rd, 2021 by Laurel White
Gray Wolf Advocates Want Natural Resources Chair Gone
Chair of Natural Resources Board refuses to vacate seat after term expired. Board taking up wolf hunting policy.
Jul 22nd, 2021 by Danielle Kaeding
Still Fighting for $15
It’s been 12 years since the state or federal minimum wage was increased.
Jul 19th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Tax Cut Divides Democrats
Evers and some Democratic legislators supported it. GOP hopes to gain new seats from swing-district opponents.
Jul 19th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Needs $15 Minimum Wage
Raising the minimum wage would create jobs and support working families.
Jul 9th, 2021 by Dane County Executive Melissa Agard
Pollinator Protection Package Proposed
Bills to benefit Badger State bees aim to 'achieve a bright, healthy, and buzzing future.'
Jun 27th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Bowen Introduces Package of Policing Bills
The Milwaukee representative introduced a slate of legislation titled "Enough is Enough."
Jun 4th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Bill Gives Union Rights to UW Health Staff
Nurses demand collective bargaining rights, but GOP legislators may balk at overriding Act 10.
May 21st, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Nurses Call For Union Rights at Capitol Rally
'We were deeply betrayed at all levels of power while drowning in... dying patients.’
May 10th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Mass Shootings Are Not Inevitable
Legislature can and must take action, with measures like uniform background checks.
Apr 30th, 2021 by State Rep. Robyn Vining
Who’s the Most Right Wing Of All?
Conservative group ranks state’s most conservative members of Congress and Legislature.
Apr 27th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Cannabis Backers Switch Focus to Local Laws
‘Beating our head against the wall’ pushing Legislature to legalize pot.
Apr 26th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Evers, Democrats Push PFAS Contamination Bill
Democrats reintroduce bill funding testing and remediation for harmful forever chemicals.
Apr 22nd, 2021 by Hope Kirwan
State Could Lose $50 Million Per Month in Federal Food Aid
Supreme Court decision overruling Evers emergency order makes state ineligible for aid.
Apr 5th, 2021 by Rich Kremer
AG Kaul, Dem Lawmakers Push New Gun Laws
Say GOP legislators should pass expanded background checks, 'Red Flag' law.
Apr 1st, 2021 by Laurel White
Bill Forces Public Hearings By Legislature
With enough signatures, public could petition for hearings on proposals legislators refuse to consider.
Mar 17th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
