Rep. Andraca Honors the Life and Service of Jonathan Brostoff

MADISON, Wis. – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly considered 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 18, which honors the life and public service of Milwaukee Alderman and former Rep. Jonathan Brostoff, who died by suicide on November 5, 2024.

Rep. Deb Andraca (D – Whitefish Bay) released the following statement following Assembly passage of the resolution:

“Today, the Wisconsin State Legislature honored the life and service of Milwaukee Alderman and former State Representative Jonathan Brostoff, who tragically took his own life last year. Jonathan was known for his passion for bettering his community, his dedication to public service, and his deep love for his friends and family.

“As we remember Jonathan’s life and public service, we cannot fully do so without recognizing his life-long commitment to mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and gun safety advocacy. He tirelessly fought for common-sense legislation that would prevent gun violence and reduce gun suicides – and unfortunately, many of these measures have been introduced year after year without even a public hearing by our Republican-controlled state legislature.

“To quote Jonathan’s own words from a 2019 column he wrote – ‘Time and again at task force hearings, we listened to families, friends and community members tell stories of people who had lost their lives to suicide by firearm. This was a theme across the state, and across political lines. We heard it in rural and urban areas, and from farmers, veterans, law enforcement, health care professionals, teenagers and many more: Access to firearms can be a death sentence to those experiencing a mental health crisis.’

“Despite overwhelming bipartisan public support, the Republican-led legislature has refused to pass lifesaving measures like these in Wisconsin. We must get serious about reducing needless gun violence and tragic deaths by suicide by taking action on legislation that will save lives.”

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.