2017 Wrap-Up
I think listening is quintessentially Wisconsin. When a friend has a problem, or your coworker has had a bad day, or your community is looking for solutions — we listen. Because it’s only by listening and understanding that we can come up with the right answers. Now, in Washington, not enough people are listening — it’s a whole lot of talking (and tweeting) at every chance they get.
That’s not me. We face some tough challenges today, but I know that Wisconsin holds the solutions to Wisconsin’s challenges.
This year, it started early with the Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. I listened to your stories and, month after month, we rallied to save coverage for everyone who depends on the Affordable Care Act. I heard heartbreaking tales all across the state, and I brought them back to Washington. Thanks to those who spoke out, we saved the Affordable Care Act and the lifesaving benefits it provides.
I also heard your stories about the opioid epidemic. From Milwaukee to Ashland, I met with community leaders to discuss finding local solutions to this problem. And I got to visit the NorthLakes Community Clinic and announce a new loan to expand their facilities. We’ve got a long way to go, but I’m going to keep working with community health leaders and fighting in the Senate to give them the resources they need to end this epidemic.
In Brokaw, I’ve heard story after story of how hard they’re working to rebuild after a vulture hedge fund sold their paper mill for a quick profit. And I reintroduced my legislation to help make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to another Wisconsin town.
Just recently, we tried to fix the GOP’s horrendous tax plan. I introduced The Stronger Way Act, a tax reform plan that would reward hard work, not wealth. I listened to Racine residents about the impacts of the GOP’s irresponsible tax plan, and my team shared stories of families across the state who would be hurt by this irresponsible tax cut for the wealthiest Americans.
And those are just a few examples — I’ve talked with workers who were not going to get their full pension, dairy farmers who were being caught in the crossfire of a trade dispute, students trapped in student debt, and the list goes on. I’ve heard countless stories about the tireless hard work of Wisconsinites and what they need to get ahead. I’ll keep standing up for them in the Senate, because hardworking families need to have their stories heard.
I want to continue and further this outreach, because it will take a two-way conversation to find the solutions we need. This summer, you shared ideas for the future of Wisconsin. At thirty events across the state, people opened up their homes and yards and barns to show that they were “Fired Up for Tammy.” And, in November, we ramped up our volunteer operation, sending hundreds of volunteers to knock on thousands of doors with a simple question: What matters to you?
The most important part of my job as a Senator is standing up for hardworking Wisconsinites and, like the years before it, 2017 has been an absolute privilege. In 2018, I can’t wait to keep listening to you and bringing your voices to Washington.
