MADISON, WI - Today Senate Democrats announced their Affordable Wisconsin Agenda. Aimed at addressing the statewide crisis of rising costs. Senators Hesselbein, Wall, Pfaff, Smith, Keyeski, Habush Sinykin, Dassler-Alfheim, and Representative Jenna Jacobson established Senate Democrats' guiding principle of lowering prices for childcare, healthcare, energy, housing, and groceries across our state.
During this morning's event, Democratic leaders addressed each pillar of the Affordable Wisconsin Agenda and the need to make lives in Wisconsin less expensive:
"Senate Democrats have already been leading the fight to lower the cost of housing, whether trying to expand the homestead tax credit or preventing hedge funds from buying up available housing stocks, but undoubtedly more needs to be done," said Sen. Jeff Smith. "Over the coming weeks, my colleagues and I look forward to hearing from contractors, builders, realtors, and other stakeholders so that we can finally reign in soaring housing costs."
"My colleagues and I have rolled up our sleeves and proposed real solutions to lower everyday costs. The healthy school meals bill fills kid's bellies for breakfast and lunch. This will increase learning outcomes and save parents money. The Local Food Purchasing Program funds grants to farmers who provide food to local food pantries," said Rep. Jenna Jacobson. "That bill fills the hole left when the feds cut funding to this program and Wisconsin farmers. These are examples of some of the kinds of policies we can advance to lower everyday costs. Both are important multi-purpose steps that we can take today."
"We here in Wisconsin have proposed other ways to save on medical expenses. Senate Democrats are committed to fighting to reduce kitchen-table costs - one of the first bills legislative Democrats released this year was the 'Less For RX' package that would lower prescription drug costs for our families," said Sen. Kris Dassler-Alfheim. "I also introduced a price-cap on asthma medication. These bills haven't even gotten a public hearing, we could be doing more here in Wisconsin to make life a little bit more affordable for everyone. I ask my colleagues in the majority to start moving these bills forward for the good of all of Wisconsin."
"National estimates have shown in the last year alone energy costs have risen anywhere from 7-10%, adding to the increased financial burden being placed on all Wisconsinites," said Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin. "Senate Democrats are keenly aware of these challenges and are already working to lower energy bills - working with our utility companies to ensure new transmission lines are built with Wisconsin labor and ensuring that we take advantage of new cleaner, greener energy sources that diversify our grid and lower costs for families across Wisconsin."