Happy Valentine’s Day to my brilliant and dazzling wife. ❤️ 😘 Spread some love around today—we all sure need it.

This week, Senator Jamie Wall and I introduced legislation to make the state Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit a refundable. This change would allow whatever monetary amount that’s remaining after offsetting income taxes to be returned to the pocket of our hardworking parents and caregivers.

Our office is excited to welcome Taija as our spring semester intern! Taija is a UW-Madison student studying Sociology, Social Welfare, and Legal Studies aspiring to go to law school. She is most excited to learn about housing and civil rights policy during her time with the office.

Our state government and the governments of Wisconsin’s sovereign tribal nations share a commitment to governing with an eye to the future. The State of the Tribes address honors this relationship in pursuit of finding common ground. I encourage you to tune in now on Wisconsin Eye: wiseye.org/live

Today is National Wear Red Day! In February, we recognize American Heart Month to raise awareness for the importance of heart health and leading healthy lifestyles. I encourage you to throw on some red and use this month to learn more about small ways to improve your health each day.

Today, @senkeyeski and I introduced a bill to ensure that public service is pursued for the right reasons. Wisconsin has long been a leader in legislative ethics, and I’m proud to co-introduce this legislation that only stands to strengthen that standard.

Today I introduced the Teaching is a Profession bill package alongside my Democratic colleagues. Our teachers are the backbones of our schools and our communities. We must better support and retain current teachers, develop future educators, and treat them like the invaluable professionals they are.

Happy Black History Month! The history, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans through time are honored this month as we continue to pursue racial equity and social justice across our country. I’m grateful to the Legislative Black Caucus for planning a month full of meaningful events!

The number one thing that comes to mind when I take a look at what’s happening with ICE across our country is that the good guys don’t do this. I encourage you to read my latest ‘Open Mike’ Substack post sharing more of my thoughts, resources, what my colleagues and I are doing.

Last night, I had the pleasure of presenting Dr. Tremayne Clardy with a citation commending him on his designation as the 2026 Wisconsin Superintendent of The Year. Wisconsin State Senator Dianne Hesselbein and I are so proud to have his leadership within our district!

I had a great time meeting this morning with students from a local chapter of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. These young students are working hard to succeed as students, grow as professionals, and address complex challenges their communities are facing. Keep up the great work!

Yesterday UW Health Nurses joined my Democratic colleagues and I to introduce the Patient Care and Worker Empowerment Act. This legislation supports nurses in providing high quality care by authorizing collective bargaining representation for certain UW Health employees.

Today we honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day, I hope we can reflect on and recommit ourselves to the ideals of equality and justice that he so tirelessly fought for.

Yesterday, my Democratic colleagues and I held a press conference acknowledging our firm support for reinstating measures to share video recording of legislative proceedings with constituents in each corner of the state.

Each January, we recognize National Blood Donor Month. With warnings of blood shortages following the holidays, I encourage all who are able to consider donating this month and help support our hospitals, our health workers and our neighbors in need of treatment. www.redcross.org

Today, Legislative Democrats introduced a housing bill package to help Wisconsinites across our state. Whether you’re a renter vs a homeowner, or live in urban vs rural areas, this legislation will help create more stable, affordable places to call home.

Homelessness is a systemic issue - not an individual one - and it’s one we all must work to address. Thank you Dane County Homeless Justice Initiative for uplifting donation sites and needed items. As you reorganize and declutter for the new year, I encourage you to donate if you’re able.

My new year’s resolution this year is the same as it is every year - to advocate for the needs of the 80th Assembly District. To kick off the new year, Legislative Democrats would love your help in keeping Wisconsin moving forward by filling out this short survey: legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/dem...

Happy New Year’s Eve! I hope everyone has a safe and great night celebrating, reflecting, and looking ahead to 2026.

While Republicans ring in the new year at Mar A Lago, millions of Americans health insurance premiums are set to spike at midnight.

The work of advocates like Dr. Tremayne Clardy is invaluable. However, it shouldn’t be necessary. The refusal to adequately fund our public schools by Republicans in the Legislature ultimately harms our students the most. I encourage you to give this article a read! x.com/captimes/sta...

2025: A Year in Review! From long days at the Capitol to meaningful moments celebrating, recognizing and listening to folks in the 80th District, this year was one to remember. Feeling grateful and ready to keep up the hard work next year!

We should be expanding accessible student loan repayment plans that reflect people’s real incomes - not limiting them. The cutting of ACA healthcare subsidies, driving up of energy costs, and termination of the SAVE program by Trump and MAGA Republicans is leaving hardworking Wisconsinites behind.

As costs continue to rise, the data shows average Americans struggling not only at the expense of their wallet but at the expense of their health. We must do what we can to preserve access to affordable healthcare and lower the overall cost of living.

My thoughts and condolences are with all who have been affected by the horrific attack in Sydney. Antisemitism has no place in our communities. It is my hope that those harmed by this tragedy can gather, begin to recover, and observe a peaceful rest of the holiday season.

Today is International Human Rights Day. Human rights are the foundation of a just and fair democracy. Let’s protect these rights, today and always, and continue to move our country forward.

Today, my Democratic colleagues and I introduced legislation to follow through on the reimbursement rates of special education that were promised to our Wisconsin schools by making this funding sum sufficient. Though our work is not done on this issue, this bill is an important step forward.

I had a great time welcoming students from New Century Charter School to our State Capitol yesterday! These elementary students were full of great questions, new ideas and energy that made my day.

Wishing all who celebrate a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope today is filled with gratitude, loved ones, and most importantly good food.

Each semester, I work with schools in my district to feature art from 10 students willing to share their work with my office. I had a great time meeting Finn and his family yesterday when they stopped by to see his masterpiece on display!

Every Wisconsinite deserves to know that their water is safe to drink and free from pollutants. Alongside my Democratic colleagues, I’m proud to introduce legislation to ensure clean water access for residents across our state.

Happy Native American Heritage Month! This month, and every month, it’s important to honor the culture, history, and contributions of Indigenous communities across our state.

Dismantling public education and putting kids into private school settings that are fully unaccountable will not make them safer. There is a viable bipartisan path forward on protecting our kids that I’m hopeful Rep. Piwowarczyk is willing to engage in that will protect kids.

Happy Veteran’s Day! Today, we honor the sacrifice and courage of all who have bravely served our country and fought to defend our freedoms.

Verona Mayor Luke Diaz and I had the pleasure of touring Verona (WI) Fire Department earlier this week. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the operations, needs, and dedicated service of the brave firefighters serving our community.

Today, Senator Roys and I introduced legislation creating Regional Transit Authorities. RTAs help local communities plan and fund public transportation that connects residents to jobs and healthcare, while also stimulating growth and economic development.

Well, it's official, folks! This is now the longest federal government shutdown ever because President Trump and Republicans are dead set on making healthcare costs skyrocket, rather than working together with Democrats to make healthcare affordable and accessible for everyone.

Yesterday, at the Verona Police Department @repbare.bsky.social and I honored two law enforcement professionals, Sergeant Matt Kile and his K9 partner Drea, as First Responders of the Year in the 80th Assembly District. We honor their service and dedication. Congratulations!

Yesterday, I spoke to Dane County residents about the need to come together to support SNAP recipients and to keep pressure on the federal government to fund critical federal programs. I was also glad to spend time stocking shelves with the Badger Prairie Needs Network.

This week, my colleagues and I introduced legislation to improve the services, support, and recognition that our veterans receive across the state. We must do better to support the veterans that have sacrificed for our country and state.

Happy Diwali! I hope the next 5 days are full of bright and safe celebrations for all in our communities who celebrate.

Mobile identification allows drivers to present their license on their phone for scanning. These digital IDs could be used at traffic stops just as a regular license. I’m proud to introduce the digital ID bill alongside Sen. Kelda Roys to make travel more accessible.

Exceeding legislative authority does not make our rule-making process ‘great again’, it makes it unconstitutional again.

Trump and MAGA Republicans have proven they shouldn't be in charge.

Republicans have been systematically strangling public education, and transferring the cost of our public schools to those who can’t afford it. Read more about how in the latest edition of my substack, “Open Mike”: open.substack.com/pub/repbare/...

Politics have no place in personal healthcare decisions. We must preserve reproductive healthcare in our state and support our providers as they navigate Trump’s attempt at a back door abortion ban. t.co/6bKmOZZ5sH

Wishing a happy and meaningful Rosh Hashanah to all who celebrate!

I’m glad to share that Governor Evers has launched a new round of funding for the Grants for Local Projects program. This program supports local infrastructure and community development projects that serve a statewide public purpose. Learn more about applying here: doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalG...

Remote work policies have become a success for our state government. The $386 million cost of preparing our buildings for the return of so many workers is only outdone by the cost of losing countless, talented state employees that will result from this bill. Hear more about my stance below.

This week we welcomed Sophie Chalifoux, a 3rd-Year Political Science student at UW-Madison, as our Fall intern. She is passionate about disability rights, and likes to run in her free time. Welcome to the team!