Dysfunction in Madison grows despite wishes of voters

By Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim

I’ve been in office for a little over three months now. I’ve had incredible conversations with constituents, and learned a lot about what obstacles our community are facing and how the the legislature could help. 

So what’s stopping us? 

Manufactured dysfunction in Madison.

For example, a bill with broad bipartisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate has stalled because the leadership in the majority is willing to let one person stand in the way. The same bill failed to pass last session for the same reason. 

Currently, many women lose Medicaid coverage 60 days after giving birth. Senate Bill 23 would guarantee a year of coverage after birth for all mothers. This common-sense legislation would pass if it came to a vote in both houses, yet one person in the majority was able to prevent passage last session and has cast doubt on its passage this session as well.

There have been numerous bills with tremendous bipartisan support that have been stonewalled like this. It’s just one example of the manufactured dysfunction that is preventing the legislature from doing its job and working together, and that’s the opposite of what the people of Wisconsin have told us they want.

We can’t keep on like this. We have to come together to pass legislation that actually uplifts our communities. I’m willing to do that, and I’m working hard to build relationships with colleagues on both sides of the aisle that are willing to as well.