Incumbent Mike Bare and challenger Nasra Wehelie are running in Assembly District 80 Democratic primary. The district now includes portions of the far west and southwest sides of Madison, Cross Plains, the Town of Middleton, and Verona.
Mike Bare
Mike Bare’s responses:
What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?
A lot obviously depends on whether Democrats get into the majority in the Assembly or not. Either way, I will continue to champion economic security issues. And regardless of the balance of the chamber, we, as a team, need to defend our democracy, restore our rights, and make investments in our community. Those investments must include UW.
Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.
At a time when our government is dysfunctional, I have a long list of accomplishments and familiarity with how the Legislature and our policies work. I’m a public servant, small business owner, anti-poverty advocate, and father. I’m relentless about making progress on our challenges. I’m guided by Progressive values in everything I do. I’ve served in City and County government; advocated at the local, state, and federal level; and I worked for U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. My priorities reflect concerns I hear from voters in our community about our democracy and right to vote; our schools, environment, and other basic rights like health care and abortion access, Internet access, and housing.
While UW-Madison is situated in Dane County, its role as an economic engine it benefits the entire state. UW-Madison also has unique needs that are different from the other Universities of Wisconsin. Please tell us how you would represent UW-Madison in the Legislature and encourage your colleagues from outside Dane County to understand the statewide benefit of a strong UW-Madison?
I have made this case countless times to my colleagues across the aisle. I recently toured a laboratory expansion at ThermoFisher in my Assembly district and they said they hire between 400 and 600 UW grads every year. That is a major global employer who could go anywhere investing here because we have the talent they are looking for. We can’t lose out on those opportunities for well-paying jobs. In this case, it is well-paying jobs that are working to save lives. I have always been available and met with UW’s leaders, faculty, staff, and advocates, alumni advocates, and students. I’ll continue to be available to them, and represent them with my full attention and support.
State funding for higher education has fallen dramatically over the past several decades, resulting in a dependence on tuition and fundraising to replace decreased state support. A ten-year long tuition freeze coupled with previous state budget cuts has forced UW-Madison to make serious cuts, while other UW System campuses face devastating budget shortfalls. How would you address these concerns if elected?
I support the Governor’s upcoming budget proposal to invest more than $800 in the Universities of Wisconsin, which will be the largest investment in higher ed in state history. UW-Madison and the UW System campuses should not have to do layoffs or consider shutting down. Not when we’re sitting on a $3 billion state budget surplus.
The current legislative majorities have worked to delegitimize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Legislators have forced the university to reclassify DEI positions and a legislative audit of UW DEI programs is underway. UW-Madison as an institution understands diversity to be a value that is inextricable from its other values, including educational and research excellence. Tell us about your legislative priorities on diversity, racial justice, and their relation to the values you hold related to higher education.
Republicans are kicking UW while it’s down to score political points—and they’re doing it on the backs of students, staff, and faculty who instead need an open hand, an equal chance at a higher education and employment, and an equitable share of the benefits our tax dollars provide to students and higher education workers.
I’ve talked to hundreds of UW employees at their doors in the 80th Assembly District, which is near UW-Madison. They resent being political pawns and having their raises used as leverage against DEI.
My wife teaches at UW Law School as part of her job as a public defender. And I have previously been a Lecturer teaching graduate level courses on public health policy at the Zilber School at UW-Milwaukee. The poor compensation and lack of resources available to both of us and to our students is stunning. We can attest that these world-class research institutions are a top driver of Wisconsin’s statewide economy. And all of the Universities of Wisconsin campuses are local and regional economic powerhouses that grow communities, help workers, and create pride in one’s community. They should not be political footballs. We must ensure that “The Wisconsin Idea” remains a Wisconsin institution.
Unfortunately, anything promoting DEI is DOA with Republicans in the Legislature. Their bullshit talking points and reprehensible appeasement of the elitist white supremacists who dismantled affirmative action and want to go further set us all back in deeply harmful ways that ripple through generations and echo the inhumanity of a past we should leave behind.
Ideally, new maps will force the Republicans in the Legislature to be more reasonable on this. Democrats and Governor Evers also need to identify and use what leverage we have in the next state budget.
Republicans purposefully withheld funding for building projects and raises at UW as leverage to kill DEI programming. The Board of Regents voted to accept their offer against the request of Legislative Democrats including me. The Governor should only appoint Regents who are 100% committed to restoring and maintaining DEI programs, continuing the great tradition of The Wisconsin Idea, and who are willing to stand up to political stunts.
Wisconsin ranks near the bottom of state funding for four-year post-secondary education, while state funding for two-year technical education is among the best in the country. How would you address this disparity in the Legislature?
As Wisconsin continues to evolve from an economy based in manufacturing and agriculture into more advanced technical and non-traditional workplaces, we need our already strong UW to remain strong. That starts with funding.
Students need more help affording the cost of classes, textbooks and classroom materials, and we should provide even more assistance with debt and expand the College Grants program that provides need-based financial aid, and expand Bucky’s Tuition Promise. I support the Governor’s upcoming proposed budget that invests heavily in UW. We must keep investing in UW.
Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?
We must protect our democracy, restore our rights, and invest in our communities. Republicans have been far too successful in attacking our democracy by questioning election results and degrading voters’ confidence in government institutions and public education. We must win back this narrative and advocate for pro-democracy policies like ballot drop boxes, automatic voter registration,
Too many of our rights—voting, collective bargaining, reproductive health choice, trans and LGBTQ+ rights, and our freedom to assemble free from fear of gun violence—have been taken away or eroded in recent years.
And we must make investments in our communities, including strong public K-12 schools and higher education. My mom was a public high school English teacher and I’ve known all my life the value of a good public education at every level. Our public schools are the bedrock of our communities.
Other needed investments include workforce housing, transit options, childcare, Medicaid expansion, and environmental protections.
I have spent the most time in the Assembly working on legislation to help working people. I introduced bills to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (AB471), expand the Homestead Credit (AB458), and create WISEARNS (a state-facilitated retirement savings program for workers whose employers don’t provide it). I will also work on a bill to create a state supplement to the federal Child Tax Credit (though that requires federal action first that has stalled in this session of Congress). This kind of targeted tax relief incentivizes work, makes work pay, and makes more work available. It helps families get by and plan for the future. And we have a state budget surplus that could easily fund these priorities and put more money in workers’ pockets. And while the following are both statewide issues, it’s especially essential for the 80th Assembly district (Verona, Far West Side and Southwest Corner of Madison, Middleton, and Cross Plains) that we provide more funding for starter housing and workforce housing, and the re-establishment of a Regional Transit Authority (RTA). State and local investments in housing and transit infrastructure create and sustain union jobs. And the communities of the 80th Assembly District struggle with both at a magnitude rarely matched across the state due to explosive population growth and density where getting from point A to point B is only possible on roads designed to support a few farms. Each priority requires respected public workers with rights and good compensation.
Each of those issues is a budget priority. We must make electoral gains with the new legislative maps and in Congress and the U.S. Senate to do these things. That takes work I’m deeply committed to doing.
PROFS has long advocated for paid family leave for all employees and is pleased that UW-Madison and the Universities of Wisconsin recently approved a modest six-week paid parental leave benefit. We believe this is just the first step and more needs to be done. Will you support initiatives like those offered by Governor Evers that would expand paid leave to state employees and create a paid leave insurance program for public and most private sector employees in the state?
Yes I have supported these expansions and will continue to do so. The time I was able to take off of my previous nonprofit job when both of my boys were born was some of the most fulfilling time of my life. We are far behind other advanced economies around the world in guaranteeing this benefit.
Nasra Wehelie
Nasra Wehelie’s responses:
What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?
As a current Alder on the Madison Common Council, UW alum (Go Badgers!), and a Democratic candidate running in the new Assembly District 80, I am deeply committed to serving our community. You can learn more on my website nasraforwi.com. My goals for the first term in office are focused on three key policy areas: attainable housing, women’s rights, and economic stability. I will advocate for equitable housing development, inclusionary zoning, and financial incentives to ensure everyone can access safe, stable, affordable homes. Supporting policies that enhance reproductive rights, healthcare access, and affordable childcare is crucial for advancing women’s rights. To boost economic stability, I will promote small business growth, job creation, and access to capital, with targeted support for minority and women-owned businesses. Additionally, I will advocate for legislation allowing municipalities to implement a local sales tax, ensuring the revised shared revenue formula addresses disparities and provides equitable funding to cities like Madison, which have unique needs and responsibilities. These priorities are vital for fostering a thriving, inclusive community that supports all its members.
Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.
My journey into politics has been driven by a passion for creating positive change and a belief in the power of effective leadership. Throughout my career, I have worked tirelessly to advocate for the issues most important to us. With more than 20 years of service in the community, nonprofit organizations, and local government, I have been guided by the belief that positive change starts at the community level. I have witnessed the power of empathy and collaboration and the impact we can make on our communities together.
What sets me apart is my commitment to addressing the diversity gap within our Wisconsin State Legislature, which does not reflect the diversity of Wisconsin’s population and the voices of minority communities. Only 30% of women serve in our Capitol, and Wisconsin continues to rank as the worst state in America for black residents. We can make significant steps forward by supporting diverse candidates who will analyze legislation with a critical lens. I am dedicated to working for all Wisconsinites, ensuring that every voice is heard and represented.
While UW-Madison is situated in Dane County, its role as an economic engine it benefits the entire state. UW-Madison also has unique needs that are different from the other Universities of Wisconsin. Please tell us how you would represent UW-Madison in the Legislature and encourage your colleagues from outside Dane County to understand the statewide benefit of a strong UW-Madison?
As a UW alum, I am committed to ensuring that UW-Madison remains a world-class institution. It contributes significantly to the state’s economy, generating over $15 billion annually and supporting more than 193,000 jobs statewide. Highlighting these economic contributions, I will showcase the university’s role in driving innovation, attracting businesses, and fostering a skilled workforce. Promoting collaboration between UW-Madison and other universities, industries, and communities across the state will be a priority.
Advocating for infrastructure improvements will also be crucial to maintaining UW-Madison’s status as a leading institution, ensuring that facilities and resources meet the needs of students, faculty, and researchers. For instance, the university receives over $1.2 billion in research funding annually, making it a key player in national and global innovation. I will engage with legislators from outside Dane County to help them understand the statewide benefits of a strong UW-Madison, emphasizing the university’s role in fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for all Wisconsinites.
State funding for higher education has fallen dramatically over the past several decades, resulting in a dependence on tuition and fundraising to replace decreased state support. A ten-year long tuition freeze coupled with previous state budget cuts has forced UW-Madison to make serious cuts, while other UW System campuses face devastating budget shortfalls. How would you address these concerns if elected?
The significant decline in state funding for higher education—over 30% in the last two decades—has led to a reliance on tuition and fundraising. This issue is worsened by a decade-long tuition freeze and previous state budget cuts, forcing UW-Madison and other UW System campuses to make severe financial compromises. If elected, I will work to restore sustainable state funding and support the UW System to ensure it can continue to provide high-quality education and research opportunities.
Addressing these funding challenges requires a multifaceted approach: restoring state funding, revisiting tuition policies, expanding financial aid, fostering public-private partnerships, improving operational efficiency, and increasing public awareness about the importance of higher education funding.
As a UW alum, your representative, and a parent of four UW alumni, I am deeply committed to championing these initiatives!
The current legislative majorities have worked to delegitimize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Legislators have forced the university to reclassify DEI positions and a legislative audit of UW DEI programs is underway. UW-Madison as an institution understands diversity to be a value that is inextricable from its other values, including educational and research excellence. Tell us about your legislative priorities on diversity, racial justice, and their relation to the values you hold related to higher education.
My legislative priorities are grounded in the belief that diversity and racial justice are essential for a thriving educational system. We can create a more just and equitable UW System by promoting policies that expand access, enhance diversity among faculty and staff, develop inclusive curricula, support student success, and address systemic inequities. Ensuring that higher education is accessible and affordable for all students, particularly those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, is paramount.
This commitment benefits individual students, supports the entire academic community, and prepares all students to contribute to a diverse and inclusive society. My experience serving on the Morgridge Center for Public Service board for over seven years involved promoting UW partnerships with community organizations to support students and ensure a smooth transition from high school to higher education. Programs like Badger Volunteers and community-based service learning and research exemplify the positive impact of such partnerships.
Wisconsin ranks near the bottom of state funding for four-year post-secondary education, while state funding for two-year technical education is among the best in the country. How would you address this disparity in the Legislature?
Addressing the disparity in state funding for Wisconsin’s four-year and two-year post-secondary education requires a balanced approach that ensures equitable support for both pathways. By rebalancing state funding, promoting collaboration, expanding financial aid, improving operational efficiency, and increasing public awareness, we can create a more just and effective higher education system that benefits all students and supports the state’s economic growth.
As your representative, I am committed to championing these initiatives to ensure that both four-year universities and two-year technical colleges receive the support they need to thrive, and I will encourage joint initiatives and collaborative programs that leverage the strengths of both types of institutions, such as shared research projects and workforce development programs.
Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?
My funding priorities will focus on education, housing, economic stability, and sustainability.
I will advocate for higher per-pupil funding, increased teacher salaries, and additional resources for special education programs. Expanding state-funded financial aid programs will make higher education more accessible.
Addressing the housing crisis is also paramount. Currently, 1 in 7 Wisconsin renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing. Increasing funding for rental assistance, affordable housing development, and homelessness prevention is essential. Supporting first-time homebuyers with grants and loans will help more residents achieve homeownership.
For economic stability, investing in job training and workforce development programs, supporting small businesses with grants and incentives, and funding critical infrastructure projects will foster economic growth and job creation.
My fourth funding priority will be promoting sustainable initiatives in Wisconsin. Our state has lost 50% of its wetlands, which are crucial for water purification and flood control. Protecting natural resources and investing in renewable energy projects will ensure a healthier environment for future generations!
PROFS has long advocated for paid family leave for all employees and is pleased that UW-Madison and the Universities of Wisconsin recently approved a modest six-week paid parental leave benefit. We believe this is just the first step and more needs to be done. Will you support initiatives like those offered by Governor Evers that would expand paid leave to state employees and create a paid leave insurance program for public and most private sector employees in the state?
Yes! I fully support paid leave initiatives for state employees and the creation of a paid leave insurance program for both public and private sector employees. Paid family leave is essential for families’ well-being and our workforce’s overall health. It allows parents to bond with their newborns, supports workers caring for sick family members, and reduces financial stress during critical times.
Expanding paid leave will also help retain talented employees, reduce turnover costs, and increase productivity by ensuring employees are not forced to choose between their job and their family’s needs. Many studies have shown that paid family leave can reduce employee turnover by up to 50%(!!), saving businesses money in recruitment and training costs. In states where paid leave policies have been implemented, there has been a positive impact on employee morale and economic stability. I look forward to spearheading such legislation if elected!