PROFS

Chuck Erickson, Renuka Mayadev, and Thad Schumacher are running in Assembly District 77. The district is currently represented by Shelia Stubbs who is running in the newly-drawn 78th Assembly District. There are no Republicans on the ballot so the winner next month is almost certain to win the general election. The district includes UW-Madison, the near-west side of Madison and Shorewood Hills.

Chuck Erickson’s responses:

What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?

If elected to represent Wisconsin Assembly District 77, my primary objectives will center on creating a more just and progressive community for all residents. A critical goal is to expand access to abortion services by repealing the antiquated 1849 abortion ban, ensuring that reproductive health care is accessible, safe, and comprehensive for everyone. Addressing the affordable housing crisis is also paramount. I will support policies that increase the availability of affordable housing and implement solutions to prevent and reduce homelessness, ensuring everyone has a stable and secure place to live. Additionally, I will fight for the repeal of right-to-work laws and Act 10, which undermine workers’ rights and erode collective bargaining power. By tackling these issues head-on, I hope to foster a community that not only meets the needs of its residents but also sets a standard for equity, inclusivity, and progress. My commitment is to build a Madison that is fair, supportive, and forward-thinking, ensuring a better quality of life for all our community members.

Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.

I am uniquely qualified for this position due to my extensive experience and proven track record in public service. Over the course of 22 years on the Dane County Board, I have had the honor of representing much of this district, during which time I have championed numerous progressive policies that have positively impacted our community.

What sets me apart from my fellow candidates is not only my deep-rooted connection to this community but also my ability to deliver tangible results. During my time on the county board, my work led to securing $2.3 million for the construction of affordable housing and a groundbreaking, carbon-neutral community center at Bayview. My extensive experience on the board has equipped me with the knowledge, expertise, and relationships necessary to advocate for our district in the Assembly effectively. I understand the intricacies of policy-making and the importance of building coalitions to achieve meaningful change. I am dedicated to continuing my work on behalf of our community, ensuring that we make meaningful progress on critical issues such as affordable housing, education funding, and workers’ rights.

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?

UW-Madison is a world-class leader in research, benefiting communities across Wisconsin. The most pronounced example of this is agricultural research. Agricultural research conducted at UW-Madison directly benefits many regions across the state, including the districts represented by my colleagues in the Legislature. The university’s cutting-edge research in agriculture has far-reaching impacts that enhance the productivity, sustainability, and economic viability of farms and rural communities throughout Wisconsin.

For example, UW-Madison’s research in crop science, animal husbandry, and sustainable farming practices has led to significant advancements that improve yields and reduce costs for farmers. This directly benefits agricultural districts by increasing profitability and stability for farming families. Innovative techniques developed at UW-Madison help farmers adopt sustainable practices that preserve soil health, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and promote environmental stewardship.

By consistently advocating for and reminding other legislators of the benefits of a strong UW-Madison, I will serve as an effective representative. I will highlight specific success stories of how the university’s agricultural research has positively impacted farms and rural communities in various legislative districts, showcasing tangible results that demonstrate the real-world benefits of continued investment in the university. Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between UW-Madison researchers and legislators will be another key strategy. By organizing briefings, tours, and meetings, I will create opportunities for my colleagues to engage directly with experts and gain a deeper understanding of the university’s contributions to agriculture and beyond.

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 will advocate for increased state funding for the UW System. Higher education is a critical investment in our state’s future, driving economic growth and innovation. Restoring and enhancing state support will alleviate financial pressures on our universities and ensure they continue to provide high-quality education and research opportunities. I will also work to build bipartisan support by emphasizing the broad benefits of a well-funded university system, which impacts all regions of the state. By demonstrating the economic and social contributions of our universities, I will make a compelling case for increased investment. By addressing these issues, I aim to strengthen our universities and ensure they continue to serve as vital resources for Wisconsin’s future.

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.

As an advocate for higher education, I firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to the mission and values of institutions like UW-Madison. Diversity enriches the educational experience, fosters innovation, and reflects the broader society we serve. My legislative priorities will focus on strengthening DEI efforts and ensuring that these values are upheld and supported within our higher education system. I will work to protect and promote DEI initiatives at UW-Madison and other universities. Despite recent legislative actions to reclassify DEI positions and audit programs, I believe that DEI is crucial to achieving educational excellence. Diverse perspectives enhance problem-solving, drive creativity, and prepare students to thrive in a global society. I will advocate for policies that support DEI programs and resist efforts that seek to undermine or diminish their importance.

Additionally, I will support legislation that addresses racial justice and systemic inequities both within higher education and in our broader communities. This includes pushing for increased funding for programs that support underrepresented and marginalized students, as well as fostering partnerships with community organizations to address educational disparities.

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 between four-year post-secondary education and two-year technical education requires a direct approach. I will advocate for increased state funding for four-year universities. At the same time, I will support maintaining strong funding for technical colleges. These colleges are crucial for career-ready skills and workforce training, providing valuable opportunities for students and meeting economic needs. To address the funding disparity, I will push for a review of the state’s higher education funding model. This review will consider the unique needs of both four-year institutions and technical colleges, aiming for equitable funding solutions that balance support across different types of higher education.

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 center on key areas essential for Wisconsin’s future. I will focus on increasing support for both K–12 and higher education. For K–12, this involves ensuring that schools receive the resources necessary to provide high-quality education and address existing disparities. For higher education, I will advocate for more robust funding for both four-year universities and technical colleges to enhance educational opportunities and bolster research initiatives. Environmental protection will be a major focus as well. I will advocate for enhanced funding for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and support the creation of a dedicated stewardship fund to strengthen conservation efforts and safeguard our natural resources. Furthermore, I will push for increased revenue sharing to assist local governments in managing environmental and infrastructure projects.

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 initiatives to expand paid family leave for state employees and create a paid leave insurance program for both public and private sector employees in Wisconsin. The recent approval of a modest six-week paid parental leave benefit at UW-Madison and other UW System institutions is a significant step forward, but more comprehensive measures are needed to ensure that all employees have access to paid family leave. Expanding paid leave benefits aligns with my commitment to supporting workers and promoting family well-being. It supports not only the health and stability of families but also contributes to employee retention and productivity.

I will advocate for legislation similar to that proposed by Governor Evers, which aims to create a paid leave insurance program that covers a broad range of employees across both the public and private sectors. Such a program would provide workers with the security they need to take time off for family-related reasons without compromising their financial stability.

Renuka Mayadev’s responses:

What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?

I am a reproductive rights champion. Our rights, our daughters’ rights, and rights of women and girls across our state and our county are under constant attack. We must take decisive action to protect the future of reproductive rights. We must 1) repeal the 1849 abortion law and 2) pass a comprehensive reproductive health and rights law and 3) enshrine the right to reproductive freedom in our state constitution and I will start working on day 1 to make it happen.

We also must fully-fund our public schools and build a comprehensive early childhood education system. Public education in Wisconsin is underfunded and underserved by our state government. As a board member for the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, I know the importance of early childhood education. Wisconsin must support a public school system that begins with early childhood education through college/career training. Additionally, it is crucial that we fully fund the UW-System. It is the great innovator of our state, producing the brilliant minds and the vital research to move Wisconsin forward.

I will also fight to repeal Act 10 and strengthen workers rights. All workers deserve a living wage, fair working conditions, and the right to collectively bargain to protect their common interests. Act 10 has devastated workers in our state, and has hurt our ability to recruit talented individuals to public sector jobs. I will stand to reinstate collective bargaining rights. Public workers must be able to negotiate for the pay, benefits, and their working conditions.

Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.

I’m a mother of two, a daughter of immigrants, and I have worked my entire career for women, children, and working families. I work at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health on improving the health outcomes of women and children across Wisconsin. I have hands-on experience with the issues facing communities in Madison and around Wisconsin today, and I know how to make the solutions a reality. A graduate of Georgetown Law School, I have worked on policy throughout my career in state government working for a Democratic governor as the policy lead for criminal justice, public safety and workers’ compensation, at the United Way focused on building an early childhood education system, and at the Children’s Defense Fund where worked with civil right hero Marian Wright Edelman to advocate for children and families. My many years of experience in the trenches give me a deep understanding of how state policy can be crafted to work for real people, the inner workings of state government, and the strategy needed to lead when the Democrats are in the seat of power. That experience and knowledge is why I have been endorsed by Governor Jim Doyle, Lt Gov Barb Lawton, Sen Kelda Roys, and Rep Fran Hong, and other leaders who understand what it takes to get things done.

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?

We are Badgers in our household! I currently work for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) and my husband is the Dean of University of Wisconsin Law School. UW-Madison is under threat from an ultra-MAGA agenda that is openly hostile to higher education. Just last session, we saw pay raises and a desperately needed engineering building held hostage by the Assembly Speaker, because of their contempt for diversity, equity, and inclusion. But these core values are essential to UW-Madison’s mission of being a world class leader in education and research. They’re also essential to fulfilling the future promise of the State of Wisconsin. I will stand up for these values and share the good work that UW-Madison does to fulfill the Wisconsin idea through its teaching, research, and service.

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?

We need to dramatically increase state funding for public higher education, a workforce engine that benefits people across our state. Speaker Vos has misused his power to weaken the Universities of Wisconsin, to the detriment of our students, employees, and the communities we serve. We need to invest in UW-Madison and the other wonderful institutions in the Universities of Wisconsin. These public universities are essential to our future success, not only because they educate the next generation of leaders but also because of the groundbreaking research and desperately needed services they provide to people who need them. As an employee of the University School of Medicine & Public Health in the Wisconsin Partnership Program, I know firsthand how UW-Madison directly benefits communities throughout the state, and can share that reality with people who don’t always appreciate it. Having worked for many years as a maternal and child health advocate, I know how much our future depends on closing the alarming racial and economic gaps that exist in our system. I have developed strategic grant programs that support community organizations like the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Harambe Village Doulas, and many other non-profits supporting women, children, and families. This funding and work would be impossible without the UW. I will fight to fully support and improve the Universities of Wisconsin especially the amazing work that’s going on at UW-Madison.

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.

Diversity is our strength, inextricably linked to excellence in higher education. When Speaker Vos and other Republican leaders attack diversity, equity, and inclusion at our universities, they imperil the collective future of all Wisconsinites. My entire career has been dedicated to working families, including people of all backgrounds and identities. At the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, I work to address the state’s appalling racial disparities in child and maternal health. It is shameful that Black infants are at so much greater risk of mortality, and that Black pregnant mothers are more likely to die in childbirth and during the postpartum period. If we do not affirmatively embrace and work to achieve equity, then these very real and unacceptable disparities will only worsen. We cannot solve problems we refuse to see. As a Representative, I will stand against the ultra-MAGA right’s attack on DEI, and fully support the Universities of Wisconsin in advancing these core values. That starts by reversing the limitations on DEI positions that Republican leaders forced on the Universities of Wisconsin. We must move forward, not backwards, and that means redoubling our commitment to recruiting a diverse group of students and employees to UW, providing a welcoming environment where everyone knows they belong, and ensuring that all students and employees have the resources and opportunities they need to fulfill their dreams.

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?

Our two year technical institutions deserve support, but they are no substitute for outstanding universities that will open up opportunities for students of all backgrounds and advance the collective prosperity of people throughout Wisconsin. As a top-tier research and teaching university, UW-Madison is especially well suited to achieve these goals – but only if the state provides the resources and support that are needed for success. The legislature also needs to give UW-Madison bonding authority. Right now, we’re the only Big 10 school without the ability to borrow money for capital projects and other critical infrastructure needs. It’s outrageous that the Republican legislature has effectively starved our great University in this way. Our students, our employees, and all the people of Wisconsin deserve better. If I’m elected, I will fight to make sure that the state legislature is an ally of UW-Madison and other UW system schools, not an adversary.

Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?

Starting on Day 1, I will fight to fully fund our public education system, restore our support for the Universities of Wisconsin, and expand Medicaid. I am running to secure a better future for coming generations of Wisconsinites. These three investment priorities that will make life better for all of us. For too long our legislature has put public money into unaccountable private schools. By fully funding our public education system, we are investing in our students’ success and our state’s future. In addition, we need to increase state support for the Universities of Wisconsin. Budget after budget, the Republican legislature has chipped away at our higher education system, to the detriment of our students, employees, and the communities we serve. By investing in our public universities, especially UW-Madison, we can increase our faculty/staff, provide fair pay and benefits to all employees, and make needed infrastructure improvements, keeping tuition and student debt at reasonable levels, enhancing our status as one of the premier higher education systems in the country. Finally, I will fight to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin. For years, Wisconsin has left on the table federal funds that would allow more Wisconsin families to have healthcare coverage. This is really a no-brainer, opposition to which is motivated by the ultra-MAGA right’s lingering spite over Obamacare. Medicaid expansion would cover thousands of Wisconsin families, allowing them to seek preventative care today to prevent negative health outcomes tomorrow.

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?

Emphatically yes! Wisconsin is far behind the curve in ensuring paid family leave to public and private employees, which puts working families in impossible situations. The 6-week paid parental leave that the Universities of Wisconsin put in place is a step in the right direction, but we need more and bigger steps. That includes a robust paid family leave program that supports employees across all industries and sectors of our economy, especially higher education. As an advocate for early childhood health, I know how important it is for children’s development to have their parents available during those crucial first weeks and months of their lives. Investing in paid leave is investing in our future, and I will be proud to stand with Governor Evers and forward-thinking legislators to create a comprehensive paid leave plan for all Wisconsin workers.

Thad Schumacher’s responses:

What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?

My focus in the state legislature will be on taking meaningful action and delivering solutions for the people of Wisconsin. With a conservative majority in the senate more likely than not, progress will require working together to find common ground and work to take steps forward. I hope to build strong relationships with legislators from across the state, and work with them to find solutions to the problems that affect us all.

My biggest goal for my first term is passing prescription drug pricing reform to eliminate corporate middlemen that inflate premiums and co-pays for everyone. I believe that this could pass even through a Republican senate and it would increase access to care across the state, including those employed by the Universities of Wisconsin. Importantly, finding solutions to our shared problems does not mean sacrificing the values we disagree on.

I intend to be a strong advocate for bodily autonomy, strengthening minority communities, and queer and trans rights. With more swing districts on both sides of the aisle it will be more important than ever that there are legislators who can speak to the importance of protecting these vulnerable populations.

Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.

I am a healthcare provider who has been embedded in this community for over a decade. My work at the pharmacy has given me a unique viewpoint into the challenges facing this community, particularly the minority communities which I serve. As a provider I take care of patients from across the political spectrum. This requires communication skills founded in building trust, which I use every day to find common ground and treat my patients. I believe these same skills will be critical in the legislature.

As a community business owner, I have established a long record of taking action to solve problems in the community. I have long offered free delivery to help patients who struggle with transportation. During Covid, I worked with the UW School of Pharmacy to be one of the largest testers and vaccinators in the county. After Roe fell, I offered Plan-B at cost to anyone who needed it.

As a first generation college student, I have a unique insight into the power of colleges and universities to enable economic mobility, and I have nearly a decade of experience working in Wisconsin State Government, where I was unanimously confirmed by the senate to be the chair of the Pharmacy Examining Board twice. I have a firsthand understanding of every part of the policy process, from legislative advocacy, to agency rulemaking, to real world application. This broad understanding will help me craft effective policies that produce real solutions.

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 first generation college graduate from rural Illinois, I know firsthand how higher education enables economic advancement. I believe I can speak to the experience of public university students who’s education will allow them to open a local business in their hometown which will drive economic development.

In my pharmacy, we employ UW alumni, providing them with meaningful careers that utilize their education. We also train UW students, offering practical experience that prepares them for future success. Our collaboration with UW faculty to collect research data underscores the university’s role in advancing healthcare and other fields. By implementing cutting-edge technology developed by UW-Madison startups, we demonstrate the university’s impact on improving industry standards and patient outcomes.

I will encourage my colleagues from outside Dane County to understand that a strong UW-Madison translates to statewide benefits. By highlighting the university’s contributions to economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement, I will advocate for policies that support its unique needs. Together, we can ensure that UW-Madison continues to thrive, driving innovation and prosperity for all of Wisconsin.

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?

Addressing this problem must begin by increasing university funding from the state. Despite a massive budget surplus, the conservative legislature’s attacks on higher education has created this problem. By fully funding the university system, we can unlock long term economic growth for the entire state of Wisconsin.

The legislature also needs to work with the university system in pursuit of more efficiencies, expanding its ability to make their money go further. By eliminating bureaucratic restrictions on systems like the competitive bidding process we can create more efficiency in our universities. I’m committed to helping the universities find financial stability by increasing state level funding, while also removing restrictions on the university’s financial tools such as tuition freezes and competitive bidding restrictions.

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.

I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) not only creates a more equitable campus for faculty, staff, and students, it also facilitates a better learning and research environment. It produces more qualified graduates that enter the workforce that power our economy. The requirements for reclassification of DEI employees produced a chilling effect on inclusive efforts throughout the UW system, and if given the opportunity, I would work to reverse those requirements, to allow the Universities of Wisconsin to have autonomy for student and faculty services.

My work as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County has shown me that achieving an equitable and diverse higher education and environment requires early investment in minority education to create a pathway to college for students of color. In the legislature I will work to expand these pre-college programs for minority students. In the legislature, I also hope to facilitate minority growth in higher education by investing in hiring and admissions, and training. Supporting our faculty of color, and recruiting new faculty of color, helps minority students see the university as a place where they belong. These initiatives are core faculty development goals, and in the legislature I will fight to defend them.

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?

I believe that strong funding for higher education is critical to meeting our state’s long term economic goals, and this requires investment at all levels. While our state rightly invests in two-year technical education, our weak funding in four-year institutions holds us back. This imbalance limits opportunities for students and undermines the potential for innovation and economic growth.

Addressing this disparity requires a multi-faceted approach. First, I will advocate for increased state funding for four-year universities. These institutions are critical for fostering research, innovation, and a highly skilled workforce that can drive our economy forward. This increased funding is critical to addressing our current and future college educated workforce shortages which threaten to drag down economic growth. By drawing on the absurd state budget surplus, we can ensure that our universities have the funding they need to excel.

Second, I will support policies that encourage partnerships between four-year universities and two-year technical colleges. These collaborations can create seamless pathways for students, allowing them to transfer credits and pursue advanced degrees without unnecessary barriers. Strengthening these connections will make higher education more accessible and affordable, and would facilitate the development of university pathways for minority students.

Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?

1. Addressing our Healthcare Crisis: As a healthcare provider I see how it has gotten harder and harder for people to afford care, while at the same time, doctors are being pushed to see more patients with fewer resources. This needs to be fixed. I am committed to using the budgetary process to hold corporate middlemen accountable, ensure that providers have the resources to take care of people, and bring the focus back to patient care
2. Shared Revenue Reform: For years now, Madison taxpayers have sent their money to the state treasury only for it to gather dust in a historic surplus that the republican legislature is not willing to spend. At the same time, our city finances are in crisis. I am committed to fighting for a better shared revenue deal that gives Madison a fair shake.
3. Supporting Skilled Workforce Development: Our state is facing a skilled worker shortage that threatens to hold back our economic growth. We must address this by investing in higher education, specifically for low-income and underrepresented students, and working to ensure that the young adults who graduate here remain in Wisconsin.
4. Building a Clean Economy: By doubling down on our clean technology investments we can become more competitive for federal grants, and build good union jobs that help us reach our climate goals.

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?

I fully support expanding paid family leave for all employees in Wisconsin. The recent approval of a six-week paid parental leave benefit by UW-Madison and the Universities of Wisconsin is a positive first step, but more needs to be done to support working families.

Paid family leave is essential for the well-being of our families and the economic health of our communities. By allowing employees to take time to care for their loved ones, paid family leave helps build stronger communities, and facilitates the recruitment and retention of the best faculty, staff, and graduates. I believe that access to paid family leave would advance both the public and private sector, and drive economic development statewide.I support initiatives to create a paid leave insurance program for public and private sector employees. This would allow for small employers to offer this benefit without taking on so much risk.

As the Wisconsin Retirement System shows, we are capable of developing stable, trustworthy benefit systems that enrich the quality of life for everyone. As a legislator, I am committed to advancing progressive and accessible paid leave programs for all of Wisconsin’s workers.

Bill Connors, Andrew Hysell, Goodwill Obieze, Avery Renk, and Rick Rose are running for the Democratic nominee in the Assembly District 48. State Representative Samba Baldeh is a candidate in Senate District 16m an open seat. The newly-drawn district includes parts of east Madison, the city of Sun Prairie, and part of Dodge County. Connors, Hysell, and Obieze did not respond to our request.

Avery Renk’s responses:

What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?

Overhaul the school funding system. Get rid of revenue limits, abolish the voucher system, and use all that money going to private schools to get our public school teachers pay above the national average and fully fund special education.

Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.
1: Youth. I’m 25, and bring a lot of excitement and energy
2: Ties to community: despite being 25, I’ve lived in my district longer than all of my opponents combined
3: Ability to work and communicate across the aisle. I’m from a Republican farming family, and am really able to connect with rural folks, from voters to lawmakers, in a way most Democrats aren’t able to.

I went to Sun Prairie High School, before getting a BA and JD from UW-Madison. I currently practice as an attorney in my hometown of Sun Prairie. I’m a general practitioner, but I focus on Estate Planning, small business law, and contracts. I worked in the State Assembly with Representative Gary Hebl in college, and have earned his endorsement. I also work extremely hard, knocking over 2000 doors since getting on the ballot just over a month ago.

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?

First, I’d represent UW-Madison with my two degrees. I owe my entirely livelihood to UW-Madison; nobody would be a stronger advocate for the University than me. I would continue to advocate for research and academic funding. Building Madison as a worldwide destination for academic and research success is crucial for making Wisconsin the best state in the Union – something I plan to get done.

I am pretty skilled at communicating the University’s values to those outside of Dane County. Since something from UW has made almost everybody’s life better, I try to focus on something that has benefited the person I’m talking to. In my life, this has usually been agriculture, but it can also be medicine or law. I also like to brag about WARF and the research side of Madison – people often hear less about that than the academic side.

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?

Increasing funding to the UW System. I want to use the revenue from legal cannabis to fund our Universities, while cutting voucher systems will pay for K-12 teacher raises and special education funding.

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.

Diversity is highly important to me. Interactions with students and professors of different backgrounds at UW-Madison taught me that no amount of reading can make up for learning from other people. I think challenges to DEI are disgusting and thinly veiled racism. As far as racial justice goes, my top two priorities are legalizing cannabis and rehauling the education system funding process – including a more equitable distribution of state funds. This tries to tackle some of the most important disparities in the short-term and the long-term.

There is no more important place for diversity than higher education. Most of our most difficult questions are answered at the University level, and there’s no way to get the correct answer to most of these questions without diversity.

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 I mentioned earlier, legalizing cannabis and sending that money to our higher education systems.

Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?

As I mentioned earlier, overhauling the way we fund public schools. Beyond that, finally accepting the medicaid expansion and continuing to push for childcare funding.
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?

I will always support measures ensuring paid parental leave for any employee.

Rick Rose’s responses:

What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?

Strong schools and diverse educational opportunities; public safety and financial security; better government; sustainable communities, both rural and urban

Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.

I have served the residents of Dane County as a Board Supervisor for two terms. These residents represent 1/3 of the new Assembly District 48 for which I hope to earn the opportunity to serve as its first representative. I know the state intimately and have told interviewed and shared stories of residents and public officials from all 72 counties in Wisconsin as an Emmy winning producer.

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?

This area of the state has unique needs; I mean all areas do, however in serving on the Dane County Board and working with representatives of the University, I recognize we are leaders and innovators. I would share those stories in the legislature and across the district. I worked with the UW Alumni association in doing just that trough a series of videos we created for Discover Wisconsin

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 state has a surplus of dollars. It is time they are released and directed to where they will most benefit the residents of our state. Education and education is my top priority.

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.

I have been an advocate for the most vulnerable communities through 40 years of volunteer work and public service. My record stands that I bring the underrepresented to the table wherever I can where decisions are being made for those with living experience. Now is the time to increase these priorities, not back off. Again, all eyes are on UW Madison and how this plays out, so we must do all we can to make sure the right message is being sent to other institutions that are at risk. Democracy is at risk in general, and that trajectory must be stopped, by all means.

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?

Education is education. We have lost ground in the liberal arts 4 year option for various reasons. I would not look back nor point fingers. I would speak as a Professor from my alma mater. As a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Beloit College, I have returned to teach there. My example demonstrates my beliefs in a four year system. I was the first in my family to graduate from such an institution, and I assure you, it has placed me in the position of running for this office because of all it offers.

Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?

There are many. My top priority is gun legislation. This impacts educational institutions. From kindergarten, children learn plans of protection if a mass shooting shall arise. I worked with the Campus Police and UW Madison a few years ago to create an active shooter video which explores what can be done – we need to fund those items. A red flag law must be instituted in WI; through it we can look deeper at assisting the victim we protect as well as the perpetrator’s deficits and needs.

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?

I full heartedly will, and already I am advocating for these necessities not only on the UW level however across all strata of the working population.

Joe Maldonado and Randy Udell are vying to replace State Representative Jimmy Anderson in the Assembly District 47. Anderson is a candidate in Senate District 16, an open seat. The newly-drawn district includes Fitchburg, Stoughton, and part of McFarland. There is no Republican running for the seat, so the primary winner is almost certain to win in November.

Joe Maldonado’s responses:

What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?

In the state Legislature I hope to be an advocate for funding for our young people and after school services for kids so that every child has the support and resources to thrive. Additionally with new legislative maps, we have a real opportunity to make big changes in Wisconsin. For nearly 14 years the Legislature has used its gerrymander majority to reject the will of the people. With fair maps we can finally make real progress on protecting abortion rights, supporting the LGBTQ community, properly funding our public schools and universities, and so much more.

Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.

The theme of my campaign is ‘Pull up a seat to the table’. Throughout my career in youth work, local government, and community engagement, I have centered inclusion and access, particularly for our most marginalized communities. I currently serve as Fitchburg alder in one of the most diverse aldermanic districts in Dane County. In my four years on council, I have prioritized access to voting, spaces for youth, and local BIPOC owned businesses. In my career in youth engagement, I have mentored and coached hundreds of young people, managed dozens of volunteers, and overseen funding systems and strategic plans for youth based programming, in Dane County and across the state. I believe that we have a chance to make some major shifts in our state government by opening up opportunities for out of school time programming, mental health services, increased access to voting, public transportation, women’s reproductive rights, and reduced barriers for immigrants, particularly our undocumented Wisconsinites. By seeking this office and campaigning for Dems across the state, we have the chance to secure a progressive majority and move policy forward. I want to be a part of that change.

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 this question stated, UW-Madison is a massive economic driver for the state. The University contributes $30.8 billion per year to the Wisconsin economy, supporting more than 232,000 jobs and generating $1 billion in state and local taxes. When UW-Madison thrives, the whole state succeeds. As a Dane County legislator, I would encourage my colleagues to spend time at the university, to meet with university staff as well as students.

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 believe that public universities need to be adequately supported by the state. We have been on a disastrous path for decades now with the state providing less and less support to the UW System. As a former college access/college success professional, I’ve seen the impact of these cuts on students and higher education professionals .I support the Governor’s plan to invest $800 million in the next budget in the UW System, and also the longer term goal to at least get the UW System and Wisconsin up to the median state in funding its public university system (We are currently 42nd).

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.

In my campaign I am centering equity and inclusion. Too often incredibly important decisions at all levels of government are made with and by a small group of people. As a lawmaker, I seek to bring in historically marginalized and unprivileged communities to get them involved in the process, while also ensuring those most in need are targeted for support. In the Legislature, I would oppose efforts for the UW-System to abandon DEI, while also ensuring we incorporate equity into all programs and places within state government. This would look like equity officers within state agencies, focusing on disparities in maternal health, home ownership, and employment for people of color.

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?

I believe that our entire higher education system needs to be funded appropriately including both our technical colleges and higher education system. Because of deliberate policy choices by the Republican legislature, we are seeing layoffs as well as campus closures all across Wisconsin, including W-Platteville Richland, UW-Milwaukee at Washington County, UW-Oshkosh Fond du Lac and UW-Green Bay Marinette. We need to reverse course to ensure students of all backgrounds have a quality higher education option in their community.

Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?

My funding priorities for the 2025-2027 budget would be increasing funding for public schools and after school programming for youth, providing funding to our childcare infrastructure and industry, and supporting policies that center communities and create prosperity and wellbeing like reinstating local control over public transportation, investing in state parks, legalizing cannabis, and properly funding higher education.

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?

I strongly support Wisconsin adopting a paid leave program. Every Wisconsinite deserves the freedom to take care of a loved one or welcome a new baby into their family without the fear of losing their job. Paid family and medical leave is proven to recruit and retain workers, and our neighboring states are already putting these policies in place.

Randy Udell’s responses:

What are your goals for your first/next term in office should you be elected?

• Revitalize public safety
• Protect reproductive freedoms
• Expand broadband access across the state

Please describe your qualifications and what sets you apart from your fellow candidates.

I served as one of two alders representing District 4 on the Fitchburg City Council from 2020 to 2024, encompassing the western and southern parts of the city. He previously was council president for two years and chair of the Finance Committee for three years, which oversees the City’s $25,000,000 operating budget. Randy is the first LGBTQ+ person to ever serve as a local elected official in Fitchburg. Currently, I am a Dane County Board Supervisor representing District 33.

I have been the elected treasurer of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin since 2015, helping manage a multi-million dollar budget. I have the most experience working with a variety of stakeholders and managing finances in my race.

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?

UW-Madison is an anchor of our community and our state. The university continues to uphold Charles Van Hise’s principles of the Wisconsin Idea, bringing the resources and knowledge of UW-Madison to all corners of the state. I would work collaboratively with UW-Madison to ensure its voice is heard at all levels of state government so educational opportunities and important research can continue and expand even further moving forward.

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?

Funding for our public university system must be increased to be at minimum the median level of funding for public university systems nationally, which would be an additional $440 million annually. However, I’d like to see more funding than that to prevent staff and program cuts, and would vote for it if elected.

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.

As a gay man, I understand the importance of supporting diversity and exposing our young people to opportunities like they will encounter in the real world. I want to ensure these opportunities can continue and are well funded. I strongly opposed efforts by legislators to reclassify DEI positions, which is unnecessary and ridiculous. These positions should be classified back to their original titles.

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?

We need to get per pupil funding for four-year colleges to match that of our state’s technical college system. That must be addressed with the governor’s next budget.

Work on the 2025-27 state budget will begin shortly after legislators are sworn into office. What are your funding priorities?

I worked for AT&T for over 30 years. Much of my district is rural and lacks broadband access. Thus, it’s difficult for young people to participate in many educational opportunities and for others to work both at home and at businesses (and other options are quite costly). I’d like to see more funding allocated through the state’s Public Service Commission to get high-speed internet to the homes and businesses of more Wisconsinites.

In addition, our suburban communities (particularly in Dane County) are rapidly growing and struggling to keep up with basic services like police and fire, as well as in small rural towns. I’d like to see the state’s shared revenue deal renegotiated to give communities a fair shake and have that reflected in the governor’s budget.

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! Paid family leave must be expanded in Wisconsin.