Victorious Wisconsin Democrats lay out their plans

Following Democrats’ resounding victories in Wisconsin Tuesday night, Gov.-elect David Crowley and Democratic legislative leaders spent Wednesday talking about preparing to work for Wisconsinites, though the specifics are still being worked out. 

Crowley said as he begins putting together a transition team and cabinet he wants it to be representative of the entire state, not just Madison and Milwaukee. He emphasized that he is committed to hearing from people with diverse viewpoints across the state as he begins that work. 

“While we witnessed major victories in the state Legislature last night, I am committed to bringing people together from across the political spectrum and all across this state. We’re going to listen to every region … every community. We’re going to make decisions that are based on what’s best for everyone here in the state of Wisconsin, and we are going to measure our success on whether life gets better for all families in this great state.” 

Crowley told reporters on Wednesday afternoon in Milwaukee that affordability and healthcare are his top priorities, but he didn’t provide specifics about the legislation he wants to see on his desk soon after he takes office. 

“You’re asking me about the legislative process. I think it is extremely important that you talk to the legislative leaders,” Crowley said. “I look forward to working with them about what our priorities are going to be. We are less than 24 hours of knowing that we won this race right now. I think all of us are basking in the fact that we won, we have the Democratic trifecta, and we know that the hard work is going to begin today.”

Over the course of the campaign, Democrats and Crowley said that if elected they would address an array of issues including lowering costs, improving education and healthcare accessibility. 

Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) told reporters on a call that legislators needed a chance to connect with Crowley and their Senate colleagues while working to build their governing agenda. She said addressing the costs working families face is the first priority. She said some proposals include providing free school meals to all students and addressing housing costs, healthcare and childcare. 

“We do have a big list, and we are going to be ambitious,” Neubauer said. “We recognize this is a huge opportunity. Wisconsin on a new course; we are going to be busy. We’re going to be busy for two years getting all these things done.” 

Neubauer said the Assembly will have several options for addressing healthcare. She said lawmakers will explore a public option as well as regulations on prescription drugs and other costs. She said taking the federal Medicaid expansion is complicated given recent changes made by the Trump administration, including work requirements and changes to the federal funding mechanism. 

“It’s a shame that Wisconsin has not done that up to this point,” she said. “We are going to be working very closely with the administration to figure out the best way to expand access to affordable healthcare for Wisconsinites, even given the Trump administration’s efforts to cut access and raise costs.” 

“We know that Wisconsinites are struggling to afford access to quality healthcare, and that is going to be a key priority for us,” she added.

Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) said in a statement on Wednesday that the Democratic majority was elected to invest in public schools, lower property taxes, stand up for Wisconsin workers and protect freedoms, including the right of women to make their own healthcare decisions.  

“The people of Wisconsin have placed their trust in Senate Democrats, and we’re not going to take it for granted,” Hesselbein said. “We are ready to breathe new life into the ‘Wisconsin Idea’ and ensure that everybody in Wisconsin, no matter your race, gender, who you love, or where you live, has a fair shot at the American dream.”