Engaging in These Times

I got a letter in the mail last week from two neighbors who are concerned about our direction, especially at the federal level. They shared concerns and fears about several issues and whether we’ve reached the point of a constitutional crisis. They also suggested I share “the most effective methods for the average person to engage with politicians at the local, state, and national levels to make our voices heard and bring about change.” So, I’m going to share what I’ve been up to to respond to the chaos at the federal level, and what you can do too.

Indeed, these are trying and difficult times. As a State Representative, my focus is primarily on state issues. However, we can’t ignore the federal government, because our state government is reliant on federal funding and executive orders can have a significant impact on us too.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of private conversations with Senator Tammy Baldwin, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Congresswoman Gwen Moore. They’ve shared just how difficult the work of resisting Trump and the MAGA movement is, but I’m grateful for the work they are doing.

Recently, Representatives Pocan and Moore voted against President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” while every Republican in the House of Representatives from Wisconsin very happily voted for it. Senator Ron Johnson has said he’ll vote no. Not because it’s too cruel, but because it’s not cruel enough. Sigh.

The resistance is playing out primarily in two courts—the court of public opinion, and the federal judicial system. Governor Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul have joined several court cases to protect Wisconsinites from Trump Administration actions and executive orders.

I’ve drafted a letter to Senator Johnson that I’m asking my Democratic colleagues in the Legislature to sign onto, and I’ve signed other letters to Wisconsin’s Republican Congressional delegation. I’ve spoken at events, done social media, and spoken in committees and on the floor of the Assembly. But strong words alone aren’t enough.

Back in January when it was reported that Elon Musk and DOGE were gaining access to IRS (tax) and Social Security Administration data, I started working on a bill with Senator Dianne Hesselbein to prevent any personally identifiable data held by the state government from being shared with the federal government. Data privacy and civil liberties are conservative principles, so I tried to get a Republican to work on this bill with me. None I talked to were interested.

So, I introduced that bill at a press conference this week. It was in “The Protect Wisconsinites Package,” which I authored with my colleagues, Representatives Mayadev and Hysell, and Senator Chris Larson. These bills would withhold state funds from the federal government if they withhold funds from us, allow the state to put liens on property the federal government tries to sell (like national forests, office buildings, and more), and give people a civil cause of action against the government for civil rights violations.

These bills are unlikely to pass because Republicans are in the majority in the State Assembly and State Senate, and they cheer on the Trump Administration at every turn. But the bills send a message that Democrats in the State Legislature are standing up for Wisconsinites. Please engage with this! Share those bills with people who are concerned, or people who don’t see Democrats doing enough.

The first thing I’ve been saying to people who ask about engaging in these times is we are all influencers in some way. Whether you have a million followers on TikTok (Hey let’s talk if you do!) or a four-person book club, you can have influence. Talk about your concerns in your circles.

Contact your elected officials. I’ve worked in a U.S. Senate office, and it’s impossible to ignore the letters, calls, and emails. They make a difference. I’ve been a local elected official on the Verona City Council and Dane County Board—a multitude of calls and emails can have a big impact. And here in my State Assembly office, I hear from constituents every day. It makes a difference in my thinking. I especially like hearing from people who have expertise in something that is happening.

Attend events. There are town hall meetings, protests and marches, and festivals. It’s energizing to be in community with people who are experiencing things in the same way and a reminder we’re not alone.

If you’re feeling particularly upset, finding it difficult to function, or feeling threatened in some way, please find the helpers. And I’m always happy to chat.

Finally, the very best way to engage is to always vote. Vote in every election and take buddies with you.