Wisconsin

State Senators:

Tammy Baldwin (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2011

Full Name: Tammy Suzanne Green Baldwin
Date of Birth: February 11, 1962
Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Tammy Baldwin was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She was raised primarily by her grandparents. Baldwin attended Madison West High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College in 1984. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1989.

Personal Life: Tammy Baldwin resides in Madison, Wisconsin. She is known for her dedication to public service and her commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of all Americans. Baldwin continues to work towards policies that promote fairness, opportunity, and justice for everyone.

Early Career: After completing her education, Baldwin began her career in public service by working as a lawyer. She also served on the Dane County Board of Supervisors from 1986 to 1994 and was a member of the Madison City Council from 1986 to 1994. Baldwin’s early political career focused on local issues, and she gained a reputation as a dedicated and effective advocate for her community.

Political Career:

Wisconsin State Assembly: In 1992, Baldwin was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 78th district. She served from 1993 to 1999. During her tenure, Baldwin focused on healthcare reform, education, and civil rights. She was known for her work on issues affecting women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 1998, Baldwin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin’s 2nd congressional district. She served from 1999 to 2013. Baldwin was the first woman from Wisconsin to be elected to Congress and the first openly gay person to be elected to the House of Representatives. During her time in the House, she focused on healthcare reform, veterans’ affairs, and economic issues.
U.S. Senate: In 2012, Baldwin was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman from Wisconsin and the first openly gay U.S. senator. She took office on January 3, 2013, and was re-elected in 2018. As a senator, Baldwin has focused on issues such as healthcare, economic justice, veterans’ affairs, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare: Baldwin is a strong advocate for expanding access to healthcare and reducing costs. She supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked on measures to protect and expand it. She has also introduced legislation to lower prescription drug prices and improve mental health services.
Education: Baldwin focuses on improving education at all levels. She supports measures to make higher education more affordable, reduce student loan debt, and expand access to vocational training and apprenticeships.
Economic Policies: Baldwin advocates for policies that promote economic growth and job creation. She supports raising the federal minimum wage, protecting workers’ rights, and investing in infrastructure and clean energy.
Civil Rights: Baldwin is a staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice. She has worked on legislation to promote equality and combat discrimination, including measures to protect LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and women’s rights.
Veterans’ Affairs: Baldwin is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. She has introduced and supported legislation to improve healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve.

Senator Baldwin is known for her dedication to healthcare access, education, economic policies, civil rights, and veterans’ affairs. Her background in law and public service, along with her extensive experience in the Wisconsin State Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate, shape her legislative priorities. She continues to advocate for policies that benefit Wisconsinites and the nation.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Voting patterns

Senator Baldwin has a voting record that reflects her commitment to progressive values, including healthcare access, education, economic policies, civil rights, and veterans’ affairs.

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act (ACA): Baldwin is a strong supporter of the ACA and has consistently voted to protect and expand it. She supports measures to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid, and improve access to mental health services.
Public Option: Baldwin advocates for the introduction of a public option for health insurance to increase competition and provide more affordable healthcare choices for Americans.

Education:

Higher Education: Baldwin supports making higher education more affordable and accessible. She has voted for measures to reduce student loan debt, increase funding for Pell Grants, and expand access to vocational training and apprenticeships.
K-12 Education: Baldwin advocates for increased funding for public education, higher teacher salaries, and measures to improve the quality of K-12 education.

Economic Policies:

Minimum Wage: Baldwin supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. She has voted for legislation aimed at increasing the minimum wage and improving labor standards.
Workers’ Rights: Baldwin advocates for protecting workers’ rights, including the right to unionize. She supports legislation that strengthens labor protections and ensures fair wages and safe working conditions.
Infrastructure: Baldwin supports significant investments in infrastructure to promote economic growth. She has voted for legislation to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, including transportation, broadband, and public utilities.

Civil Rights:

LGBTQ+ Rights: Baldwin, the first openly gay U.S. Senator, is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She has supported the Equality Act, which aims to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Voting Rights: Baldwin supports measures to protect and expand voting rights. She has voted for the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to ensure fair and secure elections.
Women’s Rights: Baldwin advocates for gender equality and women’s rights. She supports legislation to protect reproductive rights, promote equal pay, and combat gender-based violence.

Veterans’ Affairs:

Veterans’ Benefits: Baldwin is dedicated to improving services for veterans. She has supported legislation like the VA MISSION Act to enhance healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans.
Military Support: Baldwin advocates for policies that provide comprehensive support to veterans and active-duty service members, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

Environmental Issues:

Climate Change: Baldwin supports aggressive action to combat climate change. She has voted for measures to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy sources, and protect the environment.
Environmental Protection: Baldwin advocates for strong environmental regulations to protect air and water quality. She opposes efforts to roll back environmental protections and supports measures to address pollution and conserve natural resources.

Senator Baldwin’s voting record reflects her commitment to progressive principles, emphasizing economic fairness, comprehensive healthcare access, strong national defense, robust environmental protections, and the advancement of social justice and civil rights. She advocates for policies that aim to reduce income inequality, promote renewable energy, and protect the rights of all individuals.

Full Name: Ronald Harold Johnson
Date of Birth: April 8, 1955
Birthplace: Mankato, Minnesota, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Ron Johnson was born in Mankato, Minnesota, and grew up in a family with a strong emphasis on hard work and self-reliance. He attended Edina High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Accounting from the University of Minnesota in 1977. Johnson worked his way through college, gaining experience in the business world that would later define his political career.

Personal Life: Ron Johnson is married to Jane Johnson, and they have three children and several grandchildren. The family resides in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Known for his dedication to conservative values and his pragmatic approach to governance, Johnson continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and individual freedom.

Early Career: After completing his education, Johnson moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he married his wife, Jane. Together, they started a successful manufacturing company, PACUR, which specialized in producing plastics for packaging and medical devices. Johnson served as CEO of the company for over 30 years, gaining a reputation as a successful businessman and entrepreneur.

Ron Johnson (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2013

Political Career:

U.S. Senate: In 2010, Johnson ran for the U.S. Senate as a Republican, challenging incumbent Senator Russ Feingold. Johnson won the election and took office on January 3, 2011. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2022. As a senator, Johnson has focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, and national security. He is known for his strong conservative stance and commitment to limited government and free-market principles.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Finance
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee on the Budget

Legislative Achievements:

Regulatory Reform: Johnson is a strong advocate for reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. He has supported legislation aimed at streamlining federal regulations and making it easier for businesses to operate and grow.
Fiscal Responsibility: Johnson prioritizes reducing the national debt and balancing the federal budget. He supports measures to curb government spending and implement fiscal restraint.
Healthcare: Johnson is a critic of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has voted to repeal and replace it. He advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition and reduce costs.
Tax Policy: Johnson supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses. He advocates for a simplified tax code and lower taxes to stimulate economic growth.
Homeland Security: As a member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Johnson focuses on issues related to national security, border security, and immigration enforcement.

Senator Ron Johnson is known for his dedication to regulatory reform, fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, tax policy, and homeland security. His background in business and his extensive experience in the U.S. Senate shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that benefit Wisconsinites and the nation.

Committees

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.

Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Voting patterns

Senator Johnson has a voting record that reflects his commitment to conservative principles, fiscal responsibility, regulatory reform, healthcare reform, and national security.

Key Voting Patterns:

Fiscal Responsibility:

Balanced Budgets: Johnson prioritizes reducing the national debt and balancing the federal budget. He supports measures to curb government spending and implement fiscal restraint.
Tax Policy: Johnson supported the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses. He advocates for a simplified tax code and lower taxes to stimulate economic growth.

Regulatory Reform:

Reducing Regulations: Johnson is a strong advocate for reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. He has supported legislation aimed at streamlining federal regulations and making it easier for businesses to operate and grow.
Deregulation Efforts: Johnson often votes to roll back regulations that he believes hinder economic growth and job creation, particularly those affecting the energy and manufacturing sectors.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act (ACA): Johnson is a critic of the ACA and has voted to repeal and replace it. He advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition and reduce costs.
Healthcare Reform: Johnson supports measures that promote health savings accounts (HSAs) and increase transparency in healthcare pricing to empower consumers.

National Security:

Defense Spending: Johnson supports robust defense spending to ensure military readiness and enhance national security. He has voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to support defense initiatives.
Homeland Security: As a member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Johnson focuses on issues related to national security, border security, and immigration enforcement.
Immigration: Johnson supports measures to enhance border security, including funding for border wall construction and increasing the number of border patrol agents.

Economic Growth:

Job Creation: Johnson advocates for policies that promote economic growth and job creation, particularly in Wisconsin. He supports measures that foster small business development, reduce regulatory burdens, and stimulate investment in the state’s economy.
Infrastructure: Johnson supports infrastructure development but often emphasizes the need for fiscally responsible approaches to funding infrastructure projects.

Social Issues:

Gun Rights: Johnson is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights. He has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.
Abortion: Johnson identifies as pro-life and has supported some restrictions on abortion. He has voted for measures to defund organizations that provide abortion services.

Senator Johnson’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence while supporting the development of renewable energy sources.