Endorsements and Awards
I am proud to have the endorsement from the following groups and individuals:
- AFT Wisconsin
- Clean Wisconsin Action Fund
- Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction
- National Association of Social Workers- Wisconsin
- National Democratic Redistricting Committee
- Our Wisconsin Revolution
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin
- Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin
- Progressive Turnout Project
- SMART- Transportation Division
- SEIU-Wisconsin
- Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter
- UAW Region 4
- WEAC – Wisconsin Education Association Council
- Wisconsin AFL-CIO
- Wisconsin Conservation Voters
- Wisconsin Professional Police Association
- Wisconsin Teamsters Joint Council 39
Awards
I am also proud to have received the following awards during my time as a legislator:
Milton School District Wall of Honor
In October of 2022, I was recently honored by being inducted into Milton School District’s Inaugural Wall of Honor.
The Wall of Honor recognizes former students, alumni, staff, and community members who have distinguished themselves through academic, artistic, or athletic achievements, or by contributions to their profession.
I was humbled to be the first (retired) teacher selected, along with four other great people from the Milton Community. Several of my former students and colleagues nominated me in appreciation for the four decades I have dedicated to serving as a teacher and coach in Milton Schools, as well continuing to support Milton community during my time on the School Board, City Council, and the last six years in the Assembly.
Legislator of the Year
Both myself and Representative Cody Horlacher were fortunate to receive the “Legislator of the Year” award from the Greater Whitewater Committee. We received this award for our work authoring the GPR Equity Bill, which aids in the creation of an equitable GPR funding formula for the University system. Prior to the bill, UW-Whitewater received the least amount of funding, earning $1,500 less per student than the average UW school. The previous funding structure punished schools with a large amount of commuters, and many UW-Whitewater students live near their home. As a result of our bill, the Board of Regents will create a task force designed to address the disparities in the current funding formula.
Wisconsin Property Taxpayers Association Award
For the second consecutive year, I received the 2021 Property Taxpayer Champion award from the Wisconsin Property Taxpayers Inc. The organization cited my vote in favor of legislation to repeal a tax imposed on small business for fixtures and equipment use in daily operations and my vote in favor of the 2021-2023 state budget bill. The organization provides research and policy analysis and assists members in dealing with local property tax issues and questions related to assessments, property tax exemptions, and state laws.
Wisconsin Dairy Business Legislative Excellence Award
I was honored to receive the Legislative Excellence Award from the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association. The award recognizes legislators for ongoing support for farmers, processors and the broader dairy community. As a member of the Dairy Task Force, I got to know dairy farmers around the state, and I understand the challenges they face. The dairy industry contributes $45 billion to Wisconsin’s economy, and I am proud of my work to keep the dairy industry strong and vibrant in Wisconsin.
A-Team USA All Star Award
Janesville’s KANDU Industries and A-Team USA presented me with the A-Team All-Star award for my dedication to helping people. They said I have been a strong supporter of individuals who choose to work in pre-vocational programs. A-Team USA, which started in Fort Atkinson, brings together people with disabilities to help and advise individuals with special needs. The organization has since grown to include chapters in 19 states.
Friend of Housing Award
In 2020, I was honored to accept the Friend of Housing Award from the Wisconsin Builders Association, which works to reduce the cost of housing for Wisconsin families. Executive Director Brad Boycks presented the award, with a level for a trophy.