“So we’re seeing home ownership the furthest it’s ever been from everyday people… It tells us something is broken right now.”
Our biggest challenges don’t stop at city lines and they don’t fit into partisan divides.
I know what housing instability feels like. That’s why I authored this bill, and I’m proud it earned support from both sides of the aisle and across our state.
Because the problem isn’t that people aren’t working hard enough. It’s that the system isn’t working for them.
Proud to see this story highlighted by WLUK-TV FOX 11:
/news/local/home-ownership-loans-working-families-wisconsin-housing-economic-development-authority-greater-green-bay-habitat-humanity
Progress over politics.
What a beautiful way to start the day. ☀️🫂🌻
The Latino Caucus had the opportunity to attend the DACA signing for occupational licensing, a historic moment for our communities.
On April 9, 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed into law Assembly Bill 759 / SB 745, allowing DACA recipients to obtain professional and occupational licenses as long as they meet all other qualifications. This bipartisan legislation removes a major barrier to employment and opens the door for thousands of recipients to pursue careers in nursing, teaching, the trades, and beyond.
This victory was made possible through the leadership and persistence of so many advocates, partners, and legislators who fought to get this across the finish line.
The Latino Caucus is especially proud of Latino Representatives Amaad Rivera Wagner and Sylvia Ortiz Velez, who helped lead this effort alongside supporters in both the Assembly and the Senate.
This is what progress looks like. ❤️🔥
—
Qué hermosa manera de comenzar el día. ☀️🫂🌻
El Caucus Latino tuvo la oportunidad de asistir a la firma de la ley sobre licencias ocupacionales para beneficiarios de DACA, un momento histórico para nuestras comunidades.
El 9 de abril de 2026, el gobernador Tony Evers firmó la ley, anteriormente conocida como el Proyecto de Ley de la Asamblea 759 / SB 745, que que los beneficiarios de DACA obtener licencias profesionales y ocupacionales siempre que cumplan con todos los demás requisitos. Esta legislación bipartidista elimina una gran barrera al empleo y abre oportunidades para que miles de personas accedan a carreras en enfermería, educación, oficios y más.
Este logro fue posible gracias al liderazgo y la perseverancia de muchos defensores, aliados y legisladores que lucharon para hacerlo realidad.
El Caucus Latino está especialmente orgulloso de los representantes latinos Amaad Rivera Wagner y Sylvia Ortiz Vélez, quienes ayudaron a liderar este esfuerzo junto a muchos otros en la Asamblea y en el Senado.
Así es como se ve el progreso ❤️🔥
Hard work should be enough. Right now, it’s not.
I just shared an update on two bills I introduced to change that:
🏠 One helps working families finally afford a home
👷♂️ The other removes barriers so people can work in the jobs they’re trained for
And I’m proud to say both are becoming law.
This is about fixing a system that’s been holding people back for too long. Not with talk. With action.
Watch the video below for the full update 👇
Because if working full-time still doesn’t lead to stability,
the problem isn’t the people. It’s the system.
Our Caucus Chair @liberalstallion recently joined @latinodemswi Chair @cbelle_m to celebrate the reelection campaign launch of Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner. In his first term, Rep. Rivera-Wagner coauthored and passed AB454 to deliver workforce housing and provide low-interest financial support for working families striving for homeownership. He also coauthored and passed AB759, expanding opportunities for DACA recipients (Dreamers) to obtain professional licenses in Wisconsin, including in our schools and hospitals. Beyond legislative achievements, he has actively championed the protection of the Green Bay Conservation Corps, addressed the NEWCAP housing crisis, supported homeless veterans, and even helped secure a pardon for a local resident who now serves on the PTA of a Head Start program. When we have a democratic trifecta we need leaders like Amaad who are ready day one to deliver results. Learn more about his campaign at amaadforgb.com! #Wisconsin #Democrats #GreenBay #AfroLatinoLeadership
People are hurting right now. Families are stretched thin. Working people are doing everything right and still falling behind.
That is exactly why I voted NO on the Legislature’s surplus proposal.
I could not support a plan where some millionaires receive checks while many seniors on Social Security and disabled veterans get nothing. I also could not support a proposal that risks creating a bigger budget problem later that local schools and property taxpayers may be forced to clean up.
Real relief should actually lower costs long term.
That means building more housing, strengthening our public schools, lowering pressure on property taxes, making healthcare more affordable, and protecting local services.
One time checks may feel good in a headline. But families need more than temporary relief. They need stability. They need affordability. They need leaders willing to solve problems instead of passing them down the road.
I did not come to Madison to chase easy politics. I came to fight for real results and long term affordability for working families.
Because hard work is not the problem. The system is. And our job is to fix it.
Big win for Green Bay. 💚
Today, the State Building Commission approved major investments in projects that will support veterans, strengthen local food systems, and expand affordable housing in our community.
That includes support for:
• Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, Inc.
• Wello
• Green Bay Metro Fire Department Station Flats
These are the kinds of investments that change lives and strengthen neighborhoods.
Proud to work alongside so many incredible community partners who continue proving that when Green Bay comes together, we can solve big challenges and build a future where more people can thrive.
Government can be a force for good when we focus on people.
ICYMI: I was proud to stand with Governor Tony Evers as he made clear that Wisconsin will not move backward on protecting LGBTQ kids from dangerous and discredited conversion therapy practices.
As I said in my statement:
“Conversion therapy is not therapy. It is harm dressed up as care.”
No child should ever be told they need to be fixed, erased, or ashamed of who they are. They deserve to be loved, protected, and affirmed for exactly who they are.
Love will win. And we must keep choosing it, especially when it matters most.
Learn more here: /2026/05/07/evers-says-state-wont-repeal-conversion-therapy-ban-despite-pressure-from-right-wing-groups/
One of the things I love most about Green Bay is how connected we are, and yesterday’s Rescheduled Community Office Hours: Green Bay Bus Edition was a beautiful reminder of that.
Huge thank you to the leadership at Green Bay Metro Patty Kiewiz for joining us for such a fun and insightful ride through our community.
We met young students heading from Aldo to the YMCA, healthcare workers commuting to work, veterans, retail workers, college students, and seniors all relying on public transportation to stay connected to opportunity and community.
What I heard loud and clear is that people want more investment in transportation and more options that make life easier and more affordable for working families. There was even a shout-out for passenger rail.
Green Bay works best when we invest in one another and build a community where everyone can move forward together.
Beautiful weather, doors knocked, and plenty of neighborhood fur babies coming out to say hello. 🐾
One of the things I love most about Green Bay is that even in hard times, our neighbors show up for each other.
At door after door, I am hearing the same thing: people are ready for real results, real fighters, and leaders who show up and truly care.
In the face of chaos and cruelty, the antidote is community. In the face of darkness, it is love, action, and taking care of one another.
I’m so grateful for all the support, and together we will win this November.
To Kim Rivera a mother whose constant love and kindness protected her family from the worst parts of life.
I am a better person for having an incredible mother whose love for me knows no boundary.
Growing up our lives were not perfect, but what made my family's life incredible was a mother who refused to let circumstances stand in the way of our future success.
Nothing can change a life, or the world, like a mother on a mission. To all mothers, here or with us in spirit, chosen or biological, your impact is immeasurable, your love is precious and we are thankful for everything you continue to do.
I love you Mom!
Happy Mothers Day
Last night didn’t feel like a campaign kickoff.
It felt like a homecoming.
Green Bay always reminds me how beautiful it is to live in a community where people take care of one another and show up for one another. Last night was one of those reminders.
More than 100 people came together. We raised more than $5,000. But more importantly, we raised each other’s spirits, raised a little tequila, and raised each other up for a Green Bay for all.
For a homeless kid who grew up with so little, nights like this remind me how powerful we are when we come together.
Thank you to our incredible cohosts, my extraordinary event organizer Karen Flood, the always wonderful Judy Wittig, the Fox Valley Latin Dancers, and every speaker who had me fighting back tears. (Cathi Oreto,Eric Genrich,Jon Shelton, Bryan, Lynn Gerlach, Gratzia, Rick Crosson and Nathan Halbach). And none of this campaign would be possible with out Barbara Dorff and Ed Dorff.
The answer to cruelty and chaos is not fear. It is community.
We have already watched this community solve challenges others called impossible. Last night was one more reminder of what we can do together.
I am humbled. I am emotional. I am deeply grateful.
Together, we are going to win in November.
(Waiting for the professional pictures to post)
