SC Wisconsin News

State Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-14) recently shared a review of her legislative activities in 2023, providing insight into her committee work, bill enactments, and advocacy over the year. The recap offers a comprehensive overview of her legislative responsibilities as she represents Wisconsin's 14th district.

In a column released by Ballweg, she reflected on the past year stating: "2023 has been an exciting year in the 14th Senate District and at the Wisconsin State Capitol. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to continue serving as your State Senator and I look forward to continuing this work in the New Year."

The same column revealed that Ballweg led the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Tourism and held positions in various committees including the Joint Committee on Finance, the Wisconsin State Building Commission, and the Senate Committees on Universities and Revenue, Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children, and Families. She also serves as Vice-Chair for the Senate Republican Caucus and is a member of the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board.

During the 2023-24 Legislative Session, according to Ballweg's column, she witnessed the enactment of 2023 Wisconsin Act 7 - a bill she authored - which allows for modernization practices within the Wisconsin Department of Tourism by repealing outdated statutes. Furthermore, with Governor's approval of the 2023-25 Wisconsin State Budget on July 6, progress was made on key projects within her district such as Buffalo Lake water quality studies and Montello/Fox River Lock Channel repairs. However, Ballweg expressed disappointment over Governor's veto of middle-income tax cuts proposed in the budget.

On November 7, several bills led by Ballweg passed through the Wisconsin State Senate; six of these stemmed from her leadership in the Legislative Council Study Committee on Uniform Death Reporting Standards. Later on December 6, six bills authored by Ballweg were signed into law by Governor; notably among them was 2023 Wisconsin Act 79, which permits the use of newborn infant safety devices, or "baby boxes". This expands Wisconsin’s existing Safe Haven law to provide a safe and anonymous option for mothers unable to care for their infants.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature, the 14th Senate District in Wisconsin - one of 33 districts in the State Senate - covers central regions including Green Lake and Marquette counties, most of Columbia and Waupaca counties, alongside portions of other counties like Adams, Waushara, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Sauk, and Outagamie.