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Senator Jeff Smith

@sensmithwi.bsky.social
970 followers 553 following 132 posts

State Senator for Wisconsin's 31st Senate District, representing the Chippewa Valley.

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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
This 4th of July, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here in the Chippewa Valley, we honor that legacy by standing up for our neighbors. Happy Independence Day! www.facebook.com/share/r/1Chf... #America250 #Wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
"Private equity firms have been purchasing these mobile home properties and then including exorbitant rent hikes... This is, like the last vestige of affordable housing for many people," Smith said. www.fox6now.com/news/mobile-... #Wisconsin #manufacturedhomes #ChippewaValley
fox6now.com
Mobile home park rent increases; Union Grove woman's effort to cap them
A Union Grove woman is nervous about her upcoming lease after her rent spiked 23% in her manufactured home community last year.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
“One of the ways the world is changing is [that] many people have finally understood how important it [is] to have professionals in front of their children and helping them along...” spectrumnews1.com/wi/madison/n... #wisconsin #childcare
spectrumnews1.com
Lawmakers host childcare community roundtable
As the month of June nears its end, so too does funding for the state’s Child Care Bridge Payments program.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
"Full-time infant care now costs an average of $17,400 per year... Sen. Smith points out that it outpaces the in-state academic tuition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which sits around $9,000-$11,000." upnorthnewswi.com/news/child-c... #wisconsin #childcare
upnorthnewswi.com
Child Care Counts ends: What the funding cliff means for Wisconsin parents
The expiration of pandemic-era childcare funding at the end of June could force about one-quarter of Wisconsin providers to either close or significantly reduce services. Childcare Counts allowed dayc...
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
“Hopefully, when we return in January with maybe a different makeup of the legislature, we will actually take this on,” Sen. Smith said. www.weau.com/2026/06/26/c... #Wisconsin #ChildCareCounts
weau.com
Childcare centers prepare for bridge payment program ending
In just a few days, the state’s Child Care Bridge Payment Program will run out of money.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
“So hopefully when we get back, we’re going to be able to provide funding that becomes a permanent solution... we need to go back and realize the importance of them and fund them.” #ChildCareCounts #Wisconsin #chippewavalley www.leadertelegram.com/news/sen-jef...
leadertelegram.com
Sen. Jeff Smith discusses childcare at community roundtable
EAU CLAIRE — During a community roundtable on Thursday, Democratic representatives, community members and childcare professionals talked about many of the challenges facing childcare.The discussion wa...
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
"When Bridge Payments expire, childcare centers will close, parents will be forced out of the workforce and costs will skyrocket. Republicans have ignored us time and time again. Soon we will all see the result of their inaction.” #Wisconsin #ChildCareCounts
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
This week, the Juneteenth flag was raised at the Capitol – honoring June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in this country finally learned they were free. Our work is to keep building a state where everyone truly belongs. #Juneteenth #Wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
“We currently don’t have any rules or laws that protect them in those places. And the further away you get from the actual park as far as ownership, the less likely the residents there get the services that they need,” Smith said. #Wisconsin www.leadertelegram.com/news/state-s...
leadertelegram.com
State Sen. Jeff Smith talks about manufactured housing bill
EAU CLAIRE — A bill in the Wisconsin legislature looks to address housing affordability and safety in manufactured home communities.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
As this @pbswisconsin.bsky.social report points out - we must fix our failing school funding formula. For starters, it's time to reinstate per-pupil funding increases tied to inflation which ended in 2009. #Wisconsin #PublicSchoolsUniteUs pbswisconsin.org/news-item/th...
pbswisconsin.org
The continuing closure of rural schools around Wisconsin
Thousands of the state's public schools are closing for summer break, but there are two schools — set next to farms in central Wisconsin — that won't reopen in the ...
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
“This is like the last vestige of affordable housing for many people, and to take that away from them leaves them with no other options at all,” said Smith. www.weau.com/2026/06/10/s... #Wisconsin #affordability #housing #manufacturedhomesedhomes #eauclaire #chippewafalls
weau.com
State Sen. Jeff Smith looks to protect affordable housing
State Senator Jeff Smith took a visit to Altoona City Park to talk about protections for affordable housing.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
I'll be hosting a townhall event tonight at 6:30 PM at the Fish House in Altoona Park (418 9th St W, Altoona, WI 54720) to hear directly from residents who live in manufactured home communities. spectrumnews1.com/wi/milwaukee... #Wisconsin #manufacturedhomesedhomes
spectrumnews1.com
Keeping manufactured homes affordable in Wisconsin
In manufactured home parks, many residents own their homes but rent the land on which they sit.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Hi Folks, I've just finished a 3-part series on the impacts of the private voucher school program on our local public schools. Check out the interactive map to understand the full impact of these programs. youtube.com/shorts/CR437... #wisconsin #chippewavalley
youtube.com
May 29th, 2026 | Sen. Smith Wraps Up His Three Part Series on Wisconsin's Voucher Programs
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
This morning I sent out the final part in my series on our private school voucher programs and their impacts on our public school districts, in addition to the April referendums. Click here to view the final interactive map: experience.arcgis.com/experience/d... #publicschoolsuniteus #wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Hope Village Chippewa Falls is working hard to offer real solutions for folks experiencing homelessness by offer tiny housing solutions along with mentoring to put a plan in place to get back on their feet again. www.hopevillagechippewafalls.org/about/ #wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Congratulations to Edwin Martini who was selected this week to take over as UW-Eau Claire's Chancellor starting July 1, 2026. I look forward to meeting with him soon to learn how I can support his vision for the future of UWEC. #Wisconsin #eauclaire #uwec www.wqow.com/eye-on-eau-c...
wqow.com
Edwin Martini chosen as next UW-Eau Claire chancellor
Edwin Martini has been selected as UW-Eau Claire's next chancellor.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Congrats to the Chippewa Valley Technical College students who participated in the SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Conference recently. Best of luck to the winners who will compete at nationals in June! leadertelegram.com/news/cvtc-mo... #Wisconsin #chippewavalley
leadertelegram.com
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
In my video update today I want to highlight a new report from the DPI that reveals the devastating impact of chronic underfunding on our public schools: Nearly 50% of teachers quit within their first eight years. youtube.com/shorts/DA3OQ... #wisconsin #publicschools
youtube.com
April 17th | Teacher-Retention Crisis is Hurting Our Schools
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
"Wisconsin families are struggling with rising costs and Republicans would rather throw in the towel than stay one more day to address it," said Sen. Smith. "We have work to do and we shouldn't adjourn until we provide some sort of relief for working families." #Wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Great to see @govevers.wisconsin.gov in Eau Claire yesterday celebrating Wisconsin's new film office and production tax credits. I'm proud we worked together to pass these incentives in the bipartisan budget. www.leadertelegram.com/news/local/l... #Wisconsin
leadertelegram.com
Local filmmakers talk tax incentives, film office during Gov. Evers visit
EAU CLAIRE — While visiting the Micon Theater in Eau Claire, Gov. Tony Evers sat down and watched a trailer for the upcoming Wisconsin-based film: “Winter Hymns”.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
I want to thank Rich Mayne for meeting with me at the Capitol this week. Rich started as the new Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley in January and it’s clear to me he’s off to a great start. Learn more about their great programs at cvclubs.org/programs
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
“Research in the Rotunda” was back at the Capitol this week, and I really enjoyed getting to hear from so many of these brilliant minds from the Chippewa Valley. Congrats to these impressive scholars! Click here for a full list of presenters: www.wisconsin.edu/research-in-...
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
"Senator Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick, said that over the years of Republican control of the Senate, paper ballots have become the standard of voting in committees, instead of an exception used in case of an emergency." www.jsonline.com/story/news/p... #Wisconsin #PaperBallots
jsonline.com
Democrats raise concerns over paper ballots in Senate committees
Democrats worry that paper ballots is preventing the public from seeing valuable debates on bills. Republicans say it shouldn't be an issue.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
St. Patrick's day is the last day of the Senate's legislative session. Republicans have already gaveled out of the Assembly in February. The rest of the year, they are taking off. Now's the time to contact your legislators to tell them the work is not done. youtube.com/shorts/oOrGQ... #Wisconsin
youtube.com
March 6th, 2026 | Make Your Voices Heard Before St. Patrick’s Day
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
In honor of Black History Month coming to a close next week, I invited my friends from the Chippewa Valley, Phil Swanhorst and Mark Quam, to talk with me about the need to pass the Senate Joint Resolution honoring Transit Equity Day. youtube.com/shorts/i7k7c... #Wisconsin
youtube.com
February 27th, 2026 | Transit Equity Day Resolution Still Stalled at the Capitol
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
It was such an honor to meet Freddy and receive the A-Team Wisconsin All-Star award during his advocacy day at the Capitol this week. Thank you, Freddy, for this recognition and for all you do for our community. "My work. My choice." That's what it's all about! #myworkmychoice
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
"Health care affordability shouldn't depend on whether Congress acts. This legislation ensures that Wisconsin families won't see their premiums skyrocket now that the enhanced federal assistance has ended. We're stepping up to provide that peace of mind." #wisconsin #affordability
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
“Evers has a lot to be proud of during his tenure as our Governor. His veto pen has been a godsend for Wisconsin... there is so much left to do for lowering prices for Wisconsin families... He’s right – we can't lose focus just because it's an election year.” #Wisconsin #YearOfTheNeighbor
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Tomorrow night, Governor Tony Evers will give his final State of the State address. I'm looking forward to hearing his perspective on how far Wisconsin has come and what still lies ahead for working families across our state. Tune in tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7:00 PM on WisEye.org/Live to watch.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** Legislative Integrity Begins With Where You Live State Representative Lee Snodgrass and Senator Jeff Smith introduced a bill to requiring a legislator to have legal residency in the district they represent. #Wisconsin #livewhereyouwork
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
"Priced out of traditional homes during an affordability crisis, thousands in Wisconsin have turned to manufactured housing as a more achievable path to ownership. Most own their home but pay a monthly fee for the land it sits on..." wisconsinwatch.org/2026/02/wisc... #wisconsin
wisconsinwatch.org
Bill would limit rent hikes in Wisconsin mobile home parks
Democratic lawmakers propose capping annual rent increases and adding other resident protections as corporate ownership expands in manufactured home communities.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
“Student loan borrowers deserve clear answers and a fair shot at repayment, not a maze of fine print and roadblocks,” said Sen. Jeff Smith. “This bill puts borrowers first by holding servicers accountable and giving people a place to turn when things go wrong.” #wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
"We would like to open it up so the park residents can actually co-op themselves into a force that they can buy the park if it's up for sale. We want to give them every opportunity to do that." wqow.com/news/politic... #Wisconsin #manufacturedhomes #chippewavalley
wqow.com
Local Democrats introduce bill to increase mobile home affordability
Two local state Democrats are authoring new legislation that addresses housing insecurity for mobile home owners.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
“This bill would require all public, private and charter schools in Wisconsin to keep a usable supply of opioid antagonists like Narcan on site.” Senator Smith explained. www.weau.com/2026/02/07/w... #Wisconsin #narcansaveslives
weau.com
WI pushes for Narcan in every school as opioid deaths become top killer of young people
Opioid-related deaths are now the leading cause of death among Wisconsin school-aged children—and new legislation aims to change that.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
"Sen. Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick, called the practice undemocratic and a form of censorship. “When we get paper ballots, all we get is ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ up or down,” Smith said. “There’s no opportunity to have that discussion or to introduce any different ideas.” captimes.com/news/governm... #Wisconsin
captimes.com
How Wisconsin senators are voting on hundreds of bills in private
Hundreds of bills over the last year were approved in state Senate committees by paper ballot, meaning lawmakers didn't meet in-person to debate them.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** Sales Tax Relief for Over-the-Counter Medication Sen. Jeff Smith and Rep. Joe Sheehan introduced new legislation to exempt over-the-counter medication from sales or use tax statewide. #Wisconsin #Affordability
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** Manufactured Home Owners Protection Bill Introduced #Wisconsinvolleyballleaked #chippewavalley #manufacturedhomes
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
The Senate floor session is live now. With WisEye no longer operating, this is a new live feed option. Live feed: legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/live/ Order of Bills: insession.legis.wisconsin.gov/senate #Wisconsin
legis.wisconsin.gov
Senate Live
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Today we're talking about a bill to restore the reimbursement rate for special education to 42% in 2025, and 45% in 2026. We’re asking for your help to call your legislators, or Republicans in leadership, to prioritize moving forward with LRB-5599 and LRB-5695. www.youtube.com/shorts/Wn5dY...
youtube.com
January 16th, 2025 | Special Education Needs Your Support
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Housing challenges are showing up in every corner of the Chippewa Valley, from renters living in unsafe conditions to working families priced out of homeownership. I am proud to introduce a comprehensive set of housing bills to help address these issues. youtube.com/shorts/4qIWQ... #wisconsin
youtube.com
Jan 9, 2026 | Building Safe, Affordable and Stable Housing in the Chippewa Valley
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
So far this year alone, not a single Democratic-led bill has been brought to the floor of either house for a vote. Not one Democratic bill. Zero. Zilch. That right there is why it feels like nothing gets done in Madison. youtube.com/shorts/ERVhU... #Wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to wish you and your family peace, joy and good health during this holiday season. Take care, and I’ll look forward to continuing my work for you all in the Chippewa Valley in 2026. #Wisconsin #happyholidays www.youtube.com/shorts/_vQ7j...
youtube.com
Happy Holidays | December 19, 2025
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
“We must make sure Wisconsin upholds its commitment to our public schools and reimburses special education at the levels promised in this year’s state budget. Something had to be done immediately to remedy the shortfall and that’s exactly what this bill would do.” #wisconsin
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
I had the honor of presenting an official citation-of-commendation to Menomonie HS's Lauren McCall for shattering the state meet record for girls cross country by an incredible 12 seconds. Watch her race live at 1:35 PM CST tomorrow here: nxn.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php... #menomonie
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
In my video address this week, I joined Rep. Jodi Emerson and Rep. Christian Phelps to discuss how Republicans in the Assembly passed several bills offering financial incentives for Wisconsin school districts to merge. youtu.be/AH46Z950_Lo #Wisconsin #wisconsinpublicschools
youtu.be
Nov 21, 2025 School Consolidation Update
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
Today, is Veterans Day. It’s a day to honor our neighbors who have served our country overseas to secure our freedoms at home. Thank you to every veteran, and their families, for the sacrifices you have made to serve our great nation. #Wisconsin #VeteransDay
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
"Smith noted that Republicans, who control both the Senate and Assembly, have already stated they would not seek to use state surplus dollars to cover the cost of SNAP benefits. About 260,000 children... benefit from SNAP." www.leadertelegram.com/news/daily-u... #Wisconsin
leadertelegram.com
Legislators, Community Table urge SNAP benefits to continue
EAU CLAIRE — The state Legislature is not likely to approve last-minute funding to keep Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in place for the 690,000 food share recipients in
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
“This won’t reopen the veterans homes already lost by Republican inaction, and not a single cent would go to help veterans in the Chippewa Valley.” www.wqow.com/news/politic... #Wisconsin #chippewavalley
wqow.com
Republican legislators propose state grants for homeless veterans in Wisconsin
The program would provide a $25 per day, per veteran grant to non-state entities already receiving federal per diem payments.
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Rep. Ann Roe (D-Janesville) and I introduced the Wisconsin Opportunity Act earlier this week. This bill is a comprehensive initiative to address the root causes of poverty from every angle. youtu.be/OcbOMBlby2g #Wisconsin
youtu.be
10/17/25 | Sen. Jeff Smith and Rep. Ann Roe talk about the Wisconsin Opportunity Act
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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Senator Jeff Smith @sensmithwi.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Thanks to Congressman @pocan.house.gov for joining me for this week’s video address to talk about the urgent need to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent unprecedented increases in insurance premiums. youtu.be/mMUOuN_XKC0?... #wisconsin
youtube.com
Everyone Will Be Affected By This | October 10th, 2025
YouTube video by Senator Jeff Smith
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