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Wisconsin Assembly, District 40/Asamblea de Wisconsin, Distrito 40

Wisconsin Legislative BranchWisconsin’s legislature makes state laws. The legislature has two houses: the Wisconsin Senate and the Wisconsin Assembly. Proposed laws (bills) can originate from either the state senate or assembly. Both houses must approve the bill before it is passed on to the governor for signature or veto. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each house. The legislature controls the spending of state funds through appropriation.Wisconsin AssemblyThe Wisconsin Assembly has ninety-nine representatives. Voters elect representatives to represent their assembly district for a two-year term. There is no term limit.__________Poder Legislativo de Wisconsin La legislatura de Wisconsin produce las leyes estatales. La legislatura consta de dos cámaras: el Senado de Wisconsin y la Asamblea de Wisconsin. Las propuestas de ley pueden originarse tanto en el Senado estatal como en la Asamblea. Ambas cámaras deben aprobar el proyecto de ley antes de transmitirla al gobernador para su firma o veto. La legislatura puede anular un veto con un voto mayoritario de dos tercios en cada cámara. La legislatura controla el gasto de los fondos estatales a través de las leyes de asignación. Asamblea de WisconsinLa Asamblea de Wisconsin tiene noventa y nueve representantes. Los votantes eligen representantes para representar a su asamblea de distrito por un término de dos años. No hay límite de términos.Nota: Las respuestas de los candidatos que aparecen en español se tradujeron de las respuestas originales de los candidatos en inglés.

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  • Candidate picture

    Karen DeSanto
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Jerry Helmer
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Please describe your priorities for your term in office and your specific qualifications to effectively address those issues.

What do you see as the most pressing housing-related issue in Wisconsin, and what policies, if any, would you support to address the issue?

What redistricting process, if any, do you believe the legislature should put in place before the next national census to ensure fair representation for voters?

What initiatives, if any, would you support to promote environmental sustainability in Wisconsin?

What, if anything, will you do to ensure our schools have the resources to improve outcomes for its students, including those with disabilities?

WisEye Interview (If Available)

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Campaign Phone # (608)852-6645
Campaign Email info@karendesantoforassembly.com
Campaign Phone 6088526645
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 370
Baraboo, WI 53913
Website http://www.karendesantoforassembly.com
Facebook http://karendesantoforstateassembly.com
Instagram http://karendesantoforassembly.com
Education Harvard School of Business - Management, Lilly School for Philanthropy - Stanford
Personal Pronouns she hers
Rep. Considine was a great Representative for areas now in our new 40th Assembly district. When he decided to retire, many people urged me to run. As a non-profit leader, small business owner and a dedicated community volunteer here in Baraboo for over 30 years, I will bring my first-hand understanding of the challenges our area faces and my experience of bringing people together to find common ground and workable solutions to tough problems. I recently retired after 12 wonderful years as CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Central Wisconsin. My daughter Emily (now 26) grew up here. My commitment is to be the voice for the people and communities across this beautiful district. My Assembly priorities will be to fight for reproductive rights, support public schools and teachers, reduce healthcare costs, create small business opportunities, reduce housing costs, support our rural areas and farms, protect our environment, and expand the availability of affordable, safe childcare.
When it comes to address housing issues, it is important that State legislators listen to local elected officials and residents. Each community has unique needs and challenges. In the Assembly, I will partner with local communities, the private sector, advocates, and elected officials on the most effective strategies for making housing more affordable and available. Secure, stable housing has positive effects on health, strengthens families, and means security for seniors. I would have supported the bi-partisan housing bills that Governor Evers signed into law and which help expand access to safe, affordable housing for working families. I support initiatives in Sauk and Columbia Counties that embrace a balanced approach to housing and incorporate innovative solutions to meet a variety of housing needs.
As I talk to voters, they are excited about having new, fair maps after decades of living in one of the most gerrymandered states in the nation. Going forward, Wisconsin should consider adopting an independent, non-partisan redistricting process. Any process should prioritize transparency, resident involvement, fairness and accountability.
Environmental sustainability is defined as “the responsible management of natural resources to fulfill current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.” We must do more to combat the effects of climate change – which is real, and which is an existential threat to our planet – including making and meeting ambitious goals on renewable energy and carbon emissions. Governor Evers’ administration, for example, has set a goal of having all electricity consumed in Wisconsin to be 100 percent carbon free by 2050. From maximizing energy efficiency to modernizing building codes, I will support initiatives that promote sustainability.
Governor Evers has done an outstanding job of prioritizing public education and focusing on what is best for our kids. While we have made progress after too many years of neglect of our schools, there is more to be done. I will support more investment in our teachers, kids, and public schools. I also know we cannot support two education systems in Wisconsin which is why I do not support using public money for private schools. I will support increased funding for special education. Currently, the State reimburses local districts for special education at about 30% of what those mandated programs cost. Districts must make up that gap using other funds and that creates significant challenges. All the kids and families we serve in our public schools deserve better.
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