Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summarySB 1015 increases the state's earned income tax credit for low-income working families with fewer than three children. It raises the state credit to 34% of the federal basic earned income credit for families with children (effective 2026), and sets it at 15% for individuals without qualifying children. This directly affects eligible taxpayers who qualify for the federal earned income credit but have limited income. The bill amends tax statutes to replace the previous credit rate (applicable through 2025) with these new percentages for future tax years.

Maddy summarySJR 128 is a symbolic resolution honoring Wisconsin's Polish community for its 180-year presence in the state and its contributions to Wisconsin's cultural and social strength. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or groups. The resolution specifically recognizes historical milestones, including Polish immigrants arriving in 1845, contributions to Wisconsin's development, and connections to Polish-American historical figures. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding legal effect or practical impact beyond formal recognition.

Maddy summarySB 922 requires polling places to display a clear "Voter Bill of Rights" listing specific rights (like secret ballots, language assistance, and provisional voting) at all locations. It mandates election officials to coordinate with language advocacy groups to ensure polling places serve voters speaking non-English languages and have at least one bilingual official present. The bill also creates new legal pathways for voters to sue if their rights are violated, including seeking injunctive relief or attorney fees if they win. These provisions directly affect all voters, particularly language minority communities and those facing potential voting barriers.

Maddy summarySB 1032 would create a sales and use tax exemption for over-the-counter drugs. The bill defines qualifying drugs as those with specific labeling, including a drug facts panel or a list of active ingredients. This exemption would remove sales tax from the purchase of these medications, directly affecting consumers buying common drugs like pain relievers or cold medicine and retailers selling them. The policy change applies only to drugs meeting the defined labeling requirements, not to prescription medications or other products.

Maddy summarySJR 125 is a commemorative resolution honoring George Meyer, a former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) secretary and conservation leader, for his decades of service protecting waterways, advancing tribal treaty rights, and expanding state land conservation. It was adopted by the Wisconsin Legislature to recognize his legacy following his death in 2025, citing his work on wetland regulations, mercury emissions rules, and land acquisitions during his DNR tenure (1993-2001). The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses legislative gratitude for his contributions to Wisconsin's environmental stewardship.

Maddy summarySJR 133 is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) that reaffirms Wisconsin's longstanding relationship with Taiwan. It expresses support for the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, highlights Wisconsin's economic ties with Taiwan (including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023), and encourages state agencies to explore establishing a Wisconsin representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws but formally endorses continued cooperation amid Taiwan's 40th anniversary of Wisconsin's sister-state relationship.

Maddy summarySB 1006 designates specific highway segments as memorial routes honoring eight deceased Wisconsin State Troopers. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain markers on these routes only after receiving sufficient private contributions from counties, cities, or other interested parties (no state funds may be used). It names routes including STH 23 near Green Lake (Trooper Donald C. Pederson), I-94 near Eau Claire (Trooper Debbie M. McMenamin), and I-90 near Lake Delton (Trooper Anthony J. Borostowski), among others. The measure is purely commemorative, creating no new state obligations or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 134) is a symbolic proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month in Wisconsin. It honors the contributions of eight notable African American Wisconsinites - such as civil rights leader Lloyd Barbee, first Black state legislator Marcia Coggs, and community leaders Clinton and Bernice Rose - while recognizing the historical significance of Black history in the state and nation. The resolution has no binding legal effect but serves to formally acknowledge these figures and the broader observance of Black History Month.

Maddy summarySJR 135 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege withdrawal (a key Revolutionary War victory) and recognizing Irish American contributions to American independence. It highlights historical connections, including Irish immigrant soldiers like General John Sullivan, eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signers, and Irish emigrant roles in the military and printing the Declaration. The resolution has no binding effect; it formally acknowledges these historical events and directs the Senate clerk to share copies with Irish officials. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySB 924 creates a state grant program to help municipalities purchase election supplies and equipment, such as electronic poll books and accessibility tools. It provides tiered funding based on population: up to $2.5 million for cities over 250,000 residents, $1 million for 100,000-250,000, $500,000 for 50,000-100,000, and $250,000 for smaller communities. Municipalities must agree to random inspections of purchased equipment and apply before general elections, with a minimum grant of $250. The bill appropriates $5 million biennially for this program, administered by the Elections Commission.