Wisconsin legislators wasted no time sharing their thoughts on President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday.
A lot of ground was covered in President Trump’s 1-hour, 47-minute speech before a joint session of Congress, U.S. Supreme Court justices, government officials and other guests. He touted his administration’s accomplishments during his first year back in the White House, which included securing the border, record highs in the stock market, lower gasoline prices and large tax cuts.
President Trump also addressed the Supreme Court’s ruling against his tariffs and attacked Democrats’ views on illegal immigration, voter identification and gender-affirming care for youth.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin spoke with reporters ahead of the annual address, introducing Mindoro, Wisconsin, resident Kim Frederick as her guest for the evening. Frederick relies on Medicaid to help care for her son, who has Down syndrome, and she feels the federal government is heading down a path that could cut that assistance. Baldwin said Frederick is one example of Wisconsinites who are struggling to afford the basics due to the Trump administration’s actions.
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson addressed some of the topics raised by President Trump during his State of the Union address as part of his semi-regular tele-town hall meeting Tuesday, including the SAVE America Act and immigration actions by Department of Homeland Security officials. He said it was shameful that Democrats in attendance would not stand to support some of President Trump’s talking points.
U.S. Rep. Tony Wied celebrated President Trump’s speech, telling C-SPAN that his policies are leading to lower crime and drug deaths and more money in people’s pockets.
“We have a president who is doing what is best for everyday Americans,” Wied said.
In response to President Trump’s stance on violent repeat offenders staying behind bars, Wied and Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., introduced the Securing Our Streets Act, which would require those individuals to serve at least 85% of their sentences. According to The Washington Reporter, the bill would also eliminate loopholes that allowed early releases in the past.
