2016 was a difficult year for many, and we’re all trying to find our footing moving forward. We have begun a new session in the legislature, and I am proud to continue representing the 16th Senate District as we navigate our new normal. I have faith that, together, the good will of most Americans will prevail, even while it seems hope has dimmed.

The biennial legislative session begins in the first week of each odd numbered year. The first days of the new session are dedicated to the inauguration of the members and organization of the legislature. In late January, the governor submits his proposed state budget to the legislature. While the Joint Committee on Finance begins work on the budget, other committees begin work on other legislation, and the legislature will meet several times to act on these bills. However, the focus of the legislature remains largely on the budget until its passage, usually in late June.

This information and much more can be found in “A Citizen’s Guide to Participation in the Wisconsin State Legislature” from the Wisconsin Legislative Council, http://lc.legis.wisconsin.gov/media/1038/citizen_intro.pdf. All legislative sessions and committee hearings can be viewed on Wisconsin Eye at www.wiseye.org/.

I plan to continue the fight for fair elections, the environment and for the hard-working families of Wisconsin. This is sure to be another grueling biennium and a difficult budget. I am up to the challenge and look forward to serving you in the 2017-18 legislative session.

If you have any questions or comments about the budget or legislation in the coming session, you can contact my office by phone at 266-9170 or email at sen.miller@legis.wi.gov.