Friend, 

As I get ready to head to La Crosse for our upcoming town hall on January 16th, I’ve been thinking about how political dialogue is supposed to work.

I’ve always believed that politics is about encounter, engagement, persuasion – that it starts with taking seriously what people are experiencing in their lives, and requires making sure that our ideas and solutions reflect that reality. Town halls aren’t for talking at people. They’re about hearing one another out, true to the idea that everyone belongs in the conversation.

That feels especially important right now. This month, many families in Wisconsin and across the country are seeing their health insurance premiums rise, adding new pressure to already tight budgets. Moments like this call for people to be heard – and for leaders to listen closely.

So before we come together in La Crosse, I wanted to ask you directly: what topics are you hoping come up during the town hall? I’ll address a handful of questions in future emails.

Whether it’s health care costs, affordability, child care, democracy, or something else that hits close to home, your perspective will help shape this conversation and the work that follows.

Thank you for being part of this – and for believing in a politics that shows up, listens with care, and reflects the lives of the people it’s meant to serve. I’m looking forward to continuing this work together.

Pete