Senate Democrats’ Agenda Includes Hikes In Minimum Wage, Public School Funding

Democrats in the state Senate have introduced an agenda that would increase funding for public schools, increase the minimum wage and create a new retirement plan for Wisconsin workers.

In addition to calling for a boost in public school aid, the agenda includes a voucher school accountability bill and a plan to refinance college loans. Democrats would also accept federal money to expand Medicaid.

Sen. Dave Hansen said the entire agenda is aimed at maintaining healthy families, a goal that he believes is reflected in his proposal to create a new retirement plan for private workers similar to the state pension system.

“You know, if we’re criticized as public employees for having a great plan, let’s figure out a way to share it with the private sector,” he said.

Many of the Democratic proposals have been introduced in past sessions without success. Republicans have run the Legislature for the better part of four years and grew their majorities in the 2014 election.