Dear Friends,

Wisconsin continues to receive high marks in national rankings. Wallethub ranked us in the top 15 most fun states in America. While many of us would argue Wisconsin should be number one, the study has some interesting findings.

Wisconsin ranked number two in the nation for nightlife and number four in golfing opportunities. Not long ago, Wallethub ranked Wisconsin as one of the least stressed states in the nation. Many people across the country are recognizing Wisconsin is a great state! It's not an accident that tourism is up nearly 40% since 2011 and generated $20.6 billion for our state's growing economy.

Wisconsin isn't just fun and games. Our state leads the nation in manufacturing jobs gained in 2018. We also gained 2,100 manufacturing jobs in March, which is the best in the Midwest. Whether you want to work or play, Wisconsin is consistently one of the best states in the nation.

As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wi.gov .

On, Wisconsin!

Alberta
May Is Trauma Informed Care Month
Governor Scott Walker is declaring May as Trauma-Informed Care Month. Wisconsin is a national leader in trauma-informed care thanks to the leadership of Governor Walker and his wife Tonette. I am honored to work with Tonette on this issue as a member of the Fostering Futures Policy Advisory Council.

Trauma-informed care shifts our perspective from "what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?”

Thanks to our efforts, nine state agencies, 20 county human service systems, and two tribal nations are taking trauma into account when dealing with members of our community. This is leading to more positive outcomes for people.

Adverse childhood experiences are a measure of trauma an individual has experienced.
About 60 percent of Wisconsinites report at least one adverse childhood experience in their life. The trauma children experience continues to influence their learning, health, and behavior.

I'm proud to say Wisconsin is continuing to promote trauma-informed care. Click on the video below to see how Trauma Informed Care is changing lives for the better.
Brown Deer Citizen of the Year
This week, State Representative Dan Knodl and I delivered a citation honoring Miriam Alto. Miriam was named the 2018 Brown Deer Citizen of the Year for her outstanding service to her community!

Miriam is committed to helping students in all levels of the Brown Deer School District, from elementary to high school, through the Senior Tax Exchange Program. She also is active member of the school’s Red Knight Booster Club at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. And Miriam serves as a tutor teaching English to adult refugees at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.

Congratulations Miriam!
Wisconsin Proud!
  • Wisconsin tourism is up 40% since 2011, delivering $20.6 billion into our economy.
  • Wisconsin leads the nation in manufacturing jobs gained in 2018.
  • Our unemployment rate remains at an all-time low of 2.9%.
  • The state's Rainy Day Fund is $320 million - the highest ever.
  • For the third straight report, Wisconsin led all Midwest states in the Chicago Fed's Midwest Economy Index.
  • Wisconsin taxpayers have saved $8 billion over the last eight years thanks to Republican tax cuts.
  • State funding for K-12 education reached an all-time high in actual dollars in the most recent state budget - $11.5 billion!
Around the 8th...
Congratulations to Mequon Police Chief Steve Graff on his retirement.
Thank you for more than 28 years of service to the people of Mequon!
On Wednesday, I attended the Waukesha County Legislative Police Chiefs Meeting in Pewaukee. It was a great opportunity to have a dialogue with our law enforcement leaders.
This week, I attended the Partners Advancing Values in Education (PAVE) third annual Results Matter Kids First Award Luncheon. PAVE is an outstanding non-profit group that helps provide resources to help children in Milwaukee be successful.

Congratulations to Kids First Award winners, T. Michael Bolger, Metalcraft of Mayville, and Ricardo Diaz. And to Volunteer of the Year Jennifer Allen!
Recently, I had the honor of meeting with Irene and Frank Blau and their daughter Janet in Germantown to discuss legislative priorities and celebrate my birthday! Thanks for inviting me!
A big thank you to Milwaukee Public Museum President and CEO Dennis Kois for the tour this week. We are blessed to have such a fine museum in our area and I look forward to their exciting future!