Wisconsin State Representative Jenna Jacobson

I spent the morning at the Wisconsin State Fair Century & Sesquicentennial Farm Breakfast! Agriculture is a key part of Wisconsin’s identity and history, and I was honored to celebrate Wisconsin farms that have been family-owned for 100 and 150 years. Congratulations!

August 6 is the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Voting Rights Act was passed to enforce the 15th Amendment, which guarantees the right to vote for all Americans, regardless of race. The Voting Rights Act opened doors for racial minorities to participate fully in the American political process.

The Voting Rights Act had one of the most significant impacts on the relationship between federal and state government where voting is concerned in US history. To read more about the Voting Rights Act’s specific impacts, head to https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/voting-rights-act

36 years ago today, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA. The ADA is arguably one of the most well known pieces of civil rights legislation, and it protects those with disabilities in the United States. It covers employment, accessibility, and accommodation rights, and also includes a list of what classifies as a disability.

July is Lakes Appreciation Month! Wisconsin’s waterways play a large part in the state’s natural beauty, and there are around 15,000 Wisconsin lakes to enjoy! Whether you help with some lake cleanup or head out on a boat to enjoy the summer, find a way to enjoy a lake or two this month.

Head to https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lakes to find a lake near you and find all kinds of interesting information about our lakes.

July is Disability Pride Month, honoring disability identities and community. More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some form of disability, highlighting the importance of continued advocacy for disability rights across the country.

This month, take some time to find media highlighting stories that center on disability. Education is the first step to reducing stigma and ensuring continued disability rights for future generations. The Arc provides some good resources to start out: arcwi.org

This session I continued to advocate for our environment, and I am honored to have been recognized by Wisconsin Conservation Voters as a Conservation Champion. Future generations of Wisconsinites deserve the ability to continue to thrive in our state. That is why I voted for conservation values to help secure a clean environment, healthy communities, and a strong democracy. Thank you to the Wisconsin Conservation Voters!

July 14 is Cow Appreciation Day! As the Dairy State, a large piece of our economy relies on the nearly 1.3 million dairy cows that live in Wisconsin. Find a way to enjoy your favorite dairy product today, or just take note of how many dairy farms you drive past!

The right to repair equipment or take it to a trusted mechanic is something our farmers have repeatedly told us is important to them. That is why I authored legislation with Senator Brad Pfaff to allow farmers the right to repair their own equipment. While that bill did not become law, this settlement is a win for farmers and independent repair shops alike here in Wisconsin.

Last year, Wisconsin State Representative Jenna Jacobson and I introduced legislation to allow farmers to repair their own farm equipment or take it to a mechanic they trust. The bill didn't become law this session, but just last week, Deere & Company settled an antitrust lawsuit brought by the FTC, Wisconsin Attorney General Kaul, and four other states.

A BIG win for our nation's farmers and independent repair shops, who will now have access to the same repair resources that Deere currently makes available to their authorized dealers.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July!

I sent out my annual survey recently, and I am so thankful for the responses I have received! You have mailed in over 300 surveys telling me your thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the district. Each response gives me more insight into what you need from me as I represent you in Madison.

If you didn’t receive one in the mail or haven’t gotten around to filling it out yet, you still can! Head to my website (www.repjennajacobson.com) and fill it out online. I want to hear from you.