Wisconsin State Senator Sarah Keyeski

I’m not a farmer, but what happens to farmers matters to me.

I’m not on Medicare, but what happens to people on Medicare matters to me.

I’m not a veteran, but what happens to veterans matters to me.

I’m not Palestinian, but what happens to Palestinians matters to me.

I’m not a black or brown person, but what happens to people of color matters to me.

I’m not a MAGA supporter, but what happens to Trump voters matters to me.

I’m not a gay or transgender person, but what happens to LGBTQ people matters to me.

I’m not Jewish, but what happens to Jewish people matters to me.

I’m not a laborer, but what happens to laborers matters to me.

I’m not you, but what happens to YOU matters to me.

**This - all of this- is why I ran for office. It’s actually this simple.

On Friday night, I participated in another town hall event about the proposed BECI 765-kV Transmission Line. This event was held at the Kalahari Resort and featured Congressman Tiffany, myself, Rep. Kurtz, and Rep. DeSanto. Sauk County Board Chair, Tim McCumber, moderated the event. The following organizations also participated: No 765 Line, Inc.; Lake Wisconsin Land and Community Alliance, Inc.; CAM 765, Inc.

In my opening remarks, I once again voiced my STRONG OPPOSITION to this transmission project as it is proposed.

Elected officials were then asked important questions about what considerations should be made before the BECI project is approved. And if it is approved, what should be done to mitigate disruption to the environment, agriculture, property values and local economic development.

I have worked hard to learn more about the important and complex issue of energy generation and distribution and took the opportunity to highlight some of the newest things I have learned that need to become part of our discussions in Wisconsin.

I spoke about the need to *finally* pass ROFR (Right of First Refusal) in Wisconsin to allow our local utilities to have the first chance at bids for energy builds before opening up the process to an out-of-state company like MGS, I discussed Wisconsin’s need to develop statewide, future-focused Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) for our energy needs - like 33 other states have - and to mandate more innovation with Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) which help increase transmission capacity with what we already have.

I also made note of the fact that Tom Tiffany has a voting history that makes me skeptical about his purported advocacy for protecting our environment. He has voted FOR a $68 Billion tax break for developers of data centers, has voted FOR a 10 yr. moratorium on AI regulation, has voted FOR mining in the Boundary Waters and has voted FOR the SPEED Act which shortens the timeline for environmental review of energy projects.

I did appreciate that this was a bipartisan event where we could come together and share our thoughts on this contentious issue. I also appreciated those who took time out of their Friday evening to join us for this discussion. I am so proud of our constituents for standing up loud and strong to voice their feelings about this project!

I have always been and will continue to be a person that advocates for - Power to the people!!!

It is imperative that lawmakers, candidates, and community members come together to have conversations about this mega-transmission line proposal and the future of energy in Wisconsin overall. The concern, skepticism, and opposition to this project has transcended political affiliation. People living in areas all across the project’s proposed route – whether Democrats, Republicans, or somewhere in between – are asking important questions and learning how to advocate for their communities. We must ensure that this is not the end of this dialogue… or of bipartisan work to address ALL of our state’s challenging issues.

Veteran Republican strategist, Karl Rove, who worked for George W. Bush, Jr and is a FOX News contributor wrote a scathing condemnation of the current MAGA Republican Party in the Wall Street Journal saying he 'will have no part of it" and will be voting for a Democrat in Texas.

Not a perfect messenger but ANOTHER important call from *inside* the house.

Earlier this week, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour the International Crane Foundation with Rep. Karen DeSanto! The global headquarters for the International Crane Foundation is located in Baraboo! A captive flock of about 100 cranes are hosted at this location. It is the only place IN THE WORLD where you can find ALL 15 crane species - whose natural habitats are all over the globe! How impressive is that??

This approximately 300 acre property features live crane exhibits, guided and self-guided tours, a research library, a welcome center and four miles of nature trails as well as over 120 acres of restored prairie, oak savanna and wetlands. Aside from the Baraboo HQ, the International Crane Foundation also has offices and staff in China, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Texas - doing their important crane conservation work across the globe!!

The mission of the International Crane Foundation is to conserve cranes and the natural spaces they rely upon. This is achieved through the foundation’s important work which includes education and engagement on how to reduce threats to cranes, community-based conservation programs, research projects and innovative captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.

Not only are cranes beautiful birds - they are also a symbol of hope. Some crane species, such as the Whooping Crane, were brought back from the brink of extinction due to conservation work. However, there is still much work to be done, as 11 of the 15 species of cranes are currently threatened with extinction. That’s what makes the International Crane Foundation’s work so vital. Cranes are an indicator species, meaning when they are healthy and thriving, it’s a sign that the environment they depend upon is too.

Below is the list of cranes and their conservation statuses.

🚨Siberian Crane - Critically Endangered
🔴Grey Crowned Crane - Endangered
🔴Whooping Crane - Endangered
🟠Black Crowned Crane - Vulnerable
🟠Blue Crane - Vulnerable
🟠Hooded Crane - Vulnerable
🟠Red Crowned Crane - Vulnerable
🟠Sarus Crane - Vulnerable
🟠Wattled Crane - Vulnerable
🟠White-naped Crane - Vulnerable
🟡Black-necked Crane - Near Threatened
🟢Brogla - Least Concern
🟢Demoiselle Crane - Least Concern
🟢Eurasian Crane - Least Concern
🟢Sandhill Crane - Least Concern

I greatly enjoyed my time at the International Crane Foundation and found it to be very educational! This is truly a fantastic place for bird lovers and lovers of the outdoors to learn and explore. We are so lucky to have this gem right here in Senate District 14!!

If you want to learn more about the International Crane Foundation’s work or plan a visit, you can go to savingcranes.org for more information. Additionally, the annual Great Midwest Crane Fest, hosted by the International Crane Foundation and the Aldo Leopold Foundation, will take place in Baraboo on November 14th and 15th this year, and you can learn more at greatmidwestcranefest.org!

This is horrifying on so many levels.

September 8, 2026: “… They are racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives.” And
“The people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade,” said Jacob Coxon, Anthropic researcher, who resigned and posted these sentiments on social media.

4 days later: Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, published an essay calling for AI companies to slow down their rate of progress and to establish safety standards.

Then: Sam Altman, the chief executive officer of OpenAI; Elon Musk, investing AI; and Demis Hassabis, chair of Google DeepMind, all posted their support for slowing down the pace of AI improvements.

And how did the President of the United States respond to these concerns??

He flippantly calls it all a “HOAX.”

Trump: “AI taking over the World, destroying Humanity, and all other things bad, is a HOAX.”

He is claiming the only “guardrail” AI needs is a “strong and smart” president - HIM!! The same person who originally put a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that prohibited federal regulation of artificial intelligence for a period of ten years!! 😟

Why would he just dismiss these concerns out of hand?? Well, let’s look behind the curtain…

We must recognize that AI investments are essentially propping up the current stock market - the same stock market that Trump raves about and that his rich friends and family are MASSIVELY benefitting from - all while affordability issues for the working class are ignored!

* Don Jr.'s firm, 1789 Capital, invests millions in artificial intelligence and AI-adjacent technology sectors, primarily managed through venture capital firms.

Goldman Sachs estimates that AI-focused firms now account for nearly 50% of the total market capitalization.

So slowing AI progress *may* protect the future of humanity… but it would hurt THEIR power and pocketbooks now. (Psst… these are the same people who are building bunkers! 😳)

So… the actual deception about AI looks like it may actually be coming from:

The White House. 😔

Today is National Voter Registration Day!!🗳️🇺🇸 Our 2026 General Election on November 3rd will be here before you know it! If you aren't already registered to vote at your current address, now is a great time to get registered at myvote.wi.gov.✅ You can also learn about photo ID requirements and what you'll need to bring with you to vote at bringit.wi.gov.✅ Make sure you're prepared to make your voice heard this fall!!🗣️

✅ Mark your calendars!!!

Two Town Hall meetings are being planned with Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial candidates to discuss the 765kV transmission line project planned through southern Wisconsin:

🗓️ Tom Tiffany: Friday, September 18

🗓️ David Crowley: future date TBD

**I have also accepted the invitation to be a featured attendee.

These should be informative meetings and I am happy that this issue is getting the attention it deserves!

See you there.

On the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our nation, we remember the innocent Americans and first responders whose lives were lost or forever changed.

We remember their bravery, their sacrifices, and their grieving loved ones.

We remember that we are so much stronger together - when we support, respect, and love our neighbors.

We will never forget what happened on that horrifying day 25 years ago… but we will also never forget the legacy of those whose lives were taken too soon or who bravely risked their lives to help their fellow Americans.

9/11 showed us the worst of humanity. But it also showed us the best of who we can be in service to one another. Let’s never forget that, too.

🏥 Last Thursday, I participated in a Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) Roundtable Event at Prairie Ridge Health in Columbus, WI. Other attendees included Rep. Maureen McCarville; leaders from WHA; and leaders from Prairie Ridge Health, Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, Reedsburg Area Medical Center, and Sauk Prairie Healthcare.

We had a robust roundtable discussion in which next-of-kin legislation, healthcare workforce, and hospital finances and Medicaid budget were discussed. Key takeaways from this conversation included:

▶️ This session, Wisconsin passed “Next-of-Kin” legislation (I voted yes!). Prior to the enactment of the “Next-of-Kin,” if an incapacitated individual did not have a Power of Attorney for Health Care, that individual’s loved ones needed to go through a lengthy and costly guardianship process in order to make decisions that would allow the patient to leave the hospital and get the care they need from a long-term care facility. This process can take months, and while this happens, the patient who no longer was in need of hospital care had to stay in the hospital. Not only did this mean a delay in getting patients appropriate care, it also meant those who *did* need a hospital bed may not have had access.

▶️ Wisconsin’s health care workforce must continue to grow so we can meet rising demand and maintain high-quality care. In order to do so, Wisconsin must take action to attract and maintain health care workers and reduce regulatory burden and burnout

▶️BadgerCare and Medicare patients make up ⅔ of Wisconsin hospital patients. However, BadgerCare and Medicare do not provide our hospitals with funding that matches the cost to provide patients covered by these programs with care. These costs then get shifted to everyone else and negatively impact Wisconsin businesses and families. As costs continue to rise and hospital revenues are not keeping up. Nearly ¼ Wisconsin hospitals are operating at a loss.
🆘 President Trump’s OBBBA will cut federal funds to support hospital Medicaid payments. Wisconsin will have to work to identify ways to make up for these financial losses. This will significantly impact our future state budget!!

My role at this event was primarily to listen to the perspectives and concerns of those who work in our healthcare industry and ask questions about how I can be helpful in my role to protect our rural healthcare needs. We must ensure our health care facilities have the resources and capacity to fully meet the needs of our communities. This is especially true in our rural communities which unfortunately face more barriers to healthcare access.

🚨NOTICE:

Today, I sent a joint letter to Midcontinent Grid Solutions (MGS) with the Assembly Representatives in my Senate District, Reps. Karen DeSanto, Tony Kurtz, and Maureen McCarville, asking MGS to postpone their Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) filing with the PSC for the BECI 765kV transmission line project until after a third round of open house meetings in the spring of 2027.

We made this request for a delay to give constituents more time to provide property specific feedback to MGS and to offer potential intervenors more time to prepare for the Public Service Commission review process. I am proud that this is a joint, bipartisan ask from all state representatives of Senate District 14. This emphasizes a shared commitment to all constituents we serve and belief that everyone who wishes to participate in this complex process has a fair opportunity to do so.

We are very hopeful MGS will consider our ask and choose to push back their application timeline to the spring of 2027.
———

“September 9, 2026
Brian Radday and Alan Ott
3902 Milwaukee St, PO Box 7426
Madison, WI 53714

Dear Mr. Radday and Mr. Ott,

We are writing to express our concern and opposition to Midcontinent Grid Solutions' (MGS) plan to file their Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin for the BECI 765-kV Transmission Line Project in early 2027. We would respectfully ask MGS, on behalf of the concerned constituents of Wisconsin Senate District 14, Assembly District 40, Assembly District 41, and Assembly District 42, who own or live near the land where the proposed line is sited, that MGS postpones their filing with the PSC until after a third round of open house meetings in the spring of 2027.

Over the past month, our offices have documented hundreds of constituent contacts regarding the proposed BECI transmission line. In addition, we have spoken in-person to hundreds more people out in our communities with valid and varied concerns about this project. A repeated theme from these conversations is people feel utterly blindsided and overwhelmed by the idea of this project, the scope of the proposed build and the speed at which this process is moving.
Specifically, our constituents feel the timeline for the BECI transmission line is too rushed given the tremendous impact it would have on their lives, properties, livelihoods, and communities.

Unfortunately, MGS only informed potentially impacted property owners very recently and the vast majority feel the feedback period is simply not enough time for them to learn about the scope and complexities of this project, identify the entities involved, understand where the route will go and how it might impact them, figure out the project timeline, get their questions answered about why this may be needed, make property-specific requests, and develop and share thoughtful feedback. As such, we strongly support our constituents' demand for more time to offer MGS their public feedback prior to their CPCN submission.

As the State Senator for Senate District 14 and the Assembly Representatives for Assembly District 40, Assembly District 41, and Assembly District 42, we were elected to uplift our constituents' voices and advocate on their behalf. As such, we would ask that MGS fulfill their stated goal to be a "good neighbor" and provide a feedback window of time until at least May 2027. During that time, we would encourage MGS to do more to reach out to affected communities, share information, listen to people's perspectives, and see first-hand how this would impact our constituents.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,
Sarah Keyeski
State Senator
Senate District 14

Karen DeSanto
State Representative
Assembly District 40

Tony Kurtz
State Representative
Assembly District 41

Maureen McCarville
State Representative
Assembly District 42”