Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Ratcliff

Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Ratcliff Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Ratcliff, Public & Government Service, Room 5 South State Capitol, Madison, WI.

Official Page for State Senator Melissa Ratcliff who serves the beautiful 16th District which includes Cambridge, Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Fort Atkinson, Lake Mills, Marshall, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Waterloo, and areas in Madison & McFarland.

Today we commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed that the right to vote could not be denied...
08/18/2026

Today we commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed that the right to vote could not be denied or abridged on account of s*x.

Wisconsin holds a special place in this history. On June 10, 1919, Wisconsin became the first state in the nation to ratify the 19th Amendment, helping pave the way for its final ratification on August 18, 1920.

Generations of women organized, marched, advocated, and persevered to make voting rights a reality. We honor their courage and determination recognizing their work to ensure every eligible voter can fully participate in our democracy continues.

106 years ago today, the 19th Amendment changed our nation forever. Let’s remember the women who fought for the ballot and never take the right to vote for granted.

It was great meeting with Dr. Shakkiah Curtis to learn more about Maydm and the important work they are doing to create ...
08/17/2026

It was great meeting with Dr. Shakkiah Curtis to learn more about Maydm and the important work they are doing to create pathways to opportunity for young people in our community.

I appreciate Dr. Curtis taking the time to share more about Maydm’s programs, vision, and commitment to helping young people build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Investing in our young people means investing in Wisconsin’s future!

Last week, I  was proud to join the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) for the ribbon cutting ...
08/16/2026

Last week, I was proud to join the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin (CAC) for the ribbon cutting of their new Foodshed Partnership facility! 🎉

This new facility represents an important investment in food access, local agriculture, and the health and well-being of families across our community. By strengthening partnerships between local farmers, food producers, community organizations, and residents, the Foodshed Partnership is helping build a more resilient and equitable local food system.

Congratulations to CAC and all of the community partners who helped make this project possible. I’m excited to see the impact this facility will have for years to come! 🌱🥕🤝



Sincerely,

Wow, what a night....Last week, I was excited to join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, alongside with my staff...
08/15/2026

Wow, what a night....

Last week, I was excited to join Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, alongside with my staffer Martha, for their first-ever Champions for Reproductive Freedom Award which honored Governor Tony Evers for his leadership and commitment to protecting reproductive freedom in Wisconsin for the past 8 years.

Reproductive freedom is about ensuring every Wisconsinite can make their own decisions about their health, their families, and their futures without political interference.

I’m grateful to stand alongside advocates, providers, and community leaders who continue to fight for access to the care Wisconsinites deserve. Together, we’ll keep working toward a Wisconsin where everyone can make their own reproductive healthcare decisions with dignity and freedom.

Thank you to Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin for bringing us together and for recognizing the champions who are helping move Wisconsin forward. 💟

Last week, I attended the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Workforce Solutions Initiative (WSI) Tour.The ...
08/14/2026

Last week, I attended the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Workforce Solutions Initiative (WSI) Tour.

The roundtable brought together workforce partners, regional employers, educators, and community stakeholders to discuss workforce challenges and opportunities in Southcentral Wisconsin, and the impact the Workforce Solutions Initiative has had in strengthening our regional workforce.

Such a great opportunity to be part of this important conversation and to help advance innovative workforce solutions that support Wisconsin workers, businesses, and communities.

Thank you to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Secretary Amy Pechacek, and our regional workforce partners for your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to building a stronger workforce for the future.

📸   to last month’s National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago!It was an honor to jo...
08/13/2026

📸 to last month’s National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago!

It was an honor to join legislators from across the country to exchange ideas, learn from policy experts, and discuss innovative solutions to the challenges facing our states. Conferences like the NCSL Legislative Summit provide valuable opportunities to bring back new perspectives and best practices that can help strengthen Wisconsin communities.

I’m grateful for the chance to represent Wisconsin and Senate District 16 while building connections with colleagues committed to improving the lives of the people we serve.

What issues do you think state legislators should be focusing on most? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Every young person deserves to know they belong.When children and teens feel welcomed, valued, and supported at home, at...
08/12/2026

Every young person deserves to know they belong.

When children and teens feel welcomed, valued, and supported at home, at school, and in their communities, they’re more likely to succeed academically, build healthy relationships, and thrive emotionally. A strong sense of belonging isn’t just nice to have it’s essential for their well-being.

Unfortunately, too many Wisconsin students report feeling disconnected from their schools, and that trend has worsened over the past decade. Students of color, girls, and LGBTQ+ students are especially likely to feel like they don’t belong. We can and must do better.

Creating a culture of belonging starts with each of us. Whether you’re a parent, educator, coach, neighbor, or mentor, your kindness, encouragement, and support can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

For ideas on how to connect with young people on your life or for specific recommendations from Wisconsin youth on improving school belonging, please visit the the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health website at: https://children.wi.gov/Pages/AboutUs/YouthBelonging.aspx

Happy National Son and Daughter Day!Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the sons and daughters who bring joy, ...
08/11/2026

Happy National Son and Daughter Day!

Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the sons and daughters who bring joy, hope, and inspiration to our families and communities. Whether they’re taking their first steps, graduating, starting a new career, raising families of their own, or finding their own path, our children remind us every day why investing in the next generation matters.

As a parent, I know there is no greater responsibility or greater privilege than helping our children grow into compassionate, resilient, and engaged members of our communities.

Let’s take a moment today to tell our sons and daughters how much they are loved, encourage their dreams, and recommit ourselves to building a Wisconsin where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Happy National Son and Daughter Day! 💙

AUGUST 11th =  Election Day 🇺🇸The 2026 Primary Election Day is TODAY!!! If you're eligible to vote, please make a plan t...
08/11/2026

AUGUST 11th = Election Day 🇺🇸

The 2026 Primary Election Day is TODAY!!! If you're eligible to vote, please make a plan to participate and make your voice heard.

Before heading to the polls, take a moment to confirm your polling location and review important voting information at: myvote.wi.gov

Your voice matters. Don't forget to vote! 🗳

As we prepare for Wisconsin’s upcoming elections, it’s important that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast t...
08/10/2026

As we prepare for Wisconsin’s upcoming elections, it’s important that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot.

If you or someone you know is an older adult or a person with a disability who needs transportation to vote, the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition offers a helpful Rides to the Polls resource. It includes transportation options for:
🗳️ Election Day polling places
📅 Early in-person absentee voting locations
🪪 DMV visits to obtain a photo ID for voting

If you have questions about voting and accessibility, you can also contact the Disability Rights Wisconsin Voter Hotline at 844-347-8683 or email [email protected] for free, nonpartisan assistance.

Every eligible Wisconsinite deserves an accessible path to the ballot box. Learn more and find additional voting resources at disabilityvote.org.

Address

Room 5 South State Capitol
Madison, WI
53708

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16082379146

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