Representative Joan Fitzgerald

09/01/2026

Good luck to students, teachers and school staff as you head back to school! I always loved the first day back to school and the excitement of new classes, new students and new adventures.

08/31/2026

After visiting the Fort Farmers Market on Saturday morning, I had a blast joining Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Ratcliff and City Manager Rebecca Houseman for a historic walking tour of Fort Atkinson’s downtown. The tour was hosted by Merrilee Lee from the Hoard Historical Museum. Merrilee provided us with a variety of fascinating insights on the events and people that have made Fort Atkinson into the city it is today. Senator Ratcliff and I had the privilege of presenting the Hoard Historical Museum with a certificate recognizing the Museum’s vital work in preserving and sharing the history of our area that has shaped our nation’s first 250 years. The 46th Assembly District is filled with so much history, and local historical societies and museums like the Hoard Historical Museum are crucial to ensuring that this history is not forgotten.

08/27/2026

While summer may be coming to an end and kids are returning to school, the need for childcare continues year-round. Last session, legislative Democrats strived to secure long-term, sustainable support for Wisconsin’s childcare system that would have cut childcare costs, supported parents, and bolstered childcare providers. Unfortunately, legislative Republicans blocked these efforts, and many families are now facing rising costs and difficult choices. When parents cannot afford or find childcare, they may be forced to reduce their working hours, miss shifts, or leave their jobs altogether. Childcare providers struggle to keep their doors open, employers lose workers, and local economies suffer. Affordable, reliable childcare supports families, strengthens Wisconsin’s workforce, and keeps our economy moving forward.

08/26/2026

Thank you to the Dane County Farm Bureau and the Renk Seed Company for hosting me and my colleagues at today’s Legislative and Regulatory Learning Lunch. It was a pleasure to learn more about seed production, crop protection, and on-farm conservation practices, and I sincerely appreciate all the great conversations we had about current issues affecting Wisconsin farmers. Farming is vital to our state’s economy and culture, and we must ensure that Wisconsin farmers have the support they need to thrive.

08/25/2026

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) provides funding to producer-led groups that focus on nonpoint source pollution abatement activities through the Producer-Led Watershe...

08/19/2026

Yesterday marked 106 years since the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which established that the right to vote in the United States could not be denied or limited based on one’s s*x. We must remember and honor the generations of women who fought so tirelessly to extend voting rights to women. We must also recognize that there are still real barriers that prevent eligible voters from fully participating in our democracy. The work of the women’s suffrage advocates from 106 years ago continues to this day as we strive to create a democracy that works for all Americans.

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.

08/14/2026

On Tuesday, August 25, the WI Department of Transportation will be hosting a public involvement meeting on proposed improvements to WIS 89 (from US 18 to County A). The meeting is taking place at Lake Mills City Hall from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the project and share your input. Information can also be found on the project website: https://projects.hub.wisconsindot.gov/pages/33000003

08/13/2026

Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting 4-C (Community Coordinated Child Care, Inc.). 4-C is a child care resource and referral agency with a mission to ensure that every child has access to high quality care and education. We had a great conversation that touched on many crucial topics, including the importance of supporting parents searching for child care and the need to better support early childhood educators. I am proud to have co-sponsored legislation last session that would have reduced the cost of child care for Wisconsin families and strengthened our child care workforce. This legislation includes AB 1008 (Including All Caregivers), AB 1015 (Capping the Cost of Care), AB 1016 (Building the Workforce Behind the Workforce), AB 1017 (Child Care Assistance for Early Educators), and AB 1018 (Child Care for the Missing Middle). Unfortunately, Republican leaders in the Assembly did not allow any of these bills to even receive a public hearing. Wisconsin kids and parents deserve better!

08/12/2026

I have heard from a number of folks about the proposed BECI 765-kV power line, so I want to share some resources to help everyone voice their concerns, comments, and questions directly with Midcontinent Grid Solutions (MGS). As part of the project’s early development and engagement period, MGS will be hosting eight open houses across the impacted counties in the coming weeks, including one in Jefferson County and another in Dane County. I encourage you to participate in these discussions to learn more about the project and share your concerns/comments. You can also find more information and provide feedback here: https://mgs-projects.com/BECI

Jefferson County Open House:
Wednesday, August 26, 10 AM-1 PM
County Fairgrounds Activity Center: 503 N Jackson Ave., Jefferson, WI 53549

Dane County/Dodge County Open House:
Wednesday, August 26, 4-7 PM
The Round Table: 1611 N Bristol St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590

A WSP Project

08/11/2026

Don’t forget to vote today!! I stopped and voted this morning before heading into Madison.