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Aaron’s Story:
Steadfast Believer in Wisconsin Values
Aaron Wojciechowski, 28, is a 3-term local elected official previously serving on the Winnebago County Board for 4 years and the Oshkosh City Council for 2. He is an educator and a proud UW Oshkosh graduate. Aaron is focused on bringing back honest forward-thinking leadership and ensuring every resident of the 6th congressional district has a seat at the decision making table. Aaron is running on a common-sense forward-thinking platform that prioritizes the working class, families, and farmers. His vision for our county is clear: uplift the working poor, grow the middle class, and make the rich play fairly. As the next U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 6th district, Aaron will fight for affordable and accessible healthcare, fair wages and working conditions, a competitive economy that prioritizes jobs here, not overseas, support for our farmers, and resources for our communities. Aaron grew up in Delavan, Wisconsin. It’s a small rural town where just about everyone knows each other. Chances are, you probably knew the person next to you in line at the grocery store. In Wisconsin we take an interest in each other. We care about each member of the community. Delavan is just like every Wisconsin town. In Wisconsin, we value hard work. If something needs to get done, you pitch in. In Wisconsin, we value education. Schools and teachers are to be revered, not demonized. In Wisconsin, we value respect. When we have problems with one another, we talk it out like adults. In Wisconsin, we value equality. We treat the person next to you like a neighbor, regardless of gender, skin color, income, or religion. Washington is severely lacking these values. Aaron moved to Oshkosh in 2015 and graduated in December 2019 at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with degrees in economics and political science. He is the first in all of his family to graduate from college. Aaron served two terms on the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors (2016-20) and one term on the Oshkosh City Council (2021-23). Since becoming a part of the Oshkosh community, Aaron has worked around the Fox Valley to create positive change. His full time job is working at Lawrence University as the Assistant Director of the Student Activities.
I’m Aaron Wojciechowski.
I grew up in a mixed family. My mother is the child of an immigrant who came to the United States to achieve the American dream. My mother showed me what real strength and courage is. Being a mother, providing for our family, and ensuring we had a good life can be tough when life continuously knocks you down, but my mom never gave up. My father was a small business owner who served 4 years in the U.S. Marines. He taught me financial responsibility, practical life skills, and what true respect meant. I can’t tell you how many nights we spent debating politics. My dad is conservative leaning and very politically opinionated, but always said he would vote for me if given the chance. Family always came first, it transcended any political differences we had. Neither of my parents went to college, but they believed in the value of getting a good education. My family always pushed us to think for ourselves, work hard, and pursue our dreams. Their love and support is just one of the many reasons I’m here today. Not only did my parents contribute to my upbringing, but my siblings did too. My sister Shannen, my brother Ricky, and my twin brother Alex. We grew up low income and often struggled to keep up with basic needs. I shared a small room with my two brothers and like most siblings we didn’t always get along, but we always looked out for one another. Growing up low income made it challenging to be a kid, but thanks to various assistance programs and community support we managed to get by. Despite the hardships I grew up with, my parents instilled in me the drive to work harder, to be involved, and to create positive change wherever I went.
Aaron is a Steadfast Believer in Wisconsin Values Aaron Wojciechowski is a lifelong Wisconsinite, raised in southern Wisconsin, Aaron moved to Oshkosh in 2015 to attend UW Oshkosh where he graduated with a degree in economics and political science. With a background rooted in education and community service, Aaron understands the needs of every day WI-06 residents.
Jobs, Economy, and Local Labor Unions: Growing up in Wisconsin, my family struggled. Mom and Dad worked long hours, my brothers and I shared a room and relied on the free lunch program, while my sister faced serious health issues leading to crippling medical bills. Despite it all, their hard work gave us a shot at a better life, and I became the first in our family to graduate college. After many years of hard work, they now live a comfortable middle-class life. My journey helped me understand the challenges working families face in our ever-changing economy.
As a candidate for U.S. Congress in Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District, I am committed to building an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. My vision is clear: uplift the working poor, grow the middle class, and ensure the rich pay their fair share. As a proud supporter of labor unions, farmers, and the working class, I will fight for policies that strengthen our communities, from the dairy farms of Fond du Lac to the manufacturing hubs of Oshkosh and Sheboygan. Together, we can create a thriving, fair, and inclusive economy that reflects the hardworking spirit of our district. Wisconsin’s 6th District is the heart of America’s Dairyland, a region of rolling farmlands, bustling factories, and tight-knit communities. Yet, too many families struggle to make ends meet, afford a home, or secure a good-paying job. For too long, Representative Glenn Grothman has prioritized corporate interests and the wealthy over the needs of working families. Grothman’s record of opposing a living wage, weakening labor unions, and supporting tax cuts for the rich has left our district behind. It’s time for a change. My policies will empower workers, support our farmers, and make housing affordable, ensuring every resident has a fair shot at the American Dream. A Plan for Jobs, Economic Growth, and Fairness Below is my comprehensive plan to transform our economy, create opportunity, and restore fairness. These policies are designed to resonate with the hardworking people of Wisconsin’s 6th District: farmers, factory workers, small business owners, and families striving for a better life. As always, I am open-minded and ready to listen and work with those in WI-06 to do what’s best for our communities.
Raising the Minimum Wage to $15 per Hour No one working full-time should live in poverty or rely on federal assistance to survive. I’ll fight to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, ensuring a living wage for workers in Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and across the 6th District. This will uplift the working poor, boost consumer spending, and strengthen our local economy. Additionally, I’ll push to eliminate tax incentives for corporations whose low wages force workers onto federal assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid. In 2023, over 13 million workers earning less than $15/hour relied on such programs, burdening taxpayers while corporations profit. By tying tax breaks to fair wages, we’ll hold companies accountable, reduce public costs, and support working families, ensuring the rich pay their fair share. Why I’m Different: Glenn Grothman has repeatedly opposed raising the minimum wage, siding with corporations over workers. In 2014, he dismissed wage increases as unnecessary, ignoring the struggles of low-wage workers. I’ll stand with you, not big business, to ensure every job pays enough to live on.
Strengthening Labor Unions and Collective Bargaining Labor unions are the backbone of the middle class, fighting for fair wages, safe workplaces, and dignity for workers. I’ll protect and expand collective bargaining rights, oppose right-to-work laws, and support legislation that makes it easier for workers to organize. Strong unions mean stronger communities, from the factory floors of Oshkosh to the public sector workers across our district. Oppose worker misclassification: Unfairly denies workers their rightful protections and benefits. Support Davis-Bacon prevailing wages and Project Labor Agreements: Ensures fair compensation and strong labor standards for workers on federal projects. Support the Faster Labor Contracts Act: Promotes fair and timely collective bargaining by requiring employers to negotiate with newly formed unions within 10 days, ensuring workers secure their first contract without excessive delays. Support the Warehouse Worker Protection Act: Ensures safe working conditions and fair treatment for warehouse workers by addressing issues like unrealistic quotas and lack of transparency in workplace policies. Protecting Retirement Benefits: Strengthen retirement and pension security by protecting and expanding defined-benefit pension plans and ensuring workers can retire with dignity through robust federal safeguards. Protecting American Trade: Targeted tariffs and fair trade policies that prioritize American workers, protect domestic jobs from unfair foreign competition, and promote industries critical to our economy. Antitrust Enforcement: Advocate for vigorous antitrust enforcement in labor markets to prevent corporate monopolies from suppressing wages, limiting job mobility, and undermining workers’ bargaining power. Addressing AI: Comprehensive retraining programs and income support for workers displaced by AI and automation, ensuring they have pathways to new, high-quality jobs in emerging industries. Why I’m Different: Grothman has a long history of undermining unions. He supported Governor Scott Walker’s 2011 budget bill that stripped public workers of bargaining rights and dismissed union supporters as “college kids having fun.” His 10% AFL-CIO score in 2023 shows he’s no friend to labor. I’ll be a fierce advocate for unions, ensuring workers have a voice.
Supporting Our Dairy and Grain Farmers Agriculture is the lifeblood of our district, with dairy and grain farming driving our economy. I’ll push for fair milk pricing, subsidies for sustainable practices, and expanded market access to help our farmers thrive. By investing in rural communities and protecting our farmlands, we can create jobs and ensure the next generation of farmers can succeed. Why I’m Different: While Grothman claims to support farmers, his policies often favor large agribusiness over small family farms. His support for trade deals that hurt dairy farmers shows a disconnect from our district’s needs. I’ll put our farmers first, ensuring they have the tools to prosper.
Taxing Stock Buybacks to Fund Jobs and Communities Corporate stock buybacks, where companies repurchase shares to boost stock prices, often enrich wealthy shareholders and executives at the expense of workers and communities. In 2025, U.S. companies are projected to spend over $1 trillion on buybacks, funds that could support jobs, wages, or infrastructure. I’ll push for a 4% federal excise tax on stock buybacks, raising $246 billion over 10 years to fund job training, infrastructure, and healthcare in Wisconsin’s 6th District. This tax encourages companies to reinvest in workers—through better pay, union support, or training—and in communities like Oshkosh and Sheboygan. For companies that pay dividends instead, married households earning under $94,000 pay no taxes on qualified dividends, benefiting working families while the rich pay their fair share. This policy ensures corporations prioritize our workers and local economy over Wall Street profits. Why I’m Different: Glenn Grothman supported the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which fueled a surge in corporate buybacks benefiting the wealthy, not workers. His votes prioritize corporate interests over economic fairness. I’ll fight for policies that put workers and communities first, ensuring corporations invest in our district’s future.
Affordable Healthcare for All Healthcare costs are crushing working families. I support Medicare for All or a robust public option to ensure every resident has access to affordable, quality care. From rural clinics to urban hospitals, no one should go bankrupt because of medical bills. Affordable healthcare means more financial security for our families. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s votes to cut healthcare funding (including roughly $1 TRILLION in Medicaid cuts) and his support for budgets that weaken access show he’s out of touch with our needs. I’ll make healthcare a right, not a privilege, for every resident of the 6th District. 6. Housing Reform: Building More, Lowering Costs Owning a home is part of the American Dream, but skyrocketing prices are locking families out. I’ll push for housing reforms to increase supply and bring down costs, including: Incentivizing Affordable Housing: Offer tax credits and federal grants to developers who build affordable housing units in both rural and urban areas of the district, ensuring more homes for working families. Reforming Zoning Laws: Ease restrictive zoning to allow more housing construction, allowing for more homes in growing areas like Oshkosh and Manitowoc, while preserving the character of our communities. Assisting First-Time Homebuyers: Provide grants and low-interest loans to help working families and young couples buy their first home, making homeownership accessible again. Taxing Multiple Home Ownership: Propose an increased federal tax on owning multiple homes, with higher rates for corporations and individuals owning three or more houses. This tax will discourage speculative purchases that drive up prices, keeping homes available for local families. Revenue from this tax will fund affordable housing programs, directly benefiting our district. These reforms will boost housing supply, lower costs, and protect our communities from being priced out by big money. Whether you’re a factory worker in Sheboygan, a farmer in Calumet County, or a retiree in Waupun, my plan ensures you can afford to stay in the district you love. Why I’m Different: Grothman has ignored the housing crisis, focusing on deregulation that benefits developers, not working families. My reforms will directly address affordability, ensuring our district is a place where everyone can find a home. 7. Investing in Job Training and Education Good-paying jobs require skills, and I’ll fund vocational training programs tailored to our district’s needs: manufacturing, agriculture, and emerging industries like renewable energy. By partnering with local colleges and employers, we’ll prepare workers for high-demand careers, growing the middle class and strengthening our economy. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s focus on deregulation over workforce development has left workers behind. I’ll invest in your future, ensuring you have the skills to compete in a changing economy.
Infrastructure for Jobs and Opportunity From crumbling roads to spotty internet in rural areas, our infrastructure needs an upgrade. I’ll support investments in transportation, high-speed internet, and clean water systems to create jobs and improve quality of life. Better infrastructure means more opportunities for businesses, farmers, and families across the district. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s support for budget cuts has limited infrastructure investment, leaving rural areas underserved. I’ll prioritize projects that create jobs and connect our communities.
Supporting Small Businesses Small businesses are the heart of our economy, from family farms to local shops. I’ll provide tax incentives, access to capital, and technical assistance to help them grow and create jobs. By supporting small businesses in manufacturing and agriculture, we’ll keep our economy strong and local. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s policies often favor large corporations over small businesses. I’ll focus on the entrepreneurs and farmers who make our district unique, ensuring they have the support to thrive.
Green Jobs and Environmental Protection We can protect our environment while creating jobs. I’ll support renewable energy projects, like solar and wind, and promote sustainable farming practices that preserve our land and water. These efforts will create good-paying jobs while ensuring our natural resources are here for future generations. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s lack of focus on green jobs and environmental protection ignores the potential for economic growth. I’ll balance our agricultural heritage with innovation, creating a sustainable future. 11. Harnessing AI for Economic Growth While Protecting Workers Artificial Intelligence (AI) can boost our economy, from dairy farms to factories, but it must not cost jobs. I’ll support AI adoption with grants for farmers and businesses, fund retraining for workers facing automation, and regulate AI to protect rights. By investing in skills for AI-driven jobs, we’ll keep Wisconsin competitive globally while growing the middle class. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s support for corporate-friendly policies, like the 2024 AI deregulation bill, ignores workers’ needs. I’ll ensure AI creates opportunities for our district, not just profits for big business, unlike his hands-off approach.
I’m running for Congress because the people of Wisconsin’s 6th District deserve a representative who fights for them, not just corporate interests or the wealthy elite. Glenn Grothman’s record shows he’s out of step with our values, from opposing a living wage to undermining unions and prioritizing tax breaks for the rich. I’ll be a champion for workers, farmers, and families, delivering real solutions to the challenges we face. My policies are rooted in fairness, opportunity, and community. By raising wages, strengthening unions, supporting our farmers, reforming housing, and ensuring the rich pay their fair share, we can build an economy that works for all of us. Together, we can make Wisconsin’s 6th District a place where every family can thrive.
Farming & Agriculture
Strengthening Wisconsin’s Rural Heartland
I’m committed to championing our farmers and rural communities who are the backbone of America’s Dairyland. From the dairy farms of Fond du Lac to the grain fields of Dodge County, agriculture is more than an industry; it’s our heritage and our future. Both small and large farms contribute immensely, creating jobs and sustaining our rural way of life. But giant firms like Bayer-Monsanto, Cargill, and Tyson Foods threaten our farmers with unfair pricing, market control, and consolidation that drive up costs and squeeze profits. My vision is to support farmers, farm workers, and grow our rural middle class while ensuring these corporate giants compete fairly. I’m pro-farming, pro-labor, and pro-working class, and I’ll fight to keep our agricultural communities thriving. Wisconsin’s 6th District is a powerhouse of dairy and grain production, feeding the nation and driving our economy. Yet, our farmers face crushing challenges: volatile milk prices, harmful trade policies, and corporate-driven cost increases. Farm workers, vital to our operations, often lack fair wages and protections due to bad policies. Meanwhile, Representative Glenn Grothman has failed to deliver for our farmers, prioritizing big agribusiness over family farms. Grothman’s record of supporting trade deals that hurt exports and ignoring small farmers has left rural Wisconsin behind. It’s time for a leader who understands our roots and will fight for our future. My policies aim to tackle corporate overreach, empower farmers, protect workers, and strengthen our rural economy. A Plan for Farming, Rural Prosperity, and Fairness Below is my plan to support Wisconsin’s farmers—both family-owned and larger operations— along with farm workers, and rural communities. These policies are designed to resonate with the hardworking people of the 6th District: family farmers, agricultural workers, and rural families.
Fair Milk Pricing and Market Stability Dairy farmers deserve fair, predictable prices for their hard work. I’ll push for reforms to the Federal Milk Marketing Order system to ensure transparent pricing and establish price floors to protect against market crashes. This will stabilize incomes for dairy farmers in Calumet, Manitowoc, and beyond, keeping our farms in business. Why I’m Different: Grothman has ignored calls for milk pricing reform, leaving farmers vulnerable to volatile markets. I’ll fight for fair prices to keep our dairy industry strong.
Supporting Right to Repair Legislation Businesses like John Deere and CNH Industrial restrict farmers’ ability to repair their own equipment, forcing them to rely on expensive, company-controlled services. These restrictions drive up costs and downtime, hitting small and large farms alike in our district. I’ll champion Right to Repair legislation to ensure farmers have access to tools, software, and parts to fix their tractors, milking systems, and other equipment. By breaking corporate monopolies on repairs, we’ll save farmers money, boost their independence, and keep our rural economy strong. Why I’m Different: Grothman has ignored farmers’ struggles with repair restrictions. I’ll fight to empower our farmers with the freedom to repair their own equipment.
Subsidies for Sustainable Farming Farmers deserve support to adopt sustainable practices that lower costs and protect our land. I’ll secure federal grants and low-interest loans for practices like cover cropping and precision agriculture, helping dairy and grain farmers in Sheboygan and beyond counter rising input costs driven by corporate giants like Bayer-Monsanto, whose seed prices have risen 270% since 1990 while crop prices lagged. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s lack of focus on sustainability has shortchanged farmers seeking modern solutions. I’ll invest in practices that ensure long-term farm viability. 4. Expanding Market Access Through Fair Trade Trade policies must work for our farmers, not against them. I’ll advocate for trade agreements that open global markets for Wisconsin’s dairy, grain, and soy products, countering tariffs that have cut exports to countries like China and Canada. By increasing demand for our cheese, milk, corn, and soybeans, we’ll boost farm incomes and create jobs. Why I’m Different: Grothman backed tariffs that hurt our farmers, reducing export markets and incomes. I’ll prioritize trade deals that put Wisconsin agriculture first.
Curbing Corporate Agribusiness Dominance Corporate agribusinesses like Cargill and Tyson control markets, with four firms holding over 60% of the seed market and 80% of beef processing, squeezing farmers with low prices and unfair contracts. USDA data shows that between 1990 and 2020, seed prices rose by 270%, while commodity crop prices (e.g., corn, soybeans) increased by only 56%. Small farmers, unable to absorb these rising costs, face tighter margins, with many reporting negative incomes. In 2020, small family farms had average net incomes of –$1,637 for low-sales farms and –$2,427 for off-farm occupation farms, pushing many toward bankruptcy or closure. I’ll propose a moratorium on agribusiness mergers, tax incentives for independent farms, and antitrust enforcement to level the playing field, protecting both small and large farms from corporate greed. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s policies, like supporting the 2024 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” prioritize corporate deregulation over farmers. I’ll stand up to agribusiness to protect our farms.
Supporting Farm Workers’ Rights and Wages Farm workers are the backbone of Wisconsin’s agricultural economy, yet many face low wages (median $13.88/hour) and challenging conditions due to flawed economic policies and corporate agribusiness practices. Companies like Tyson Foods and Dean Foods dominate markets, squeezing farmers’ profits with low commodity prices and high input costs, which in turn limits what farmers can pay their workers. Bad trade policies and inadequate labor protections exacerbate this, leaving farm workers, including the 5-7% on legal visas in Wisconsin’s dairy sector, vulnerable. I’ll push for federal policies to raise farm worker wages, improve workplace safety, and provide legal pathways for immigrant workers, ensuring a stable labor force while respecting their dignity. This includes supporting unionization efforts to give workers a voice and advocating for reforms to reverse decades of economic policies that prioritize corporate profits over fair pay. By addressing these systemic issues, we’ll support both farmers and workers, strengthening our rural communities. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s anti-labor record, including votes weakening worker protections, ignores farm workers’ needs. I’ll ensure they’re treated fairly and valued.
Investing in Rural Infrastructure Strong farms need strong infrastructure. I’ll support federal investments in rural roads, bridges, and high-speed internet to connect farmers to markets and resources. Improved infrastructure, from Waupun to Oostburg, will lower costs, create jobs, and strengthen our rural economy. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s budget cuts have limited rural infrastructure investment, leaving communities disconnected. I’ll prioritize projects that support farmers and rural life.
Promoting Agricultural Innovation Innovation can keep our farms competitive. I’ll fund research and training for technologies like robotic milking systems (used by 8-10% of Wisconsin dairy farmers) and precision agriculture for grain farmers. These tools will boost productivity and create high-tech jobs in rural areas. Why I’m Different: Grothman has shown little interest in agricultural innovation, missing opportunities to modernize our farms. I’ll bring cutting-edge solutions to our district.
Supporting Young and Beginning Farmers The next generation of farmers faces barriers like high land costs and limited access to capital. I’ll advocate for federal loan forgiveness programs, land access initiatives, and mentorship programs to help young and beginning farmers in the 6th District start and grow their operations. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s lack of focus on young farmers risks our agricultural future. I’ll ensure new farmers have the support to succeed. 10. Streamlining Legal Pathways for Immigrant Farm Workers Modernize the H-2A visa program to include year-round dairy workers (51% of whom are immigrants), reduce red tape, and offer permanent legal status for long-term workers (with no crime record), supporting farmers’ compliance with complex laws. Why I’m Different: Grothman’s support for restrictive immigration policies burdens farmers. I’ll simplify legal hiring to ensure a stable, fairly treated workforce.
Wisconsin’s 6th District deserves a representative who fights for our farm workers and rural communities. Growing up in Wisconsin, I saw my parents work tirelessly to provide for us despite financial struggles. Their grit inspired me to become the first in my family to graduate college, and it drives my commitment to fight for families like yours. Glenn Grothman’s record of backing harmful tariffs, favoring corporate agribusiness, and ignoring farm workers shows he’s out of touch with our rural roots. I’ll be a champion for family farms, fair trade, and agricultural workers, delivering real solutions to keep our district thriving. My policies are rooted in fairness, opportunity, and community. My proposal plan to tackle the root causes of our agricultural challenges: corporate market control, unfair pricing, and consolidation that led to a 7% loss of U.S. farms (141,733) from 2017 to 2022. By securing fair prices, promoting sustainability, opening markets, and protecting workers, we can strengthen our agricultural economy and ensure every rural family has a shot at the American Dream. Together, we can make Wisconsin’s 6th District a place where farming families and rural communities prosper.
Health Care
Every WI-06 family deserves affordable healthcare—I’ll protect the ACA, cap insulin at $35/month, and keep rural hospitals open in Fond du Lac and Dodge County, where 20% of us lack emergency care access. Glenn Grothman’s votes to repeal the ACA have failed us for 12 years; I’ll fight for quality affordable health care for your family and you.
Democracy
- The Clean Congress Act
“The Clean Congress Act” is a transformative reform to restore trust in Congress by eliminating conflicts of interest and corporate influence. This comprehensive initiative bans stock trading by members of Congress, prohibits former members from lobbying, strengthens gift rules, and bans corporate Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to federal candidates. Public support for such reforms is overwhelming, with 86% of Americans favoring a ban on congressional stock trading, highlighting the urgent need for change. These measures address the concerns of WI-06’s working families, who deserve a government that serves their interests, not those of wealthy corporations.
- Introduction
The integrity of our democratic institutions depends on the public’s trust in their representatives. However, recent years have seen numerous instances where members of Congress have engaged in activities that raise ethical concerns, such as profiting from stock trades based on nonpublic information, transitioning to lucrative lobbying careers, and accepting gifts that could influence their decisions. These practices undermine the public’s confidence in Congress and erodes the foundation of our democracy. “The Clean Congress Act” is designed to address these issues head-on by introducing strict measures that eliminate opportunities for self-enrichment and undue influence. This policy paper outlines the rationale behind the act, the specific provisions it includes, and the expected outcomes for restoring ethical standards in Congress.
- Issue Definition
The core issues that “The Clean Congress Act” aims to resolve are: Stock trading by members of Congress, which may involve using nonpublic information for personal gain, creating a perception of insider trading and conflict of interest. Post-congressional lobbying, where the “revolving door” allows former members to influence legislation for private interests, compromising legislative integrity. Gift rules, which may allow undue influence from special interests, as members can accept gifts that could sway their decisions. Corporate Political Action Committees contribute millions to campaigns, often prioritizing corporate agendas over working-class needs.
- Background
Research suggests that some members of Congress have made significant profits from stock trading. For example, in 2024, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) achieved a 70.9% return on her investments, while David Rouzer (R-NC) saw a 149.0% return, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. The current law, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act of 2012, requires disclosure but does not prohibit trading, leading to calls for a ban. For lobbying, current rules prohibit House members from lobbying Congress for one year and Senators for two years after leaving office, but many still become lobbyists, using their connections for private gain. Bills like H.R.351 propose permanent bans, but such measures have not been enacted. Gift rules allow members to accept certain gifts, such as food and travel, but there are concerns about loopholes allowing undue influence, especially from lobbyists, necessitating stronger regulations. Since 2010, corporate PACs have contributed over $2.8 billion to federal candidates, with Grothman receiving over $130,000 from the insurance industry alone by 2018, per OpenSecrets.org. These funds often come with expectations of favorable policies, sidelining WI-06’s working families.
Recommendations
- To implement “The Clean Congress Act,” the following provisions are proposed:
- Ban on Stock Trading: Prohibit members, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading individual securities while that member is serving in Congress.
- Require divestiture within 180 days. Exceptions for investment funds and retirement plans. Penalties for noncompliance including fines up to 10% of net worth or $100,000, whichever is greater, per violation.
- Ban on Post-Congressional Lobbying: Prohibit former members from compensated lobbying for five years after leaving office. Penalties including fines and potential loss of pension benefits.
Strengthened Gift Rules:
Lower the threshold for reportable gifts to $25.
Prohibit gifts from interested sources. Require quarterly public disclosure, with an independent ethics board for enforcement.
Ban on Corporate PAC Contributions: Prohibit federal candidates, including members of Congress, from accepting contributions from corporate Political Action Committees. Require candidates to certify compliance with the ban, with violations leading to fines up to $50,000 per instance and potential disqualification from office. Promote public disclosure of all campaign contributions over $5,000 to enhance transparency. Encourage public funding of elections to reduce reliance on private donations.
Implementation
The act will include divestiture assistance, mandatory ethics training, public reporting systems, and empowered ethics bodies for enforcement to ensure compliance.
- “The Clean Congress Act” is a necessary step towards ethical governance, rebuilding trust in Congress.
Public Education
Our kids deserve better—schools in Waushara face 10-15% teacher vacancy rates, leaving them overcrowded and underserved. I’ll fight for federal funding to raise teacher salaries, modernize classrooms in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, and ensure every WI-06 child gets a quality education.
Fair Immigration
WI-06’s dairy industry in Dodge County relies on immigrant workers—65% of our workforce powering a $45.6 billion industry. I’ll advocate for a fair immigration system with a path to citizenship, ensuring due process and supporting our farmers and families.
Women’s Reproductive Freedoms
I will strongly support a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions privately with her own doctor.
Climate Change
Climate change is undeniable, and any debate to the contrary defies reason and logic. We can no longer allow politicians beholden to the fossil fuel industry to hinder our progression towards renewable energy. Instead of basing our environmental standards on nations that may not prioritize a sustainable future, the United States should lead by example.
Foreign Policy
WI-06 families deserve a foreign policy that keeps us safe and supports our economy. I’ll prioritize fair trade deals to protect our Dodge County farmers and strengthen alliances to promote peace. I’ll focus on what’s best for our district, not endless conflicts.
Honoring Veterans & Military Families For generations, brave men and women have answered the call to defend our democracy against threats, both foreign and domestic. The sacrifices made by our service members are profound. I will advocate for increased medical support for service members, veterans and their dependents.
Our Senior Citizens
For Senior Citizens it’s all about family. Their children and grandchildren are the most important people in their lives. Creating educational and job opportunities right here in WI-06 will be a top priority.
Criminal Justice Reform
Our justice system should protect WI-06 communities while being fair. I’ll support reforms that reduce recidivism, fund mental health resources for law enforcement in Sheboygan, and ensure accountability.
Animal Rights
Supporting legislation that protects animals is a critical step towards ensuring their welfare and preserving biodiversity. The enactment of robust animal protection legislation can prevent practices that harm animals, such as poaching, illegal trafficking, and inhumane farming methods. Moreover, these laws can help maintain ecological balance by protecting endangered species from extinction.