Rep. Bob Donovan

The vehicle emissions testing in seven Wisconsin counties taxes Wisconsinites, despite vehicle improvements rendering the program obsolete. My colleagues and I in the State Legislature sent a letter to Congress urging action. Read our full letter:

On Wednesday the Assembly took up Special Session Bill 1 which would have eliminated tax on tips and overtime, given surplus payments to citizens of Wisconsin, property tax relief, and increased special education funding. This was all due to months of bipartisan negations and compromise by the legislative leadership and Governor Evers. Although the bill received substantial bipartisan support and was passed in the assembly, sadly, the bill failed to pass in the Senate.

Today was the 36th Annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony to honor fallen officers from across the state. This year's ceremony formally added the name of Milwaukee Police Department officer Kendall Corder, who died in the line of duty in June 2025, to the memorial. His addition brings the total number of names engraved on the memorial to 295. I'm grateful for law enforcement and everything they do for our community.

Earlier this week I had the honor of joining Congressmen Steil, Grothman, and Tiffany, as well as other lawmakers at Reis Auto in Hales Corners for their press conference to introduce legislation to end emissions testing. I'm happy that congress has been working on this issue since I and my legislative colleagues sent them a letter last December requesting them to take action on this issue. Read more about their announcement here: wisn.com/article/wiscon…

Dan Bice was a one of a kind reporter. I’m not sure his career and body of work can ever be matched. A tough reporter who was willing to go anywhere for the story. I’m praying for his family, friends, and colleagues who loved him. There will never be another like him.

Rep. Francesca Hong has it All Wrong Recently, my colleague and gubernatorial candidate, Representative Francesca Hong, introduced legislation, legalizing prostitution and providing a framework for a prostitute’s “bill of rights.” After reading the bill, I can’t help but recall a good piece of advice. “It’s better to keep your mouth closed and appear stupid than to open up and remove all doubt.” As a Milwaukee Alderman for 20 years, I dealt extensively with the ravages of prostitution on our neighborhoods. When decent people drive through a neighborhood and see prostitutes, they don’t want to shop there; they don’t want to open a business there; they don’t want to buy a home there; they don’t even want to be there. They keep on driving. I’ve received calls from irate citizens walking to church on Sunday approached by prostitutes. I once received a call from a disgusted father dropping off his eight year-old daughter at school only to have a prostitute stick her head in the front car window soliciting him with his daughter is in the backseat. I received calls from mothers who can’t let their kids out to play in the front yard because prostitutes and their John’s are engaging in sexual activity in parked cars. They can’t let their kids out in the backyard because of the used condoms and discarded needles. I could go on and on about prostitution and how it destroys the fabric of any neighborhood. It robs a decent citizen of their quality of life. Milwaukee has more than its fair share of organizations that are supposed to be addressing this problem. Yet, in many cases, they seem to enable it. They provide food, water, and the occasional shower, but then it’s back to business as usual. The victims are the decent, hard-working, law-abiding citizens who have to put up with this garbage. How about we try strict law-enforcement for a change; that certainly would be refreshing. As for Rep. Hong and her run for governor, heaven help us and deliver us from the growing number of politicians who fail up.

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Even in the midst of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day people still stop me about emission testing! There is nothing green about keeping an outdated program around that has outlived its usefulness.

Nothing beats a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Always a joy to see you all!

Healthcare is an area of our economy that is always hiring new personnel. To meet the demands UW-Milwaukee is expanding their Health Sciences department. Glad to have played a role in making that a reality.

The first year of a child's life is critical for both mom and baby. Extending healthcare coverage for new moms allows for adequate transition time to make sure both are ready for the next step in their lives. Listen to my full Milwaukee Minute:

A big thank you to Greenfield Police Department for their professionalism and hospitality for letting me join for a ride along. Some additional praise is needed for Officer Moglia who took the time to show me the good work they do for Greenfield residents.

As a fellow Irishmen, I was glad to join the Irish delegation in Milwaukee for a proper welcome. Great tour from Harley and appreciate their hospitality!

Believe it or not, when you punish people quickly and adequately their behavior changes. Fines are being paid and previously unregistered cars and getting registered. Tough on crime tactics work.

I've made it a priority throughout my career to punish criminals for terrorizing our streets. However, we often forget that we need to ensure the resources are avilabile to catch and prosecute these criminals. Listen to my full Milwaukee Minute:

It was a honor to announce the Irishman of the Year, the Irish Rose, and the Parade Marshall at the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin's award night. Congratulations to Daniel, Megan, and Mary!

Todd Kasulke is the proud owner of a great metal fabrication company, SteelSmyth, in Greendale. Todd showed me one of their projects, where they develop parts that eventually become park benches. Great to see them carrying on Wisconsin's strong manufacturing tradition.

Highlighting another great business of the 61st Assembly District. Stopped by Broad Street Coffee Company for a cup of coffee. You can judge a good coffee shop by how their regular, black coffee tastes and this one certainly passes. Check them out!

Panther Pub—a Greendale staple that most of you are probably aware of. Great spot for a classic cheeseburger (not pictured because it was devoured instantly).

Dick Zielinski is a constituent I deeply respect. In a world of overzealous online banter, Dick always reaches out with opinions rooted in fairness—even if we don’t agree. He is a great example of a model citizen, and I’m happy to give him the Distinguished Constituent Award!

DOT Update