Jodi Emerson
State representative
Democrat
Eau Claire
Elected Experience
Wisconsin State Assembly (2019-present)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
I am proud to be born and raised in the Chippewa Valley. My husband and I were proud to raise our children here. I understand the challenges we face as a community and I go to work everyday trying to make life better for those in the Chippewa Valley. In the Assembly, I am fighting to make housing and child care more affordable, getting tax relief to small businesses, and taking on health care companies to cover important medical care and protecting families’ ability to access IVF treatment. I am working to make Wisconsin a state where everyone can live, work, and raise a family.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
One thing I consistently hear about in my district is the rising cost of living across. Whether it is the cost of groceries, healthcare, gas, housing, or utilities, folks are struggling to make ends meet. One way to address these challenges would be to pass our lowering costs, improving lives bill package — aimed at lowering the cost of groceries for families through providing free healthy school meals, lower prescription drug costs, and lower housing costs through expanding the homestead tax credit to help seniors and renters.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
For many years, the legislature has operated under a gerrymandered majority. This really impacted what bills were heard in committee and brought to the floor. Regardless of what party had the idea, the legislature should work more collaboratively to pass bills that will move Wisconsin forward.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
Wisconsin has been the No. 1 cranberry-producing state for over two decades, yielding millions of barrels annually and producing over 60% of the nation's crop and over 50% of the global supply. More than 250 family farms and growers manage roughly 21,000 acres of cranberry marshes across 20 counties in central and northern Wisconsin.