Priorities

A long-time Wisconsin resident, this proud mother of two is ready to roll-up her sleeves to guide community members to achieve common goals, as well as lead the way to the first Democratic majority in the Wisconsin Legislature in 50 years. 

Christy Welch talking with school children and a teacher

Public Education

Investing in our children’s education is not only a moral imperative, but also the most strategic investment we can make for our state’s future. Making sure our kids have every resource they need to learn and grow lays the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone.

It’s unconscionable that Republicans won’t give a dime from Wisconsin’s record $7 billion budget surplus for our kids’ schools, when some districts are considering painful measures like school closures. I pledge to make fully funding education a top priority, for the sake of our children, our communities and our state. 

Fully Fund Child Care

Providing affordable, accessible childcare for working families is not just a policy issue; it’s our ethical obligation. It allows parents to participate fully in the workforce, which not only fortifies their ability to provide, but strengthens the economic vitality of our state.  Children who lack this quality early childhood support miss out on critical developmental opportunities, putting them at a disadvantage before they even start school.

As your representative, I pledge to champion policies that make childcare affordable and accessible for all working families. Let’s make Wisconsin a place where every child has the chance to succeed, and every parent has the support they need to provide for their family.

Young girl looking through the viewfinder of a colorful toy camera

Christy Welch standing with a group of people

Healthcare

Expanding Medicaid is a crucial step ensuring our friends and neighbors don’t live in fear a health emergency will drive them to financial ruin. It’s a way to drastically lower healthcare costs and provide life-saving services to those who need it most. 

Without it, preventable illnesses go untreated, our healthcare system becomes overburdened, and emergency rooms are used as a last resort, driving up costs for everyone. It is estimated the cost of private premiums purchased on the marketplace will go down by 19% with Medicaid expansion. If we do not expand Medicaid, over the next two years Wisconsin will spend $2 billion on paying for Medicaid expansion in other states. 

The human toll is immeasurable, and the financial strain on our state’s resources is unsustainable. I am committed to fighting for this as a heartfelt commitment to the people of Wisconsin. Together, let’s build a state where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. 

Protect the Environment

With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Management from the University of Georgia, obtained in 1998, I’ve always been dedicated to protecting our environment. This along with my private sector business experience positions me to advocate for policies that protect our natural resources, promote clean energy, and ensure environmental justice, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Clean water is a fundamental human right, the lifeblood of our families, our farmers, and our local economies. When we protect our water sources, we safeguard the future for our children and grandchildren.

Ignoring the urgent need for environmentally sustainable growth and clean water access will have a devastating impact, including health problems, particularly for our children and the elderly. As well as an erosion of the quality of life that makes our state such an amazing place to live.

From the breathtaking shores of Lake Michigan to the serene forests and wetlands, our natural resources define who we are. By prioritizing clean water and sustainable growth, we honor this heritage and commit to a future where economic prosperity does not come at the expense of our environment. 

Christy Welch standing outdoors near a bridge

Protestors in front of a government building, one holding a sign that reads Keep Legal Abortion

Reproductive Rights

When a 50-year Republican crusade capped off with the gutting of Roe v. Wade, women across the country woke up to realize reproductive rights their mothers (and even grandmothers) enjoyed had been stolen from them. In Wisconsin that meant a draconian 175-year old law banning abortion was back on the books.

It was a freedom theft of epic proportions that you and I together can help to reverse. We can’t live in a state where the government dictates what a woman can and can’t do with her own body. This isn’t some dystopian horror story – it’s real. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

But not here. Not now. Not for us. With your vote and support, we can turn the tide on oppression, and make Wisconsin a beacon of reproductive freedom.

Defending LGBTQ+ Rights

Everyone deserves the right to live freely and authentically, without fear of discrimination or harm. Unfortunately, attacks on LGBTQ+ rights have escalated, with politicians pushing harmful policies that threaten the dignity and safety of our friends, family members, and neighbors. As your representative, I will stand firm in defending the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that our laws reflect equality and inclusion. Together, we can build a Wisconsin that celebrates diversity and protects the freedoms of every resident, regardless of who they love or how they identify.