The Importance and Impact of Wisconsin Politics: An Interview with Senator La Tonya Johnson
Senator LaTonya Johnson - Wisconsin 6th District
Senator LaTonya Johnson is a fierce advocate for the constituents of Wisconsin’s 6th District. After previously serving Wisconsin's 17th Assembly District since 2012, she was elected to Wisconsin’s 6th District in 2016. The 6th district includes residential, urban, and downtown Milwaukee, as well as the southeast part of Wauwatosa.
Senator Jshnson serves on the following committees during the 2023 - 2024 Legislative Session:
Joint Committee on Finance (Ranking Member)
Joint Legislative Council
Senate Committee on Education
Senate Committee on Health (Ranking Member)
Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children & Families (Ranking Member)
Senator Johnson is a strong advocate for workers and working families, and served as an Executive Board member for AFSCME District Council 48, President of AFSCME Local 502, and Chair of AFSCME's Women Committee. She has also acted as a Financial Employment Planner for Wisconsin Shares and was a member of the Special Committee on Public Assistance Program Integrity. Senator Johnson is also a proud graduate of the Emerge-Wisconsin Class of 2012.
Panelist:
Senator La Tonya Johnson, Wisconsin’s 6th District
Moderator:
Margaret Nedow, Vice President, First Generation Professionals of Milwaukee
Recorded Friday, February 9, 2024
In Part 1 of Importance and Impact, Senator Johnson:
Unpacks her background as a Milwaukee childcare provider and how the inequities of the state childcare support system inspired her to run for public office
Highlights important career advice gleaned from the Emerge Wisconsin program and how this incredible group of women show up for their Wisconsin’s constituents
Discusses how her unique background brings a different perspective to Wisconsin politics
Provides real-life examples of how Wisconsin politics affects our every day lives, from access to housing to gun violence to mental health resources for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable populations
Shares how first generation professionals can participate in the political process, through ways other than voting
In Part 2 of Importance and Impact, Senator Johnson:
Shares the significance of her work on the Joint Finance Committee and how the state budget affects us . She shares an incredibly impactful anecdote regarding a very special $1.6 million and how one woman’s persistence can affect generational change.
Discusses the importance of mentorship on her academic and political career, especially as a first generation professional
Explains what being a first generation professional means to her and how she leans into her first gen status to engage her community in an authentic, down-to-earth way
Describes what she loves most about Milwaukee, including the positives of our educational system
Tell us not to be afraid of failure - do not be afraid to chase your dreams and leave ego behind
Senator La Tonya Johnson’s unwavering commitment to Wisconsin and the 53206 community is inspiring, uplifting, and energizing. FGPM is honored and grateful for the opportunity to share Senator Johnson’s insight and perspective and cannot thank her enough for her time and candor. You can find Senator Johnson on the Wisconsin Senate website here.
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