Candidate Profile: Ken Skowronski For State Assembly District 82

Ken Skowronski, a City of Franklin resident is running for State Assembly District 82.

Age: 82
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family:Two children, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren
Occupation:Please refer to my bio
Previous elected experience:Please refer to my bio.
Family members in government:No
Campaign website: https://www.voteforskowronski.com/

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
COVID-19. The effects of the response to the coronavirus will be felt for a long time. Families and businesses need to be able to get back to normal. I will work to make sure schools have the resources necessary to safeguard the health of students and staff so they can remain open for in-person learning. We can continue to help make access to affordable healthcare easier and make it easier for businesses to keep operating, protecting the health of their employees and serving their customers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have extensive private and public sector experience. I’ve been a small business owner for many years, city alderman and now a state representative. I’ve had the privilege of holding several leadership positions on city committees, charitable organizations and community groups. My involvement has been extremely rewarding on a personal level, but has also helped me address issues affecting residents of the 82nd district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In my time in the Assembly, I’ve authored numerous bipartisan bills, such as 2019 AB1, which protected coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions regardless of changes to the Federal Affordable Care Act. 2019 AB250-Act 17 restructures licensing for sign language interpreters. This is the first step in getting Wisconsin on the same level as other states in our support of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind and interpreter communities. 2019 SB 514-Act 148, Practicing as a physician assistant or nurse while performing official duties for the armed services or federal health services. This will allow Wisconsin to continue to train members of the military in our greatest trauma 1 hospitals.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
Since the extended stay at home order was repealed businesses have been able to open and begin to recover. But, the effects of the government’s response have been devastating. State government can look at regulations that may be hindering recovery and make changes to, or even eliminate, some of them.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
Everyone is equal under the law. I believe that whenever injustices occur it not only harms that person, but it harms our democracy and our system of law and order. Equality is guaranteed by our Constitution and I’ve worked hard to uphold that guarantee and will continue to do so.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:
I remain focused on helping our seniors, military veterans, families and businesses. Serving as the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee has truly been an honor. I authored the Silver Alert bill, which launched the Wisconsin Silver Alert system. I will keep working to keep our families and communities safe by voting for tougher penalties for violent, repeat criminals to keep them off the street. I will continue to support initiatives that keep our kids safe in schools and I’m proud that I’ve voted for budgets that have provided record funding for K-12 schools.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I believe in personal contact (phone or in-person) and direct communication. Even if you disagree with me, I welcome the chance to speak with you so you know exactly why I’m voting a certain way and find common ground.

I believe in the Constitution of the United States and have unwavering respect for the United States flag, our military, veterans, first responders, and representative government.