Priorities
Finding Common Ground
“I’ve been a coach all my life, but in Madison I’ll use my rookie status to ask a lot of questions.”
Joe Sheehan
Why I’m running for Assembly
When I’m knocking on doors to campaign, people ask me, “Joe, you’re retired. Why are you running for office?” I’ve actually retired twice, but I won’t pass up a challenge when I can help the people of Sheboygan. That’s my commitment, to help regular people in Wisconsin—and we will make it happen in Madison, just as we helped make it happen for the Sheboygan schools and at the Sheboygan County Economic Development agency. I’m not done yet!
For good things to happen, I’ve learned over the years that the right people have to be at the table for input and decisions—the right experts and the people who are affected by these decisions. That’s not the way the state legislature has been doing things for the past 14 years, and it’s time for a change.
Positive change—whether on the environment, schools, or healthcare for more Wisconsinites—happens when “We are in this together.” That’s something I’ve learned in my 38-year career in education, economic development, and community involvement, but it’s not something you hear today from our Republican legislators. Together, we will make this change happen, and I would appreciate your vote on November 5—or sooner if you vote by mail.
Standing Up for Women’s Reproductive Healthcare
In the legislature, I will fight to make sure that women can make their own reproductive healthcare decisions, free from government interference and restrictions. Now, more than ever, we must work together to ensure that women have the same reproductive freedom that they have had for nearly fifty years. We’re not going back! Joe is honored to have the support of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, and he strongly supports their fight for women’s reproductive healthcare.
Standing Up for Clean Air and Clean Water
Wisconsin’s wonderful natural resources—clean air, clean water—need ongoing support and protection. For more than a decade, our legislature has failed to protect our water supplies from chemicals like PFAS contamination, failed to act on clean energy, and failed to fund important conservation projects. The entire 26th Assembly District borders Lake Michigan. One of my top priorities is protecting this incredible body of water and all our natural resources.
Standing Up for Accessible and Affordable Healthcare
For over ten years, the Republican legislature has repeatedly refused to accept federal Medicaid expansion dollars that would have saved Wisconsinites millions of dollars. This is unacceptable! We deserve affordable, quality healthcare in every part of our great state. The quality of healthcare in Wisconsin is good—but only if you can afford it. Let’s accept Medicaid expansion dollars and keep Wisconsin taxpayers’ money in Wisconsin!
Standing Up for Good Roads and Safe Bridges
Wisconsin’s roads must be maintained—from interstate six-lane highways to the county trunk roads and city streets that are essential for our state economy. General Transportation Aid (GTA) from state revenues are a lifeline for local governments to keep roads, highways and bridges in good condition. I support fully funding GTA in every state budget. No more potholes!
Standing Up for Public Education
Our wonderful public K-12 schools receive less money from the Republican legislature than they did a decade ago. Wisconsin’s spending for our students used to rank 11th in the nation. In 2024, we are ranked 23rd. Our kids deserve better, and they should go to schools that have the resources they need to succeed. Local taxpayers are also spending millions of dollars on private school vouchers. Those vouchers now provide higher levels of spending per student than public schools. We cannot afford two school systems. As former superintendent of the Sheboygan Area School District, I will fight for adequate public school funding for our students.
Standing Up for Public Safety
I am firmly committed to ensuring our community is safe and that criminals are held accountable. The men and women who choose a career to keep our communities safe make a sacrifice that is beyond appreciated. As a member of the Assembly, I will push for legislation to improve funding for all law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders who keep our community safe.
