Originally from a small town in Iowa, my family moved to Wisconsin in the mid-80’s.  I later attended the University of Wisconsin – with the assistance of generous state, federal, and institutional financial aid - and thus became the first in my family to attend college.  Unfortunately, this was the mid-90’s, and Newt Gingrich had just become Speaker of the House.  Republicans in D.C. were proposing to slash many financial aid programs, including the ones that were allowing me to attend college.  At the same time, the Republican-led legislature was working with the Republican governor on proposals to increase tuition by as much as 30%.

 

These efforts to increase tuition and cut financial aid were decisions that had the potential to affect my life.  I decided to do what I had not done before: get involved.  This was not the most natural conclusion for an apolitical, youthful cynic, but get involved I did.  I found other interested students, created an organization that would provide the resources for our work, and then set out to change the world -- or at least save some worthwhile programs.  We met with our legislators in Madison.  We held a rally outside the state capitol.  We got petitions signed.  We worked with other students around the state.  We also drove out to D.C. and met with our legislators there.  Ultimately, we were successful.  Most of the federal financial aid programs were saved, and the tuition increase was limited to low single digits.  Amazed, I started thinking, “this stuff works.”

 

I continued my political involvement after college, only this time as a full-time paid professional.  For a number of years, I worked in the nonprofit world on nonpartisan issue campaigns.  I felt there was an important need to work on problems affecting education, health care, and the environment, and did so by focusing on facts instead of party affiliation. 

 

Then came the 2004 election.  Although I didn’t participate in the election outside of a few days of volunteering, I was very disappointed in the outcome.  And frustrated.  And angry.  I also started thinking about better ways to do politics. 

 

Through the Progressive Voter Network, I look forward to giving more people the opportunity to influence important public policy decisions and move the country in a more progressive direction.