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Meet Melissa

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State Senator Melissa Agard, a Dane County native, proudly hails from East High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A lifelong resident, Senator Agard is a single mom to four sons, residing on Madison's Northside. 

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Before diving into politics, she owned a small business and worked in the private sector. Her care for the community and a vision for a better Wisconsin led her to public service and community activism.

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Senator Agard began her journey in the State Assembly in November 2012 and is now in her fifth term in the Wisconsin State Legislature, elected to the State Senate in November 2020. She represents the 16th Senate District, covering a good chunk of the north, east, and south sides of Dane County.

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Throughout her career, Senator Agard has been a staunch advocate for progressive legislation, from pushing for cannabis legalization to successfully addressing the sexual assault kit backlog. She's championed bills to boost wages, provide healthcare access for all Wisconsinites, and promote community equity. Moreover, she's worked across party lines to enact pragmatic legislation, like expanding mental health benefits, ensuring sexual assault victims receive justice, and improving street safety.

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In recognition of her leadership and dedication, her colleagues unanimously elected her as Senate Democratic Leader in November 2022.



Awards and Recognitions

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WEAC Friend of Education Award

Arc-Dane County - Elected Official of the Year

National Foundation of Women Legislators - Woman of Distinction

Citizen Action of Wisconsin - Achievement Award

Women in Government - State Director

Women in Legislative Leadership - State Director

Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin - Building Wisconsin Award

Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Conservation Champion

Will Pacesetter Award

Toll Fellowship - 2015

 

Public Service

Gompers Elementary School - PTO President

Make Room For Youth (MRFY) - Founding Member

Emerge Wisconsin - Board of Directors

Boy Scouts of America Glacier’s Edge Council - Board of Directors

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