Rocket the Therapy Dog: Spreading Joy Across Wisconsin Families

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Candidates Address Family & Farmer Wellness

Update The Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race: Where Candidates Connect with Families Winning candidates for governor are pounding the snowy pavement through what many would call tumultuous times. As farmers bolster their spirits amid a rising tide of tragedies, like increasing suicide rates, we take a moment to explore the heart of the political conversation here in Wisconsin.In 'Here & Now full episode for December 12, 2025', the discussion dives into the gubernatorial race and critical issues, prompting us to further explore its implications for Wisconsin families. Meet Sarah Rodriguez: A Candidate Rooted in Care (Note: This is a shift to a one-on-one feel between Rodriguez and voters!) First up is the current Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez. With a background in healthcare, she’s more than comfortable navigating the complex world of political campaigning and health crises. "If you ask Wisconsin families about their troubles, they’ll tell you they feel squeezed," Rodriguez said as she campaigns throughout the 72 counties. And who could disagree when it feels like inflation is holding us all in a chokehold tighter than grandma’s hug? (And believe me, that's quite a squeeze!) David Crowley: Bringing Solutions for Affordability Next on our journey through this political snowstorm is Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. He’s emerging as a champion for affordability in Wisconsin. You might say he's got the 'affordability crisis' alarm ringing louder than a school bell on a Friday afternoon (and we all know how exciting that is!). Crowley emphasizes that many families are feeling the heat, even when their income is rising. In Wisconsin, where seemingly everything has spikes in cost from housing to cows (or is it just the milk price?), he's on a mission to ensure that every working family can afford to live without needing a second job just to keep their heads above water. Kelda Roys: Fighting for Freedom and Wages Introducing a third vigor-filled candidate, State Senator Kelda Roys. She’s out to raise wages, reduce costs, and promote freedom. Sounds like a 90s pop song, doesn’t it? Wait, don’t we all want that? With all the new wrinkles in the economy, Roys has a knack for making Wisconsin a place where good life feels more like a reality than a dream waiting to be fulfilled on a distant cloud. Addressing a Serious Crisis: Farmers and Mental Health While we toil through these political narratives, there’s a significant concern that Wisconsin simply can't ignore: the mental health of farmers. Recent farmer statistics reveal a troubling trend with suicides reaching alarming heights. Just think—this was once a community that rooted itself in family. Now, it’s dealing with more stress than a parent at a toddler soccer match. Efforts are budding throughout the state, such as the Farmer Wellness Program. It connects local farmers to therapists who can help talk through the turmoil, emphasizes Karen Endres of the Wisconsin Farm Center. “The more we talk about it, the less alone these families feel,” she points out. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about community, love, and one good neighbor helping another. The Importance of Community Support Imagine a town where every farmer feels comfortable reaching out for help—sounds ideal, right? This is the desired goal of organizations like the Farmer Angel Network. They’re working to establish a support system, regularly hosting picnics and community gatherings—your classic bake sale but with a much deeper purpose. No more hiding behind pride; it’s time for folks to cherish their mental health like they do their favorite pair of old overalls! Bringing It All Together: A Call to Action As the political campaigns unfold here in Wisconsin, let’s remember that it’s not just about elections. It's about our families, our farmers, and our communities' resilience. While candidates vie for our votes pledging to raise wages and reduce living costs, we must also support one another in our daily lives. Let’s ensure that mental health remains a priority and help farmers find the sturdy ground they need. So, if you're interested in community initiatives and keeping up with local family events, consider visiting our events calendar featuring upcoming fundraising picnics, local farmer’s markets, and health wellness events. Remember, a handshake of friendship can be a better promise than a vote! It takes a village, and together we can nurture our Wisconsin families.