Charly Ray

Criminal Justice / Public Safety We need policies to lift up our volunteer rural emergency services. The state should help counties fund rural emergency services. Housing We cannot expect young people to stay if there is nowhere affordable to live. I will support policies that expand entry level and workforce housing in rural communities, making it possible for workers to put down roots in the north. Education Reform the antiquated school funding formula that creates huge financial burdens for rural school districts. Under the current system we are unable to borrow enough to fix our aging rural schools - it is a system that will eliminate some schools by slow neglect. It’s not fair and not smart to let our rural schools fail. Education Provide greater funding to cover the cost of special education, raising the reimbursement rate to 90 percent from the current 29 percent. Education Apprenticeship programs connect young people to good-paying careers without the burden of a four-year degree. I will support expanding registered apprenticeships across the district in partnership with local employers and unions. Healthcare We need better reimbursement for mental health and dental services. Mental and dental health services should not be the province of the wealthy. Wisconsin is losing providers to adjoining states with higher reimbursement rates. Infrastructure / Transportation State guidelines should set minimum zoning standards to protect natural resources and communities, but local communities should be allowed to reasonably regulate beyond these minimums. Environment / Energy Our lakes and rivers are among our greatest assets. I will support strong water quality protections and oppose industrial projects that threaten the health of our watersheds and the communities that depend on them. Environment / Energy Public lands belong to all of us. I will oppose efforts to sell, privatize, or transfer public lands to corporate interests, and will protect the access that hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts depend on. Infrastructure / Transportation Repeal limits on conditional use permits. Counties should be able to issue conditional use permits within reason by repealing S59.69(5e) that ties conditions to a “substantial evidence” standard forcing counties to choose between denying permits or largely unchecked developments. Economy Small businesses are the backbone of the northland economy. I will advocate for state programs that help small business owners hire locally, train workers, and grow without being undercut by larger competitors who face fewer barriers. Healthcare In 2025, 1.3 million Wisconsin residents relied on Medicaid. Numerous Wisconsin medical clinics and hospitals would close without Medicaid funds; I oppose any cuts to Medicaid and will work to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin. Education Wisconsin's technical colleges are one of our greatest assets for workforce development. I will fight for increased state funding for technical college programs that align with the needs of northern Wisconsin's economy, including the trades, healthcare, forestry, and agriculture. Education Support local schools by replacing funding lost to local school districts through vouchers. Environment / Energy The DNR has been chronically underfunded for years, leaving our forests, waterways, and fish and wildlife programs stretched thin. I will fight for a fully funded DNR that has the staff and resources to do its job. Education Eliminate unfunded mandates that drive up costs for our school districts. Environment / Energy Short-sighted harvesting practices strip the land of long-term value for landowners and communities alike. I will champion sustainable forestry policies that give landowners real alternatives and keep our forests productive for generations. Infrastructure / Transportation Protect our property rights, water and natural resources. Local governments should be able to regulate water usage, the operation of industrial farms, data centers and other developments that fundamentally change our neighborhoods. Housing Housing. A lack of affordable housing affects our northern communities. Local zoning can help bring costs down with state support for common-sense regulations for short-term rentals, multi-family housing and alternatives for rural septic systems like grey water and compost. Healthcare Rural health clinics, elder care support programs and nursing homes are the front line keeping us healthy in our communities. I will support these programs.