Milwaukee City Wire

This week, Wisconsin State Representative Rob Brooks reflected on the September 11, 2001 attacks and the recent assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. Brooks noted the significance of 9/11, stating that it was "the first terror attack in the United States, killing nearly 3,000 innocent Americans and leading us into wars in the Middle East where we lost thousands more." He urged remembrance for those lost and their families.

Brooks also addressed the death of Charlie Kirk, founder of TPUSA, who was assassinated on September 10, 2025 while speaking at a university in Utah. "My thoughts are prayers are with his family during this time and hopefully the culprit will be found and justice will be swift. It is important to protect our first amendment rights, just like Charlie advocated for, and I hope that conversations about politics will continue peacefully and without violence," Brooks said.

Brooks called for nominations for the 59th Assembly District's 2025 First Responder of the Year award. The award is open to law enforcement officers, firefighters, or EMS providers based on criteria such as heroic action or professional achievement. The deadline for submissions is September 18.

During its floor session on September 11, 2025—the first since passing the state budget—the Wisconsin Assembly approved several bills supported by Brooks.

Assembly Bill 39 requires most state employees to work in person at agency offices starting July 1, 2025. Duties previously performed off-site before March 1, 2020 are exempted. Brooks commented: "Our constituents strongly support accountability from their government and government employees. Working from home is a privilege that many private-sector Wisconsin taxpayers are not able to enjoy... State agencies do not have metrics in place to measure or demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of state employees' remote work preferences." The bill passed and has been sent to the Senate.

Assembly Bill 58 prohibits flying any flag other than the U.S. or Wisconsin state flag on government buildings. Exceptions include certain flags listed in the bill; it does not affect citizens' rights to display flags on private property or tribal lands. Brooks stated: "The flags we display over our government, buildings, and institutions should be those flags that celebrate our unity and common support for these institutions... Flying flags representing specific political movements or social causes often alienates various public members and deepens divisions rather than promotes unity." The bill passed and was sent to the Senate.

Assembly Bill 161 aims to prevent state agencies from restricting energy sources used for vehicles or appliances—such as mandating electric-only options—and preserves consumer choice regarding gas-powered equipment. According to Brooks: "The bill ensures that market-driven innovation, rather than top-down government mandates from unelected agencies, guides technological progress... By keeping decision-making in the hands of individuals and businesses, Assembly Bill 161 future-proofs the state without government overreach..." The bill passed by voice vote.

Assembly Bill 211 allows tobacco bars established after June 4, 2009 to be exempted if they only allow cigar and pipe smoking (not food establishments) and meet certain requirements such as age restrictions and air filtration standards. Brooks said: "This bill supports small business and economic growth... This narrow reform can do an extraordinary amount of good for the people of Wisconsin." The bill passed.

Assembly Bill 308 prohibits using federal, state or local funds for health care services provided to undocumented immigrants. It responds to actions taken in other states regarding health coverage expansion for undocumented individuals; Minnesota expanded eligibility but later rescinded it due to cost overruns exceeding $200 million over four years ([source](https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/05/21/minnesota-house-gop-wants-to-repeal-health-care-for-undocumented-immigrants)), while Illinois spent nearly $900 million between fiscal years 2021-2023 ([source](https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-health-care-undocumented-budget-cuts-20240412-npklqiyxvne2fe7whrnlsfmyjm-story.html)). Brooks stated: "While Wisconsin currently does not allow undocumented individuals to enroll in BadgerCare... this bill’s intent is to prevent any expansion of eligibility... We must also ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent on our citizens, not illegal immigrants." The bill passed.

Upcoming community events include a Fire Department Custom Auto Show at Grady Park on September 14 (rain date September 21), an event sponsored by Saukville Chamber of Commerce on October 18 at Grady Park beginning at 9 a.m., and another event scheduled for October 25 from 4 p.m.–7 p.m.

Brooks encouraged residents interested in legislative activities to sign up for updates through official channels.

Brooks was elected as a Republican representative for Wisconsin's State House District 59 in 2025 ([source](https://ballotpedia.org/Rob_Brooks)).