May 2, 2025

By Lane Kimble

MADISON, Wis. — You don’t simply walk into the state Capitol to talk with lawmakers without some planning and preparation.

Thankfully, Zach Dittberner had plenty of both as he rode an elevator to the third floor Wednesday morning.

“Coming from a guy in a small town, I don’t like to dress up, I don’t necessarily love to be here,” Dittberner said, admitting to being a little anxious. “But there was great preparation from Elise (Nelson) and Steve (Baas) and also Kevin (Traas) prior to coming here.  It gets you less nervous, it gets you out there, and makes it more enjoyable.”

What did Zach and about two dozen WTBA members have to be nervous about?

How about advocating for a critical statewide industry, knowing there are billions of dollars, tens of thousands of jobs, and a looming funding shortfall all at stake in this and upcoming budget cycles?

Yeah, there might be some pressure there.

But WTBA staff meticulously planned for the association’s “Day at the Capitol,” putting WTBA of Tomorrow council members through a full day of education and insights into the 2025-27 budget process a few weeks ago, followed by a morning refresher and prep session Wednesday.  Members then divided into teams for seven separate in-office visits.

State Rep. Alex Dallman (R-Green Lake), who sits on the state’s budget-writing committee, appreciated that dedication.

“The members that met with me today are obviously very passionate,” Dallman said.  “They know they’re providing a great service here for the state and for our local community members.  They have a wonderful team (in WTBA staff) and they definitely keep us educated on what we’re trying to do.”

WTBA members also visited senators Patrick Testin, Eric Wimberger, and Julian Bradley and representatives Shannon Zimmerman, Jessie Rodriguez, and Karen Hurd in addition to stopping by their hometown lawmakers’ offices.

Rep. Dallman says investing in roads and infrastructure is something lawmakers absolutely must continue to do and meetings like these go a long way toward reinforcing that.

The day also reinforced a notion in Zach Dittberner: this was a pretty cool experience.

“How often does anybody get to go in a back room where there’s an office?” Dittberner pondered.  “I mean, you see the Capitol, you see how beautiful it is, but you don’t get to go sit in an office and have people actually hear you out, so that is very rewarding.”