Corrine Hendrickson kicked off her campaign for the 17th state Senate seat in Mineral Point Sunday.
The New Glarus Democrat formerly owned a childcare business and advocated for policy changes in childcare, early education and special education.
Funding for public schools is the number one topic people bring up as she campaigns around the district, she said.
The state needs to pay its fair share to fund public schools, said Hendrickson, who added that who said if elected she would be the only person in the state Senate with a degree in education.
Access to affordable childcare is another pressing issue, she said.
“Grandparents are helping pay for childcare or taking care of their grandchildren, when they would rather just be grandparents,” Hendrickson said.
Employees leave the workforce if they cannot find safe, accessible and affordable childcare, she said.
Funding for state parks is needed because access to public lands is imperative for healthy communities, as is funding for volunteer fire and EMS departments, she said.
Voters will choose among three Democratic candidates in an Aug. 11 primary. Besides Hendrickson, Democratic candidates for the 17th state Senate seat are Rep. Jenna Jacobson (D-Oregon) and Lisa White of Potosi.
The primary winner will face incumbent Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) in the Nov. 3 general election.