Senator Baldwin Visits Hayward and Rice Lake to Discuss Support for Native Communities and Small Businesses

WISCONSIN – Today, U.S. Senator Baldwin (D-WI) visited Hayward to highlight her efforts to deliver federal funding to the Waadookodaading Language School and the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Ojibwe College. Senator Baldwin also was in Rice Lake to visit Aqua Gardens, a local business that produces fresh greens and fish filets, to discuss ways to help support their business and grow the local economy.

“I work hard to ensure that our Tribal communities have their voice heard in Washington and get the resources they need for members to land good paying jobs, to grow their local economies, and keep their culture alive for generations to come,” said Senator Baldwin. “It was wonderful to be in Hayward with members of the Ojibwe Tribe to talk about the federal funding I brought home that is helping them meet their unique needs and reaffirm my commitment to building a stronger government-to-government relationship.”

At the Waadookodaading Language School, Senator Baldwin met with leaders and teachers to discuss the $5 million the Senator secured in the 2023 federal funding bill to establish an Ojibwe language revitalization center in Hayward. The center will house full-time pre-k to grade 12 Ojibwe immersion education, including classrooms, library and resource center, gymnasium, outdoor learning spaces, and all associated language programming initiatives.

Then, Senator Baldwin visited LCO College to highlight the $10 million she brought home in the Fiscal Year 2022 and Fiscal Year 2023 federal budgets for the development of student housing as part of the College’s expansion plan. Senator Baldwin toured the project site and heard about future plans from college leadership.  

Senator Baldwin finished the day with a tour of Aqua Gardens, a Wisconsin business that provides access to fresh walleye and culinary herbs grown in an ecologically-responsible way. Senator Baldwin spoke with staff about potential federal support to expand their business, reach new markets, and grow the local economy.

“Our small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and I am working hard every day to ensure they have the tools they need to reach new customers, grow their businesses, and keep our communities strong,” said Senator Baldwin. “It was great to visit Aqua Garden to see their innovative work to provide high-quality fish and fresh herbs, while also creating a more sustainable future.”

###