Hometown
Jefferson, WI
Undergraduate education
Bachelor’s degree in public administration and psychology, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Employer
Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau
Job title
Fiscal analyst
Start date
July 2024
Primary job responsibilities
As a fiscal analyst at the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, I have the unique opportunity to work closely with legislators on some of the state’s most pressing issues. My work focuses on general government, which means I dive into areas as varied as the Department of Administration’s many programs, the legislature’s operations, the governor’s office, and the work of agencies like the Ethics Commission and the State Treasurer. Every day brings something new, whether it’s analyzing a budget request or providing insights on policies that impact Wisconsin’s government. It’s a dynamic role where I get to make numbers tell a story and help shape decisions at the heart of the state!
Describe a project that best illustrates your job
A project that best illustrates my job at the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is preparing a time-sensitive memo or report for legislators. For example, the Joint Committee on Finance often deliberates on requests from state agencies seeking additional resources beyond their budgeted amounts. My role involves researching the details of the request, analyzing its financial and policy implications, and providing a clear, non-partisan analysis to help legislators make informed decisions. It’s a fast-paced process that requires accuracy, objectivity, and the ability to comprehend complex information into actionable insights, all while meeting tight deadlines.
How do you use what you learned at La Follette on the job?
At La Follette, I learned that public policy is incredibly nuanced, and that understanding its complexities requires a combination of technical skills and strategic thinking. Classes like Public Budgeting, State and Local Finances, and Program Evaluation equipped me with the tools to analyze policies, assess their financial impact, and measure their effectiveness. These skills are essential in my job, where I navigate the layers of government budgets and provide insights to legislators on policy decisions. The program taught me how to approach problems critically and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of public service.
Which experiences and skills in particular helped you get your job?
My experiences as a budget intern with the Waukesha County Budget Division and my first job at the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) were instrumental in landing my current role. At Waukesha County, I gained valuable hands-on experience working on local government budgets, analyzing departmental funding requests, and preparing budget reports. These skills gave me a strong foundation in public finance. At JLBC, I deepened my expertise by working on state-level fiscal analysis, learning to assess the financial impact of policies, and collaborating with legislators to shape budget decisions. Both roles sharpened my analytical skills, taught me the importance of clear communication, and prepared me to navigate the complexities of government finance.
Why the La Follette School?
What drew me to the La Follette School was the combination of its exceptional course offerings and its location near my family, who live just 30 minutes away. The program’s focus on developing strong quantitative and analytical skills aligned perfectly with my career goals. Being in a vibrant capital city with access to state government and policy opportunities was an added bonus. Plus, the school’s small class sizes and accessible faculty created an environment where I knew I could thrive both academically and professionally.
What impact did your client-based projects have on your career?
My capstone project at La Follette was a deep dive into expanding green space in the City of La Crosse…a place I called home for six years. The project addressed urban heat islands and their disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Working with a team, I analyzed data on tree canopy coverage, impervious surfaces, and temperature disparities across the city. We explored policy options like urban forests, pocket parks, and green roofs, ultimately providing recommendations to enhance environmental equity and mitigate the urban heat effect.
This project not only taught me how to navigate complex policy challenges but also highlighted the importance of tailoring solutions to community needs. Collaborating with city officials and stakeholders to tackle real-world issues was an invaluable experience that continues to shape how I approach problem-solving in my career.
Most rewarding experience at the La Follette School
My most rewarding experience at the La Follette School was collaborating with classmates who brought such diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the table. Whether tackling challenging coursework or working on our capstone project, we supported and learned from each other in meaningful ways. The capstone, in particular, was a culmination of all that collaboration and applying the skills we developed together to address real-world issues. It was incredibly fulfilling to see how our collective efforts could make a tangible impact.
Most challenging experience at the La Follette School
My most challenging experience at the La Follette School was readjusting to the demands of coursework after nearly three years of working full-time. Jumping back into an academic environment was an adjustment, and being thrown into statistics during my first semester was especially daunting. It took time to rebuild study habits and get comfortable tackling complex quantitative material, but the challenge ultimately made me more confident in my abilities.
Why would you recommend the La Follette School?
I would recommend the La Follette School to any prospective student because of its stellar reputation and the exceptional faculty who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom. The program combines rigorous coursework with opportunities to engage in real-world projects, preparing students to excel in public affairs. Plus, being in the vibrant city of Madison is a huge bonus since there’s always something happening, and the proximity to the state capital provides incredible access to networking and professional opportunities. It’s an ideal place to grow academically and professionally while enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Anything else?
Don’t be afraid to test your boundaries and explore opportunities outside of Wisconsin. When I worked at the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee, our office specifically recruited students from La Follette because of the program’s excellent reputation and the brilliant, well-prepared graduates it produces. Taking that leap not only broadened my professional experience but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the skills and network I built at La Follette.