Wisconsin activists lobby in Washington

WASHINGTON — Activists around the state traveled to meet lawmakers in Congress the hopes they'll keep local issues at the front of their legislative agendas.

"We're getting behind policies and we're trying to drive sustainable solutions that are going to help them thrive and help their economic markets thrive," said Kelli Liegel, University of Wisconsin-Madison student.

Wisconsin members of the Global One Campaign had their sights set on the Capitol, looking to add their voices to national conversations about international affairs.

"It's not just talk, we get behind bipartisan issues and if you look at the track record, it's really made a difference," said Greendale native Scott Petersen.

They're fighting to end global diseases — a nonpartisan issue that's historically received bipartisan backing in Washington.

"We have Bush, we have Obama and now we have Trump who are all rallying behind this issue," said Liegel.

They also enlisted freshman Congressman Bryan Steil and encouraged him to support future legislation that could benefit the cause.

"That was the conversation we're having: how do we prioritize our spending both domestically and in foreign aid, to make sure we're addressing some of these challenges at a global level but making sure we're appropriately spending the money," said Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Janesville.

On the other side of the Hill, the Abbott family from Slinger reconnected with Sen. Tammy Baldwin.

Their story of their son, Aidan, living with a rare oral congenital disease called Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED), became the inspiration for one of the senator's bills.

"I'm missing many of my teeth, some kids have none at all," said Aidan. "It's very sad that some insurance companies are saying it's for cosmetic purposes and not so they can chew, eat and talk. It's just unfair."

After their meeting, the senator introduced the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act — legislation that ensures health insurance covers needed serious dental procedures.

"As soon as people have their attention drawn to it, they say, ‘this is common sense and the right thing to do," said Sen. Baldwin, D-Wisconsin.

"It's amazing," said Becky Abbott, Aidan's mom. "I'm so thrilled that he was able to share his story and Sen. Baldwin listened to us."