Arguments and Anxieties: The Mental Side of Floor Debate

By: Kaden Bossenbroek

Yesterday, March 6th, 2026, a stream of Legislative delegates flowed into the Madison capitol assembly chambers, bringing new perspectives ready to be shared on the debate floor. This morning, Ben Abler of the Manitowoc delegation became the first senator of the season to present to the Nelson assembly. Ben’s bill, “An Act to ensure safety in homeschooling” touched the heart of Nelson assembly delegates, and allowed open debate to prosper. Among the Nelson assembly sat Abby Hanke, author of bill 215, “An act for free menstrual products for women.”. Being a first timer on the legislative floor, she listened to the experienced confidence of Ben Abler, and was able to reflect on her anxieties for her own bill. 

Ben Abler’s act for child wellness was hot for debate. Ben’s emotional opening summation had listeners hooked as he told the story of an Oneida County teenager who was starved to a mere 35 pounds under the supervision of her mother, who was homeschooling her. Ben wrote the bill ready to push for the safety of his peers, speaking confidently in his argumentation. He was excited to return for his second year, ready for more debate on his ideas and welcomed the flow of brand new opinions. He noted the differences in the Senate debate, their slower nature picking up with more fact based arguments as opposed to the opinionated nature of eager Nelson delegates. Ben noted the anxieties caused by the misunderstandings of his bill, and the devolvement of corrections through open debate. After the passing of his bill in two of three assemblies, Ben was able to move back to discussing his peers’ ideas. Although Ben enjoys expressing his own thoughts, one of his worries is disagreeing with people in his delegation. Clashing ideas and breaking bonds is the last thing Ben hopes for this season. 

Abby Hanke sat on the assembly floor for the first time in her three years of YIG experience, writing about her personalized worries for women in Wisconsin. Before the introduction of her bill, Abby was slow to begin speaking on the floor. Though her excitement for new perspectives was high, her worry for stumbling on her words or misspeaking held her back. She spent time away from debate, able to properly roll new perspectives around in her head and focus on every word of her peers. During her presentation, Abby noted quite a bit less fact-based arguments. Part of her bill discussion even consisted of worries over her grammar. Her time in legislative has already taught her a lot, and she’s excited for what the rest of the weekend has to offer her. 

Beginning months in advance, Legislative delegates have worked hard for their thoughts and ideas to be heard, and for their bills to be remembered and passed. From Ben Abler’s time in the senate ready to advocate for the homeschooled in our state to Abby Hanke’s anxious determination to allow women easy cycles and offer support for those in need, delegates love what they do in the legislative branch.