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The “America Loves Crypto” tour arrived in Wisconsin on September 13, drawing over 200 Bitcoin 
$102,325 and cryptocurrency enthusiasts to the Red Rock Saloon in Milwaukee. The event provided a platform for attendees to engage with supportive politicians while seeking answers to the question, “How can we support Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies on Capitol Hill?”
Wisconsin State Retirement Fund Invests in Bitcoin
In May, the Wisconsin State Investment Board (SWIB) made a groundbreaking move by purchasing a Bitcoin ETF worth $162 million, becoming the first state pension fund in the U.S. to invest in Bitcoin. Dom Bei, founder of Proof of Workforce and a Santa Monica firefighter, noted that this action could serve as a model for other funds.
Dom Bei: “The Wisconsin retirement system is quite healthy and almost 100% funded. Very few pension funds achieve this, and they are one of the ten largest in the country.”
Bei emphasized that Bitcoin presents an opportunity not only for risk managers and Wall Street experts but also for restructuring American cities for the benefit of paid workers.
Bipartisan Support for Cryptocurrency
Both Republican and Democratic politicians attended the event. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann (R) stated that cryptocurrencies signify prosperity for the average American. Milwaukee city council member Peter Burgelis (D) highlighted the importance of cryptocurrencies and urged voters to participate in elections.
Josh Schoemann: “I focus on delivering the American Dream to American citizens. Cryptocurrency represents that for all of us.”
Peter Burgelis: “Cryptocurrency is important, and your vote is valuable. Get out and vote.”
Bitcoin, Representative Democracy, and Transparency
Independent Senate candidate Phil Anderson noted that Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are rare issues that can transcend party lines. He argued that the current government system has lost its representational ability and that Bitcoin can make the government more transparent and accountable.
Phil Anderson: “We no longer have a representative government. Lobbyists are writing the laws, and the bipartisan system forces representatives to vote in a certain way.”
Anderson emphasized the importance of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in both a technological and electoral sense for representative democracy, with his campaign slogan “#DisruptTheCorruption.”
The next stop of the “America Loves Crypto” tour will be in Philadelphia on September 16, followed by events in Washington, D.C. Attendees can register for free events on the Stand With Crypto website.
In summary, the broad-based support for Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies observed in Wisconsin may play a significant role in shaping policies related to the sector. Investments from public pension funds, along with bipartisan political participation, signal that cryptocurrencies could see greater adoption in the future. The shared interest of voters and politicians may be crucial in transforming financial innovation into social benefit.
