Senator Hopper grew up in Taylorville, Illinois and graduated from Denison University in Ohio. Senator Hopper also earned a masters degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
For more than 17 years, Senator Hopper has been creating jobs in his community as the owner of a family of small market radio stations including KFIZ, WFON and WCLB. Senator Hopper is also a founding partner of Tall Corn Music, an independent record label and artist management company.
Joining Senator Hopper today are his wife of 12 years, Alysia, their two children, Christopher and Isabella; his parents, Bill and Marilyn Hopper, Alysia's parents, Jim and Bettina Faulkner, and his sister, Stephanie Denby."
Senator Fitzgerald Introduced Senator Grothman
"Senator Glenn Grothman is beginning his second term representing the 20th Senate District which includes portions of Washington, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Dodge Counties. The 20th is a diverse district that extends from suburban communities in the south to conservative rural areas in the north.
Senator Grothman followed his father Harold's footsteps by graduating with an undergraduate degree from UW-Madison and a law degree from the UW Law School. He served as an attorney in West Bend for 11 years before winning special election to the State Assembly in 1993.
S4
After 11 years in the State Assembly, Senator Grothman was elected to the State Senate in 2004. Senator Grothman is recognized as a fiscal and policy watchdog on tax, business, parental rights and pro-life issues. He is also known for working across the aisle for common sense legislation.
In addition, Senator Grothman was honored by his Republican colleagues by being elected Assistant Majority Leader for the upcoming session.
Joining Senator Grothman today are his parents, Harold and Joan Grothman."
Senator Decker Introduced Senator Wirch
"For over 22 years Bob Wirch has focused on grass roots politics--meeting with people at spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfasts, going door-to-door to hear first hand the concerns his constituents have so that he can best represent them here in Madison.
That's why he knows his district so well and why they have sent him back here today for his 4th term in the State Senate.
Bob has spent much of his time in the legislature fighting for working people and they all know they can count on him to stand up for their rights.
Senator Wirch is joined today by his wife Mary, his sister Pat and her husband David Singer, his sister Laurie and his nieces Holly and Lynsey.
Ladies and gentlemen, Senator Bob Wirch."
Senator Decker Introduced Senator Lassa
"Senator Julie Lassa has been reelected to her second full term representing the 24th District in Central Wisconsin. She was first elected to the Senate in 2003, after serving two terms in the Assembly. As chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Senator Lassa will continue to seek creative and innovative ways to create new jobs and foster economic growth in these challenging times.
She is joined today by her parents, Jo and Jerry Lassa, her daughters, Taylor and Madison, and her husband John Moe. Please stand and be recognized.
Ladies and gentlemen, State Senator Julie Lassa."
Senator Decker Introduced Senator Risser
"Senator Risser represents the 26th Senate District. The district includes most of the City of Madison, parts of the cities of Middleton and Fitchburg, as well as the villages of Shorewood Hills and Maple Bluff. He was first elected to the State Assembly in 1956, then to the State Senate in 1962. Senator Risser is currently the longest serving state legislator in the United States. His vast institutional knowledge is invaluable to members from both sides of the aisle, as he has witnessed ebbs and flows of the Legislature for over a half century.
During his tenure, Senator Risser has been an outspoken advocate for the University of Wisconsin System, greater access to healthcare for all, reproductive rights, and protecting the environment for generations to come. As presiding officer of the Senate, Senator Risser stands out as a master of the rules and procedure of the body. He is the senior member of the State of Wisconsin Building Commission, Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Council, and Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations.
Senator Risser is joined today by his wife, Nancy; his children, Lisa, Sara and Warner and their families; as well as other special friends.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Fred Risser."
Senator Fitzgerald Introduced Senator Lazich
"Senator Mary Lazich is beginning her third full term in the State Senate after first being elected in a special election in 1998. Senator Lazich served on the New Berlin City Council and the Waukesha County Board before answering the call to serve in the State Assembly in 1992.
The 28th District is made up of parts of Waukesha, Walworth, Racine and Milwaukee Counties. It is a diverse part of our state running the gamut from urban communities to bountiful farm land.
Senator Lazich has served in leadership positions in the Senate as both Majority Caucus Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Finance.
Senator Lazich is known as a leading voice on fiscal responsibility and protecting Wisconsin's children and families against sexual predators.
Senator Lazich and her husband Glen both continue to live in New Berlin where they raised their three adult children.
Joining Senator Lazich today are David and Karen Wimmer from Muskego."
Senator Decker Introduced Senator Hansen
"The Senator from the 30th District is beginning his third term in the state Senate.
A lifelong resident of Green Bay, he is a graduate of UW-Green Bay, a former teacher and truck driver for the City of Green Bay. He is a devoted husband and father who has stayed true to his blue-collar roots and his district.
He is an avid sports fan which is required when you represent the smallest market in the National Football League and he even served as an usher at Packer games. He is most at home when he is out in the district meeting his constituents and talking politics, discussing the Green Bay Packers or helping visitors to his district find the best fish fry.
Senator Hansen is joined by his wife Jane today.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Senator Dave Hansen."
Senator Fitzgerald Introduced Senator Kapanke
"Senator Dan Kapanke is beginning his second term in the State Senate. He proudly serves the hard-working people of the Coulee Region with rolling hills, beautiful bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and rich farm lands. The 32nd District includes a five-county area from La Crosse to Prairie du Chien, to Hillsboro and Viola. Included in his district are the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Western Technical College, both strong economic engines for the area.
Senator Kapanke's focus continues to be on building the state's strong economic engine: the Agricultural Sector. He continues to work on economic development issues and job creation initiatives that make our state more attractive for business growth.
Joining Senator Kapanke today is Tony Bakken, an officer from the Prairie du Chien correctional facility."
__________________
S5
Upon the calling of the newly elected Senators on Monday, January 5, 2009, the following appeared before the Senate, took and subscribed the oath of office which was administered by the Honorable Lynn Adelman of the U.S. Federal Court for the Eastern District of Wisconisn in Milwaukee.
Robert Cowles Lena C. Taylor
Spencer Coggs Alberta Darling
Sheila Harsdorf Jim Holperin
Luther Olsen Mark Miller
Randy Hopper Glenn Grothman
Robert Wirch Julie Lassa
Fred Risser Mary Lazich
Dave Hansen Dan Kapanke
__________________
Senator Risser in the chair.
__________________
The roll was called and the following Senators answered to their names:
Senators Carpenter, Coggs, Cowles, Darling, Decker, Ellis, Erpenbach, S. Fitzgerald, Grothman, Hansen, Harsdorf, Holperin, Hopper, Jauch, Kanavas, Kapanke, Kedzie, Kreitlow, A. Lasee, Lassa, Lazich, Lehman, Leibham, Miller, Olsen, Plale, Risser, Robson, Schultz, Sullivan, Taylor, Vinehout and Wirch - 33.
Absent - None.
Absent with leave - None.
__________________
Considered as privileged and taken up.
Senate Resolution 1
Relating to: notifying the assembly and the governor that the 2009-2010 senate is organized.
By Senators Senators
Risser, Decker, Hansen, S. Fitzgerald and Grothman.
The question was: Shall Senate Resolution 1 be adopted?
The ayes and noes were required and the vote was: ayes, 33; noes, 0; absent or not voting, 0; as follows:
Ayes - Senators Carpenter, Coggs, Cowles, Darling, Decker, Ellis, Erpenbach, S. Fitzgerald, Grothman, Hansen, Harsdorf, Holperin, Hopper, Jauch, Kanavas, Kapanke, Kedzie, Kreitlow, A. Lasee, Lassa, Lazich, Lehman, Leibham, Miller, Olsen, Plale, Risser, Robson, Schultz, Sullivan, Taylor, Vinehout and Wirch - 33.
Noes - None.
Absent or not voting - None.
Adopted.
__________________
The President, Fred A. Risser, the President Pro Tempore, Pat Kreitlow, the Chief Clerk, Robert J. Marchant, and the Sergeant at Arms, Edward A. Blazel, having been duly elected by the adoption of Senate Resolution 1, appeared together before the bar of the Senate, took and subscribed the oath of office which was administered by the Honorable Lynn Adelman of the U.S Federal Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
__________________
President Risser in the chair.
Remarks of President Risser
"According to the script, at this time I have an opportunity to say a few words, and I'm going to take that opportunity. I want to thank Pastor Harvey Stower for starting us out this afternoon, the VFW Day Post 7591 Color Guard Unit of Madison, Wisconsin for presenting the colors, the Trumpet Ensemble from Antigo High School directed by Jeff Dewey in the 12th Senate District for performing our National Anthem, and to Senator Carpenter for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We appreciate all of you participating in the events of this afternoon.
I also want to thank my Senate colleagues for selecting me as Presiding Officer for this session. I will certainly do my best to maintain the order and decorum of this body. I've served in both the Senate minority and Senate majority and I know that regardless of one's position or party, that everyone has a right to be recognized and has a right to discuss the issues of the day as they see them.
I want to also welcome to the Senate all the family and friends who are here this afternoon who attended our swearing in ceremony, we appreciate your presence. Over the years I've been in this body, I've never seen the doors to this body closed. We pride ourselves on being an open government, and we appreciate again you being here.
Now you may have noticed a couple of black boxes on the ceiling, and those black boxes have little cameras in them. The events today are being televised by Wisconsin Eye. This is the first session in which Wisconsin Eye will cover the Senate from gavel to gavel. It's possible for you to follow what were doing by watching their television network or on the internet, if you wish.
I also want to congratulate Senator Pat Kreitlow for being selected President Pro Tem for the next two years. While he is one of our newer Senators, in fact he's still in his first term, he's a quick study, and as such he has shown a great ability to handle the procedures of this body and I'm sure he will serve us very well.
I also appreciate the work of our Chief Clerk, Rob Marchant, and his staff. We could not function without them and I'm pleased for his willingness to continue to serve with us. For the last 30 years this Body has maintained a nonpartisan, professional Chief Clerk starting with Don Schneider. Regardless of party in the majority, the Chief Clerk and his staff have done a remarkable job of serving everyone in this body.
I'm also pleased that our Sergeant at Arms is going to stay with us for another two years. Ted Blazel has shown that he is a man who can handle this job very efficiently and he joins the list of top-notch, professional, nonpartisans who make this partisan body work.
S6
A brief history of the Senate, which I think is interesting: You know Senators didn't always have a four-year term. Up until 1882 the term of State Senator was two years. My Great Grandfather, Colonel Warner, who lost an arm in the Civil War, was elected to the this body in 1868 and served one of those two year terms as State Senator. It's also interesting to note, I think, that you see a number of women in this body. No women served as State Senators for the first 127 years that Wisconsin was a state. The first woman State Senator was elected in 1975, and since then we've had a number women elected to leadership positions, and it makes the body much more interesting.
Also, until 1979, the Presiding Officer of this body was the Lieutenant Governor, who served as the President of the Senate. In 1979 the voters of this state amended the constitution to provide that the members of this body should select its own Presiding Officer from amongst its members. Since that time we've had three different Presiding Officers. In addition to myself, Senator Alan Lasee, who's still with us, served as President of the Senate for several sessions. Senator Lasee is also the only other Senator, other than myself, who was here in 1979 when we made the constitutional change, and we're all happy that he's still here with us today. Also we had former Senator Brian Rude serve for several different sessions. So the three of us have served as the only Presiding Officers of the Senate since 1979, when the constitution was changed.
I now want take this opportunity to publicly thank my wife, Nancy for all her help and support. I also want to thank my three children and their families: My daughter Lisa and Randy White and their children Clinton, Adam and Lizzy, my other daughter Sara and her husband Doug Falck, and finally my son Warner, and his wife, Amy and their daughter, Noelle along with two of my good friends, Bonnie Olver and Kara Sailing. They've been able to survive and tolerate my moods throughout my time in the State Legislature.
