2005 Senate Joint Resolution 85
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: commending Senator Fred Risser upon becoming the longest-serving state legislator in the United States of America.
Whereas, Fred Risser was first elected to the Wisconsin state legislature in 1956 and is the 4th generation of his family to serve in the Wisconsin legislature representing the Madison area, serving 3 terms in the assembly before being elected to the Senate during a special election in 1962; and
Whereas, Senator Risser has served within the institution of the state senate as its president, president pro tempore, minority leader, assistant minority leader, and as chair and a member on numerous committees; and
Whereas, a part of Senator Risser's legacy will forever live in his work, dedication, and love for Wisconsin history and historical buildings in the form of the state capitol itself as he was instrumental in the decade long restoration of the building; and
Whereas, his commitment to historical preservation has been recognized by his colleagues as evidenced by them electing him the chair of the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board, and as such, he is the only minority member of the senate to serve as the chair of a committee; and
Whereas, over his 50 years in the legislature, Senator Risser has been a tenacious advocate and champion for the city of Madison, Dane County, and the University of Wisconsin, for preserving our environment, and for Wisconsin's recycling program, among others; and
Whereas, Senator Risser was instrumental in the creation of Wisconsin's first urban state park — Governor Nelson State Park, on the shores of Lake Mendota; and
Whereas, in addition to his service in state government, Senator Risser maintains a full-time law practice, is married to Nancy Risser, has 3 children and 4 grandchildren, and in his spare time enjoys biking, hiking, and traveling; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature congratulate Senator Risser on the 50th anniversary of his election to the Wisconsin state legislature and upon becoming the longest serving state legislator in the United States of America, and hereby thank him for his many years of service to the people of Wisconsin.
