90 years ago there was a "Wisconsin Idea" in education -that the bounds of the University are the boundaries of the state. The Progressive Movement that shaped both Democratic and Republican parties brought government closer to the people, and we're still trying to involve people in solving society's problems, from local recycling programs to educational reform. We led the nation in Unemployment Compensation and Worker's Compensation, and now we lead the nation in our efforts to reform welfare.
History is just nostalgia unless it offers a vision of a better future. It is up to us to find those visions of the future: in events of the past, in the complaints and suggestions of our constituents, in the ideas of professors and the practices of other states, where ever these visions exist. We have to find these visions, make them known to others, craft them into laws, and lead society in implementing them. This is our task, our function, --one I am happy to fulfill.
A486
Wisconsin has too many people, too many individual points of view, too much rambunctious pride for all of us to agree on exactly what vision the Sesquicentennial should inspire, but by continuing to struggle each for his own vision of a better future, I think five million Wisconsin citizens are definitely headed for a great future. By leading them, and giving voice to their sentiments, their ideas, their hopes, we can make this happen.
Thank you."
__________________
"It was here in this chamber where the campaign for statehood began. During the negotiations over statehood, our founders had an expansive vision of the state which included Chicago, the Twin Cities, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Unfortunately, President Polk bowed to political pressure and gave away huge chunks of our fair state to our greedy neighbors in Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan.
I believe it's time to take back what was originally ours and liberate the ancestral Wisconsinites toiling under the oppressive governments in St. Paul, Lansing, and Springfield.
I consider this a humanitarian mission to free our brothers and sisters trapped in Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois, and welcome them home to Wisconsin where they can cheer for the Super Bowl Champions.
We rededicate ourselves to the spirit of sacrifice for our principles that led the Wisconsin Legislature and our citizens to fund three Wisconsin Regiments to the Union Army in 1861 - answering President Lincoln's call for 75,000 soldiers by sending 96,000 of our men to the battlefield. Providing more troops in proportion to population than any other state in the Union.
We rededicate ourselves to the unwavering support for individual rights and liberties that saw Wisconsin leading the nation in the women's suffrage movement. Saw our legislature passing state laws allowing women to vote in Wisconsin school board elections in 1885, allowing Wisconsin women to vote in presidential elections in 1919, and in 1920 becoming the first state in the nation to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment.
Today, we do not celebrate great men and women so much as we celebrate ordinary men and women who through hard work and determination accomplished great things.
Today, we do not celebrate a history of perfection. We celebrate a history of people bold enough to reach for greatness and human enough to occasionally fail. But always courageous enough to admit failure and try again.
I ask you all to look at this map again and just think of the redistricting possibilities in 2000!!!
This has been an exciting day and an historic day. When I was sworn in as Speaker two months ago, I challenged us to strive to lead the nation from the Wisconsin Legislature. I stated that this body is in a race with its own history; to ensure that the ideals and accomplishments that have distinguished our proud past will also illuminate our hopeful future.
Today we have celebrated some of that proud past. And we rededicate ourselves to the principles that have shaped the proudest moments of our history.
We rededicate ourselves to the deep commitment to equal rights that saw the Territorial Legislature in this building in 1836 adopt the Northwest Ordinances and its prohibition of slavery as its framework for territorial government and our eventual state constitution. The commitment to equality that saw Wisconsin refuse to honor the Fugitive Slave Act and that made us one of the safest stops on the underground railroad.
It is worthwhile for those of us so often consumed by the minutiae of the moment to ponder the past. To salute our successes and to learn from our mistakes. To recognize anew the traditions we must keep and the challenges we must meet. Today, we shall rededicate ourselves to creating a future worthy of our past, and a history which our own children can celebrate with pride.
In just a few seconds after we adjourn, the gavel and flag from today's proceedings will be presented to George Vogt for permanent residence in the State Historical Society. But before we do that, I'd like to have you join me in thanking him and his team for all their assistance along with that of the Sesquicentennial Commission in making this day a wonderful success.
We have a proud past. We have a bright future. Our deliberations here today are concluded. Our work as an Assembly and as a state has only just begun.
Thank you."
__________________
Speaker Jensen introduced George Vogt, Director of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, who was presented the flag and gavel used during the Assembly's historic meeting in the Council House at the First Capitol Historic Site in Belmont, to be displayed in the State Historical Society Museum.
__________________
Speaker Jensen moved that the Assembly stand adjourned until 9:30 A.M. tomorrow.
The question was: Shall the Assembly stand adjourned?
Motion carried.
The Assembly stood adjourned.
3:55 P.M.
