This day is not about bringing forth a message laced with anger or bitterness because of past historical atrocities between Indians and non-Indians. Nor is this day about blame or finger pointing on failed Indian policies that didn't work either on the federal level or state level. And while this is not what this day is all about, those are serious issues that we must never forget. Rather this day is to serve as an opportunity for the native people of Wisconsin, the leadership of Wisconsin and the citizens of Wisconsin to better understand us as a people, as a friend, as a neighbor and more importantly as a brother and sister. This is a day of hope and belief that through cooperative efforts we will be able to resolve issues such as discrimination, health needs, economic considerations, educational opportunities and respect for one another.
That's what this day is all about.
We stand here as sovereign nations, government-to-government. For a majority of people, that is a difficult concept to understand. It is a legal concept that has evolved over the course of the years, having its roots, perhaps, in the initial contact between Indians and non-Indians. Sovereignty and its implications might just well be part of the lack of communications which exist today. As a general rule, society as a whole only focuses on the United States of America as a nation when discussing such and very little is ever mentioned about the "tribal nations within the nation." To expect the citizenry of our state, or any state for that matter, to understand a complex legal theory such as this is, at best, a difficult task. But everyday people such as you and I are doing our best to educate those who needed it. The recognition of tribes as "sovereign nations" is well founded in the history of the United States and the history of Wisconsin. It exists because our ancestors and your ancestors believed that this was the right and proper way nations could live in harmony with one another. They expected us to honor, respect and obey the guidelines and principles they so faithfully laid down. Today we have taken another long awaited step in that direction.
That's what this day is all about.
There is much that the tribal leaders desire to discuss and share with you. Today we will not be able to do that, not because of the amount of time we have to speak to you today, but because today is for opening the door of opportunity a little further so that we can continue the meaningful dialogue after today. If we truly believe that improved relationships will result from this "state of the tribes" address, then all of us must have a hand in carrying the torch to the next level. Only then, will we be able to discuss and share with you the many issues and concerns that need to be address.
We cannot begin to mention our successes or failures without knowing first knowing who the "Wisconsin tribal nations" actually are. We are approximately 50,000 in number, located primarily on the 11 reservations in this fine state. Several thousand more live in the city of Milwaukee. We are your neighbor and our children attend the same schools that your children do. We shop in the same stores as you do and worship together in the same churches. As neighbors, in some instances, we have developed very solid working relationships that have seen an improvement in our communities. In some locales, we are the number one employer and in other we rank in the top five employers in the region. Collectively we employ approximately 10,000 Indian and non-Indian personnel; have a payroll of approximately $170 million; have paid in state and local taxes roughly $40 million; paid over $8 million in federal taxes; had vendor purchases totaling $98 million and have made charitable donations in the $33 million dollar range. We are a viable and strong contributor to the state's economy and are proud to be associated with the other leading economic partners in making Wisconsin a great state to live in and raise a family.
That's what this day is all about.
There are some successes worth mentioning however. Under the consultation policy that has grown out of the Executive Order issued by Governor Doyle's office last year recognizing the government-to-government relationship between the tribes and the state, the Department of Health and Family Services and the Department of Transportation have embarked on a journey of developing policies and regulations with tribal leaders that will allow for greater tribal participation in the programs administered by these departments. Other departments are expected to follow suit in the near future. This can only be seen as another step forward in our government-to-government relationship.
One cannot speak of progress that is already being done without mentioning the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations. Originally created in 1975 as the American Indian Study Committee, this committee is charged to study issues related to Wisconsin Indians and to develop specific recommendations and legislative proposals relating to such issues. For approximately 30 years, either as the American Indian Study Committee or the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations, legislation has been proposed which would not only strengthen tribal government but also benefit neighboring local governments as well. The recommendations that come forth from this committee are bipartisan in nature and we must work cooperatively in evaluating those recommendations and develop the appropriate legislation to enact such suggestions.
That's what this day is all about.
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While we applaud the meaningful accomplishments that we have been able to achieve throughout the years, we are forever remindful that there is still a ways to go. My friends, approaching the last issue we wish to leave with you is not easy. It never is when you are trying to eliminate conditions which contribute to blatant discriminatory practices. It is up to all of us gathered here today, especially the elected representatives of this great state, to enact legislation that will eliminate from our public school system, once and for all, the use of Indian logos, mascots and any other sort of stereotypical images of American Indians. While we applaud the numerous school boards and school districts that have voluntarily took the corrective steps in eradicating this type of institutional discrimination against our native brothers and sisters, there still are approximately 40 public schools that retain some reference to American Indians. It is unfortunate that we must ask our state legislature to enact legislation outlawing such practices in our public schools, but it is even more painful that local school boards and public school administrators allow such a practice to continue. As tribal leaders, we are strong proponents for local control, but when local control becomes a device used by school boards to preserve discriminatory practices, then it's time for our state legislators to end such discrimination.
Unfortunately, such discriminatory practices are not just limited to school. Throughout this nation, we see the use of such imagery by major companies and business. In some of our own communities there are lakes, waterways and parks that have derogatory Indian names. Here in the Madison area, we are told, that there exist such a lake or waterway with the name of "squaw" attached to it and that attempts are underway to eradicate such. We applaud those efforts. There is still much to be done in this area and you can help.
In closing, we tribal leaders realize that we cannot practice isolationist principles and still be treated as equals in the government-to-government relationship. And while we have enjoyed more successes than failures throughout the years, the end-result of this historical day will see an improved relationship between us. We have embarked on a new journey together. Let this be the roadmap, by which a better understanding and new spirit of cooperation and friendship evolve.
Whether these messages we shared with you today get conveyed in "state of the union addresses" or "state of the states addresses" or in "state of the tribes address", what all of us must never loose sight of whether we are black, white, brown or yellow, is that we all belong to the "State of Humanity" and that is what this day is truly all about.
Thank you Assembly Speaker Gard and thank you state of Wisconsin."
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Representative Vrakas asked unanimous consent for a leave of absence for part of today's session for Representatives Kreibich and Montgomery. Granted.
Representative Turner asked unanimous consent for a leave of absence for part of today's session for Representative Kreuser. Granted.
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Special Guest
Representative Molepske introduced his intern, Dan Tierney from Stevens Point, who played his fiddle to Irish songs in honor of St. Patrick's Day to the members from the rostrum.
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Representative Vrakas asked unanimous consent that the Assembly stand recessed. Granted.
The Assembly stood recessed.
11:30 A.M.
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2:45 P.M.
The Assembly reconvened.
Representative Friske in the chair.
Representative Montgomery asked unanimous consent for a quorum call. Granted.
A quorum was present.
Representative Kreibich asked unanimous consent that his leave of absence be lifted. Granted.
Representative Kreuser asked unanimous consent that his leave of absence be lifted. Granted.
Representative Montgomery asked unanimous consent that his leave of absence be lifted. Granted.
Speaker Pro Tempore Freese in the chair.
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Assembly Bill 145
Relating to: creating an income and franchise tax credit for livestock farm modernization or expansion.
Representative Gielow asked unanimous consent to be made a coauthor of Assembly Bill 145. Granted.
Representative Hines asked unanimous consent to be made a coauthor of Assembly Bill 145. Granted.
Representative Kaufert asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Assembly Bill 145 be withdrawn from today's calendar and referred to the joint committee on Finance. Granted.
Representative Kaufert asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Assembly Bill 145 be withdrawn from the joint committee on Finance and placed on today's calendar. Granted.
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From: Robert J. Marchant, Senate Chief Clerk.
Mr. Speaker:
I am directed to inform you that the Senate has
Adopted and asks concurrence in:
Senate Joint Resolution
14
Senate Joint Resolution
15
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Senate Joint Resolution
16
Senate Joint Resolution
17
Concurred in:
Assembly Joint Resolution
21
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Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Senate Joint Resolution 17 be withdrawn from the Senate message and taken up at this time. Granted.
Senate Joint Resolution 17
Relating to: honoring the life and service of Gaylord Nelson.
By
Senator
Jauch
.
The question was: Shall Senate Joint Resolution 17 be concurred in?
Motion carried.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that all members of the Assembly be added as cosponsors of Senate Joint Resolution 17. Granted.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Senate Joint Resolution 17 be immediately messaged to the Senate. Granted.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Senate Joint Resolution 7 be withdrawn from the committee on Rules and taken up at this time. Granted.
Senate Joint Resolution 7
Relating to: celebrating Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2005.
The question was: Shall Senate Joint Resolution 7 be concurred in?
Motion carried.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Senate Joint Resolution 7 be immediately messaged to the Senate. Granted.
Assembly Joint Resolution 19
Relating to: celebrating Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2005.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that Assembly Joint Resolution 19 be laid on the table. Granted.
Assembly Bill 58
Relating to: school district revenue limits and levy limits for cities, villages, towns, counties, and technical college districts.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that Assembly Bill 58 be placed following Assembly Bill 92 on today's calendar. Granted.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Assembly Resolution 10 be withdrawn from the committee on Rules and taken up at this time. Granted.
Assembly Resolution 10
Relating to: celebrating March 5, 2005, as St. Piran's Day.
The question was: Shall Assembly Resolution 10 be adopted?
Motion carried.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Senate Joint Resolution 8 be withdrawn from the committee on Rules and taken up at this time. Granted.
Senate Joint Resolution 8
Relating to: celebrating March 25, 2005, as the 184th anniversary of Greek independence.
The question was: Shall Senate Joint Resolution 8 be concurred in?
Motion carried.
Representative Huebsch asked unanimous consent that the rules be suspended and that Senate Joint Resolution 8 be immediately messaged to the Senate. Granted.
