Tuesday, February 19, 2008
11:00 A.M.
December 2007 Special Session
The Senate met.
The Senate was called to order by President Risser.
President Risser, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate recess until 11:30 A.M.
11:01 A.M.
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11:30 A.M.
The Senate reconvened.
President Risser in the chair.
Senator Carpenter, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate recess until 12:00 P.M.
11:31 A.M.
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12:00 P.M.
The Senate reconvened.
President Risser in the chair.
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The roll was called and the following Senators answered to their names:
Senators Breske, Carpenter, Coggs, Erpenbach, S. Fitzgerald, Hansen, Kanavas, Kapanke, Kedzie, Kreitlow, Lassa, Lehman, Miller, Olsen, Plale, Risser, Robson, Roessler, Sullivan, Vinehout and Wirch - 21.
Absent - Senators Cowles, Darling, Decker, Ellis, Grothman, Harsdorf, Jauch, A. Lasee, Lazich, Leibham, Schultz and Taylor - 12.
Absent with leave - None.
The Senate stood for the prayer which was offered by Reverend Winton Boyd from the Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ in Madison.
“Gracious and Giving God, we gather today mindful that all around the world people long for freedom and the opportunity to embrace the destiny of their own lives. Today, Wisconsinites of all ages and races and genders and political persuasions are lining up in schools, churches, VFW's, and commercial buildings to vote in a presidential primary. This ability to participate in our governing is a gift and one that we cherish.
We are mindful that just yesterday people just like us sought to express that same hope in Pakistan. We are mindful that on Sunday people in Kosovo declared their independence, another attempt at expressing this same desire. In different places, in different ways and with different levels of success, people around the world long for this gift we so often take for granted.
As this Senate session begins, we ask that all of us - Senators and citizens alike - would keep in mind this great privilege that has within it a great responsibility. As these elected leaders gather to do the business of this state, we pray that all of us would keep in mind all the people of Wisconsin. We pray for continued diligence in attending to the needs of the poor and troubled, those who struggle with health issues and those who feel left out our system.
Bless the deliberations within this chamber. Bless the compromises and insights so that all who are touched by the decisions here will feel more empowered to be vital, active, and involved citizens of this state."
The Senate remained standing and Senator Lehman led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
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Senator Decker, with unanimous consent, asked that the December 2007 Special Session adjourn until Thursday, February 21, 2008.
Adjourned.
12:08 P.M.
