I'd like to quickly congratulate our new governor, Scott Walker, as well, and the recently announced members of his cabinet. I also look forward to working with our colleagues in the state Assembly - which we know as the Lower House - but I do sometimes wonder about that new Speaker they've got over there.
I'd like to give a note of appreciation to the minority leadership as well, for the standards of decorum they've always held in this body. I am hopeful that this will continue over the next two years.
Every single person working under this dome has a responsibility. We all made a promise to the five-and-a-half-million people in the state of Wisconsin that we would work to make this state a better place.
For those of you here in attendance, and for everyone who has a stake in what we do here, I have a message for you. If you're expecting more of the same, you're going to be disappointed.
Under Scott Walker and the speaker and I - the phrase "that's the way we've always done things" is no longer a valid reason. There are going to be some disappointed lobbyists. There are going to be some disappointed bureaucrats. And there are going to be some very real changes to the status quo.
We all have a role in this building, and we all have a role in re-building the future of this great state. And we all need to ask the Lord for strength to face these challenges together, and not to let our differences tear us apart.
We all have to remember that this job is bigger than just ourselves, and more important than our own ambitions and personal desires.
If there's one piece of advice I can give to the newly elected freshmen, that's what it would be - remember that truth. Remember that we OWE it, to the people of Wisconsin and to the future of our great state - to work together in order to move forward."
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With unanimous consent, Senator Miller addressed the members from the rostrum.
Remarks of Minority Leader Miller
"Today we celebrate the opening of the 100th session of the Wisconsin State Legislature.
Since 1848 over 1,000 men and women have served in the Senate, and today we welcome both the new and returning members who will have the honor of serving the people of Wisconsin for the next four years.
Throughout our history, the Senate has taken on the issues of the day, large and small. Debated (and debated and debated) them and arrived at solutions.
The results of our deliberations have helped to build Wisconsin's history of progressive leadership on issues like education, health care and worker's rights.
One hundred years ago Wisconsin's state government implemented the workmen's compensation law, established the first state-supported system for vocational, technical and adult education, put into effect the first modern income-tax law and issued the first limited, low-cost individual life insurance and annuity contracts for state residents.
One decade ago Wisconsin addressed the crisis of affordable prescription drugs for seniors by passing the landmark SeniorCare prescription drug plan.
And today the Wisconsin spirit of innovation and leadership lives on with cutting research on embryonic stem cells and innovations in clean energy, manufacturing and agriculture.
Our work in the coming weeks and months will challenge us all. But the people we serve are counting on us.
Creating jobs in Wisconsin was a priority in the last session as we struggled with the 2008 national recession. Our efforts resulted in 50% more jobs created in the first three quarters of 2010 than projected for the entire year. If we keep pace in 2011, our efforts will create 80,000 jobs in 2010 and 2011.
The workers of Wisconsin are counting on us to continue to create the new, well paying jobs they want and need and to ensure they are treated fairly in the workplace.
The families of Wisconsin are counting on us to make sure that critical community services like police and fire protection are there when they need them.
The children of Wisconsin are counting on us to provide them with the opportunity to get the K-12 and continuing education - be it technical college or university - to succeed in our global economy.
The seniors of Wisconsin are counting on us to help secure their retirement, help them stay in their homes and afford their prescription drugs.
The businesses of Wisconsin are counting on us to foster entrepreneurism and a spirit of innovation along with a providing a modern, efficient transportation infrastructure and a well-trained workforce.
The citizens of Wisconsin expect that the benefits of economic recovery will be shared by all, not just an elite few.
We will certainly have our disagreements as we discuss these and the other important issues that come before us. But our commitment to public service and finding real solutions must prevail - the people we serve deserve and expect no less.
Wisconsin's motto is "forward". So with a nod to our state's proud progressive history and respect for the service of those who came before us, "forward" is the direction in which Democrats will seek to move in the 100th session of the state legislature."
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Considered as privileged and taken up.
Senate Resolution 2
Relating to: the senate rules.
By Senators Fitzgerald and Ellis.
Read.
The question was: Shall Senate Resolution 2 be adopted?
The ayes and noes were required and the vote was: ayes, 32; noes, 0; absent or not voting, 1; as follows:
Ayes - Senators Carpenter, Cowles, Cullen, Darling, Ellis, Erpenbach, S. Fitzgerald, Galloway, Grothman, Hansen, Harsdorf, Holperin, Hopper, Jauch, Kapanke, Kedzie, Larson, F. Lasee, Lassa, Lazich, Leibham, Miller, Moulton, Olsen, Risser, Schultz, Taylor, Vinehout, Vukmir, Wanggaard, Wirch and Zipperer - 32.
Noes - None.
Absent or not voting - Senator Coggs - 1.
Adopted.
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The joint committee on Legislative Organization reports and recommends:
Senate Joint Resolution 1
Relating to: the session schedule for the 2011-2012 biennial session period.
Introduction.
Ayes, 10 - Senators
Ellis, S. Fitzgerald, Grothman, Miller and Hansen. Representatives J. Fitzgerald, Suder, Knodl, Barca and Seidel.
Noes, 0 - None.
Michael Ellis
Senate Chairperson
Considered as privileged and taken up.
Senate Joint Resolution 1
Relating to: the session schedule for the 2011-2012 biennial session period.
By the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization.
Read.
The question was: Shall Senate Joint Resolution 1 be adopted?
The ayes and noes were required and the vote was: ayes, 32; noes, 0; absent or not voting, 1; as follows:
Ayes - Senators Carpenter, Cowles, Cullen, Darling, Ellis, Erpenbach, S. Fitzgerald, Galloway, Grothman, Hansen, Harsdorf, Holperin, Hopper, Jauch, Kapanke, Kedzie, Larson, F. Lasee, Lassa, Lazich, Leibham, Miller, Moulton, Olsen, Risser, Schultz, Taylor, Vinehout, Vukmir, Wanggaard, Wirch and Zipperer - 32.
Noes - None.
Absent or not voting - Senator Coggs - 1.
Adopted.
Senator Fitzgerald, with unanimous consent, asked that all action be immediately messaged to the Assembly:
Senate Joint Resolution
1
Messaged.
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December 7, 2010
The Honorable, The Senate:
I, DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE, Secretary of State of Wisconsin, do hereby certify that the following proposed amendments to the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin have been approved by the regular session of the 2009-2010 legislature and duly published as required by Section 1 of
Article XII of the Constitution:
Enrolled Joint Resolution 14 (first consideration)
Enrolled Joint Resolution 27 (first consideration)
Enrolled Joint Resolution 40 (first consideration)
Sincerely,
DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE
Secretary of State
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Senator Lasee, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2011 inaugural; Rick Campbell, Robina Keogh, Joe Eastman, Chris Battle, Melissa Battle, Kyle Battle, Quinn Battle, Calvin Battle, Emma Smyth, Amy Joy Lasee, Charlette Mullen, Randy Savaglio, Toni Savaglio, Sophia Larsen, Daphne Larsen, Carina Lasee, Annika Lasee, June Lasee, Judy Chiappetta, Judy Lashauke, Ross Johnson, Kathy Johnson, Marv Kovach, Marian Kovach, Robert Kovach, John Hartman, Nicole Hartman, Elliot Christiansen, Gina Christiansen, Max Christiansen, Rich Heidel, Melvin Timm, Dana Timm, Kathy Rasmussen, Thomas Anderson, Phil Uekert, John Vander Leest and Isaac Orr.
Senator Vukmir, with unanimous consent, introduced her guests attending the 2011 inaugural; Elena Vukmir, Nick Vukmir, Stella Papachristou, Curt David, Anna Marie Dickrell, Tim Martin, Cathy Waller, Brian Dorow, Matt Adamczyk, Josh Hoisington, Jason Rostan, Johnny Koremenos and Dean Cady.
Senator Larson, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourn, it do so in honor of his wife Jessica, parents Margaret and Lawrence, siblings Rebecca, Betsy, and David, grandmother Victoria, in-laws Loren, Joan, Melissa, Erica and Spencer, and his late grandfather William Zaeske, who was a kind-hearted inspirational person.
Senator Leibham, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourn, it do so in honor of his wife Heather, his two sons Andrew and William, and his one month old daughter Lucy. In addition Senator Leibham adjourns in honor of the citizens of the 9th District, many who came the State Capitol today to join in this special day for our state.
Senator Cullen, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2011 inaugural; wife Barbara Cullen, mother-in-law Kay Mork, daughter Katharine Cullen, stepdaughter Loren Fellows, Brad and Sloan Fellows, stepdaughter Erin Jacobson and Cooper Jacobson, Tom Cullen, Todd Cullen, Amanda Kane, Brian and Michael Cullen, Doug and Sandra Heenan, Austin, Cole, and Gail Scieszinski, Cameron Graves, Alex Krueger, Julie Strong, Josh Fox, Bob Lang and Mary Tatge, Wally Kunicki, Steve Bablitch, Stan Milam, Karen Schulte, and Bill Gerrard.
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Senator Miller, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourn, it do so in honor of his new granddaughter, Geneva Hitomi Miller, daughter of Emi Hibino Miller and Sterling Miller.
Senator Schultz, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourn, it do so in memory of Stanley Postawa, of Sauk Prairie, who passed away on December 18, 2010. Postawa served our nation through his military service in the United States Army. His life was a testament to selfless allegiance and sacrifice, and he is survived by the gratitude of those he benefited. Stan Postawa was a long-time, proud member of the Prairie Du Sac Fire Department. The community could count on Postawa's bravery in the line of duty on behalf of his colleagues and neighbors. Stanley Postawa bestows on us a debt of gratitude. It is a privilege to honor Stanley Postawa's lifetime of dedication to his beloved community of Sauk Prairie and the State of Wisconsin.
Senator Schultz, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourn, it do so in memory of Larry Drea, of Loreto Ridge, who passed away on December 15, 2010. Larry served us all in our nation's military where he was decorated for his bravery. Larry Drea was a lifelong member of the Sauk County Tavern League. He owned and operated Drea's bar, the longest running licensed bar in the state. His devotion to his work made his tavern the place to go for long lasting friendships. One of Larry's great gifts was his knowledge of local history and his willingness to share it with others. He was a wonderful historian, exciting any listener with his deep rooted understanding of our rural neighborhood known as Loreto Ridge. For example, Larry shared with Senator Schultz stories of a grandfather the Senator never knew and, when he heard a tidbit of local history somewhere, Senator Schultz knew he could go to Larry for the rest of the story - in technicolor. Senator Schultz is fortunate to be among those who knew and worked with Larry Drea and it is a privilege to honor his many gifts to Loreto Ridge, Sauk County, and Wisconsin.
Senator Wanggaard, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourn, it do so in honor of his Lord Jesus who daily keeps him faithful; the memory of his parents Dr. Herluf and Hattie Wanggaard who formed his character, his wife's parents, John Mizer and Pauline Mizer-Hermes; his wife Mary Jo; his children Kathleen Jensen and her husband John, Joshua Wanggaard and his wife Amy; several brothers and sisters who are here today, Gail Wanggaard, Mark and Nancy Wanggaard, Kevin and Sandra Wanggaard, Chris Wanggaard, John & Barb Mizer, and his father-in-law Donald Hermes. The Senator would also like to recognize extended family and friends that he has come to appreciate and respect, who have added value to his life: Akil & Rehana Ajmeri, Tom and Karalin Tousis, Doug and Sue Koykkari, John Manders, John Leiber, Charles & Jennifer Johnson, Jeff Gelhoff, Sam Wahlen, Racine County Executive William McReynolds, Racine County Corporation Counsel Jonathan Lehman, Raymond Town Supervisor Dave Lecus, Racine Chief of Police Kurt Wahlen & wife Janet, and Racine County Department Heads Jonathan Delagrave and David Prott. Thank you all for sharing this moment in our State's history and for your continued prayers of support.
Senator Jauch, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2011 inaugural; Cecilia Jauch, Jessica Jauch and Jerry Moyer, Chris Jauch, Janet Jauch, Tom and Jeannette Jauch, Katie Jauch, Jerry and Linda Soyring, Doug and Rhonda Montavon, and Heather, Rachel, Amy and Carter Montavon.
Senator Risser, with unanimous consent, introduced his guest attending the 2011 inaugural; his wife Nancy.
Senator Erpenbach, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2011 inaugural; Liz and Bill Erpenbach, his children Joe and Amy Erpenbach, and his brother Will and nephew Eli Erpenbach.
