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Announcements, Adjournment Honors, and Remarks Under
Special Privilege
Senator Lazich, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the delegation from Kenya, who is visiting the Wisconsin Legislature this week in conjunction with the SUNY Center for International Development. The people of Kenya have recently ratified a new constitution providing for a separation of powers and a bicameral legislature form of government. The Kenya National Senate has chosen to send this delegation to Wisconsin for the purpose of observing the legislative process and to meet with their colleagues and other legislative experts. The delegation consists of: Dr. Christine Sagini, Research Officer, Ms. Brenda Ogembo, First Clerk Assistant, Ms. Kavata Musyoka, Second Clerk Assistant, Mr. Francis Makau, Sergeant at Arms, Ms. Grace Mutungu, Office of the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Abel Kachu, Office of the Minority Leader, and Ms. Hanyi Weiss, Project Manager at SUNY.
Senator Lazich, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Jan Waldrop from the Virginia Senate Chief Clerk’s office, who is spending a few days here with the Wisconsin Senate Chief Clerk’s office as part of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries staff exchange program.
Senator Wirch, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of 2 Bradford High School football players who were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Melvin Gordon, son of Melvin and Carmen Gordon, was drafed No.15 overall by the San Diego Chargers. Trae Waynes, son of Ron and Erin Waynes, was drafted No. 11 overall by the Minnesota Vikings. Melvin and Trae played together at Bradford High School and are the first high school teammates from Big Ten schools to be selected in the first round of the same draft. Also, Zac Epping, son of Mark and Liz Epping, was drafted but has been invited to the Minnesota Vikings rookie mini-camp.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Motorcycle Awareness Month. There are so many things that make Wisconsin a great state. One in particular is that it is the birthplace of Harley Davidson Motor Company and the hone to more than 70 motorcycle clubs and organizations around the state. Motorcycles are an excellent source of transportation, recreation, and you just really look cool riding one. It’s important that as the weather is finally breaking and more cycles are being dusted off, polished and hitting the road that we are all contentious of their return and the need to share the roads. On Milwaukee’s south side this past Sunday, a motorcyclist, 41 year old Robert Tolbert, lost his life in a collision with an automobile. Other accidents have already occurred in the district in April and as the weather continues to heat up, we must continue to raise awareness to keep riders safe. Although motorcycles are often more vulnerable to crashes than other drivers, most of these accidents are preventable. It is crucial that to be vigilant in the awareness of their presence. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and can fall into blind spots more easily making them much harder to spot than other vehicles. Senator Taylor hopes that we can encourage motorists and motorcyclists alike to slow down, share the road, and be respectful to other drivers. We are all in this together, and together we can save lives.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the Kenyan delegation.
Senator Harris Dodd, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the individuals who lost their lives to violence in Milwaukee in the last few weeks. 54 lives have been taken in Milwaukee since January of this year. Six of those lives were taken since the Senator last stood before us on the Senate floor. 23-year old Chris Ford was a good mad, a great member, and a close friend of her staff member, David Crowley. Chris was seated in a minivan at a gas station parking lot when an individual shot him and took his life away. Late last month, Jonathan Gill was beaten to death by his roommate. On May 1st, two people from the same family, Montrell Burdine and his nephew, Damario Jones, were killed after a dozen shots were fired into a crowd of individuals. Robert Echols was just 30 years old when he was shot in the heart of the Senator’s district on 29th and Burleigh. Lastly, a close family friend of Senator Harris Dodd’s son, 24-year old Bradley Garrett, was tragically shot this past Sunday night. Her community continues to be torn apart by these tragic deaths and people in her district are working hard to try to change things. They are organizing block watch parties and community picnics. They are also engaging youth and creating positive community spaces. They need this State Legislature to stand up and take a stand against violence.
Senator Harris Dodd, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of her grandmother, Josephine Montgomery, who recently turned 80 years old and who was a leader for workers in Milwaukee in the 1970s. In 1973, after racial disturbances in the Harambee area, the UW-Milwaukee School for Workers called on labor leaders to develop planes to redevelop the area. Josephine was a member of Local 232 at Briggs and Stratton, and she answered the call to be a leader for the Harambee community. Her volunteer efforts, along with the efforts of other union leaders, led to the establishment of Harambee Revitalization Inc., whose mission was to help the Harambee community face its most pressing problems through grassroots advocacy, community collaboration, and direct service programs. Senator Harris Dodd is proud of the work that her grandmother did in shaping the labor movement in Milwaukee and of her dedication to restoring and investing in communities like the Harambee community.
Senator Marklein, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Wayne Hoffman of Spring Green, who lost his life December of last year while trying to save a stranger who has been swept into Lake Superior.
Senator Miller, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Senator Fred Risser, the longest serving elected official in America on occasion of his 88th birthday yesterday. Senator Risser attributes his good health to never taking the elevator in the Capitol during his 599 years in the legislature.
Senator Bewley, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of Dennis Swenson, who passed away on May 1 in a house fire. He returned to his home to try to save his 95 year old mother who also perished in the fire. Dennis was a lifelong resident of Cornucopia, a graduate of Shore High School and UW-Superior. He has his mom owned the Swenson Tourist Cottages on the Siskwit River. Dennis was a dedicated EMT for the Shore South Ambulance. Dennis left behind an abundance of family and friends.
Senator LeMahieu, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of his grandmother, Lenore LeMahieu, who passed away last week at the age of 98.
Senator Wanggaard, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of his Senior Supervisory Lead intern, Breeanna Brock, who is leaving his office to continue her education at the University of Oklahoma this fall. Bree has a positive attitude and was a great addition to his team. While he is sad to see her go, Senator Wanggaard wishes her the best of luck and knows that her hard work will bring her success in all of her future endeavors.
Senator Wanggaard, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of his grand-puppy, Memphis Jensen. Memphis is a champion Dalmatian and his daughter’s trusted companion. Memphis is used as a therapy dog and helped the Senator and many others through a lot of tough times and dark days. Unfortunately, time has caught up with Memphis, and he will not be with us any longer. His strength and support will not be forgotten, and Senator Wanggaard is thankful for the time they spent with him.
Senator Wanggaard, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of his wife, Mary Jo, on the occasion of their 43rd wedding anniversary this May.
Senator Lassa, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of her husband John. They are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary today.
Senator Lassa, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of her youngest daughter, Lily who will be 4 on May 15th and her middle daughter, Madison, who will be 8 on June 1st.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the Divine Nine, who came to the Capitolon May 5th.
Senator Carpenter, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn in honor of the West Allis Police Officer, who personally bought a child's car seat for a 6-year –old girl who was riding in a car that he had pulled over. His concern for the child’s safety and his charity are an outstanding example of those who get up every day to protect and serve.
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Adjournment
Senator Farrow, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate stand adjourned until Thursday, May 7, 2015.
Adjourned.
1:05 P.M.
