2021 Assembly Joint Resolution 141
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the professional career and public service of Legislative Fiscal Bureau Director Bob Lang.
Whereas, Robert W. (“Bob”) Lang grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin, earned his bachelor's degree in history at Beloit College, and taught at Muskego Senior High School before serving his country in Vietnam as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army; and
Whereas, after earning his master's in political science and education at UW-Madison, Bob Lang was hired by Dale Cattanach, director of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, as an analyst in 1971; and
Whereas, Bob Lang looked to Cattanach, as well as Bonnie Reese of the Legislative Council and H. Rupert Theobald of the Legislative Reference Bureau, as models of the integrity and hard work that would ultimately define his own leadership of the agency; and
Whereas, Bob Lang has stood at the helm of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau since 1977, leaving a clear imprint on both the agency and the legislature writ large; and
Whereas, over the course of more than four decades and the administrations of nine governors, lawmakers have relied on Bob Lang for reliable, nonpartisan information delivered in a direct, professional manner; and
Whereas, under Bob Lang's leadership, Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysts have become an indispensable part of the biennial budget process; and
Whereas, Bob Lang has earned local, state, and national recognition for his public service; and
Whereas, in 2007, the National Conference of State Legislatures awarded Bob Lang the Steven D. Gold Award, which recognizes significant contributions to public financial management in intergovernmental relations and state and local finance; and
Whereas, in February 2022, Bob Lang was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Tommy G. Thompson Distinguished Public Leadership Award in recognition of his public service and sound leadership; and
Whereas, Bob Lang has also served the public beyond the legislature, supporting the work of groups like Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County and American Players Theatre; and
Whereas, Bob Lang's character and commitment to public service have earned him the respect and admiration of the hundreds of legislators and staff who have had the honor of working with him over the course of the past half century; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin Legislature honors the professional career and public service of Legislative Fiscal Bureau Director Bob Lang and commends him for the indelible mark he has made on this institution.
