Representative Gard was elected Speaker of the Assembly for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
Representatives Krawczyk and Riley escorted Representative Gard to the rostrum.
The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice David Prosser, Jr.
Speaker Gard in the chair.
__________________
Remarks by the Speaker
"Today is a very humbling experience for me. I want to thank each of you for your support, faith and friendship as we prepare for the next two years.
Today is a day where each of us in our own way can celebrate being given the honor of serving the people of Wisconsin in the State Assembly. I have always believed that most people really don't understand the toll it can take on a family to run for public office. However, each of us in this room share an understanding of the time and effort it takes to put your name on the line and run for the Legislature.
That is why it is always so great to see so many family members attend the swearing in ceremonies. We share the bond of never being able to look at a parade the same again, of learning all the many creative ways that people can prepare chicken.... and just how many homes have very hungry dogs.
A7
We also share the bond of understanding just how wonderful it is to have regular people put so much faith in you to get good things done for our state. That to me has always been the best part of this job, when some person bumps into you on the street and asks for some small amount of help or advice because they believe in you. They may not know us very well but they believe we will do whatever we can to get something done for them.
I have had many, many people from my district over the years give me tremendous motivation to work hard for them. From people baking me bread and bringing it to my office hours to getting an occasional hug at a parade or in the grocery store because people want you to know that they are with you. State Government may seem like it is a thousand miles away from them but they pay attention. I have been blessed with what I always call the best district in the state because the people are so hard working, honest and decent. The little towns of Lena, Coleman, Pound, Oconto, Pulaski, Peshtigo and Marinette are filled with people who want us to succeed. They believe that this is a state with tremendous people and terrific potential.
For me they are truly special places. The great thing is that each of you is blessed with the same type of people in your districts.
Today, I believe, is mostly a day for families. There will be plenty of days where we will spend quality time together debating legislation intensely and we may even argue once or twice about memorializing Congress.... but today is about family. I want to thank each and every friend and family member here today for supporting those of us who have been elected. Your support makes every battle easier and the load much lighter on the toughest days.
I have been blessed with an incredible family of supporters from the first day I decided to run. Some of them are with me today. I want to welcome my dad Herb and my mother Dixie to the chambers today. They have stuck with me through thick and thin and have always been there for me. These two people have truly lived the American dream. Many of you know I was born in Milwaukee and lived there until I was six. Then in 1969 my parents bought a farm, never having been on a farm in their life, with 6 kids under the age of 8 and moved north, 2 days after Christmas and 1 month after having a baby, to the great little town of Lena and never looked back.
They taught me a great deal about hard work, perseverance, faith and appreciating the gifts of life. For that I will always be thankful.
On the day of my first swearing in after a special election in 1987, we had planned the event for my high school gym in Lena so my grandfather could attend. He had been fighting a difficult battle with Leukemia and I wanted him to be there. I wanted him to see how much fun it was to vote Republican because I was the first one he ever voted for. Unfortunately he passed away on that morning. My Grandma however, and many of you know her very well, Grandma Mc made me hang in there and go through with the ceremony. She is always my greatest defender and soldier. I love her dearly and have had the great honor of having her be my date at numerous events in the district.
Now most of you know my wonderful wife. We met in this building and have enjoyed many wonderful moments together in politics. Everyone who knows me knows I married well above myself and am truly blessed to have my wife be my best friend and my soul mate. I am pleased to introduce my lovely wife Cate. We are blessed with two wonderful gifts from God in Libby and John Vincent. Libby has come full circle. When she was an infant and Tom Loftus was Speaker, Cate was in the Assembly. Speaker Loftus allowed a Cate and Margaret Lewis to set up a small nursery here in the Speaker's office and Libby was cared for in the office she now occasionally helps answer phones in.
Again I want to welcome everyone and thank you for coming.
Starting out as that farm kid and being elected Speaker of the Assembly is a truly humbling event in my life. I have served with so many good people. We have worked on so many challenging things.
However, the journey we are about to embark on will be unlike anything most of us have ever been through before.
I am confident the people in this room are up to the task.
The main focus of our journey should be about sharing. We need to work together in the Assembly and Senate with Governor Doyle to make the changes and reforms that the people, who elect us, expect us to make.
Because I believe - if we are going to move ahead - if we are going to be successful during this legislative session - if we are going to truly solve the challenges facing our state today.... we need to share the responsibilities for change between the Legislature and the new administration and help the people of Wisconsin understand that we all must share the burden of change - so that we can all share in the success of tomorrow.
We will move ahead not just in the sense of finding solutions to our current fiscal challenges but we will get it right in the sense that we can drive real growth in this state.
We cannot afford to forget that growth.... economic growth.... job growth.... opportunity growth is the ultimate key to truly fixing our fiscal challenges. That is the way to ensure we don't put a band-aid over the problems of the past but rather make lasting improvements.
The deficit we face today is actually a manifestation of a larger problem.... a problem that the economy is not growing as it should. Today we face economic challenges that per capita income in the Badger State is well below that of our neighbors in Minnesota and Illinois.
That is the problem because our citizens work longer hours.... and hold down more jobs.... than anywhere in the country. Our labor participation rate - that is, the percentage of our employable citizens who are in the workforce - is the highest in the country.
Our friends and family are treading water because they are willing to work more overtime.... work multiple jobs.... and have both parents in the workforce. But this cannot last, and people - the talented and the young will vote with their feet and go to other places where the incomes are better.
A8
Governor Thompson understood that if enough people are employed in good paying full-time jobs, the state's fiscal situation will take care of itself. And now we must work together - Republican and Democrat alike - Legislature and Governor alike - to inspire growth in this state.... to give growth a place to take hold and root.
The challenges we share.... can become the opportunity Wisconsin shares tomorrow. No one can say that this will be easy. The immediate challenges - such as the deficit will mean everything reasonable should be considered. Everything should be considered because we are not raising taxes.
We will be successful if our actions - taken deliberately and taken together as partners in creating opportunity.... set the stage for true economic growth that benefits the entire state.
This growth won't just focus on a few groups or companies or individuals.... but include all sectors of our society. This growth will move us forward as a state.... taxpayers.... local governments, the University and schools - everyone that depends on a vibrant economy.
We will only succeed if we work together.
It is my hope that we will work together, occasionally fight together, ultimately succeed together, and will in the end realize that if we pull together in this great Statehouse we will move the State of Wisconsin ahead.
Thank you for your support, patience and for working so hard to help lead Wisconsin to a better tomorrow."
__________________
Election of Speaker Pro Tempore
Representative Ainsworth nominated Representative Freese for the position of Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
There being no further nominations, the speaker declared nominations closed.
Representative Foti asked unanimous consent that a unanimous ballot be cast with all members of the Assembly recorded as voting for Representative Freese for Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore. Granted.
For Representative Freese - Representatives Ainsworth, Albers, Balow, Berceau, Bies, Black, Boyle, Coggs, Colon, Cullen, J. Fitzgerald, Foti, Freese, Friske, Gielow, Gottlieb, Gronemus, Grothman, Gunderson, Gundrum, Hahn, Hebl, Hines, Huber, Huebsch, Hundertmark, Jensen, Jeskewitz, Johnsrud, Kaufert, Kerkman, Kestell, Krawczyk, Kreibich, Kreuser, Krug, Krusick, Ladwig, F. Lasee, Lassa, J. Lehman, M. Lehman, LeMahieu, Loeffelholz, Lothian, McCormick, D. Meyer, Miller, Montgomery, Morris, Musser, Nass, Nischke, Olsen, Ott, Owens, Petrowski, Pettis, Plale, Plouff, Pocan, Pope-Roberts, Powers, Rhoades, Richards, Riley, Schneider, Schooff, Seratti, Sherman, Shilling, Sinicki, Staskunas, Steinbrink, Stone, Suder, Towns, Townsend, Travis, Turner, Underheim, Van Akkeren, Van Roy, Vrakas, Vruwink, Vukmir, Ward, Wasserman, Weber, Wieckert, A. Williams, M. Williams, J. Wood, W. Wood, Young, Zepnick, Ziegelbauer and Speaker Gard - 98.
Absent or not voting - Representative Hubler - 1.
Representative Freese was elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
The oath of office was administered by Speaker Gard.
__________________
Remarks by the
Speaker Pro Tempore
"Mr. Speaker, members of the Assembly, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me start by saying thank you for electing me your Speaker Pro Tempore; I consider it a privilege. We are honored today to have Director General Antonio Chen from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago observing our ceremony. I would like to thank my wife Dawn for all her support in my efforts both as State Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore.
We have many challenges ahead of us as elected representatives of the people of Wisconsin. The looming budget deficit, a sluggish economy, the worst farm prices in decades just to mention a few. Perhaps the most significant challenge we face, however, is the diminished credibility of this institution and its members. The events of the last two years have raised significant questions about the integrity of this institution. The restoration of trust in its members is something we must all work on. It is a task that will require each of us to put forward our best efforts. By working together we can show Wisconsin that we are up to the challenge.
But that will mean the Assembly needs to be a civil place to work in. No more name calling, pranks and other games that do nothing but break down civility. I pledge to do my part in trying to restore this institution's reputation by being fair, but firm, as I preside over the debate held in this chamber. I challenge you to do your part too, and together we can change the course of things to come. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once said, "I don't know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top, but should get you pretty near". So hard work is what we will be doing and now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get started. Thank you."
__________________
Election of Chief Clerk
Representative Vrakas nominated Patrick E. Fuller for the position of Chief Clerk of the Assembly for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
Representative Kreuser seconded the nomination of Patrick E. Fuller for the position of Chief Clerk of the Assembly for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
There being no further nominations, the Speaker declared nominations closed.
A9
Representative Foti asked unanimous consent that a unanimous ballot be cast with all members of the Assembly recorded as voting for Patrick E. Fuller for Assembly Chief Clerk. Granted.
For Patrick E. Fuller - Representatives Ainsworth, Albers, Balow, Berceau, Bies, Black, Boyle, Coggs, Colon, Cullen, J. Fitzgerald, Foti, Freese, Friske, Gielow, Gottlieb, Gronemus, Grothman, Gunderson, Gundrum, Hahn, Hebl, Hines, Huber, Huebsch, Hundertmark, Jensen, Jeskewitz, Johnsrud, Kaufert, Kerkman, Kestell, Krawczyk, Kreibich, Kreuser, Krug, Krusick, Ladwig, F. Lasee, Lassa, J. Lehman, M. Lehman, LeMahieu, Loeffelholz, Lothian, McCormick, D. Meyer, Miller, Montgomery, Morris, Musser, Nass, Nischke, Olsen, Ott, Owens, Petrowski, Pettis, Plale, Plouff, Pocan, Pope-Roberts, Powers, Rhoades, Richards, Riley, Schneider, Schooff, Seratti, Sherman, Shilling, Sinicki, Staskunas, Steinbrink, Stone, Suder, Towns, Townsend, Travis, Turner, Underheim, Van Akkeren, Van Roy, Vrakas, Vruwink, Vukmir, Ward, Wasserman, Weber, Wieckert, A. Williams, M. Williams, J. Wood, W. Wood, Young, Zepnick, Ziegelbauer and Speaker Gard - 98.
Absent or not voting - Representative Hubler - 1.
Patrick E. Fuller was elected Chief Clerk of the Assembly for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
Representatives McCormick and Turner escorted Patrick E. Fuller to the rostrum.
The oath of office was administered by Speaker Gard.
__________________
Election of Sergeant-at-Arms
Representative Petrowski nominated Richard Skindrud for the position of Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
Representative Gronemus seconded the nomination of Richard Skindrud for the position of Assembly Sergeant-At-Arms for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
Representative Cullen nominated Denise Solie for the position of Assembly Sergeant-At-Arms for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
Representative Hebl seconded the nomination of Denise Solie for the position of Assembly Sergeant-At-Arms for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
There being no further nominations, the Speaker declared nominations closed.
Representative Foti asked unanimous consent that the voting system be used for the election of a Sergeant-At-Arms and that a green vote be recorded as a vote for Richard Skindrud and a red vote be recorded as a vote for Denise Solie. Granted.
The roll was taken.
The result follows:
For Richard Skindrud - Representatives Ainsworth, Albers, Bies, Colon, J. Fitzgerald, Foti, Freese, Friske, Gielow, Gottlieb, Gronemus, Grothman, Gunderson, Gundrum, Hahn, Hines, Huebsch, Hundertmark, Jensen, Jeskewitz, Johnsrud, Kaufert, Kerkman, Kestell, Krawczyk, Kreibich, Krusick, Ladwig, F. Lasee, M. Lehman, LeMahieu, Loeffelholz, Lothian, McCormick, D. Meyer, Montgomery, Musser, Nass, Nischke, Olsen, Ott, Owens, Petrowski, Pettis, Plale, Plouff, Powers, Rhoades, Riley, Schooff, Seratti, Staskunas, Stone, Suder, Towns, Townsend, Travis, Underheim, Van Roy, Vrakas, Vukmir, Ward, Wasserman, Weber, Wieckert, M. Williams, J. Wood, Zepnick, Ziegelbauer and Speaker Gard - 70.
For Denise Solie - Representatives Balow, Berceau, Black, Boyle, Coggs, Cullen, Hebl, Huber, Kreuser, Krug, Lassa, J. Lehman, Miller, Morris, Pocan, Pope-Roberts, Richards, Schneider, Sherman, Shilling, Sinicki, Steinbrink, Turner, Van Akkeren, Vruwink, A. Williams, W. Wood and Young - 28.
Absent or not voting - Representative Hubler - 1.
Richard Skindrud was elected Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
The oath of office was administered by Speaker Gard.
__________________
Sergeant-at-Arms' Announcement
Richard Skindrud announced that he has appointed Anne Tonnon Byers as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the Ninety-Sixth Regular Session of the Legislature.
The oath of office was administered by Speaker Gard.
__________________
Oath of Office
On Friday, January 3, 2003, Circuit Court Judge Edward Brunner from Barron County administered the oath of office to Mary Hubler of the 75th Assembly District in a ceremony held at the Barron County Courthouse.
__________________
Communications
November 12, 2002
Mr. Patrick Fuller
Assistant Assembly Chief Clerk
Room 208, 17 West Main
Madison, Wisconsin 53702
Dear Mr. Fuller:
Pursuant to Assembly Rule
2 (2), the following officers have been duly elected by the Assembly Republican Caucus:
