In this new session, we must build upon all of the achievements of the last. While Wisconsin’s voters are confident that our responsible stewardship has put Wisconsin on the right track, this session we must renew our commitment to improving our business climate, developing our workforce, and creating jobs.
As we embark on the process of crafting the next biennial budget, we will ensure that the best interests of Wisconsin’s taxpayers remain a priority. Wisconsin has already seen over $3 billion in savings thanks to the reforms of Act 10, and we will continue to search out instances of waste, fraud, and abuse within our state government and ensure that they are eradicated. Meanwhile, we will continue to reform our education system, defend public safety, invest in infrastructure, and prove that we are responsible stewards of Wisconsin’s finances.
As members of the legislature, we are so often characterized by our divisions—from house, to district, to party affiliation; but all of us here today are united by our shared desire to make our state a better place. It is in this spirit that I welcome all of you to the 102nd Session of the Wisconsin State Senate.”
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With unanimous consent, Senator Shilling addressed the members from the rostrum.
Remarks of Minority Leader Shilling
“Madame President, friends and colleagues. I am honored to join you here today as we begin a new legislative session and address the challenges facing our state.
I would like to welcome our new and returning members as well as their families. I especially want to recognize my husband Chris and two boys, Nathan and Zachary, who are here with me today. Thank you for your unconditional love, support and encouragement.
I also want to welcome everyone watching from home on WisconsinEye as well as our guests here in the Senate chamber.
While today marks the start of a new session, it also provides our legislature with a clean slate and the opportunity to chart a new course for our state.
We all know that Wisconsin is a unique, vibrant and hardworking state full of amazing people and unparalleled potential, but we need a clearer plan to invest in our future and ensure long-term economic success.
While our state has seen modest economic growth, too many workers remain unemployed, family wages are stagnant and our aging infrastructure is preventing many businesses from expanding. Additionally, Wisconsin’s $2.2 billion budget shortfall and the state’s fiscal uncertainty continues to present significant challenges. While our neighboring states are enjoying budget surpluses and reaping the benefits of the national economic recovery, Wisconsin communities, businesses and residents are already bracing for another round of difficult budget cuts and sacrifices.
As we seek to balance Wisconsin’s budget deficit and build a brighter future, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I are committed to focusing on the important issues at hand. We will put forward thoughtful proposals to improve workplace flexibility, increase economic freedom and invest in pro-growth policies to strengthen the middle class. We recognize that these aren’t Democratic or Republican issues. They’re Wisconsin issues and we must find ways to work together on these key priorities.
In this new session, it is important to recognize the shortcomings of past policies and look for new ways to deliver on legislative promises. Without adequately investing in our future, Wisconsin will continue to lag our neighboring states in job growth and prosperity. We know that a quality education is the foundation for lifelong success, yet state cuts, local funding challenges and the massive increase of student loan debt have become significant burdens for families. By making targeted investments in our schools, we can improve education outcomes at all levels from pre-K programs to our technical colleges and universities.
Senate Democrats will also look for ways to help businesses improve workplace productivity, reduce employee turnover and provide greater workplace flexibility. We want to focus on increasing access to affordable childcare and reducing health care costs in order to eliminate the barriers that prevent employers and employees from succeeding in a competitive global marketplace.
We also recognize that our government has a responsibility to strengthen communities and private enterprise by maintaining a strong public infrastructure. From repairing aging roads and bridges to encouraging broadband access in urban and rural areas, we need to ensure that our infrastructure is an asset, not a liability, to businesses growth and expansion.
Each of the members in this chamber represents a unique district and geographic area of our state, but we are united in our desire to do what’s best for everyone. Rather than focusing on policies that will divide communities, I hope that we will seize this opportunity to set a new tone and find commonsense solutions to the challenges we face. As the Senate Democratic Leader, I look forward to working with Gov. Walker, my legislative colleagues, community leaders and local advocates to strengthen relationships and move Wisconsin forward. By working together, I know that we can provide greater economic opportunity, prosperity and freedom for all to enjoy.
Thank you.”
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Report of Committees
The joint committee on Legislative Organization reports and recommends:
Senate Joint Resolution 1
Relating to: the session schedule for the 2015−2016 biennial session period.
Introduction.
Ayes: 10 − Senators Lazich, Fitzgerald, Farrow, Shilling, and Hansen. Representatives Vos, Steineke, Knodl, Barca, and Shankland.
Noes: 0 − None.
MARY LAZICH
Senate Chairperson
hist31215Considered as privileged and taken up. Relating to: the session schedule for the 2015-2016 biennial session period.
By joint committee on Legislative Organization.
hist31216The question was: Adoption of Senate Joint Resolution 1? The ayes and noes were demanded and the vote was: ayes, 31; noes, 0; absent or not voting, 1; as follows:
Ayes - Senators Bewley, Carpenter, Cowles, Erpenbach, Farrow, S. Fitzgerald, Gudex, Hansen, Harris Dodd, Harsdorf, C. Larson, Lasee, Lassa, Lazich, LeMahieu, Marklein, Miller, Moulton, Nass, Olsen, Petrowski, Ringhand, Risser, Roth, Shilling, L. Taylor, Tiffany, Vinehout, Vukmir, Wanggaard and Wirch - 31.
Noes - None.
Absent or not voting - Senator Darling - 1.
Adopted.
Senator Fitzgerald, with unanimous consent, asked that all action be immediately messaged to the Assembly:
Messaged.
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Petitions and Communications
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Secretary of State
December 19, 2014
The Honorable, the Senate:
I, DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE, Secretary of the 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 2013-14 legislature and duly published as required by Section 1 of Article XII of the Constitution. Enrolled Joint Resolution 16 (first consideration)
Sincerely,
DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE
Secretary of State
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Announcements, Adjournment Honors and Remarks Under
Special Privilege
Senator Larson, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of his wife Jessica, 2 year old son Atticus James Larson, and 1 month old baby girl Stella Louisa Larson.
Senator Harris Dodd, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of Cindy McGinnis.
Senator Lasee, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2015 inaugural; Lark Wartenberg, Vicky Gilsoul, Jim and Ying La Court, Fred and Marian Krumberger, Ron Antonneau, Pat Schillinger, Chris La Rowe, Rich Woldt, and his wife, Amy Joy Lasee.
Senator Farrow, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2015 inaugural; his wife, Amy, his parents, former State Senator and Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor Margaret Farrow and her husband John Farrow, his brother, Peter, his business partner Dave Lehman and his guest Michelle Przybyla, and his sons, Andrew and Jarod.
Senator Vinehout, with unanimous consent, introduced her guests attending the 2015 inaugural; Mari Frenier, Erika Frenier, Monica Nava-Frenier, Alejandro Nava-Frenier, Ivan Nava-Frenier, Katie Frenier-Lopez, Kelly Vineout, Douglas Smith, Jeremiah Anderson, Douglas Kane, and Nathan Vinehout-Kane.
Senator Marklein, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2015 inaugural; his wife, Peggy Marklein, Nicole and Luke Bacher, Bill and Stacy Marklein, Julie Hautala, Lori and Bob Ederer, Lynn and Jeff Palmer, Dick Marklein, Jeanne Bohl, Christina Bohl, Brad Ederer, Derrick Bohl, Randy Hartung, Tom Harlan, Bill Wall, William Biefer, and Adrian Roberg.
Senator Erpenbach, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of his wife Christine Bellport-Erpenbach, his parents Liz and Bill Erpenbach, his Uncle Jon Erpenbach and aunt Diane Erpenbach, his son Joe Erpenbach with his girlfriend Katie Sauer and his daughter Amy Erpenbach.
Senator Vukmir, with unanimous consent, introduced her guests attending the 2015 inaugural; Paul Schmidt, Sally Sprenger, Gary Sprenger, Anna Marie Dickrell, Tim Martin, Deanna Friedrich, and Barry Marshall.
Senator Gudex, with unanimous consent, introduced his guest attending the 2015 inaugural; Alexana Gudex.
Senator Shilling, with unanimous consent, asked that then the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of her husband Chris Shilling, their two sons Nathan and Zachary Shilling, and her aunt Ann Ehlenfeldt. Senator Shilling would also like to adjourn in honor of her parents, Richard and Lynn Ehlenfeldt, who are always in her thoughts.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of the career and memory of the late Annette “Polly” Williams. Annette Polly Williams was a zealous legislator and an unapologetic supporter of the African-American community. She was also a leader, role model, and dedicated public servant. Polly was only the second African American woman elected to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly, and when on to become the longest serving female legislator in either house, having served the 10th Assembly District from 1980 to 2010. Polly was determined to bring equality to education to every child in the state and worked tirelessly to help level the playing field for children of low-income families. Polly led the charge to increase the quality of life from birth into adulthood, whether it be through education, health care, or civil rights. She helped to lay the groundwork for future black elected officials, through mentorship, guidance, and political support. Her tireless work at the city, county, state and national levels assisted in highlighting that African American contributions should be valued and supported. Polly was a devoted wife and mother; her children were her greatest priority, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that they would have a better life. Annette Polly Williams passed away last November in Milwaukee at the age of seventy-seven.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of the career and memory of the late Geneva McGee-Harris. Geneva McGee-Harris, who was a lifelong Milwaukee resident and fully immersed herself in service to the community, understood the impact of segregationist laws on the quality of black life in every social indicator from civil rights to healthcare. Geneva had a close relationship with God, to direct her purpose in life, raise her four children, and equip her with the strength and resolve to be a voice and change agent for those in need or impaired by what she viewed as one of the greatest barriers to a quality life, access to health services. Geneva was inspired by the Black Panther Party and worked to improve health outcomes by opening “The Peoples’ Free Health Clinic,” in 1970 and some forty-five years later, now known as the Isaac Coggs Health Center, is still standing. Geneva’s life work included co-founding and directing the Prescription Advocacy Referral Service and advocating for issues impacting the elderly. She married Hesakiah Harris in 2001 and continued serving others through her work at Mercy Missionary Baptist Church and has left a personal and family legacy of leadership and civic engagement. Geneva McGee-Harris passed away on December 30, 2014 in Milwaukee at the age of seventy-nine.
Senator Taylor, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of the late Dontre Hamilton. Last April, Dontre was shot in Red Arrow Park in Milwaukee. Dontre was sleeping on a park bench when he was awoken by an officer. After an improper pat down and physical altercation began, it ended with Dontre being shot 14 times. At the end of last year, the DA decided not to charge the officer involved in the death of Dontre. This news came at a time when nationally we were seeing, and continue to see, cases of black men being killed by police, with no justice. Dontre was not breaking the law and had a history of mental illness. His story highlights so many of the challenges that our state faces. Sky high black unemployment, the last of mental health services, and a mistrust in minority communities and government officials. Senator Taylor would like to adjourn today in the hopes that we reevaluate diversity and cultural training given to officers, in the hopes that communities come together to work on better strategies for police-community relations, in the hopes that mental health training is a requirement for all officers, and in the hopes that no individual is needlessly gunned down in our state again.
Senator Lazich, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns it do so in honor of and thanks the Most Reverend Jerome Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, for providing the opening prayer, and thanks the members of the New Berlin Eisenhower’s “7th Position” String ensemble for providing music for the inauguration. Members of the Ensemble are Teresa Snyder, Tina Snyder, Emma Klahorst, Rachael Wilkowski, Serina Louey, Jamie Schara, Heather Browne, and Andrew Schrom. In addition Senator Lazich thanks the new Berlin Eisenhower Interim Principle Nicole Jones for chaperoning the group.
Senator Lazich with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of the special people in her life; Glenn Lazich, Glenn Lazich II, Dana Lazich, Autumn Lazich, Grayson Lazich, Macie Lazich, Bernadine Fletcher, John Fletcher, Rhonda Warner, Steven Warner, Kaytlyn Warner, Madyson Warner, Ashley Warner, Caroline Warner, and Emil Lazich. Senator Lazich also acknowledged and thanked her special guests in attendance Howard Fletcher, Georgene Fletcher, Dave Meister, Rick Meister, Cathy Waller, and Gladys Manke.
Senator Carpenter, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of Milwaukee’s Hunger Task Force, and its Director of Advocacy, Maureen Fitzgerald, for helping others and upholding their dignity when they are at their most vulnerable.
Senator Carpenter, with unanimous consent, asked that when the Senate adjourns it do so in honor of Sister Ann Catherine, who reminds him by her example, the honor in a life serving others.
Senator Petrowski, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2015 inaugural; his wife, Ellen Petrowski, his daughter Amy and her husband Chris and son Jaxon Kuckarik, and his daughter Alane Petrowski and her fiancé Francois Brunet.
Senator LeMahieu, with unanimous consent, introduced his guests attending the 2015 inaugural; his parents Representative Daniel and Rosemary LeMahieu, sister Rebecca and Jim Peterson with children Wendy, Lydia, Asha and Kai, uncles and aunts Ruth Ann Ebbers, Arvin and Doris Meerdink, Jim and Donna LeMahieu, Rev. Larry and Fay TenHaken, Bob and Kay Wilterdink, cousins Lynnette Johnson with son Eli, Scott and Dawn LeMahieu with son Justin, and 2nd cousins Jack and Mary Hoffman.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Ted Blazel, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of his parents Robert and Mary Kay Blazel, his in-laws Dale and Dotty Heinecke, and his wife Hanna and sons Benjamin and William.
Senate Chief Clerk Jeffrey Renk, asked that when the Senate adjourns, it do so in honor of his sister-in-law Peggy Mairet and friend Judith Sweers who attended today’s inauguration.
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Adjournment
Senator Fitzgerald, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate stand adjourned pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1.
Adjourned.
3:15 P.M.
