Biography

  • Born June 16, 1958; married; 1 child.
  • B.S. with honors in Education, Southern Illinois University, 1980; M.P.H. St. Louis University, 1982; Ph.D. St. Louis University, 1987; A.D. in Agriculture.
  • Organic farmer. Former dairy farmer, university professor, health care manager.
  • Member: Wisconsin Farmers Union; Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (former board member, Buffalo County); Alma Chamber of Commerce; Democratic Party of Buffalo County (former chair); Andrew Blackfoot American Legion Auxiliary Post 129.
  • Former member: Buffalo County Agricultural Fair Association (board member); American Federation of Teachers (treasurer, Local 4100).
  • Recipient: Sierra Club Environmental Champion 2014; Wisconsin Public Health Association Friend of Public Health 2014; Wisconsin Farmers Union Friend of Farmers Union Award 2013; Wisconsin Congress of Parents and Teachers Joan Dykstra Friends of Children Award 2012; Wisconsin Aquaculture Association Friend of Wisconsin Aquaculture 2011; La Crosse Area Development Council Triangle of Achievement; AFSCME Council 40 Protector of Quality Services Award 2010; School Administrators Alliance Legislator of the Year 2010; Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians Friend of Family Medicine; Wisconsin Grocers Association Friend of Grocers 2010; Wisconsin Crop Production Association Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award; Wisconsin Association of County Homes Outstanding Legislative Service Award 2010; Wisconsin Troopers Association Legislator of the Year 2010; Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Conservation Champion 2014, 2010, 2008; Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels Friend of Access 2008; Wisconsin Association of FFA Honorary State FFA Degree 2008; Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin Legislator of the Year 2008; Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives Friend of Cooperatives 2008.
  • Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, 2004–2011.
  • Elected to Senate since 2006. Leadership positions: Minority Caucus Vice Chair 2015, 2013, 2011; Majority Caucus Vice Chair 2009.

2017 Authored Proposals

(first or second author, first sponsor)

2017 Co-authored Proposals

2017 Cosponsored Proposals

2017 Authored Amendments

2017 Votes