AJR47: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-2570/2

CGR:kjf:jf

2009 - 2010 LEGISLATURE

2009 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 47

April 21, 2009 - Introduced by Representative J. Ott. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR47,1,1 Relating to: the life and public service of John L. Merkt.

AJR47,1,3 Whereas, John L. Merkt was born on October 2, 1946, in Milwaukee, and died on April 1, 2009; and

AJR47,1,6 Whereas, John L. Merkt graduated from Milwaukee Marquette High School, attended Marquette University from 1964 to 1968, and earned a BS degree in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1971; and

AJR47,1,8 Whereas, John L. Merkt was first elected to the Wisconsin assembly in 1976, serving in the 1977 through 1987 sessions; and

AJR47,1,11 Whereas, during his tenure in the legislature, John L. Merkt demonstrated talent for identifying issues that captivated public imagination and was an independent thinker with a big heart; and

AJR47,1,15 Whereas, John L. Merkt strongly opposed street drugs and was invited by President Ronald Reagan to the White House for the signing of federal legislation that significantly toughened penalties for people who supplied drugs to individuals who died as a result — the "Len Bias Law"; and

AJR47,2,2 Whereas, John L. Merkt introduced "Len Bias" legislation in Wisconsin which was also signed into law; and

AJR47,2,4 Whereas, John L. Merkt should be remembered for the many causes he championed related to the Milwaukee Brewers; and

AJR47,2,7 Whereas, after his retirement from the legislature, John L. Merkt worked for Speaker David Prosser until 1996 and, as a staff member, worked on legislation that led to the construction of Miller Park; now, therefore, be it

AJR47,2,11 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend the devoted public service that John L. Merkt contributed to this state and his community, express their sorrow at his death, and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

AJR47,2,13 Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to John L. Merkt's wife, Nancy, and his daughter, Katie Schmidt.

AJR47,2,14 (End)