Committees
One of the most important roles for a legislator is that of a committee member. The first step in a bill becoming law begins with its referral to one of the 42 committees the Wisconsin State Assembly has set up to address the different matters in a legislative session. The most intensive questions, suggestions, debate and resolution on a bill comes while it is before a committee.
2011 - 2012 Committee Assignments
2009 - 2010 Committee Assignments
2007 - 2008 Committee Assignments
Not only are committeees a necessary part of the legislative process, they are also wonderful opportunities for legislators to meet face to face with constituents. In public hearings, all Wisconsin citizens are invited to attend and testify if they wish, voicing their opinions about the bill being considered. The committee meetings are filmed and streamed live to Wisconsin Eye in order to provide every Wisconsinite access to these hearings.
Ensuring the right to every Wisconsinite to voice their opinions has always been a priority of mine and during the recent Budget Repair Bill protests, I worked tirelessly toward that goal. After a very short and incomplete public hearing on the bill, the Joint Committee on Finance adjourned before everyone who wanted to speak had their chance, turning hundreds away. In order to allow everyone who wanted to testify a chance to speak, my colleagues and I convened an alternate public hearing. In the over 124 hours of public testimony that was provided, I spent close to 40 hours listening and learning. It was an incredible experience and one I will not soon forget.
If you are interested in attending a public hearing, please don't hesitate to contact my office at (608) 266-7678.