Sen. Tim Cullen points out that the Senate leadership took a vote on a mining bill that did not have enough votes to pass the Senate, but refused to allow a vote on an alternative that did have the votes to pass and would have allowed a mine to safely operate in Iron and Ashland counties.

Senate Joint Resolution 21 would amend the Wisconsin constitution to create a new right of the people to contract privately for health care services and coverage, and prohibiting a person from obtaining or maintaining health insurance coverage or to participate in any health care system or plan. The constitutional amendment is the Republican response to the federal Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act, which requires every person to carry health insurance (“individual mandate”). In his Senate floor remarks, Sen. Cullen pointed out that insurance only works when large groups are covered. Spreading out the risk among a large group is the nature of insurance, said Cullen, a former health insurance executive

During floor debate on a proposed constitutional amendment, Sen. Tim Cullen further explains how insurance works. Small group and individual health insurance policies tend to be very expensive and/or have poor coverage. Even if the constitution is amended to prohibit a law that requires every person to have health insurance, the problems with the health insurance marketplace remain, Cullen noted. Despite objections by Democrats, the resolution passed the Senate 17-16. For the constitution to be amended, a resolution must pass the Legislature in two consecutive sessions and then be ratified by voters.

Instead of lowering the standards for when a person can shoot another person, the Legislature should be focusing on two important bills, Sen. Tim Cullen said during floor debate.

Sen. Tim Cullen and Sen. Dale Schultz hold a press conference to explain their proposal to let the voters decide whether Supreme Court justices should continue to be elected, or appointed using an independent Judicial Selection Commission.

In remarks during the debate on the state budget, Sen. Cullen discusses a few of the objectionable provisions.

Sen. Tim Cullen makes the case against a provision in the budget bill that requires unemployed people to wait one week before collecting unemployment compensation.

“There are all kinds of things that I find repugnant about this bill.”

Sen. Cullen comments on the striking difference of perspectives on a bill changing voting procedures in Wisconsin.

Sen. Cullen recalls the early release program, which he oversaw, during Gov. Tommy Thompson’s administration.

Sen. Cullen speaks in support of his amendment to eliminate legislators from the membership of the WEDC board of directors.

Sen. Cullen explains why he is voting against a state income tax break for Health Savings Accounts.

During January special floor session, Senator Cullen speaks against legislation that limits damages in judgments against long-term providers.