State Senators Stress Bipartisan Cooperation
Madison – Two state senators, one Republican and one Democrat, teamed up for meetings with local officials and business leaders in Central Wisconsin this week.
Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) held a meet and greet roundtable in Wautoma Tuesday to hear from county officials about local and state issues affecting Waushara County. The two also participated in a business roundtable event in Adams County today.
Under proposed redistricting boundaries approved by the Legislature last year, Sen. Olsen’s district would encompass parts of Adams County, and Sen. Lassa’s district, which currently includes far western Waushara County, would include a majority of the county.
“Senator Olsen and I have worked together on a number of issues and legislative proposals over the years,” Lassa said. “Our constituents expect us to work in a bipartisan way to find solutions to challenges within areas like the economy, health care and education. By hosting these meetings with local community and business leaders, we hope to start a more positive discussion about how we can all work together to move our state forward.”
“In Waushara and Adams counties we heard about many of the issues Senator Lassa and I have worked together on for many years,” Olsen explained. “This was a great way to get to know folks in the new parts of our districts. Really, this is what working together is all about: focusing our attention on how to best serve our constituents.”
Senator Olsen has a strong reputation as an advocate for education and has led efforts to improve education for children throughout the state. He serves as the vice-chair of the Joint Finance Committee and Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. He is a member of the Steering Committee of the Education Commission of the States in Denver, Colorado and is a member of the Finance and Audit Committee of the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Authority Board. During his legislative career, he has also worked on issues involving agriculture, small business and natural resources.
Senator Lassa is known for her effective leadership on economic development issues in the legislature. She is the ranking Democratic member of the Senate Economic Development and Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and serves on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (which replaced the Wisconsin Department of Commerce). She also served on Governor Walker’s Venture Capital Commission this fall. Beyond economic development, she also focuses on rural issues, government accountability, and child protection.