Inauguration 2019

This week, the 104th Wisconsin State Legislature was gaveled into session with the inauguration of all new members and those who won reelection in November. I was sworn-in for a third term and will represent Wisconsin's 60th District for the next two years.

I am humbled and honored to continue being a voice for my constituents in Madison. This session, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on important issues such as tax reform, transportation funding, and job creation. 

In this era of divided government, it is more important than ever that the two parties work together on issues of importance to Wisconsin. Working together is in our DNA. In fact, more than 90 percent of the bills past during the last eight years received overwhelming bipartisan support.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address transportation funding, healthcare, and education. 

Before being inaugurated, legislators take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States and Constitution of Wisconsin--a solemn oath I take very seriously. 

Can you guess which branch of government is mentioned first in the state Constitution?

If you guessed the legislature, you are correct. Wisconsin's Constitution states, "the legislative power shall be vested in a senate and assembly."

Additionally, the constitution goes on to say, "The style of all laws of the state shall be the people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in the senate and assembly, do enact as follows: no law shall be enacted except by bill., No law shall be in force until published.

The trailblazers who founded this state in 1848, gave due deference to the people's house, as it relates to writing laws, allocating funds, and the means to generate revenue. 

While the constitution specifically provides guidance for the powers of each branch of government, it spends significantly more time on the legislative branch.

Wisconsin's constitution addresses the governor in 10 sections and the attorney general, secretary of state, and state treasurer in 1 section each, but the legislature was referenced in all 34 sections. 

Our state's framers wanted to provide more distinct powers to the branch of government most beholden to the citizenry. 

I look forward to another productive session and working with my colleagues and Governor Evers to ensure that Wisconsin remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. If you have any ideas for legislation or need assistance with state agencies, do not hesitate to contact my office. 

Committees

During the 2019-2020 legislative session I will serve on the following committees:

• Joint Legislative Council (co-chairman)
• Medicaid Reform and Oversight (vice-chairman)
• Housing and Real Estate
• Judiciary
• Ways and Means

I look forward to serving on these committees and developing legislation that positively impacts the live's of my constituents. 

Stay up to date

One of the best ways to date with what is happening in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking system. This service affords you with the opportunity to track legislative activities in Madison. Upon creation of a free account, you can sign up to receive notification about specific bills of committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject (i.e., health care, education, etc.).