2011 - 2012 Committee Assignments

I am pleased to announce that for the 2011 - 2012 Legislative Session, I will serve as Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.   I will also serve as a member of the Judiciary and Ethics Committee and the Financial Institutions Committee.

I very much look forward to serving on these committees, all of which will play an important role in reducing the anticipated $3 billion budget deficit with which we are confronted for the next fiscal biennium, and getting our state economy back on the right track.  I have already been in contact with the Department of Health Services in preparation for the Joint Audit Committee's first hearing next week concerning the Medical Assistance Program and costly deficiencies identified within the program that had previously been brought to my attention.  I am hopeful my colleagues on the committee will join me in support of a full scale audit of MA in order to make it more efficient while saving taxpayer money.

I've been honored to serve on both the Joint Audit and Ways and Means Committee since I first took office in January 2001.  During the 2007-2008 Session, I served as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, the focus of which is on tax-related legislation.  Since 2007, I've served on the Judiciary and Ethics Committee, and I previously served on the Financial Institutions Committee during the 2003-2004 Session. 

Rep. Kerkman on Inauguration Day with her husband, Judge Chad Kerkman, and their sons Evan and Ian.

Governor Walker Appoints Cabinet Secretaries

Shortly before Inauguration Day, Governor Walker appointed the cabinet secretaries who will oversee our state agencies for the next four years.  Our new secretaries include:

• Secretary Mike Huebsch of the Department of Administration

• Secretary Dennis Smith of the Department of Health Services

• Secretary Paul Jadin of the Department of Commerce

• Secretary Mark Gottlieb of the Department of Transportation

• Secretary Cathy Stepp of the Department of Natural Resources

• Secretary Rick Chandler of the Department of Revenue

• Secretary Ben Brancel of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

• Secretary Eloise Anderson of the Department of Children and Families

• Secretary Manuel "Manny" Perez of the Department of Workforce Development

• Secretary Gary Hamblin of the Department of Corrections

• Secretary Peter Bildsten of the Department of Financial Institutions

• Secretary Stephanie Klett of the Department of Tourism

• Secretary Dave Ross of the Department of Regulation and Licensing

Additionally, Wyman Winston will serve as Executive Director for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA); Ted Nickel has been named the Commissioner of Insurance; and Brian Hayes will serve as Governor Walker's Budget Director.

I had the opportunity to meet with DHS Secretary Smith this week to introduce myself and discuss health care - related issues that will likely surface throughout this Session.  I was very impressed with him, and feel confident in his ability to serve the state of Wisconsin.

 Governor Walker to Deliver State of the State Address

Governor Walker will deliver his first State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 7:00pm.  The event will be broadcasted live on Wisconsin Public Television for any interested viewers.

Rep. Kerkman (far right) is picture with Senator Bob Wirch, Eagle Scout Craig Manarik, John and Margaret Manarik, Joe Polachek, and Ross Swartz of Swartz Nursery.

Craig Manarik Earns Eagle Scout Honors

There was certainly a lot of excitement this week at the Capitol as well as within the 66th Assembly District.  I had the privilege of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor that was held to recognize Craig Manarik of Silver Lake, son of John and Margaret Manarik, who recently achieved the Boy Scouts of America's highest honor. 

In addition to earning 31 merit badges he needed to become an Eagle Scout, Craig worked with Ross Swartz of Swartz Nursery in alleviating a drainage problem at Riverview Elementary School.  After creating an initial landscape plan, Craig organized volunteers and fellow members of Troop 329 in draining and cleaning existing ponds near the school, removing gravel and replacing it with top soil, adding rain barrels and burying drainpipes in the bed of the ponds to allow proper drainage.

En route to becoming an Eagle Scout, Craig has held a number of leadership positions such as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader.  I commend Craig on a job well done and wish him the very best in his future endeavors as he certainly has a bright future ahead of him.