Open Letter to Dr. Jill Underly, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
At a time when schools are failing our children, as reflected in the already low and declining proficiency rates we see across our state—DPI should be more focused on their mission to help raise student scores rather than creating activist, CRT, “leadership” training for publically-paid teachers...
When Will the Governor Let Parents Decide What’s Best for Their Kids?
Senate President Chris Kapenga released the following statement concerning Governor Evers’ veto of Assembly Bill 995, which would allow parents to opt their child out of wearing a face mask at school, and would also require an option for in-person classroom instruction.
Senator Kapenga to Hold Listening Sessions
State Senator Chris Kapenga has announced three upcoming listening sessions...
Kids and Masks—Parents Should Decide
There are many reasons why the decision about whether a child should wear a mask is best left with parents...
Say ‘Yes’ to that Job Offer!
My bill will help more people move out of poverty by ensuring people accept an offer of employment...
Senator Kapenga’s Response to State of the State Address
Our state has things we can celebrate, but I disagree we are better off with Tony Evers as Governor. To only focus on the positive and woefully neglect to address the top issues of our state points out once again his inability to effectively lead us forward...
Senator Chris Kapenga Announces 2022 Senate Scholars
Two candidates from the 33rd Senate District have been selected to participate in the 2022 Senate Scholar Program, a week-long intensive program that introduces high school juniors and seniors to the work of the State Senate...
Legislators Introduce Stronger Workforce Initiative
Today, Republican Legislators introduced the Stronger Workforce Initiative, a multi-pronged approach to address the employment crisis facing small businesses throughout Wisconsin...
Waukesha Delegation’s Third Letter to Governor Evers Regarding Removing Milwaukee County DA Chisholm
For a third time, I’ve joined with Representative Cindi Duchow, Representative Adam Neylon, and Representative Scott Allen, along with other members of the Waukesha County legislative delegation, to send a letter to Governor Evers to do his job and remove Milwaukee County DA John Chisholm.
Waukesha Delegation Letter to Governor Evers Regarding Chisholm Complaint
Governor Evers, John Chisholm has failed to keep innocent people safe, and he must be removed immediately
Milwaukee County District Attorney Should be Fired, Not Receive a Raise
I cannot in good conscience approve a raise for a District Attorney who is directly responsible for letting Darrell Brooks, a dangerous career criminal, out on the streets where he had the opportunity to kill six people and seriously injure dozens more...
Weekly Republican Radio Address - Accomplishments
Senate President Chris Kapenga delivers the weekly Republican radio address about 2021 accomplishments...
What Are They Teaching Our Children?
Parents across the nation have been told by liberal progressives that Critical Race Theory (CRT) isn't being taught in K-12 schools. However, while the school curriculum may not always be branded as CRT, the ideology is being taught in many Wisconsin schools, including in the 33rd District...
Waukesha County Legislators Call for Governor to Remove Chisholm
In light of the devastation to the Waukesha community, it is clear Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm has neglected his duty to the citizens of Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin, and he should be removed in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 17.06 (3) immediately...
Statement on Veto of A Woman’s Right to Know Act
The Governor’s track record makes it clear that he doesn’t have a problem with discrimination against some of the most vulnerable women—the ones still in the womb...
Tragic Event at Waukesha Christmas Parade
No explanation will ever help us understand the evil that took the lives of innocent people. Like most of you, I’m extremely angry at the person who did this...
Senate Committee Issues Subpoena for Madison Election Records
Having to sign the third subpoena in the history of the Senate is not something I take lightly. It’s unfortunate and concerning that a few people running elections think they are more important than the electorate. I sign this with the full effect of the law behind it. We are not playing games...
Senator Kapenga Calls for WEC Resignations
Today, I’m joining some of my legislative colleagues in calling for the resignation of Meagan Wolfe as WEC Administrator and also the resignation of all Commissioners...
Weekly Republican Radio Address - Senate Leaders Launch Election Investigation
Senator Chris Kapenga delivers the weekly Republican radio address concerning a Senate investigation of the November 2020 audit...
Senate Leaders to Launch Election Investigation Following Audit
Last week, the non-partisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released their comprehensive audit of the November 2020 election and election administration in Wisconsin...
Senate Passes Protect Life Bills
Senator Chris Kapenga authored Senate Bill 591, A Women’s Right to Know Act, which ensures medical professionals share critical information with a woman who has chosen a pill-induced abortion, commonly referred to as the “abortion pill.”
It’s Time to Protect All Life
For too long, things have not been as it should be when it comes to valuing all life. These pro-life bills will end discriminatory abortions and ensure that medical professionals share critical medical information with women.
Statement on State Superintendent Underly's Address
I find it concerning State Superintendent Jill Underly is signaling she’ll follow in the same footsteps of previous administrations that failed to provide a quality education to many of our children...
Tragic Events in Afghanistan
Just how quickly things went from badly handled to completely tragic in Afghanistan is devastating to see. There were zero combat casualties for our military service members from February 2020 until last week. Now we have 13 dead and hundreds wounded from ISIS-K attacks. There are also untold...
Governor Evers Is a Barrier to Secure Elections
The Governor just turned his back on important election integrity bills that, had he signed, would have gone a long way to prove to the people of Wisconsin that protecting the integrity of our elections matters more than appeasing progressive Madison and Milwaukee special interest groups...
Statement on Vaccine Mandates
Once they were hailed as heroes; but now, healthcare workers who refuse to get the Covid-19 vaccine might very well find themselves fired from their jobs...
Three Ways to Help Our Kids
State Senator Chris Kapenga issued the following statement regarding Governor Evers’ call for a special session of the legislature to take up additional funding for education...
Governor Evers Tries to Save Face
After spending the last several months disparaging Republican policies at every chance he got, Governor Evers has now nearly wholesale embraced the Republican written budget. In particular ...
Senate Passes Budget, Sending it to Governor’s Desk
The first thing I think about on a budget is ‘how much.’ From my perspective, the budget needs to be something that the average person can look at and say ‘that’s a reasonable plan.’ When we started with the governor’s budget, we received a document filled with tax increases, massive spending...
Senator Kapenga’s Letter to President Trump
Mr. President, One of the most frustrating things to watch during your Presidency was the continued attacks on you from fake news outlets with no accountability to truth. I can’t imagine the frustration you and your family felt. Unfortunately, in our positions of public service...
Don’t Be Fooled, Folks!
The unprecedented $4.4 billion revenue increase should go back to taxpayers...
Legislative Leaders Respond to the Governor’s Special Session Call
We will not shift people off their private insurance onto a government-run system...
Weekly Republican Radio Address - We Can't Afford A Buyer's Remorse Budget
Senator Chris Kapenga delivers the weekly Republican radio address concerning the 2021-23 State Budget.
Gov. Presents a Buyer's Remorse Budget
Right now, the Legislature is in the budget-writing process and is reviewing Governor Evers’ buyer’s remorse budget. I could give you a mind-numbing list of the insane, record spending and tax hikes in his budget, but in the context of this column, I think the most important thing to share with ...
"Friends of Grocers" Award
“Friend of Grocers” Award from the Wisconsin Grocers Association
Introduces COVID-19 “Safe Harbor” Liability Reform Legislation
The bill would give a “safe harbor” liability exemption to owners, lessees, occupants, or individuals/entities in control of a premises as long as they follow public health orders and take reasonable precautions to protect the public.
Governor Evers Sides with Agitators, Blocking Board of Regents Free Speech Policy
Governor Evers will kill a plan by UW-System Regents that would ensure free speech rights are protected on college campuses across Wisconsin.
Bartender’s License Bill Passes State Senate
This bill would give local governments an option to reduce that time frame to just a day or two, meaning employees can get to work faster and employers can fill open positions.
Legislators' Letter to WisDOT - Road Reconstruction Delays
Letter to WisDOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson from concerned legislators regarding issues with a number of delays in road reconstruction projects in southeastern Wisconsin.
Request for Audit of Public Finance Authority
An audit conducted by the Legislative Audit Bureau is now appropriate to evaluate the financial and organizational structure of the PFA.
Applications Being Accepted For 2020 Senate Scholar Program
Senator Chris Kapenga and the Wisconsin State Senate are now accepting applications for the 2020 Senate Scholar Program, where high school juniors and seniors from around the state participate in a week-long, intensive program at the State Capitol.
Waukesha Area Legislators Introduce Bill to Lower Water Bills for Ratepayers
It is estimated that a change from a 20-year to a 30-year repayment could save the average Waukesha residential ratepayer up to $56 a year.
Pewaukee Listening Session
State Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) will host a listening session with State Representative Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) at the Pewaukee Public Library on Wednesday, April 24th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Sussex Listening Session
Listening session at Pauline Haass Public Library in Sussex on Wednesday, March 27th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Listening Sessions Announced
Listening sessions are a great opportunity for constituents of the 33rd Senate District to stay informed on legislative topics, share ideas, and voice their opinion. I look forward to meeting and hearing from constituents on the issues that are important to them.
Senate Passes Income Tax Cut
We have passed a tax cut plan that reduces income taxes on the middle class by using state surplus revenues. Thanks to eight years of sound fiscal planning by Republicans, our state is in a great place economically.
The State of our State is Strong
Wisconsin is in great shape with the help of reforms that the Republican legislature and Governor Walker have made over the past eight years.
Senator Kapenga Sworn in for Second Senate Term
“As we begin this new legislative session, I am committed to continuing moving Wisconsin forward along the path of prosperity. During my time in the legislature, I have worked hard to improve how government operates and ensure it moves to be more limited...
Senator Kapenga Named To Standing Committees
Senator Chris Kapenga (R - Delafield) will serve as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Government Operations, Technology & Consumer Protection. He has also been reappointed as a member of the Committee on Labor & Regulatory Reform as well as the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
Senator Kapenga Named Chair of Public Benefits, Licensing & State-Federal Relations Committee
“I am excited to get back to serving as the chairman of the Public Benefits, Licensing & State-Federal Relations Committee, and want to thank Senator Fitzgerald for reappointing me as chairman for the upcoming legislative session.”
Sanfelippo and Kapenga Pleased with Endorsement of Direct Primary Care
After the conclusion of the Legislative Council Study Committee on Direct Primary Care, State Representative Joe Sanfelippo and Senator Chris Kapenga expressed their appreciation for the committee’s efforts.
Senator Kapenga Statement on Paul Ryan Retirement from Congress
Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) released the following statement on House Speaker Paul Ryan’s decision to retire from Congress.
State Senate Passes Wisconsin Works for Everyone Welfare Reform Package
“Today we moved one step closer to making meaningful and effective changes that will transform the lives of those stuck in the generational cycle of poverty
Electric Vehicle Freedom Act
Rep. Brooks and Sen. Kapenga release their new bill
Kapenga Statement on Vos "Terrorist" Comment
Senator Kapenga's Statement concerning Robin Vos "Terrorist" comments
Foxconn Press Release
Senator Kapenga Statement on Foxconn Vote
Op-Ed: Lowering Apprentice Ratio Good for Industry
Wisconsin faces an impending shortage of workers in the skilled trades, which is why I introduced a bill that will ensure that Wisconsin contractors will have the ability to hire additional apprentices and fill open positions, while maintaining a safety standard that is recognized by many states across the nation.
Senators Stand in Opposition to New Trucking Taxes
Wisconsin State Senators reiterated their continued opposition to raising taxes for the WisDOT.
Senator Kapenga Introduces Financial Literacy Bills
State Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), in conjunction with “Money Smart Week” in Wisconsin is introducing two bi-partisan bills aimed at improving financial literacy and allowing the promotion of better savings habits. Wisconsin joins a national effort during the week of April 23rd to further the goal of educating children and consumers on how to effectively and intelligently manage their personal finances.
Craig, Kapenga, Sanfelippo and Hutton Seek Greater Transparency on State Leases during Sunshine Week
Senators David Craig, R-Town of Vernon, and Chris Kapenga, R-Delafield, and Representatives Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, and Joe Sanfelippo, R-New Berlin, are celebrating sunshine week by introducing two bills that would bring greater transparency to government leasing practices.
Senator Kapenga Applauds Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty for Report on Occupational Licensing
State Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Benefits, Licensing, and State-Federal Relations released the following statement after the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) produced its second report highlighting how burdensome occupational licensing requirements restrain job growth, reduce mobility, and make it harder for people to find work.
Rep. Hutton & Sen. Kapenga Introduce Bill to Provide Accountability in Government Leasing Contracts
This bill provides a tool for legislators and the public to better understand the state’s physical footprint costs. It’s a common sense approach used in the business sector that will translate well into the public sector, ensuring a more efficient and effective government.
Senator Kapenga Statement on WisDOT Audit Hearing
Today’s hearing revealed that we haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of the problems at the DOT. We must further investigate practices at DOT ranging from how they select projects for construction to ensuring they have a competitive bidding process.
Senator Kapenga Statement on WisDOT Audit
State Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) released the following statement after the Legislative Audit Bureau released its long-awaited audit of the State Highway Program within the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Senators David Craig & Chris Kapenga Send Letter to Congress on Federalism
On Friday, Senator David Craig (R-Town of Vernon) and Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) sent a letter to Congressman Jason Chaffetz (UT-03), Chairman – Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to request relief from Federal Regulations and Unfunded Mandates.
Kapenga Statement on Governor Walker’s Welfare Reform Proposal
Governor Walker announced his welfare reform budget initiative, “Wisconsin Works for Everyone.” Following the announcement, Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), chair of the Senate Committee on Public Benefits, Licensing, and State-Federal Relations, made the following statement.
Senator Kapenga Appointed Chairman of Senate Committee on Public Benefits, Licensing, & State-Federal Relations
Senator Chris Kapenga was appointed to chair the Senate Committee on Public Benefits, Licensing, & State-Federal Relations for the 2017-18 Legislative Session.
Some Madison politicians and special interests could double the gas tax on Wisconsinites
A new Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo states Wisconsinites would see a 28.1 cent per gallon gas tax increase if this effort had its way.
Letter to agency heads regarding budget requests
On July 25th, Governor Walker delivered his budget instructions to your respective agency. Within those instructions he outlined new requirements, per 2015 Wisconsin Act 201 (the BASE Act), of all agencies to review the state operations portion of their base budget and submit a proposal that keeps spending flat and reduces spending by five percent for the forthcoming biennium.
Kapenga Statement on Right to Work Ruling
"It's disappointing to see another activist Dane County judge play politics on the bench and throw out a law that has ultimately been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court."
Governor Walker Signs Four Kapenga Bills
On Tuesday, Governor Walker signed four bills authored by Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) into law. These bills addressed a number of issues ranging from property rights to budget reform.
State Senate Passes BASE Act
On Tuesday, the state Senate passed the Budgetary Accountability for State Expenditures (BASE) Act.
Three Kapenga Bills Pass the Senate
On Tuesday, three bills authored by Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) passed the state Senate and are now waiting for passage in the state Assembly.
State Senate Votes to Protect the Right to Life and Human Decency
On Wednesday, Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) led Senate Republicans in voting to protect the right to life and basic human decency during a regular session of the state Senate. Assembly Bill 310 and Senate Bill 238, co-authored by Kapenga and Representative André Jacque (R-De Pere), redirect funding that is currently sent to abortion providers.
Hutton and Kapenga Introduce Alternative Budgeting Proposal
The legislation would require state agencies to submit to the legislature, in addition to their current biennial budget request, a proposal to reduce agency spending by 5% and a proposal based on 0% growth of current funding.
Statement on Syrian Refugee Crisis
After contacting Governor Walker’s office on Saturday, I applaud his quick action in joining with fellow governors in calling on President Obama to not resettle additional Syrian refugees in Wisconsin.
Kapenga Statement on Passage of GAB and Campaign Finance Reform Bills
Senator Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) issued the following statement after the state Senate passed two bills aimed at protecting the integrity of elections and reforming campaign finance laws in Wisconsin.
Kapenga Introduces GAAP Constitutional Amendment
State Senators Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) and State Representatives Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and John Macco (R-Ledgeview) introduced legislation this week that would require the use of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for state finances.
Kapenga to Serve as Chair of Senate Committee
I look forward to serving as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Benefit and Regulatory Reform, and working with my colleagues to find solutions to reform our public assistance programs and improve our regulatory environment.
