Democratic Governor Tony Evers was sworn in for his second term as Governor as the 2023-24 legislative session officially began on January 3rd. Former State Representative Sara Rodriguez was sworn in as Wisconsin’s new Lieutenant Governor. Attorney General Josh Kaul was also sworn in beginning his second term as Wisconsin’s top law enforcement official.
Republicans grew their majorities in both houses of the Legislature. In the State Assembly Robin Vos (R-Burlington) was re-elected as Speaker after picking up two seats to extend their advantage to 64-35 over Assembly Democrats. Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) begins her first full term as the Minority Leader in the State Assembly after having taken over the position mid-way through the 2022 session.
In the State Senate, Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) begins his second session as the Senate Majority Leader after expanding their majority to a 21-11 (1 vacancy) edge over Democrats. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) is the new Senate Minority Leader as this session begins.
There are now 6 TLW members in the Legislature with the addition of TLW member Chanz Green (R-Grandview). Representative Green won the 74th Assembly District seat in far Northern Wisconsin and owns the Pioneer Bar in Cable, WI. Green joins TLW Members Rob Swearingen, Rob Summerfield, Rob Brooks, James Edming and Dan Knodl as TLW members serving in the Legislature.
With the resignation of Senator Alberta Darling in December there will be a Special Election for the 8th Senate District this Spring. TLW Member and current State Representative Dan Knodl is running and will face Rep. Janel Brantjen in the February 21st Primary Election with the general election set for April 4th. We have endorsed Dan and will be working to help get him elected to the State Seante.
The 2023 Legislature has 31 new members, the 2nd most in state history. Given the large freshman class our Legislative Day on February 28th is even more important this year!! Make plans to meet with your legislators and detail the issues of importance to you and your business as we lobby state legislators. To learn more about your legislators please visit the state legislative website at: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/