WCA Names Outstanding Legislators for 2011-2012 Session
Senators Grothman and Jauch; Representatives Jacque and Nygren Awarded
A select group of Wisconsin State Senators and Representatives have been named “WCA Outstanding Legislators” for their work on behalf of county government during the 2011-2012 Legislative Session.
The “WCA Outstanding Legislator Award” is handed out biennially to a choice group of legislators who have represented county interests in both the legislature and in their districts. These legislators have demonstrated leadership for counties on key issues and legislation, such as pothole liability and human services issues.
This session’s winners included:
Senator Glenn Grothman: 20th Senate District
Senator Grothman was recognized with the award for authoring Senate Bill 125. Known as the “pothole liability” bill, the legislation limited the liability of counties, cities, towns and villages. The bill afforded counties the same liability protection as the state of Wisconsin. SB 125 was signed into law by Governor Scott Walker on March 21, 2012 and is now Act 132.
“Senator Grothman was a true champion on this issue for the taxpayers. WCA and other local officials have been working on this issue for many years and we are thrilled to see it now law,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. "Success does not always occur overnight, however, here is an example of persistence paying off and we are grateful to Senator Grothman for his work on this issue.”
Senator Bob Jauch: 25th Senate District
Senator Jauch was recognized with the award for several reasons, including trying to eliminate the lapse requirement for county land conservation staffing grants. In addition, he was instrumental in requesting funding for county child support agencies, as well as for the Western and Northern Income Maintenance Consortia.
“Senator Jauch has been a longtime advocate and supporter of county issues and this legislative session was no different,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. “We appreciate his dedication to partnering with counties. In light of the fiscal challenges facing Wisconsin, along with the ongoing demand for services at the local level, we realize this is not always the easiest thing to accomplish. We are proud to once again present him with this award.”
Representative Andre Jacque: 2nd Assembly District:
Representative Jacque was recognized with the award for authoring Assembly Bill 180. Known as the “pothole liability” bill, the legislation limited the liability of counties, cities, towns and villages and afforded counties the same liability protection as the state of Wisconsin. AB 180 was the companion bill to Senate Bill 125. SB 125 was signed into law by Governor Scott Walker on March 21, 2012 and is now Act 132.
“Representative Jacque fought for this legislation on behalf of the taxpayers of Wisconsin. His efforts, coupled with those of other local officials throughout the state, have been hard at work on this year for many years. His efforts were instrumental in finally making this critical issue to counties law,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. "We are grateful to Representative Jacque for his work on this issue.”
Representative John Nygren: 89th Assembly District
During the state budget, the state had proposed changes to the Income Maintenance Program, which is administered by counties in Wisconsin. Under the program, counties determine eligibility for economic support programs such as FoodShare and Medical Assistance. Representative Nygren was instrumental in ensuring that the county alternative proposal was presented and ultimately included in the document.
“Representative Nygren was a strong advocate for county issues this past session and fought for counties, especially during the state budget,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. “He has always been a strong supporter of counties and with fiscal challenges facing our state and increased demand for services, we know this is not the easiest of battles. We are proud to present him with this award on behalf of the taxpayers of our state.”
All “WCA Outstanding Legislator” award winners were presented plaques in their Capitol offices by members of the WCA legislative team.
