Please provide a brief description of your professional background and your legislative district.

I graduated from University of Wisconsin Law School in 1983. I previously earned a business degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Accounting. For approximately 10 years I practiced law primarily with Schloemer Law office in West Bend. I also worked briefly for Shanebrook Law Office. I worked primarily in probate and estate planning, doing some tax and real estate work.  I got elected to the Legislature in 1993 and have been there ever since. My district includes most of Ozaukee and Washington counties, and the southern parts of Sheboygan and Fond du Lac Counties, as well as Theresa of Dodge County.

How has your legal career/legal studies shaped your experience in the state legislature?

My legal background is very helpful as a legislator and quite frankly we could use more lawyers.  I am the only Republican Senator with a law degree. Interestingly, I find most of the public thinks almost everyone in the legislature is a lawyer. My legal background helps me see ambiguities in proposed laws which will make them difficult to implement. It also makes me conscious that every new law comes with a price, as lawyers are hired to advise, interpret, and litigate legislation. As a result I probably vote “no” on new proposals more than anyone else. My background in income tax causes me to dislike the many proposals put forth by individual legislators who want to add their own line to our tax returns.

What current pieces of legislation are you working on that might be of interest to the State Bar of Wisconsin?

As a member of the Minority I am aware that bills I am working on will probably need a Democratic author to pass and therefore my contribution will be as a cosponsor and advisor. On the Judiciary Committee we have just passed several bills trying to deal with the problems of operating while suspended or revoked licenses. Unfortunately any progress in this area will probably be undone by the law requiring mandatory auto insurance, which passed in the Democratic legislature over my objection. I believe the trial attorneys were in favor of this proposal.

Drunken driving legislation will be a priority in this legislature. A constituent of mine is rightfully appalled that when his son was killed by a drunk driver, the defendant, who caused the accident, tried to invalidate his blood test by claiming law enforcement did not have cause to require the defendant to give blood. At the same time, the government was able to take blood from my constituent’s deceased son. This has delayed the trial unnecessarily. I will introduce legislation allowing law enforcement to be able to require a blood test from someone who causes an accident resulting in death or great bodily harm.

Finally, due to my experience in financial matters and estate planning I intend to be involved in legislation restricting stranger-originated life insurance (STOLIs).

What would you identify as the major issues/challenges facing the justice system?

Like all areas of government we frequently receive requests for more funding for the justice system. Frequently more money is raised by raising fees which I find objectionable. There should not be a huge price to get involved with our courts. I would be happy to hear from any lawyers – in particular judges and district attorneys as to laws which could be passed or repealed which would reduce the necessity for judicial hearings. I feel on an appellate level there has been too much legislating from the bench which causes the public to lose faith in the judiciary.

Rotunda Report is the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Government Relations e-newsletter that highlights legislative, judicial, and administrative developments that impact the legal profession and the justice system. It is published twice a month and is distributed free to attorneys, public officials and others who help shape public policy in Wisconsin. We invite your suggestions to make the Rotunda Report more informative and useful and we encourage you to visit our Web site for the most current information about justice-related issues.

© 2009, State Bar of Wisconsin