Born June 16, 1958; married; 1 child. B.S. with honors in education Southern Illinois U. 1980; M.P.H. St. Louis U. 1982; Ph.D. St. Louis U. 1987; A.D. in agriculture. Organic farmer. Former dairy farmer, university professor, health care manager.

Member: Wis. Farmers Union; Wis. Farm Bureau Federation (fmr. bd. mbr., Buffalo Co.); Alma Chamber of Commerce; Democratic Party of Buffalo Co. (fmr. chp.); Andrew Blackfoot American Legion Auxiliary Post 129. Former member: Buffalo Co. Agricultural Fair Assn. (bd. mbr.); American Federation of Teachers (treas., Local 4100). Recipient: Wis. Farmers Union Friend of Farmers Union Award 2013; Wis. Congress of Parents and Teachers Joan Dykstra Friends of Children Award 2012; Wis. Aquaculture Assn. Friend of Wisconsin Aquaculture 2011; La Crosse Area Development Council Triangle of Achievement; AFSCME Council 40 Protector of Quality Services Award 2010; School Administrators Alliance Legislator of the Year 2010; Wis. Academy of Family Physicians Friend of Family Medicine; Wis. Grocers Assn. Friend of Grocers 2010; Wis. Crop Production Assn. Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award; Wis. Assn. of County Homes 2010 Outstanding Legislative Service Award; Wis. Troopers Assn. Legislator of the Year 2010; Wis. League of Conservation Voters Conservation Champion 2008; Wis. Assn. of PEG Channels Friend of Access 2008; Wis. Assn. of FFA Honorary State FFA Degree 2008; Pharmacy Soc. of Wis. Legislator of the Year 2008; Wis. Federation of Cooperatives Friend of Cooperatives 2008. Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission 2004-present.

Elected to Senate 2006; reelected 2010. Minority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2013, 2011; Majority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2009. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Agriculture, Small Business and Tourism; Education (also 2011); Jt. Com. on Information Policy and Technology; Jt. Com. for Review of Admin. Rules; Jt. Legislative Audit Com. (co.-chp., 2011 eff. 7/24/12, 2009); Mississippi River Parkway Comn. (also 2011). 2011 — Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education; Financial Institutions and Rural Issues. 2009 — Agriculture and Higher Education (chp., also 2007); Children, Families and Workforce Development; Economic Development; Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-Term Care, and Job Creation. 2007 — Health and Human Services (vice chp.); Economic Development, Job Creation, Family Prosperity and Housing; Judiciary and Corrections.

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Content referencing Kathleen Vinehout

The State of Politics: Primary Winners Rely on Certain Counties
The State of Politics

Primary Winners Rely on Certain Counties

Of state's 72 counties a small number provide majority of statewide vote.

34 State Legislators Endorse Jill Underly for State Superintendent
The State of Politics: Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
The State of Politics

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.

Underly Campaign Announces Endorsement of 12 State Legislators
Op Ed: The Remarkable Tenure of Fred Risser
Op Ed

The Remarkable Tenure of Fred Risser

Now 91, he’s served 62 years in the Legislature as its greatest proponent of open government.

Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power

Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power

Limits on early voting, constraints on Evers campaign promise on health care.

Op Ed: GOP Bills Change 400 Sections of State Law
Op Ed

GOP Bills Change 400 Sections of State Law

Changes help special interests, overthrow voters’ decision in November election.

Op Ed: Voters Approve $1.3 Billion More for Schools
Op Ed

Voters Approve $1.3 Billion More for Schools

Since 2012 state has cut school spending by cumulative $3.5 billon. Local referendums plugging the gap.

Secrecy Hides State Legislators’ Actions

Secrecy Hides State Legislators’ Actions

Anonymous budget amendments and "Body Snatcher” bills reward special interests, limit public input.

Op Ed: State Jobs Agency Still a Failure
Op Ed

State Jobs Agency Still a Failure

Walker administration blames director who left in 2012, but four audits in six years show problems persist.

Op Ed: Our 1,000 Miles of Great Lakes Shoreline
Op Ed

Our 1,000 Miles of Great Lakes Shoreline

Great Lakes are huge resource for state. Foxconn threatens agreement that protects lakes.

Op Ed: Fastest Legislators in Modern History?
Op Ed

Fastest Legislators in Modern History?

Report finds more fast-tracking of legislation, less public input, under Walker and Republicans.

Legislation Moved Quickly Under Walker

Legislation Moved Quickly Under Walker

Much quicker passage, less public input, in first legislative session under Walker, analysis finds.

Op Ed: Schools Special Needs Grossly Underfunded
Op Ed

Schools Special Needs Grossly Underfunded

Special Education and bilingual instruction are mandated by federal or state law but way underfunded.

The State of Politics: 6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control
The State of Politics

6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control

Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.

All the Election Data You Want

All the Election Data You Want

It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.

Tony Evers Wins Over Crowded Field

Tony Evers Wins Over Crowded Field

State Superintendent wins easily, Mitchell takes second.

Op Ed: Study Shows Benefits of Medicaid Expansion
Op Ed

Study Shows Benefits of Medicaid Expansion

States that accepted money have more coverage and cheaper preventive care.

Vote Tuesday: Candidates for Common Council
Vote Tuesday

Candidates for Common Council

Six candidates for 5th District in only primary contest.

Vote Tuesday: Democratic Candidate Guide
Vote Tuesday

Democratic Candidate Guide

Packed Democratic gubernatorial race and county sheriff contest are top items on Tuesday's ballot.

Race for Governor: Democrats Make Closing Arguments
Race for Governor

Democrats Make Closing Arguments

Lively gubernatorial debate covered topics from Gov. Walker's worst action to cutting the state's prison population.

Race for Governor: Liberal Groups Won’t Endorse For Governor
Race for Governor

Liberal Groups Won’t Endorse For Governor

None of four Democratic finalists got more than one-third of online vote.

Op Ed: State School Funding Has Steadily Declined
Op Ed

State School Funding Has Steadily Declined

Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding finds schools struggling with unmet needs.

Poll Good News for Evers, Vukmir

Poll Good News for Evers, Vukmir

Evers lead widens in gubernatorial primary, Vukmir nudges ahead of Nicholson.

Murphy’s Law: Who Will Win Democratic Primary?
Murphy’s Law

Who Will Win Democratic Primary?

Eight challengers for governor, primary just weeks away, who are the favorites?

Race for Governor: Roys Leads Democrats in Money Raised
Race for Governor

Roys Leads Democrats in Money Raised

Also leads seven other Democratic candidates for governor in cash on hand.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds roughly one in three Wisconsin voters still undecided one month before primaries
Press Release

New Marquette Law School Poll finds roughly one in three Wisconsin voters still undecided one month before primaries

Voters split along partisan lines on Supreme Court nominee, other national and state issues

Race for Governor: Democratic Candidates Duke it Out
Race for Governor

Democratic Candidates Duke it Out

In debate all eight Democrats running for governor blast the Foxconn deal.

UWM to host Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial debate on July 12
Press Release

UWM to host Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial debate on July 12

All eight Democratic candidates have agreed to participate.

Op Ed: Growing Pains for Hemp Industry
Op Ed

Growing Pains for Hemp Industry

It’s legalized, yes, but state could be more supportive.

Op Ed: UW Officials Stonewall State Audit Bureau
Op Ed

UW Officials Stonewall State Audit Bureau

Legislators consider ways to compel their compliance.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds many Wisconsin primary voters undecided, unfamiliar with candidates
Press Release

New Marquette Law School Poll finds many Wisconsin primary voters undecided, unfamiliar with candidates

Walker, Baldwin hold modest advantages over challengers

Race for Governor: Wachs Says He’ll Fight for ‘Regular Folks’
Race for Governor

Wachs Says He’ll Fight for ‘Regular Folks’

Legislator and trial attorney calls himself a fighter, not an “elitist,” in Democratic primary for governor.

Race for Governor: Vinehout Is Different Kind of Democrat
Race for Governor

Vinehout Is Different Kind of Democrat

A policy wonk, populist and hunter, whose stance on guns annoys some party members.

The State of Politics: Fall Election Could Be Fascinating
The State of Politics

Fall Election Could Be Fascinating

More contested seats, tough campaign tactics could make for tighter, intense races.

The State of Politics: Six Questions for Democratic Convention
The State of Politics

Six Questions for Democratic Convention

Can the party revive in Wisconsin? That depends on these six questions.

Op Ed: Audit Shows Big Problems at State Fair Park
Op Ed

Audit Shows Big Problems at State Fair Park

Management issues, revenue shortfalls, contracts not tracked, environmental laws violated.

Kelda Roys Wins 2nd Congressional District Democratic Straw Poll
Press Release

Kelda Roys Wins 2nd Congressional District Democratic Straw Poll

"Today’s results show that Wisconsin Democrats are looking for hope, optimism, and someone to vote for, not just something to vote against."

Elevating the Next Governor of Wisconsin; Wisconsin’s Choice Campaign Narrows Field to Nine Candidates in Endorsement Process
Press Release

Elevating the Next Governor of Wisconsin; Wisconsin’s Choice Campaign Narrows Field to Nine Candidates in Endorsement Process

Thousands vote in poll to find people’s champion to challenge Scott Walker and win

Op Ed: How Can We Protect Our Water?
Op Ed

How Can We Protect Our Water?

Hire back the DNR scientists and inspectors and let them do their work.

Op Ed: Changes in School Funding Formula Needed?
Op Ed

Changes in School Funding Formula Needed?

Green Bay students speak 31 different languages. How do schools meet such needs?

7 Election Takeaways

7 Election Takeaways

What did we learn as the blue wave washed over Wisconsin?

Op Ed: Why We Need a State Treasurer
Op Ed

Why We Need a State Treasurer

The referendum to eliminate position will give more power to governor.

Op Ed: Gov. Walker’s Common Sense Welfare Reforms
Op Ed

Gov. Walker’s Common Sense Welfare Reforms

Critics are wrong, it’s all about workforce readiness.

Op Ed: Deaf Community Ill-Served by Legislature
Op Ed

Deaf Community Ill-Served by Legislature

Republicans water down bill to upgrade skill levels of sign language interpreters.

Murphy’s Law: Abortion Issue Dogs Vinehout in Governor Race
Murphy’s Law

Abortion Issue Dogs Vinehout in Governor Race

Her past views against abortion and birth control haunt her campaign.

Op Ed: A Wheelchair Is Not a Trampoline
Op Ed

A Wheelchair Is Not a Trampoline

And Republican food share proposal won’t help disabled and poor people.

Marquette Poll Proves Matt Flynn’s Message is Resonating with Wisconsin Voters
Press Release

Marquette Poll Proves Matt Flynn’s Message is Resonating with Wisconsin Voters

Flynn is the candidate who has most consistently opposed the state's deal with Foxconn, and voters agree with Flynn.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Wisconsin voters divided on benefits of Foxconn deal, but together in support of background checks for gun sales
Op Ed: Walker’s Work Rule Makes No Sense
Op Ed

Walker’s Work Rule Makes No Sense

Two-thirds of FoodShare recipients are blind, elderly, disabled or children and can’t work.

Op Ed: Kicking Us When We’re Down
Op Ed

Kicking Us When We’re Down

Requiring photo ID for FoodShare recipients will make it harder to get help.

The State of Politics: Can Democrats Win State Senate?
The State of Politics

Can Democrats Win State Senate?

Schachtner win gives hope. But everything would have to go right.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.

The State of Politics: Politics May Doom School Funding Panel
The State of Politics

Politics May Doom School Funding Panel

Nearly everyone agrees system needs reform, but can’t agree how to do it.

Op Ed: New Approach to Funding Schools Needed
Op Ed

New Approach to Funding Schools Needed

Blue Ribbon Commission studying the many problems with current approach.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families
Press Release

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations

Op Ed: WEDC Admits They Don’t Follow the Law
Op Ed

WEDC Admits They Don’t Follow the Law

Are they incompetent or flouting the law? And how will they oversee Foxconn?

Op Ed: Hemp’s Time Has Come
Op Ed

Hemp’s Time Has Come

Benefits of legalization are many. Will legislature, Walker approve it?

Op Ed: Can WEDC Oversee Foxconn Deal?
Op Ed

Can WEDC Oversee Foxconn Deal?

State jobs agency has failed for seven years. Can it protect taxpayers and watchdog Foxconn?

Senator Vinehout Pleased with Committee Passage of Hemp Bill
Press Release

Senator Vinehout Pleased with Committee Passage of Hemp Bill

"Hemp has tremendous possibilities in growing our rural economy..."

Plenty of Horne: We’re All Running For Governor
Plenty of Horne

We’re All Running For Governor

Ten Democrats are running, and most were at this forum, chastising Walker.

Op Ed: Where Are the People?
Op Ed

Where Are the People?

Bill to end occupational licensing backed by right wing groups, but just one worker testifies in favor.

Op Ed: Illinois Loves Our Foxconn Deal
Op Ed

Illinois Loves Our Foxconn Deal

They get more jobs. We pay the entire $3 billion in taxes.

Smart Politics: Evers vs. Walker Would Be Historic Race
Smart Politics

Evers vs. Walker Would Be Historic Race

One of few times in history two incumbent state officials oppose each other.

Op Ed: Plague of Floods Caused by Climate Change
Op Ed

Plague of Floods Caused by Climate Change

Dozens of 100-year floods in 30 years, roads keep getting washed out.

The State of Politics: Medicaid’s Future A Key Campaign Issue
The State of Politics

Medicaid’s Future A Key Campaign Issue

Republicans want big cuts. Democrats don’t. Likely issue in 2018.

Op Ed: Meth Epidemic Overwhelming Counties
Op Ed

Meth Epidemic Overwhelming Counties

Staggering increases in addiction. Help from state is needed.

Campaign Cash: Regent Nominees Gave Walker $22,550
Campaign Cash

Regent Nominees Gave Walker $22,550

The two nominees also gave more than $64,000 to other candidates.

Murphy’s Law: The Muzzling of the DNR
Murphy’s Law

The Muzzling of the DNR

Gagged by the Walker administration, its staff no longer provide any information.

Op Ed: Don’t Eliminate The State Treasurer
Op Ed

Don’t Eliminate The State Treasurer

Wisconsin is the only state where treasurer doesn't oversee cash management.

Op Ed: More Funding for Local Roads Needed
Op Ed

More Funding for Local Roads Needed

In 38 counties only 5% of local roads are rated “good.”

Op Ed: Walker’s Budget Makes Schools More Unequal
Op Ed

Walker’s Budget Makes Schools More Unequal

Old equalized aid formula is broken. Governor makes inequity even worse.

Op Ed: Who Is Minding DOT’s Spending?
Op Ed

Who Is Minding DOT’s Spending?

Cost overruns, lack of transparency and oversight has led to huge transportation costs.

Op Ed: State Pension Fund’s Risky Investments
Op Ed

State Pension Fund’s Risky Investments

Now invests in hedge funds, derivatives. And the annual return has declined.

Op-Ed: Special Education Vouchers Raise Concerns
Op-Ed

Special Education Vouchers Raise Concerns

Plan hatched in secret. Law is long and complex. Vote was speedy and partisan. Results?

Op-Ed: State Gave $472 Million in Business Tax Credits
Op-Ed

State Gave $472 Million in Business Tax Credits

Hand-outs to Amazon, Kohls, Quadgraphics and 16 other companies bleed state treasury.

Op-Ed: Rising Property Taxes Replace State Funding
Op-Ed

Rising Property Taxes Replace State Funding

Portion of local schools funding coming from state has plummeted since mid-1990s.

Op-Ed: DNR’s Clean Water Protection Questioned
Op-Ed

DNR’s Clean Water Protection Questioned

State audit shows DNR issued no notice of violation in 94% of cases where it was warranted.

Op-Ed: State Computer Systems Have Major Problems
Op-Ed

State Computer Systems Have Major Problems

Audit Bureau finds “significant deficiencies.” Result could be loss of federal funds, other problems.

DOC audit needed to improve safety
Press Release

DOC audit needed to improve safety

“Taxpayers, correctional officers, children and families deserve better.”

Trying to Fix What They Broke says State Senator Vinehout
Press Release

Trying to Fix What They Broke says State Senator Vinehout

“While the Governor talks about helping make college affordable and the importance of education, his feel good proposals do not undo the damage to higher education and our public schools.”

Republican agenda features familiar ideas
Press Release

Republican agenda features familiar ideas

Dem proposals on school funding, broadband and student loan debt gain support

Op-Ed: Speed and Secrecy Killing Democracy
Op-Ed

Speed and Secrecy Killing Democracy

Citizen after citizen testified: "We don't know what's in the bill."

Op-Ed: Bill Would Limit City Control of Development
Op-Ed

Bill Would Limit City Control of Development

Proposed state law would increase developer "property rights" at expense of others.

Op-Ed: Don’t Kill the Government Accountability Board
Op-Ed

Don’t Kill the Government Accountability Board

Award winning GAB is nation's only nonpartisan watchdog agency.

Op-Ed: WEDC Leaders Resist Reforming Troubled Agency
Op-Ed

WEDC Leaders Resist Reforming Troubled Agency

Top brass of jobs agency miss opportunity to apologize and fix problems.

Republicans’ Brazen Attack on Open Government Continues
Press Release

Republicans’ Brazen Attack on Open Government Continues

Newest Speaker Vos Proposal Will Severely Restrict Records Access

Rep. Barca Testifies About Problems Plaguing Privatized Medical Transportation Program, Will Offer Alternative
Press Release

Rep. Barca Testifies About Problems Plaguing Privatized Medical Transportation Program, Will Offer Alternative

Rep. Barca Requested Audit in Response to Constituent Concerns

Sen. Vinehout: Reps Craig and Jarchow Display “Staggering Ignorance” of Legislative Audit Bureau
Press Release

Sen. Vinehout: Reps Craig and Jarchow Display “Staggering Ignorance” of Legislative Audit Bureau

“Their bill embeds auditors in the agencies making them ripe for corruption by executive staff and partisan leaders.”

The State of Politics: Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?
The State of Politics

Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?

Five candidates seek the difficult job of trying to revive the minority party in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Announces Endorsements
Press Release

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Announces Endorsements

Slate highlights problem solvers.

The State of Politics: More Women Run for Top Capitol Jobs
The State of Politics

More Women Run for Top Capitol Jobs

The number of women candidates running for state Capitol jobs is coming back.

Data Wonk: Will Liberal Democrats Undermine Mary Burke?
Data Wonk

Will Liberal Democrats Undermine Mary Burke?

Opposition to a pro-business Democrat could help Walker win reelection.

Conservation Scorecard Reveals Bipartisan Conservation Cooperation
Press Release

Conservation Scorecard Reveals Bipartisan Conservation Cooperation

Engaged Conservation Voters Trumping Polluters

State Releasing Far More Sex Offenders

State Releasing Far More Sex Offenders

Number released from mental lockup has quadrupled, but officials say risk to residents is low. First of a three-part series.

Murphy’s Law: Telephone Company Rip-Off
Murphy’s Law

Telephone Company Rip-Off

Now that the telecom industry is deregulated, AT&T can gouge customers with late fees.

Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Politician

Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Politician

Here are some last-minute gift ideas for a few Wisconsin pols.

Murphy’s Law: Why the Minimum Wage Should Be Increased
Murphy’s Law

Why the Minimum Wage Should Be Increased

It could do more than anything to reduce the income gap in this state.

Murphy’s Law: Can Burke Beat Walker?
Murphy’s Law

Can Burke Beat Walker?

The 2014 campaign may depend on which candidate has the best story to tell.

Walker’s Year Of Political Danger

Walker’s Year Of Political Danger

Weak poll results and tricky issues face the governor in the year before he runs.

Marquette Law School Poll shows Walker in tight race with Burke for Wisconsin governor in 2014
Press Release

Marquette Law School Poll shows Walker in tight race with Burke for Wisconsin governor in 2014

A new Marquette Law School Poll finds that, just over a year from the election, the 2014 Wisconsin governor’s race is shaping up to be very competitive.

Murphy’s Law: The New Right-Wing Media
Murphy’s Law

The New Right-Wing Media

The state is a national leader in creating new conservative publications.

Murphy’s Law: The Debtor Governor
Murphy’s Law

The Debtor Governor

Figures from non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau figures show Walker’s debt level the worst since 1970.

Mental Health Care in Shambles at County Jails

Mental Health Care in Shambles at County Jails

Jails are overloaded with people with mental illness. A key Republican lawmaker wants to examine issue.