Born St. Paul, MN, July 25, 1956; 1 son. Graduate River Falls H.S.; B.S. in animal science, U. of Minnesota 1978; Wis. Rural Leadership Program, grad. of 1st class (1986). Member: Pierce Co. Republican Party; Pierce Co. Farm Bureau (former dir. and treas.); Luther Memorial Church. Former member: Wis. State FFA Sponsors Bd. (chp.); Wis. Conservation Corps Bd. (secy.); Kinnickinnic River Land Trust Bd.; Pierce Co. Dairy Promotion Com. (past chm.); Wis. State ASCS Com.; Adv. Council on Small Business, Agriculture, Labor for Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
Elected to Assembly 1988-96; elected to Senate 2000; reelected since 2004. Majority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2013, 2011; Minority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2009; Majority Caucus Sergeant at Arms 2005. Biennial Senate committee assignments: 2013 — Universities and Technical Colleges (chp.); Jt. Com. on Information Policy and Technology (co-chp., also 2011, mbr. 2001); Agriculture, Small Business and Tourism; Energy, Consumer Protection and Government Reform; Jt. Com. on Finance (also 2011, 2003); Midwestern Higher Education Comn. (vice chp., also 2011, mbr. 2003-07). 2011 — State and Federal Relations and Information Technology (chp.); Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education (vice chp.). 2009 — Agriculture and Higher Education (also 2007); Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail; Jt. Legislative Council (also 2007, 2003); Mississippi River Parkway Commission (since 2001); World Dairy Center Authority (since 2003). 2007 — Commerce, Utilities and Rail. 2005 — Higher Education and Tourism (chp., also 2003); Jt. Survey Com. on Tax Exemptions (co-chp., mbr. 2003); Education (also 2001); Housing and Financial Institutions. 2003 — Law Revision Com. (also 2001). 2001 — 2001-2003 Biennial Budget; Labor and Agriculture; Environmental Education Bd.; Ad. Bd. for Midwest Center for Agricultural Research, Education, and Disease and Injury Prevention; Jt. Legis. Council Special Com. on the Public Health System’s Response to Terrorism and Public Health Emergencies. Assembly committee assignments: 1997 — Jt. Com. on Finance (also 1995). 1993 — Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs; Colleges and Universities (ranking minority mbr. since 1991); Natural Resources (since 1989); Veterans and Military Affairs (eff. 4/26/93); Educational Communications Bd. (since 1989). 1991 — Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry; State Affairs (also 1989). 1989 — Agriculture and its Subcom. on Aquaculture.

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Content referencing Sheila Harsdorf

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

Pushing for more public funding of private schools.

Campaign Cash: Enbridge Energy Looks to Reroute Pipeline
Campaign Cash

Enbridge Energy Looks to Reroute Pipeline

Campaign donor wants to seize private property in North Woods for crude oil pipeline.

Governor Walker Appoints St. Croix County Judge and Ashland County District Attorney
Press Release

Governor Walker Appoints St. Croix County Judge and Ashland County District Attorney

Governor Scott Walker today appointed Attorney Scott J. Nordstrand to serve as a judge on the St. Croix County Circuit Court and Attorney David Meany to the position of Ashland County District Attorney.

The State of Politics: Evers Election Brings Changes to Capitol
The State of Politics

Evers Election Brings Changes to Capitol

Suddenly jobs for Democrats. And will Vos, Evers do deal on highway funding?

Campaign Cash: 3M Gives Donations, Pays No Fines
Campaign Cash

3M Gives Donations, Pays No Fines

Company gave donations to Walker and others, pays no fines for environmental violations.

Governor Walker Attends Opening of Farm Discovery Center
Press Release

Governor Walker Attends Opening of Farm Discovery Center

Highlights the importance of Wisconsin agriculture

Governor Walker Announces Dairy Task Force 2.0 Members at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Governor Walker Announces $500,000 Workforce Training Grant to Support Great Lakes Cheese Expansion in Wausau
Press Release

Governor Walker Announces $500,000 Workforce Training Grant to Support Great Lakes Cheese Expansion in Wausau

Governor marks Wisconsin Cheese Day by awarding WEDC grant that will assist company with training its workers in new $95 million cheese packaging plant in Wausau

Governor Walker Announces $200,000 Grant to the Center for Dairy Research to Support Entrepreneurship Program
Press Release

Governor Walker Announces $200,000 Grant to the Center for Dairy Research to Support Entrepreneurship Program

Governor marks Wisconsin Cheese Day by awarding WEDC grant that will support program that assists companies in development of new dairy technologies

Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance
Governor Walker Signs Bills on Improving Family Access to High-Quality Child Care, Creating Transitional Jobs Program for Wisconsin Veterans, and Increasing Funding for Watershed Protection Grants
Murphy’s Law: Scott Walker’s Big Lie
Murphy’s Law

Scott Walker’s Big Lie

Not doing special elections hasn’t saved money, it’s actually cost taxpayers. A lot.

Investing in Rural Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Bill Helping Rural Community Libraries
Press Release

Investing in Rural Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Bill Helping Rural Community Libraries

"We were proud to increase funding for TEACH by $22.5 million in this budget."

Murphy’s Law: Why Walker Opposes Special Elections
Murphy’s Law

Why Walker Opposes Special Elections

He's not serving the voters. He's serving his party.

Campaign Cash: National Group Has Huge Clout in Wisconsin
Campaign Cash

National Group Has Huge Clout in Wisconsin

Virginia-based Republican State Leadership Committee spent $2.9 million to elect conservatives here.

Data Wonk: Has Tide Turned Against Republicans?
Data Wonk

Has Tide Turned Against Republicans?

Last week’s elections show GOP could be vulnerable to right kind of campaign.

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.

Democrats Triumph in Special Elections
Press Release

Democrats Triumph in Special Elections

The gains our great candidates made in traditionally Republican territory are further proof of the growing Democratic wave building here in Wisconsin and across the country.

Campaign Cash: GOP Has Cash Edge in 10th Senate Race
Campaign Cash

GOP Has Cash Edge in 10th Senate Race

Republican Jarchow raised more, has more dark money than Democrat Schachtner.

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.

Campaign Cash: Special Interests Target 10th Senate District
Campaign Cash

Special Interests Target 10th Senate District

One Democratic and two Republican groups will run phony issue ads.

Court Watch: Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records
Court Watch

Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records

Defendant couldn’t request, jury couldn’t see records unless victim allows it.

Governor Walker Calls Special Election for 10th Senate District
Press Release

Governor Walker Calls Special Election for 10th Senate District

Circulation of nomination papers for candidates may begin today, November 10.

Governor Walker Appoints Sheila Harsdorf to Serve as Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary
Press Release

Governor Walker Appoints Sheila Harsdorf to Serve as Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary

Harsdorf becomes the first woman to lead the agency in its 88-year history

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: Hemp’s Time Has Come
Op Ed

Hemp’s Time Has Come

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

Campaign Cash: Bipartisan Bill Legalizes Hemp
Campaign Cash

Bipartisan Bill Legalizes Hemp

Big farm groups support it, state police chiefs oppose it.

H.O.P.E. for Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Four Special Session Bills into Law at Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay
Press Release

H.O.P.E. for Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Four Special Session Bills into Law at Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay

"Like many states in our great nation, Wisconsin is experiencing a dangerous trend – a growing number of cases of opioid abuse and overdose."

Campaign Cash: Fireworks Industry Has Capitol Clout
Campaign Cash

Fireworks Industry Has Capitol Clout

Bipartisan donations help pass laws expanding fireworks use in state.

Campaign Cash: Bill Expands Winery Retail Hours
Campaign Cash

Bill Expands Winery Retail Hours

It pits Koch Brothers and Farm Bureau (supporters) against Tavern League (opposed).

Republican Legislators Rejecting Student Loan Refinancing Themselves Attended College at One-Fifth the Cost Today
Press Release

Republican Legislators Rejecting Student Loan Refinancing Themselves Attended College at One-Fifth the Cost Today

Cost of Their Own Schooling May Explain Ignorance of Student Loan Debt Crisis, But it Doesn’t Excuse Their Refusal to Help

Rep. Wachs Comments on “Wisconsin Campus Free Speech Act”
Press Release

Rep. Wachs Comments on “Wisconsin Campus Free Speech Act”

This legislation uses draconian sanctions to try to strong-arm students into staying silent.

Campaign Cash: Ag Interests Want Legalized Hemp
Campaign Cash

Ag Interests Want Legalized Hemp

Farm groups back bill, gave legislators $1.3 million.

New Republican ‘Safe Spaces for Racists’ Legislation Threatens Students With Expulsion for Declaring Hate Speech Not Welcome on Campuses
Press Release

New Republican ‘Safe Spaces for Racists’ Legislation Threatens Students With Expulsion for Declaring Hate Speech Not Welcome on Campuses

U.S. Senate Hopeful Leah Vukmir Out to Prove She Can Make a Bad Idea Even Worse

Speaker Vos Announces Free Speech on Campus Act
Press Release

Speaker Vos Announces Free Speech on Campus Act

The bill will ensure a person’s rights are protected by creating disciplinary measures for those who strive to disturb and impede free speech.

Fragile Snowflakes Kremer, Vos, Murphy & Harsdorf Want to Mandate Campus Safe Spaces Free of Republican Critics
Press Release

Fragile Snowflakes Kremer, Vos, Murphy & Harsdorf Want to Mandate Campus Safe Spaces Free of Republican Critics

In Midst of $19 Billion Wisconsin Student Loan Debt Crisis, Republicans Want to Require Students to Coddle Republicans

Campaign Cash: Farm Bureau Has Capitol Clout
Campaign Cash

Farm Bureau Has Capitol Clout

Spends $3 million on lobbying alone, gets policies hurting environment.

Democrats’ Common Sense Student Loan Debt Refinancing Bill Available for Legislative Action
Press Release

Democrats’ Common Sense Student Loan Debt Refinancing Bill Available for Legislative Action

Borrowers Know Ignoring the Crisis Won’t Make it Go Away, Do GOP Legislators?

Campaign Cash: Sand Mining Project Targets Wetlands
Campaign Cash

Sand Mining Project Targets Wetlands

Meteor Timber donates $23,000 to state politicians, wants to destroy 17 acres of forested wetlands.

Senator Fitzgerald Reelected Majority Leader
Press Release

Senator Fitzgerald Reelected Majority Leader

“I am honored to once again be representing this group of outstanding conservative leaders and thrilled to be growing our ranks for the upcoming legislative session.”

Tax-dodging millionaire leading GOP’s budget blockade
Press Release

Tax-dodging millionaire leading GOP’s budget blockade

Sen. Stroebel calling the shots as Republicans block funding for schools, roads and vet care

Video shows secret backroom meeting between Olsen and Harsdorf prior to lead paint vote
Press Release

Video shows secret backroom meeting between Olsen and Harsdorf prior to lead paint vote

Senate GOP leader doesn’t dispute pay-to-play scheme with lead paint donor

Harsdorf, Olsen and Tiffany Go The Extra Mile for Big Corporate Donors, and Themselves
Press Release

Harsdorf, Olsen and Tiffany Go The Extra Mile for Big Corporate Donors, and Themselves

Changed State Law to Benefit Dark Money Donors and Make it Harder to Investigate Political Corruption

The State of Politics: Republicans Regret Assault on Open Records Law
The State of Politics

Republicans Regret Assault on Open Records Law

But Rep. John Nygren is still open to changes to the Open Records Law, just not now.

Actions Speak Louder than Words as Sen. Sheila Harsdorf Silent on Vote to Give Legal Immunity to $750,000 Donor to Group Boosting Her 2011 Election Bid
Color Them Corrupt: Doe Documents Paint Republican Senators Olsen, Harsdorf as Key Players in Payoff to Major Donor
Press Release

Color Them Corrupt: Doe Documents Paint Republican Senators Olsen, Harsdorf as Key Players in Payoff to Major Donor

Voted to Provide Immunity From Legal Liability to Major Donor to Group That Attacked Their Election Opponents

Senate Republicans caught in Pay-to-Play scheme
Press Release

Senate Republicans caught in Pay-to-Play scheme

Olsen and Harsdorf sided with lead paint producers over sick children

GOP Legislators Back Veteran Home Budget Raid
Press Release

GOP Legislators Back Veteran Home Budget Raid

Walker raids veteran home fund with support of Harsdorf, Tiffany, and Olsen

New Law Grants CHIPS Protections to Child Trafficking Victims
Press Release

New Law Grants CHIPS Protections to Child Trafficking Victims

The law aligns Wisconsin with the federal Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Governor Scott Walker Appoints New Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Appoints New Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications

Jablonski’s appointment will be effective April 18, 2016.

Senate Republicans Block Out Sunshine
Press Release

Senate Republicans Block Out Sunshine

"Elected officials should work for Wisconsin families, not out-of-state special interests," said Matt Ullsvik, SSDC Executive Director.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law

Acts 200 - 257.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Governor Scott Walker’s 2016 State of the State Address
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker’s 2016 State of the State Address

"The state of our state is strong. We are moving Wisconsin forward."

Minnesota Launches Student Loan Refinancing Program
Press Release

Minnesota Launches Student Loan Refinancing Program

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his allies in the legislature have continued their staunch opposition to loan refinancing for borrowers in Wisconsin.

Working for Wisconsin: Governor Scott Walker Highlights College Affordability Legislative Package
Press Release

Working for Wisconsin: Governor Scott Walker Highlights College Affordability Legislative Package

Proposals to Build on Historic Four-Year UW-System Tuition Freeze; Freeze Saved Students an Average of $6,311 Compared to Average 8.1 Percent Yearly Increases in Prior 10 Years

Working for Wisconsin: Governor Scott Walker Rolls Out College Affordability Legislative Package
Press Release

Working for Wisconsin: Governor Scott Walker Rolls Out College Affordability Legislative Package

Proposals to Build on Historic Four-Year UW-System Tuition Freeze; Freeze Saved Students an Average of $6,311 Compared to Average 8.1 Percent Yearly Increases in Prior 10 Years

Dems rebuffed by Gov. Walker on student loan debt
Press Release

Dems rebuffed by Gov. Walker on student loan debt

Governor refuses bipartisan effort on student loan refinancing

Sens. Harsdorf & Tiffany AWOL on WEDC Accountability
Press Release

Sens. Harsdorf & Tiffany AWOL on WEDC Accountability

The scandal-plagued agency has continued to abuse its authority and funnel taxpayer dollars to companies that outsource jobs.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Governor Scott Walker Signs Senate Bill 40
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs Senate Bill 40

Governor Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 40 into law.

New Radio Ads, Mail Pieces Thank Legislators for Prevailing Wage and Budget
Press Release

New Radio Ads, Mail Pieces Thank Legislators for Prevailing Wage and Budget

Legislature Shows Yet Again It Has The Courage To Do What's Right for Wisconsin Taxpayers

The State of Politics: Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal
The State of Politics

Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal

Joint Finance Committee needs nine of 16 members to approve it. That could be tough.

The State of Politics: Budget Could Delay Local Highway Projects
The State of Politics

Budget Could Delay Local Highway Projects

Republican legislators want to reduce borrowing in Walker transportation budget, but this could delay numerous projects.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Authority Okays New Beerline Buildings
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Authority Okays New Beerline Buildings

RACM approves two apartment buildings with 113 units that will increase density on N. Commerce St.

Murphy’s Law: Why Republicans Are Wrong About Recalls
Murphy’s Law

Why Republicans Are Wrong About Recalls

The bill to restrict recalls is a naked attempt by political officials to protect their jobs.

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy
Press Release

Important information from Alderman Michael J. Murphy

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl
Press Release

Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important information from Alderman Joe Dudzik
Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac
Press Release

Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade
Press Release

Important Information from Alderman Willie C. Wade

The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.