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
Pushing for more public funding of private schools.
Feb 2nd, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
Enbridge Energy Looks to Reroute Pipeline
Campaign donor wants to seize private property in North Woods for crude oil pipeline.
May 26th, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
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.
Jan 2nd, 2019 by Gov. Scott Walker
Evers Election Brings Changes to Capitol
Suddenly jobs for Democrats. And will Vos, Evers do deal on highway funding?
Nov 12th, 2018 by Steven Walters
3M Gives Donations, Pays No Fines
Company gave donations to Walker and others, pays no fines for environmental violations.
Aug 27th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Governor Walker Attends Opening of Farm Discovery Center
Highlights the importance of Wisconsin agriculture
Jul 16th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Walker Announces Dairy Task Force 2.0 Members at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Jul 11th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
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
Jun 25th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
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
Jun 25th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance
93 bills signed into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol
Apr 16th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
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
Governor Walker signs 64 bills into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol
Apr 3rd, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Scott Walker’s Big Lie
Not doing special elections hasn’t saved money, it’s actually cost taxpayers. A lot.
Mar 29th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
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."
Mar 14th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Why Walker Opposes Special Elections
He's not serving the voters. He's serving his party.
Mar 1st, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
National Group Has Huge Clout in Wisconsin
Virginia-based Republican State Leadership Committee spent $2.9 million to elect conservatives here.
Feb 1st, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Has Tide Turned Against Republicans?
Last week’s elections show GOP could be vulnerable to right kind of campaign.
Jan 24th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Can Democrats Win State Senate?
Schachtner win gives hope. But everything would have to go right.
Jan 22nd, 2018 by Steven Walters
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.
Jan 16th, 2018 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
GOP Has Cash Edge in 10th Senate Race
Republican Jarchow raised more, has more dark money than Democrat Schachtner.
Jan 16th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White
Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.
Jan 15th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Special Interests Target 10th Senate District
One Democratic and two Republican groups will run phony issue ads.
Jan 10th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records
Defendant couldn’t request, jury couldn’t see records unless victim allows it.
Dec 19th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Governor Walker Calls Special Election for 10th Senate District
Circulation of nomination papers for candidates may begin today, November 10.
Nov 10th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
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
Nov 10th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families
Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations
Nov 8th, 2017 by Wisconsin Conservation Voters
Hemp’s Time Has Come
Benefits of legalization are many. Will legislature, Walker approve it?
Oct 30th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Bipartisan Bill Legalizes Hemp
Big farm groups support it, state police chiefs oppose it.
Oct 13th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
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."
Jul 17th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Fireworks Industry Has Capitol Clout
Bipartisan donations help pass laws expanding fireworks use in state.
Jul 4th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Bill Expands Winery Retail Hours
It pits Koch Brothers and Farm Bureau (supporters) against Tavern League (opposed).
Jun 29th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
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
May 26th, 2017 by One Wisconsin Now
Rep. Wachs Comments on “Wisconsin Campus Free Speech Act”
This legislation uses draconian sanctions to try to strong-arm students into staying silent.
May 11th, 2017 by State Rep. Dana Wachs
Ag Interests Want Legalized Hemp
Farm groups back bill, gave legislators $1.3 million.
May 10th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
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
May 3rd, 2017 by One Wisconsin Now
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.
Apr 27th, 2017 by Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos
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
Apr 27th, 2017 by One Wisconsin Now
Farm Bureau Has Capitol Clout
Spends $3 million on lobbying alone, gets policies hurting environment.
Apr 4th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
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?
Mar 9th, 2017 by One Wisconsin Now
Sand Mining Project Targets Wetlands
Meteor Timber donates $23,000 to state politicians, wants to destroy 17 acres of forested wetlands.
Jan 5th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
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.”
Nov 10th, 2016 by U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald
Tax-dodging millionaire leading GOP’s budget blockade
Sen. Stroebel calling the shots as Republicans block funding for schools, roads and vet care
Sep 29th, 2016 by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
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
Sep 20th, 2016 by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
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
Sep 19th, 2016 by One Wisconsin Now
Republicans Regret Assault on Open Records Law
But Rep. John Nygren is still open to changes to the Open Records Law, just not now.
Sep 19th, 2016 by Steven Walters
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
‘Evidence Here Paints Sheila Harsdorf as Unconscionably Corrupt’
Sep 16th, 2016 by One Wisconsin Now
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
Sep 14th, 2016 by One Wisconsin Now
Senate Republicans caught in Pay-to-Play scheme
Olsen and Harsdorf sided with lead paint producers over sick children
Sep 14th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
GOP Legislators Back Veteran Home Budget Raid
Walker raids veteran home fund with support of Harsdorf, Tiffany, and Olsen
Aug 24th, 2016 by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
New Law Grants CHIPS Protections to Child Trafficking Victims
The law aligns Wisconsin with the federal Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Apr 25th, 2016 by State Sen. LaTonya Johnson
Governor Scott Walker Appoints New Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications
Jablonski’s appointment will be effective April 18, 2016.
Mar 29th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Senate Republicans Block Out Sunshine
"Elected officials should work for Wisconsin families, not out-of-state special interests," said Matt Ullsvik, SSDC Executive Director.
Mar 14th, 2016 by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law
Acts 200 - 257.
Mar 1st, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law
Acts 154 - 199.
Feb 29th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker’s 2016 State of the State Address
"The state of our state is strong. We are moving Wisconsin forward."
Jan 19th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
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.
Jan 19th, 2016 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
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
Jan 15th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
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
Jan 12th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Dems rebuffed by Gov. Walker on student loan debt
Governor refuses bipartisan effort on student loan refinancing
Jan 11th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
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.
Nov 19th, 2015 by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law
Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Nov 11th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker Signs Senate Bill 40
Governor Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 40 into law.
Aug 6th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
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
Jul 20th, 2015 by AFP Wisconsin
Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal
Joint Finance Committee needs nine of 16 members to approve it. That could be tough.
Jun 15th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Budget Could Delay Local Highway Projects
Republican legislators want to reduce borrowing in Walker transportation budget, but this could delay numerous projects.
Mar 16th, 2015 by Steven Walters
City Authority Okays New Beerline Buildings
RACM approves two apartment buildings with 113 units that will increase density on N. Commerce St.
Oct 18th, 2013 by Dave Reid
Why Republicans Are Wrong About Recalls
The bill to restrict recalls is a naked attempt by political officials to protect their jobs.
Apr 11th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Important information from Alderman Jim Bohl
The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Ald. Jim Bohl
Important information from Alderman Nik Kovac
The City of Milwaukee needs your help with an issue that's of critical importance to our future.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Nik Kovac
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.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Willie Wade
