Born Hammond, IN, April 28; married; 2 children, 3 grandchildren. Graduate UW-Madison 1966; grad. work UW-Milwaukee 1972-74. Former teacher and marketing director. Member: North Shore Rotary; College Savings Program Bd. (EdVest); Junior League of Milwaukee (former pres.); Tempo Professional Women’s Organization; Blood Center of Wis. Bd. Former member: Next Door Foundation; Public Policy Forum; Wis. Strategic Planning Council for Economic Development; Greater Milwaukee Com.; Goals for Greater Milwaukee 2000 Project (exec. com.); United Way Bd. (chp., allocations com.); Future Milwaukee (pres.); Milwaukee Forum; Children’s Service Soc. of Wis. (bd. of dir.); American Red Cross of Wis. (exec. com., bd. of dir.); League of Women Voters; Today’s Girls/Tomorrow’s Women/Boys Girls Club (founder); NCSL Education Com. (chp.); YMCA (bd. mbr.). Recipient: Shining Star of Education Reform 2011; Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Government Advocates Award; Greater Milwaukee Committee Leadership Award 2011; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Legislative Leadership Award 2011, Friend of Housing Legislator of the Year 2012, 2006-2011, 2002, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Working for Wisconsin 2012, 2002; American Conservative Union Foundation Defender of Liberty Award 2012; Friend of Grocers 2014; 2011 Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups Tommy G. Thompson Award for Service; Wis. Stem Cell Now Courage Award; Right Wis. Iron Lady Award 2013; Wis. Charter Champion Award 2014; 2006 Inductee into the National MS Hall of Fame; Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce 100% Pro-Business Legislator 2006; Wis. Builders Assn. Friend of Housing 2008; Amer. Cancer Soc. Legislative Champion 2014, 2006; Fair Air Coalition Friend of Education; Metropolitan Milwaukee Assn. of Commerce Champion of Commerce; Wis. Head Start Directors Assn. Award of Excellence; National Assn. of Community Leadership Leadership Award; United Way Gwen Jackson Leadership Award; St. Francis Children’s Center Children Service Award.
Elected to Assembly in May 1990 special election; reelected November 1990; elected to Senate 1992; reelected since 1996. Biennial committee assignments: 2015 — Jt. Com. on Finance (co-chp. since 2011, also 2003, mbr. since 1999, eff. 2/7/00); Economic Development and Commerce; Education (since 2011, also 2005, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1993); Jt. Legis. Audit (since 2011, also 2003); Jt. Com. on Employment Relations (since 2011, also 2003); Jt. Legislative Council (since 2001). 2013 — Workforce Development, Forestry, Mining and Revenue (vice chp.); Milwaukee Child Welfare Partnership Council (since 1995); Wis. Center District Board of Dir. (also 2011, 2005, 2003); UW Hospitals and Clinics Authority Bd. (also 2003). 2011 — Economic Development, Veterans and Military Affairs. 2009 — Economic Development; Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue. 2007 — Economic Development, Job Creation, Family Prosperity and Housing. 2005 — Health, Children, Families, Aging and Long-Term Care. 1999 — Jt. Com. for Review of Administrative Rules (since 1993); Jt. Com. on Information Policy (also 1995); Judiciary and Consumer Affairs; Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Bd. (since 1993). 1997 — Education and Financial Institutions (chp., eff. 4/21/98, also 1995); Business, Economic Development and Urban Affairs (eff. 4/21/98, also 1995); Judiciary (eff. 4/21/98, also 1995); Labor, Transportation and Financial Institutions; Education Comn. of the States (eff. 4/30/98, also 1995).
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-5830; E-mail: Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: River Hills 53217.
Mailing address: Office: Room 317 East, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison 53707-7882.
Content referencing Alberta Darling - Page 2
GOP Approves $558 Million Health Care Hike
But Republican budget rejects Medicaid expansion that would save the state $320 million, Evers notes.
Jun 5th, 2019 by Laurel White
Republican Pushes for Medical Marijuana
State Sen. Patrick Testin could be the key man in the success or failure of proposal.
May 14th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Why Legislators Want Tougher Drunk Driving Law
Wisconsin is the only state that doesn't criminalize drunk driving on the first offense.
May 13th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
Republican Reefer Madness
Aping the old drug-scare film, they back invalidated theories on marijuana’s alleged harm.
May 4th, 2019 by Casey Hoff
GOP Legislators Kill Medical Pot Proposal
Budget committee snuffs out Evers plan. It's “off the wall scary,” says Sen. Darling.
Apr 26th, 2019 by Laurel White
GOP Legislators Defend Foxconn
They offer positive slant to Foxconn executive expressing doubt about 13,000 jobs.
Apr 26th, 2019 by Laurel White
Bill Speeds Up Health Insurance Appeals
Legislators consider bill in response to citizens' complaints about "step therapy," delays in getting needed pain medicine.
Apr 18th, 2019 by Shamane Mills
Evers Too Slow on Prison Reform?
His budget expands prisons, doesn’t offer much reform, critics charge.
Apr 8th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Legislators Resist Many Evers Proposals
GOP push back on minimum wage, water quality, corrections worker wages, unemployment compensation and more.
Apr 5th, 2019 by Laurel White
Evers Budget Targets Rich Taxpayers
And helps middle class. But Republicans oppose plan.
Mar 11th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Governor’s Veto Power Looms Large
What Legislature gives, veto can take away. The battle has begun.
Mar 4th, 2019 by Steven Walters
GOP May Resist Kaul on ACA Lawsuit
Attorney General wants to drop lawsuit, Republican legislators hint they won’t let him.
Feb 8th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
Tavern League Still Has Clout in Capitol
Which is why bill to criminalize drunk driving unlikely to get legislative approval.
Jan 16th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Secrecy Hides State Legislators’ Actions
Anonymous budget amendments and "Body Snatcher” bills reward special interests, limit public input.
Oct 30th, 2018 by CV Vitolo-Haddad and Dee J. Hall
Local Leaders Demand Big Store Tax Reform
18 municipal leaders say big box tax loopholes costly, push legislators to change law.
Oct 9th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Legislative Committee Approves Highway Funding
“The roads in Illinois are much better,” Republican Sen Alberta Darling charges.
Jun 15th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
U.S. Supreme Court Nears Decision on Wisconsin Redistricting Case
Ruling could impact the nation’s elections and democracy for decades.
Jun 2nd, 2018 by Cathleen Draper
A State MPS Reform Proposal. Again
Scott Walker joins a list of governors and others who’ve proposed reforms.
May 21st, 2018 by Steven Walters
Why Mitchell Street Sun Fair Was Cancelled
Republican law aimed at Milwaukee BIDs made it harder to raise money for fair.
May 11th, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
Farm Bill Will Leave Millions of Kids Hungry
Analysis of federal bill show 11% of state food stamp recipients, including 23,369 kids, lose eligibility.
May 4th, 2018 by Jon Peacock
Audit Shows Big Problems at State Fair Park
Management issues, revenue shortfalls, contracts not tracked, environmental laws violated.
May 3rd, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Legislators’ Donations Up 40% in 2017
Most of it to Republicans, who have 3.2 times more campaign cash than Democrats.
Mar 16th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Landlords Win in the Assembly
Bills makes evictions easier. Real estate industry gave $1.2 million to GOP legislators.
Jan 25th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Bill Helps Real Estate Industry
Weakens historic preservation and tenants rights. Realtors big donors to legislators.
Jan 5th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Historic Preservation Tax Credits Survive
Republican tax plan changes program, but doesn't eliminate it.
Dec 21st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Does GOP Want To Raise My Taxes?
And why do I get nothing back in return but a bigger federal deficit?
Nov 15th, 2017 by Bruce Thompson
Historic Preservation in Peril
Job-creating historic preservation tax credits face cuts again, this time from Congress.
Nov 15th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Anti-Fraud Law’s Repeal Hurts Taxpayers
State losing millions in federal settlements because Walker, GOP killed whistleblower law.
Nov 6th, 2017 by Julie Spitzer and Dee J. Hall
The Secrets of Foxconn
Walker administration won’t release details of massive subsidy until after contract is signed.
Oct 26th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Bill Has $10 Million Giveaway to Fiserv
Included in Foxconn bill. Fiserv employees donated $15,400 to state politicians.
Aug 8th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
The News That Wasn’t
JS story on I-94 project in danger is six months old. So why was it a banner headline?
Jul 25th, 2017 by George Mitchell
We Hate DOT, But Here’s $712 Million
GOP senators would borrow big for Department of Transportation they distrust.
Jul 24th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Senate and Assembly Flip on Highway Debt
Senate now likes big increase in debt, Assembly no longer does.
Jul 20th, 2017 by George Mitchell
Walker, Darling Flip Flop on Vouchers
Their new message to school choice supporters: Drop dead.
Jul 14th, 2017 by George Mitchell
State Park Fees Keep Rising
New hikes proposed, already higher than in any Midwestern state.
Jun 22nd, 2017 by Virginia Small
Koch-Funded Group Backs Tax Cut
Cut could reduce state forestry funding.
Jun 5th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
How MMAC Peddles Influence
Milwaukee business group has spent $2.4 million on campaigns and lobbying.
Jun 1st, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Bill Buries State Regulations
After 7 years they would expire. Kochs and WMC back the bill.
May 17th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year
Department of Corrections estimates minimum cost of get-tough bill.
Apr 5th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Regent Nominees Gave Walker $22,550
The two nominees also gave more than $64,000 to other candidates.
Apr 3rd, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Heavy Trucks Cause Most Road Damage
State isn’t enforcing weight limits. Big donors support bigger trucks.
Mar 8th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Legislators Could Trim Walker Budget
Does governor expect them to throw out his bag of goodies?
Feb 13th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Tavern League Favors Drunk Driving Bill
Big donor to politicians wants tougher penalties but easy on first-time offenders.
Feb 8th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
The Top 10 Stories of 2016
Readers' favorites? Stories about mansions, rich people, sports stars, politicians.
Jan 4th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Hard Right Dominates GOP Senate
Eight or nine senators could dictate much of Gov. Walker's 2017-19 state budget.
Oct 31st, 2016 by Steven Walters
Why State’s MPS Takeover Plan Died
In changing state ratings to protect choice schools, Republicans ended up killing OSPP.
Oct 27th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
MPS Sets Sights on Increased State Funding
Buoyed by victory on OSSP takeover law, union and parents call for funding equity.
Oct 18th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Opponents Agree New Education Funding Model Needed
Union leader, key Republican and DPI all want a student centered approach to state funding.
Jun 2nd, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
MPS Teachers Oppose State Partnership Plan
They demand specifics; Demond Means denies he will “takeover” failing schools.
May 21st, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Getting Tough On Drunk Driving
Legislators push to make fourth OWI a felony. But the state corrections costs are high.
Feb 1st, 2016 by Steven Walters
Dr. Sheldon Wasserman’s Lesser Manse
The Democrat's $655,700 Lake Dr. home barely compares to his neighbors' mansions.
Jan 15th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Soaring Cost of Gun Violence
Estimated annual cost in Wisconsin is $2.9 billion, or $508 per person.
Dec 6th, 2015 by Sean Kirkby
21% of Gas Tax Will Go to Repay Debt
Debt level has doubled in a decade, yet legislators approve plan.
Nov 9th, 2015 by Steven Walters
WEDC Leaders Resist Reforming Troubled Agency
Top brass of jobs agency miss opportunity to apologize and fix problems.
Sep 28th, 2015 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Questions Remain on “Opportunity Schools”
Republican plan giving Abele power over low-performing MPS schools offers few details.
Aug 25th, 2015 by Joe Yeado
How Republicans Worked to End Public Records
Planning began last September and would have ended open records for all local governments as well.
Aug 3rd, 2015 by George Stanley
Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records
Legislature's proposal used language previously crafted by Walker administration, but governor and Vos won't discuss governor's involvement. Update of story published on July 3rd.
Jul 3rd, 2015 by Dee J. Hall
Legislators’ Shocking Attack on Open Government
Budget provision with no author will decimate open records rules for legislature. It will pass unless there is an outcry from legislators.
Jul 3rd, 2015 by Bill Lueders
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
No Christmas In May For Republicans
Tax collections haven’t risen so GOP lawmakers may have to swallow Walker budget cuts they opposed.
May 11th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Republicans Target Utility Fighter CUB
Proposal would kill funding for Citizen’s Utility Board, which advocates for consumers.
May 4th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Legislators Hope Tax Windfall Rescues Them
If state tax collections don’t go up -- soon -- lawmakers must swallow Walker’s unappetizing budget cuts.
Apr 20th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed
Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.
Apr 7th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Republican Plan for MPS Attacked
Bonds says plan would be devastating financially and lay off hundreds of staff.
Feb 4th, 2015 by Edgar Mendez
New Arena Plan & Pabst Brewing Returns
Will legislature pass new arena plan? Will city and county have to contribute? Will Pabst brew here again?
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Dave Reid
“Jock Tax” Will Actually Increase Your Taxes
Proposal to fund NBA arena is really a Republican Tax Increase to help billionaire owners pay for the facility.
Dec 22nd, 2014 by Jennifer O’Hear and Lloyd Johnson
Why Wisconsin Has Weak Laws on Drunken Driving
Legislators reject tougher penalties, even for repeat offenders. First of a series.
Nov 10th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Is David Clarke “Sheriff Spends a Lot”?
Attack ads blast Clarke. Another targets “dysfunctional” Marina Dimitrijevic. Who’s buying all these nasty ads?
Aug 5th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Gimbel Gets Reappointed to Wisconsin Center Board
Will continue after 3 decades as board chair! Did mayor and governor swap appointments to make this happen?
Jul 16th, 2014 by Michael Horne
How Republicans Cause Voter Fraud
False claims of rampant voter fraud by GOP and talk radio prompt their followers to vote illegally.
Jul 1st, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
State Freezes Historic Preservation Tax Credits
Worried about the cost, Gov. Walker and WEDC have halted program with big benefits for Milwaukee.
Jun 25th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
Gun Bill Dies Without Shots Being Fired
Despite overwhelming support for bill toughening penalties for felony firearms offenses, Alberta Darling and Republicans give up on it.
Jun 25th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Gun Bills Fail, Shots Fly
Chief Flynn implores legislature to pass bill targeting illegal gun possession. Will Republicans respond?
Jun 4th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Attorneys Rush to Chisholm’s Defense
Worried about possible recall, they plan fundraiser for the DA. But will it help him?
May 8th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin Center’s Leadership Adrift?
Many of the board's seats are either vacant or held by legally unqualified individuals.
Mar 10th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Gwen Moore “Educates” Ted Cruz
Speaking at St. John's on the Lake, she talks about her conversation with Cruz, earmarks and voter ID.
Jan 2nd, 2014 by Michael Horne
Walker’s Book is Very Revealing
There are fascinating sections, including Walker giving staff a top ten list ridiculing public workers.
Nov 12th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Brookfield Square Welcomes County Buses
Unlike Southridge and other suburban malls, Brookfield Square actually runs ads to attract bus-riding city residents.
Nov 7th, 2013 by Michael Horne
How Republicans Will Hurt City Real Estate
Reacting to a smelly deal involving one school building, legislators are pushing a badly-flawed bill that worsens the problem.
Oct 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Don’t Take Away Our School Buildings
Republican bill would force MPS to sell buildings used to expand successful schools like Golda Meir.
Oct 14th, 2013 by Angela McManaman
Schools Want Earlier Start Date
MPS and other districts say it would improve student achievement, but tourism industry opposes change.
Sep 17th, 2013 by Scottie Lee Meyers
Southeast Wisconsin Rules the Capitol
Almost every Republican -- and Democratic -- leader is from a small part of the state.
Sep 16th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change
Republicans join Koch Brothers, opposing actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Sep 12th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill
Mandatory three-year term for illegal gun possession has support of Flynn and Barrett. But will it pass?
Aug 28th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Republican Dog & Pony Show
Legislators Vos and Darling tour city but offer no solutions. So why did they come?
Aug 22nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Why Walker Opposes Obamacare
His opposition to more federal dollars for Medicaid will hurt Wisconsin, but help his campaign for president.
Jun 13th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Transit Outrage
Alberta Darling says my way or the highway. Plus: the return of Jerry Kleczka!
May 10th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Republicans Move to Kill Milwaukee Streetcar
If the streetcar is killed and federal money for it is lost, it will mean the total amount of federal transit money for Wisconsin rejected by Scott Walker will exceed $1 billion.
May 9th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Winners and Losers
It was a good election for Scott Walker and conservatives but there were some bright spots for liberals.
Apr 4th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Who’s the Conservative for Circuit Judge?
The race between Rebecca Bradley and Janet Protasiewicz is hard to call.
Mar 28th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Money Behind the Mining Bill
Is it $15 million in campaign contributions? The tally is inexact, but it's way more than environmentalists donate.
Feb 7th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
What’s Stopping Tougher Drunk Driving Laws
The cost of enforcement has been estimated at $200 million annually, but some scoff at this figure.
Jan 18th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Republicans Sneaking Bill on Same Day Registration?
Voters would probably oppose it, so GOP needs to pass the legislation very, very quietly.
Dec 11th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Eternal Stadium Tax
It was originally supposed to end two years ago, but the Miller Park sales tax just goes on and on.
Jul 27th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Taxi Cab Medallion Bill Passes Assembly
The City of Milwaukee is working on state legislation to allow the City to profit from the sale of additional taxi cab permits (to be called medallions) and address the perceived shortage of taxi cabs in the city. Currently under Wisconsin law, permit and license fees can not exceed the cost to issue said permits. This gives the Common Council and Mayor little incentive to raise the cap on the number of permits (currently capped at the seemingly random number of 321 since 1992), despite the fact that the permits are changing hands in the private market for between $80,000 to $150,000.
Feb 22nd, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
MPS isn’t Coke or Pepsi, it’s Walmart
America's suburban landscape has become littered with empty blight inducing big-box stores. As Walmart uses up a market, the company shutters stores and moves on to the next neighborhood, leaving hulking vacant boxes and thousands of empty, litter-filled parking spots in its wake.
Jan 17th, 2011 by Dave Reid
Make a Difference, Help the RTA
The Regional Transit Authority, a solution to Milwaukee’s transit woes that we’ve advocated before, is coming down to the wire in the halls of the state capitol. For the plan to move forward it needs to be included in the state budget, and for that to happen it needs to be approved by the Joint Finance Committee. The Joint Finance Committee will vote on the matter on Thursday. The matter is anything but a done deal, and your support is turning a few votes. Please make a call Wednesday if you have the chance. Even if it’s just a one second “vote for the RTA on Thursday”, it’ll make a difference. Please call, your city needs you. Senator John Lehman (Racine) especially needs to hear from you! (608) 266-1832 (866) 615-7510, Fax (608) 267-6793, Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 Representative Cory Mason (Racine) (608) 266-0634, Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8953, Madison, 53708 Representative Robin Vos (Racine) 888 534-0063, 608 282-3663 fax, rep.vos@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8953, Madison, 53708 Representative Pedro Colon (Milwaukee) 888 534-0008, 608 282-3608 fax, rep.colon@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8952, Madison, 53708 Representative Tamara Grigsby (Milwaukee) 888 534-0018, 608 282-3618 fax, rep.grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 8952, Madison, 53708 Senator Lena Taylor (Milwaukee) 608 266-5810, 608 267-2353 fax, sen.taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 Senator Alberta Darling (Milwaukee) 608 266-5830, 608 267-0588 fax, sen.darling@legis.wisconsin.gov PO Box 7882, Madison, 53707 [Full disclosure, Jeramey is a member of the RTA Steering Committee and a passionate advocate for the efficiencies of mass transit.]
Apr 28th, 2009 by Jeramey Jannene
Broadband Quote of the Week
"Well, if I was a consumer I would say, "Why in the hell is the United States No. 13 and heading south in broadband deployment?"
Apr 4th, 2005 by Michael Horne
Jim Glynn Dead at 64
I had no idea it would be this soon.
Oct 18th, 2004 by Michael Horne
