Born Madison, March 10, 1971; married; 3 children. Graduate La Follette H.S. (Madison) 1989; B.S. UW-Oshkosh 1993; M.A. Edgewood College 1996. Full-time legislator. Member: Dane Co. Democratic Party; Friends of Pheasant Branch; Clean WI; Wis. League of Conservation Voters; Middleton Action Team; VFW Ladies Auxiliary Council. Former member: Parent Teacher Organization (pres.); Boy Scouts of America (cubmaster); Girl Scout troop leader. Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District Bd. 2005-08. Dane Co. Bd. 2008-present.
Elected to Assembly 2012. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Colleges and Universities; Education; Natural Resources and Sporting Heritage; Tourism; Veterans.
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-5340; (888) 534-0079 (toll free).
E-mail: Rep.Hesselbein@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: Middleton 53562.
Mailing address: Office: Room 9 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison 53708.
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Content referencing Dianne Hesselbein
Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties
Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Anya van WagtendonkEvers’ Tax Cut Plan Is Far Reaching
Detailed plan has many provisions, lowers taxes on four of five taxpayers in state.
Feb 21st, 2023 by Erik GunnSenate Democrats Elect New Leadership
Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Baylor SpearsRepublicans Don’t Win Veto-Proof Legislature
Had to flip five Assembly seats and one Senate district and fell short.
Nov 9th, 2022 by Baylor SpearsRecord Number of Legislators Retiring
At least 31 incumbents, one quarter of state Legislature retiring, highest since 1942.
Jun 20th, 2022 by Howard HardeeState Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Medical Marijuana
But the state Legislature has already adjourned for the year, so a bill won't pass in 2022.
Apr 21st, 2022 by Shawn JohnsonHistoric Turnover Will Change Legislature
Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Steven WaltersTwo Medical Marijuana Bills Proposed
One by legislators from each party. 37 states, including Mississippi, now allow it.
Feb 9th, 2022 by Shamane MillsDemocrats Push Abortion Rights Bill
Without Roe, old state law would prevail, making abortion a felony, with penalty of up to 6 years in prison
Jan 24th, 2022 by Melanie ConklinAssembly Democrats Elect Neubauer As Leader
Will succeed Gordon Hintz, with Rep. Kalan Haywood as assistant minority leader.
Dec 20th, 2021 by Laurel WhiteRep. Neubauer Elected Assembly Democratic Leader
Dec 20th, 2021 by State Rep. Greta Neubauer
Democrats’ Revolving Door Swings Again
Assembly minority leader Gordon Hintz's decision to step down the latest of many leadership changes.
Dec 20th, 2021 by Steven WaltersRep. Hintz Thanks Rep. Hesselbein For Her Leadership
Dec 17th, 2021 by State Rep. Gordon Hintz
Hintz Will Quit As Assembly Minority Leader
Democrat will resign position in January, cites need to spend more time with family.
Dec 13th, 2021 by Melanie ConklinBig Changes Needed In Political Districts
Population changes in Madison, metro Milwaukee require redrawn legislative and congressional seats.
Sep 27th, 2021 by Steven WaltersAssembly Leaders Accused of ‘Systemic Racism’
Republicans use racist retaliation, punish free speech, Democratic legislators charge.
Jun 12th, 2021 by Melanie ConklinAssembly GOP Doubles Down On Racism, Retaliates Against Member of Color’s Efforts to Address Systemic Racism
Democratic state representatives lift the curtain on racist retaliation in the legislature
Jun 10th, 2021 by State Rep. Gordon HintzRepublicans Scapegoat Struggling Families to Score Political Points
Jun 9th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Hesselbein Votes No to Republican Private Investigators
May 28th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Who’s the Most Right Wing Of All?
Conservative group ranks state’s most conservative members of Congress and Legislature.
Apr 27th, 2021 by Melanie ConklinRep. Hesselbein Statement on Republican Attempt to Control Federal Funding
Apr 13th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Gov. Evers Saves Food Assistance for Wisconsin Families
Apr 13th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Rep. Hesselbein Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Emergency Orders
Mar 31st, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Legislature Has Dramatic Debate
Over its power, purpose, prestige... and whether Robin Vos hates Tony Evers.
Mar 24th, 2021 by Melanie ConklinRepublicans Aim to Prolong Pandemic and Slow Down Distribution of Federal Funds
Mar 23rd, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Hesselbein Calls on State Legislature to Take Immediate Action on Federal UI Funding
Mar 17th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
34 State Legislators Endorse Jill Underly for State Superintendent
Mar 15th, 2021 by Dr. Jill Underly
Hesselbein Applauds Governor’s Budget Address
Feb 16th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Sporting Heritage Committee Chair Denies Remote Participation Again
Feb 10th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Underly Campaign Announces Endorsement of 12 State Legislators
Feb 3rd, 2021 by Dr. Jill Underly
Mask-Less Public Meetings Are Illegal
They endanger health and prevent access to all interested in attending.
Feb 1st, 2021 by Larry GallupWisconsinites Put Pressure on Republicans to Stop Playing Politics
Jan 28th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
State Legislature Has Most Women Lawmakers Ever
31% of state legislators are women.
Jan 22nd, 2021 by Laurel WhiteRepresentative Hesselbein Prevented from Attending Committee Hearing Remotely
Jan 13th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Representative Hesselbein Reacts to Governor Evers’ State of the State Address
Jan 12th, 2021 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders
Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.
Nov 11th, 2020 by Melanie ConklinRep. Hesselbein Re-Elected Assistant Democratic Leader
Nov 10th, 2020 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Student Debt
May 11th, 2020 by Gov. Tony Evers
Assembly Hastily Adjourns without Addressing Wisconsin’s Priorities
Short Session with Missed Opportunities
Feb 21st, 2020 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinGov. Evers Ready to Get to Work for Wisconsin
The people we represent deserve to have elected officials who show up and get things done for their families. That’s what I’m here to do.
Jan 22nd, 2020 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinAssembly Passes PFAS, Nurse Assault Bills
Will go to governor for signature. Five other bills passed need Senate approval.
Jan 22nd, 2020 by Laurel WhiteAssembly Republicans Fail to Override Evers’ Veto
First floor session of 2020 saw partisan attacks and the passage of controversial legislation.
Jan 16th, 2020 by Erik GunnProposal Would Ban Gerrymandering
Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment would amend state constitution, require non-partisan redistricting.
Jan 13th, 2020 by Matt RothschildHesselbein Advocates for Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment
Jan 7th, 2020 by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Behold the Democratic Green Team
“Forward on Climate” package includes bills on green banks, weatherizing schools.
Dec 4th, 2019 by Isiah HolmesRepublican Inaction on Gun Safety Fails Wisconsin
Governor Evers and legislative Democrats focus on safety while Republicans play politics
Nov 7th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRepublicans Attempt Another Power Grab
Last-minute resolution to overhaul rules brought before an Assembly Committee
Oct 8th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinHesselbein Visits Octopi Brewing for Craft Brewery Day
"Octopi has been a great part of our community."
Sep 26th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinHesselbein Supports Common Sense Background Checks
"This legislation on universal background checks is a reasonable, responsible and moderate first step in addressing the overwhelming public health crisis of gun violence in our state and nation."
Aug 15th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinHesselbein Attends Ho-Chunk Nation Swearing-in
"I am honored to witness the newly sworn-in leaders take their oath of office."
Jul 3rd, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinReflecting on Wisconsin Women’s Suffrage at 100
"Today, we can celebrate our triumphs in the last century, but we must remain steadfast in our effort to ensure Wisconsin is a leader in women’s rights."
Jun 10th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinSpecial Education Investments Are Paramount
"I’m glad the Governor sees the value in all of our children and wants to help our school districts do what’s best for our kids."
May 13th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinEarth Day
"It is important on Earth Day and every day to recommit to our goal of an environmentally sustainable future."
Apr 22nd, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinHesselbein Opposes Tax Dollars for Private Attorneys
"This is another example of Speaker Vos subverting the will of the people for political gain."
Mar 22nd, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein Supports Governor Evers’ Fair Maps Plan
"Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around."
Feb 26th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein Supports Bringing Guard Members Home
"I’m thankful that Governor Evers is standing up for our Wisconsin National Guard personnel who were sent to the southwest border for a manufactured crisis."
Feb 26th, 2019 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinGerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?
27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.
Nov 26th, 2018 by Steven WaltersAssembly Democrats Reach Gender Parity
Women make up 50% of Democrats but just 16% of Republicans in state Assembly.
Nov 26th, 2018 by Laurel WhiteDemocratic Program Recruits Women Candidates
Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.
Sep 24th, 2018 by Steven WaltersNo Choice in 36% of Legislative Races
Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.
Jun 14th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy CampaignWith 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 VotersDemocrats Continue to Lead the Fight to Protect Taxpayers on Foxconn
Walker’s Republican allies in Legislature reject resolution calling for Foxconn contract to be made public
Nov 7th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinChanging Our Identity for Special Interests
Republicans seek to change Wisconsin’s well-known slogan for influential lobbyists on a whim
Nov 3rd, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein Statement on SCOTUS Hearing Oral Arguments in Gill v. Whitford
"Republicans in the legislature have rigged the system to maintain their power in Wisconsin."
Oct 3rd, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein: Statement on DVA Secretary Zimmerman’s Column
"The divisive and inflammatory rhetoric used by Secretary Zimmerman in his column is counter-productive and well outside the scope of his duties as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs."
Oct 2nd, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRepublican Agenda Puts Corporate Welfare Package for Taiwanese Company Ahead of our Public Schools
Hesselbein votes against boondoggle proposal that will hamstring state budgets for years to come
Aug 17th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinTerrible Jobs Numbers and Inability to Fund Wisconsin Schools: Just Another Day in Scott Walker’s Wisconsin
"Six straight years of Governor Scott Walker and six straight years of below average economic growth in Wisconsin."
Jun 7th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein: The Walker Economy Continues to Disappoint
“Gold Standard” job data shows 2016 was the worst year for job growth under Gov. Walker
May 30th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein: Statement on REINS Proposal
AB 42 has potential to open state’s regulatory process to corporate influence
Apr 19th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinOn International Women’s Day, Let’s #BeBoldForChange
Reflecting on extraordinary accomplishments of Wisconsin women, Hesselbein calls for continued action
Mar 8th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRepublicans to Privately Approve Slush Fund to Defend Unconstitutional Maps
Hesselbein predicts hundreds of thousands of tax dollars will be wasted by GOP to defend unconstitutional maps
Feb 2nd, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein Honored to Be Recognized By AARP with Capitol Caregiver Award
“Again, thank you to AARP Wisconsin for recognizing me for my work on this vital issue.”
Jan 31st, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein Calls for Open, Transparent, and Public Process for Drawing New Legislative Lines
"For too long, Wisconsin taxpayers have had their voices silenced because of Republicans hiding behind crooked, unconstitutional legislative district lines."
Jan 27th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinWalker’s Tax Cuts for the Wealthy are Costing Wisconsin Big Time
Regressive tax credit claimed by millionaires set to be $800 MILLION over budget
Jan 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Hesselbein: Scott Walker Ignores the Real State of our State in Annual Address
Walker has turned a blind eye to problems facing our veterans, our working families, and our infrastructure
Jan 10th, 2017 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinRep. Barca Statement on Democratic Leader Reelection
“I am honored and humbled by my reelection.”
Nov 15th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter BarcaDemocrats propose Corrections Reform measures to improve public safety
“The lack of urgency by Gov. Walker’s administration and the Republican majority to address complaints of child abuse and assaults in our correctional facilities is appalling”
Jan 6th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer ShillingAssembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388
Bills Will Have a Devastating Impact on Wisconsin’s Tradition of Clean, Open and Transparent Government
Nov 17th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter BarcaRep. Hesselbein Warns: Cuts to Public Broadcasting Threaten Public Safety
“The governor’s cuts of $27 million per year and 24 positions put the state’s emergency communication systems in peril.”
May 8th, 2015 by State Rep. Dianne HesselbeinGoyke backs proposals to help vets in education, other areas
State senator backs package being circulated by State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein
Mar 12th, 2015 by State Rep. Evan GoykeRedistricting reform the antidote to Republican extremism
Assembly Democratic freshmen urge support for non-partisan redistricting reform as fall session ends
Nov 13th, 2013 by Press ReleaseFreshmen legislators push new legislation to correct flawed partisan redistricting process
Freshmen Democratic legislators from the State Assembly today announced new legislation that would remove the redistricting authority from politicians and assigns it to a non-partisan body.
Apr 11th, 2013 by Press ReleaseA Solution to Our Billion-Dollar Democracy
11 states support a constitutional amendment to overthrow Supreme Court decision allowing unrestrained campaign spending. What about Wisconsin?
Jan 30th, 2013 by Bill LuedersRep. Barca announces Democratic committee assignments for upcoming legislative session
Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the Assembly Democratic members of the standing and joint committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session.
Dec 21st, 2012 by State Rep. Peter Barca