Janet Bewley (Dem.), 25th Senate District
Born Painesville, OH, November 10, 1951; married; 5 children. Graduate James Ford Rhodes H.S. (Cleveland, OH) 1969; B.A. Case Western Reserve U. 1973; M. Ed. U. of Maine 1977. Full-time legislator. Former Community Relations Officer, WHEDA; former Dean of Students Northland College, former exec. dir., Mary H. Rice Foundation. One of the original cast members at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua and current member of the Rittenhouse Chamber Singers. Ashland City Council 2007-09.
Elected to Assembly 2010-12; elected to Senate 2014. Biennial Senate committee assignments: 2015 — Education; Insurance, Housing and Trade; Universities and Technical Colleges; Jt. Legis. Audit; Spec. Com. on State-Tribal Relations; Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse; Council on Tourism. Assembly committee assignments: 2013 — Colleges and Universities; Housing and Real Estate; Public Safety and Homeland Security; Rural Affairs; Transportation Projects Comn.; Leg. Coun. Spec. Com. on State-Tribal Relations (also 2011). 2011 — Forestry; Homeland Security and State Affairs; Housing; Transportation.
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-3510; (800) 469-6562 (toll free); District: (715) 746-4100.
E-mail: Sen.Bewley@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: 60995 Pike River Road, Mason 54856.
Mailing address: Office: Room 126 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison 53707-7882.
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Content referencing Janet Bewley
Democrats Crushing GOP in Fundraising
A 4-1 edge for state Democratic party last year, the biggest ever. And they have Scott Walker and Republicans to thank.
Jan 29th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Former State Senator Janet Bewley Won’t Be Charged For Fatal Crash
Bewley was pulling onto highway, other driver was going more than 100 MPH, tested positive for THC in blood.
Feb 10th, 2023 by Danielle Kaeding
Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership
Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Democrats Retain Capitol ‘Firewalls’
Barnes sets record, the most telling campaign quote and Northwest Wisconsin turns red.
Nov 14th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Legislative Democrats Review Losses, Strategy
Party lost 4 more seats, hopes for compromise on some issues with Republicans.
Nov 14th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Republicans Seek Veto-Proof Legislature
GOP supermajority possible if they flip one senate district, five assembly seats now held by Democrats.
Nov 7th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Woman In Crash With State Senator Was Driving 100 MPH
Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley was involved in July collision that killed speed motorist and her child.
Oct 28th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Republicans Hope to Flip Three Legislative Seats in Northern Wisconsin
Gerrymandering could help them gain supermajority and veto-proof Legislature.
Oct 24th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
State Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley Involved In Fatal Crash
27-year-old mother and her 5-year-old daughter killed in collision.
Jul 26th, 2022 by Deneen Smith and Danielle Kaeding
State GOP Lawmakers Reject Special Session on Abortion
GOP-controlled Senate adjourned in 15 seconds a special session to repeal 1849 law banning abortion.
Jun 23rd, 2022 by Christine Hatfield
Record Number of Legislators Retiring
At least 31 incumbents, one quarter of state Legislature retiring, highest since 1942.
Jun 20th, 2022 by Howard Hardee
‘Tangled Series’ of Abortion Laws Since 1849
Wisconsin has had many laws passed on abortion which could cause confusion if Roe overturned.
Jun 8th, 2022 by Phoebe Petrovic
Three Northern Assembly Districts Held By Democrats Up For Grabs
Retirement of three representatives creates opportunity for Republicans.
Apr 18th, 2022 by Danielle Kaeding
Wisconsin Supreme Court Picks Republican-Drawn Maps
Ruling gives Republicans chance at veto-proof majority, reverses earlier decision to pick Evers' maps.
Apr 15th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature
Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Senate Passes a Dozen Voting Bills
Republicans say bills address election ‘irregularities.’ Democrats charge ‘voter suppression.'
Feb 23rd, 2022 by Erik Gunn
State Senate Votes on Guns, Vaccines, China
Against vaccine mandates and China and for guns on school grounds.
Feb 16th, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Both Parties Face Pre-Election Turmoil
Republicans struggle with deep divisions, Democrats with sinking poll numbers.
Feb 14th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Assembly Democrats Take The Long View
Youngest leadership team ever lays out its vision, hopes and concerns.
Feb 9th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
State Supreme Court Hearing Redistricting Case
Court says it favors few changes to heavily gerrymandered state legislative districts.
Jan 19th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
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 Walters
Senate Approves Republican Redistricting
Party-line vote okays plan. Evers says he will veto ‘gerrymandered maps.’
Nov 8th, 2021 by Laurel White
Tax Cut Divides Democrats
Evers and some Democratic legislators supported it. GOP hopes to gain new seats from swing-district opponents.
Jul 19th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Whose Vision Will Prevail In Budget Battle?
Republicans got their way in budget rewrite, but Evers' vetoes loom.
Jul 4th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
State Legislature Passes Biennial Budget
Lawmakers cut billions from the Governor's budget.
Jul 1st, 2021 by Laurel White and Megan Hart
State Senate Debates Anti-Defund Police Bill
Bill cuts state aid to cities at same level as any reductions in law enforcement spending.
Jun 10th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
GOP Legislators Target Jobless Pay
Bill restores work-search requirement, ends supplemental pandemic aid to unemployed.
May 19th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
State Restrictions Often Bar Disabled Voters
Republican legislators latest proposals will make this worse.
Apr 20th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Legislature Passes Federal Stimulus Plan
Yet again. And passes election law changes. Evers likely to veto all of it.
Apr 14th, 2021 by Laurel White
Legislature Passes Cocktails-To-Go Bill
It awaits the governor's signature. The Senate also passed a bill allowing home deliveries of alcohol.
Mar 24th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Legislators Pass Bill Blocking Vaccine Mandates
And giving Legislature oversight over federal stimulus funds. Veto by Evers likely.
Mar 23rd, 2021 by Laurel White and Shawn Johnson
State Senate Beset by Culture Wars
Rush Limbaugh vs. Black history, LGBT protectors vs GOP objectors, the arguments get ugly.
Mar 17th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Senate Passes Bill To Prevent Rape Kit Backlog
Bipartisan bill passed one year ago, but Assembly resisted.
Mar 16th, 2021 by Shawn Johnson
GOP Legislators Reject Local Sales Tax Hikes
“Dead on arrival,” lawmakers say of Evers’ enabling legislation.
Mar 3rd, 2021 by Laurel White
Evers Vetoes GOP COVID-19 Bill
Senate abandons bipartisan legislation and includes provisions Evers promised to veto.
Feb 5th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Legislative Campaign Committee Spending Soars
Total spending by four state legislative committees up from $2 million in 2014 to $12 million in 2020.
Jan 30th, 2021 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Evers Likely to Veto GOP COVID-19 Bill
Bill includes mask mandate repeal and other 'poison pill' provisions.
Jan 29th, 2021 by Shawn Johnson
Eliminating Mask Mandate Could Cost Wisconsin $49 Million in Food Assistance
Ending public health emergency voids state eligibility for emergency food assistance.
Jan 28th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Pandemic Worsens State’s Broadband Gap
Rural areas and urban poor left out. Evers calls 2021 the "Year of Broadband Access."
Jan 25th, 2021 by Steven Walters
State Legislature Has Most Women Lawmakers Ever
31% of state legislators are women.
Jan 22nd, 2021 by Laurel White
LeMahieu Struggles in Vos’s Shadow
New Senate majority leader a surprise choice who's trying to resist the dictates of Robin Vos.
Jan 18th, 2021 by Steven Walters
Republicans Dare Evers to Veto Bill
Their COVID-19 bill includes immunity from liability for businesses violating pandemic restrictions.
Jan 12th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin and Erik Gunn
Unemployment System Audited After Pandemic Failures
Massive delays in claims, duplicate payments and an unreliable call center among issues found in report.
Dec 17th, 2020 by Erik Gunn
Hospital Association Wants State Action on COVID-19
Healthcare workers and hospitals straining under surge in hospitalizations.
Nov 19th, 2020 by Rich Kremer
Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders
Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.
Nov 11th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Is Trump a Problem for Down Ballot Republicans?
If he is, Wisconsin's gerrymandered districts could soften the blow.
Oct 29th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
GOP Legislators Attack Evers’ New Restrictions
But Republicans have proposed zero plans for dealing with the coronavirus.
Oct 9th, 2020 by Erik Gunn
Did Pompeo Violate Federal Law With Visit?
The secretary of state's visit to the state capitol may have broken law against his office engaging in domestic political activities.
Sep 24th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
GOP Mum on Special Session on Police Reform
Gov. Evers called special-session this week. Bucks Players called for Legislature to convene.
Aug 27th, 2020 by Laurel White
Pence Hypes Economy, COVID-19 Response
The vice president campaigned for Trump in Darien Wednesday.
Aug 20th, 2020 by Laurel White
Opioid Overdoses Skyrocket During Pandemic
Opioid overdoses are up 117 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
Aug 8th, 2020 by Shamane Mills
Ten Years After Act 10
Most of those who voted for it are gone. How has the Capitol changed?
Jul 27th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Legislature Hasn’t Met in 100 Days
No action since April 15 on pandemic, police reform, budget shortfalls.
Jul 26th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Senator Jennifer Schilling Calls It Quits
Resigning Friday to take an unidentified job that would create a conflict of interest.
May 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Wisconsin Politicos Respond to Safer At Home Ruling
Politicians, lobbyists and activists fall back on party line in attacking or praising decision.
May 14th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin, Erik Gunn, Isiah Holmes and Henry Redman
Can Democrats Retake State Senate?
An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.
May 11th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Janet Bewley Is New State Senate Minority Leader
Sen. Bewley sets her sights on overcoming GOP opposition, re-taking the senate.
May 7th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Many Democratic Legislators Resigning
But Assembly Minority Leader Hintz seeks reelection to his post.
Apr 25th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
How Will State Party Pick DNC Delegates?
Complicated formula to assure geographic, gender, racial balance for 84 delegates.
Mar 9th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Voucher Programs Cutting Into Public School Funding
State Sen. Erpenbach and Rep. Pope introduce legislation requiring a referendum before state aid to school districts can be cut.
Feb 7th, 2020 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach and State Rep. Sondy Pope
Hot Debate, Limited Action by Senate
Limited bills on homeless, clean water passed, nothing on dark stores tax loophole.
Jan 22nd, 2020 by Erik Gunn
Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power
Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Ruth Conniff
Strange Bedfellows Back Pipeline Protest Bill
Businesses and unions support bill limiting protests of oil, gas, and water pipelines.
Oct 29th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Pipeline Bill Opponents Hope for Veto
Republican-created bill would limit protests of oil, water, fuel pipelines. If it passes, will Evers veto it?
Oct 25th, 2019 by Erik Gunn
$44 Million Soldiers Home Project Launched
Huge group of politicians, dignitaries, salute project to redevelop Civil War-era VA complex.
Sep 20th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Parties Eye Candidates For Duffy’s Seat
Republican state Sen. Tom Tiffany and Democratic Rep. Nick Milroy consider run for Congress.
Aug 27th, 2019 by Rob Mentzer
$35.8 Million Spent on Legislative Races
New record set: 2018 spending was 27% more than in 2016, double that in 2014.
Mar 6th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?
27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.
Nov 26th, 2018 by Steven Walters
6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control
Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.
Aug 27th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Senate “Hatchet Job” Removes Haas, Bell
What did they do wrong? “I have no idea,” Fitzgerald admits, but demands firings.
Jan 24th, 2018 by Matt Rothschild
Can Democrats Win State Senate?
Schachtner win gives hope. But everything would have to go right.
Jan 22nd, 2018 by Steven Walters
Brad Schimel’s Opioid Problem
Attorney General has been reluctant to pursue opioid manufacturers. Why?
Nov 14th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
State Leaves Counties to Sue Drug Companies
Opioid costs hurting counties, but legislature, Schimel won’t take action.
Nov 11th, 2017 by State Senators Janet Bewley and Dave Hansen
Does UW System Have Too Many Colleges?
Cross addresses what’s long been whispered: 26 UW institutions is too many.
Oct 23rd, 2017 by Steven Walters
Voters Deserve Say on Voucher Schools
Bill requires local referendums on any district's funding of choice schools.
Apr 14th, 2017 by State Sen. Janet Bewley
Voters Approved $1.8 Billion for Schools
And have given 24 districts permission to exceed state spending limits.
Apr 10th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Senators Give Themselves 31% Increase
In non-public meeting they approve 31% raise in their per day expenses.
Feb 27th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Walker Will Unveil A Reelection Budget
Proposals in 2017-2019 budget made with eye to running for a third term.
Feb 6th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Speed and Secrecy Killing Democracy
Citizen after citizen testified: "We don't know what's in the bill."
Jan 13th, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Gogebic Mine Dies Without a Whimper
After all the controversy, it’s been killed, with barely a word from partisans on either side. Why?
Mar 9th, 2015 by Steven Walters
More Women Run for Top Capitol Jobs
The number of women candidates running for state Capitol jobs is coming back.
Sep 23rd, 2014 by Steven Walters
The Coming War Against Common Core
Top priority for Republican legislators next year is to kill Common Core educational standards.
Jul 7th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Casualties of War
The war over Act 10 may be a key reason 46% of legislators have left or will leave in just over two years.
Apr 14th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Top Lobbyists Will Replace Your Windows!
Bill Broydrick's Window Replacement Co., new women political candidates, and a MacArthur genius comes to town.
Feb 28th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Retiring With Guns Blazing
Several politicians have announced retirement, some diplomatically, others firing shots at their opponents.
Oct 21st, 2013 by Steven Walters
Mining Company Uses Paramilitary Guards
Gogebic says guards will continue patrolling land, two legislators object.
Jul 10th, 2013 by Ron Seely
