Jennifer Shilling (Dem.), 32nd Senate District
Born Oshkosh, July 4, 1969; married; 2 children. Graduate Buffalo Grove, IL H.S.; B.A. in political science and public administration, UW-La Crosse 1992. Former congressional aide and legislative aide. Member: UW-La Crosse Alumni Assn. (fmr. pres.); La Crosse Co. League of Women Voters; La Crosse Co. Democratic Party (former chp.); UW-La Crosse Chancellor’s Community Council; Viterbo University Bd. of Advisors; La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce; La Crosse County Local Emergency Planning Com.; La Crosse Area Habitat for Humanity Women Build; Vernon Women’s Alliance; Viroqua Chamber Main Street; Riverfront La Crosse Community Advisory Bd. La Crosse Co. Bd. 1990-92.
Elected to Assembly 2000-10; elected to Senate in special election August 2011; reelected 2012. Minority Caucus Sergeant at Arms 2005. Biennial Senate committee assignments: 2013 — Government Operations, Public Works, and Telecommunications; Universities and Technical Colleges; Jt. Com. on Finance (also 2011). Assembly committee assignments: 2011 — Jt. Com. on Finance (also 2009). 2009 — Health and Health Care Reform (also 2007); Rules. 2007 — Colleges and Universities (since 2003); Workforce Development; State of Wisconsin Building Commission (also 2005). 2005 — Financial Institutions (since 2001); Health (since 2001); Highway Safety (also 2003). 2003 — Insurance (also 2001). 2001 — Personal Privacy; Legis. Adv. Com. to the Minn.-Wis. Boundary Area Comn.
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-5490; (800) 385-3385 (toll free).
E-mail: Sen.Shilling@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: La Crosse 54601.
Mailing address: Office: Room 20 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison 53707-7882.
Photos
Content referencing Jennifer Shilling
The Legislature’s Revolving Door
Lots of turnover of legislators in both parties. Why?
Feb 9th, 2026 by Steven Walters
550 Lobbyists Busy in State Capitol
Ultimately some 750 lobbyists costing $40 million may battle for state budget decisions.
Jan 20th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Bill Blocks Competition on Transmission Lines
Does bipartisan proposal insure access to reliable power or favor established state utilities?
Feb 7th, 2022 by Diane Bezucha
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
State Elections Commission Blasts Non-Partisan Election Review
Commission chair says report is "gross incompetence" or a intentional "sabotage."
Dec 2nd, 2021 by Laurel White
Lena Taylor Is Running For Lieutenant Governor
Veteran state senator would be first Black woman to hold the position.
Oct 4th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
More Legislators Become Lobbyists
Nygren and Shilling are the latest to take the lucrative road well-traveled.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders
Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.
Nov 11th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Purple Wisconsin Still Has Dark Red Legislature
Republican legislators continue to win big with minority of state's vote.
Nov 8th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Can Wisconsin Create Fair District Maps?
Former Republican State Sen. Dan Kapanke admits gerrymander, calls for fair maps.
Sep 11th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Primary Results Set Stage for November
Newcomers in many races. Kelda Roys will replace Fred Risser, nation's longest serving legislator.
Aug 12th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
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
The Return of Brad Pfaff
Former state agriculture secretary running for state senate, the very body that ousted him.
Apr 29th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Many Democratic Legislators Resigning
But Assembly Minority Leader Hintz seeks reelection to his post.
Apr 25th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Landlords, Tenant Groups Ask for State Relief
Both sides lobby Evers, Legislature for help to make rent payments, avoid flood of evictions.
Apr 20th, 2020 by Erik Gunn
Republicans Risk Public Health With Election
Refusal of Vos and Fitzgerald to postpone election could cause more disease, deaths.
Apr 1st, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Legislators Take No Action on Pandemic
Some states passing laws, funding, Vos and Fitzgerald say "no need" for Wisconsin Legislature to meet.
Mar 14th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
How You Can Prevent Spread of COVID-19
Preparation, not panic, is key to dealing with this pandemic.
Mar 13th, 2020 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Farmers Forgotten?
Despite bipartisan reception, farm legislation delayed during special legislative session.
Jan 30th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Who’s the Most Partisan?
Republican legislators suddenly embrace bipartisan peacemaking, blast Evers as partisan.
Jan 28th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
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
Democrats 2020 Vision for Wisconsin
Fairer taxes, cleaner water, lower cost health care, common-sense solutions.
Jan 12th, 2020 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Clock Ticking for Legislature
Short session, just two months planned for 2020. Can two parties agree on any legislation?
Jan 7th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Senate Democrats Offer 2020 Agenda
Shilling pushes homeless funding and closing dark store tax loophole.
Dec 24th, 2019 by Laurel White
All They Want for Christmas
The Christmas wish lists of Gov. Evers, Mayor Barrett and other politicians.
Dec 23rd, 2019 by Steven Walters
How Homeless Got Frozen Out
With no explanation, Fitzgerald stopped bipartisan bill providing grants to homeless shelters.
Nov 27th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Legislature Passing Few Bills
Assembly and Senate seldom in session. Just 21 bills passed in 2019 while typical average is more than 300.
Nov 15th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing
Why GOP legislators shot down Agriculture Secretary. And why Evers was incensed.
Nov 11th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Republicans Dismiss Governor’s Special Session
Two houses immediately adjourn session on guns. They lack “the courage” to take on issue, Evers says.
Nov 8th, 2019 by Laurel White
Senate Fires State Agriculture Secretary
Every Republican votes not to approve Evers appointee Brad Pfaff.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Laurel White
Barrett, Moore to Lead Growing DNC Team
19 honorary chairs round out Milwaukee 2020 leadership.
Oct 25th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Can New Leader Clean Up WEDC?
Evers appointee Melissa Hughes takes over long-troubled state jobs agency.
Sep 6th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Lena Taylor Announces Run for Mayor
"We need leadership and an office that is not corrupt," she declares.
Sep 3rd, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
State’s Loss on Federal ACA is $1.3 Billion
State loses $1.3 billion in federal funds for medical care under Republican two-year budget.
Jul 3rd, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Budget Should Plan For the Future
By trashing so much of Evers' budget, Republicans show no vision for state’s future.
Jun 29th, 2019 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
U.S. Supreme Court Allows Gerrymandering
Ruling effectively ends challenge to Republicans’ skewed legislative maps.
Jun 28th, 2019 by Laurel White
Republicans Pay More for Less
GOP budget rejects $1.6 billion in federal funds, provides less funding for schools and highways.
Jun 14th, 2019 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
GOP Plan Restricts Local Control Over Quarries
Legislators get donations from frac sand companies, reduce oversight of sand mines and quarries.
Jun 11th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Legislature Passes “Born Alive” Abortion Bill
Evers has vowed to veto bill, along with three other abortion measures.
Jun 6th, 2019 by Laurel White
Democrats Celebrate at State Convention
Evers, Baldwin speak on how to win: don’t “get down into the mud with Republicans.”
Jun 3rd, 2019 by Laurel White
True Colors Show In State Capitol
Scott Fitzgerald could learn from Russ Feingold on how America’s government should be run.
Apr 11th, 2019 by Gregory Humphrey
End Corporate Welfare, Help the People
End giveaways to wealthy and companies that export jobs, lower taxes for middle class.
Feb 26th, 2019 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Vos, Fitzgerald Support Tolls to Pay For Roads
Democrats may consider but prefer gas tax indexing.
Feb 7th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
Legislature Begins Era of Divided Government
Vos, Fitzgerald call for bipartisan approach, but Vos warns against “far left” ideas.
Jan 8th, 2019 by Laurel White and Shawn Johnson
The Short Career of Caleb Frostman
Democratic state senator served just five months before his defeat— the shortest tenure for a legislator in state history.
Jan 1st, 2019 by Steven Walters
GOP Senate Could Pass Medicaid Expansion?
Not “completely ruled out,” Fitzgerald says of Evers proposal to accept federal dollars for expansion.
Dec 21st, 2018 by Laurel White
Lawmakers Clash On Tracking Foxconn Jobs
Audit shows subsidy could reward out-of-state jobs; Fitzgerald and Shilling differ on need to fix this.
Dec 21st, 2018 by Laurel White
Legislature Works Overnight To Curb Evers Power
Limits on early voting, constraints on Evers campaign promise on health care.
Dec 5th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson and Laurel White
GOP Lame Duck Session Targets Evers
Far-reaching bill would reduce governor’s power, limit early voting.
Dec 3rd, 2018 by Laurel White
Kimberly-Clark Subsidy Stalled in Senate
Republicans “haven’t made any effort to build consensus," Democrat Shilling says.
Nov 28th, 2018 by Laurel White
Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?
27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.
Nov 26th, 2018 by Steven Walters
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
Fitzgerald Downplays Pre-Existing Conditions Issue
Republican Senate leader says he lacks votes to pass bill, then says it could pass “in the future.”
Oct 17th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Legislation Moved Quickly Under Walker
Much quicker passage, less public input, in first legislative session under Walker, analysis finds.
Aug 30th, 2018 by Teodor Teofilov
6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control
Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.
Aug 27th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Democrats Rejected Redistricting Reform
Legislative leaders rejected reforms proposed in 2009-2010 session.
Jun 25th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Taylor Dropped From Legislature’s Top Committee
Her own party’s leader removes state Sen. Lena Taylor pending probe of dispute with staff.
May 9th, 2018 by Laurel White
Farm Bill Threatens Thousands of Children
Nonpartisan analysis: 11% of state's food stamp recipients would lose eligibility under federal farm bill.
May 3rd, 2018 by Laurel White
Why Earth Day is Important
A Wisconsin creation, by Gaylord Nelson, and a reminder of conservation legacy being squandered.
Apr 20th, 2018 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Dallet Blows Off Burns’ Backing
High court candidate prefers not to be identified with left wing loser Tim Burns?
Mar 5th, 2018 by George Mitchell
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
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
Your Favorite Stories of 2017
Huge tax benefits for Foxconn, Diane Hendricks, and state senators led the way.
Jan 2nd, 2018 by Urban Milwaukee
Law Stacks Constitutional Convention
Wisconsin 28th state to approve convention; 7 of 9 state delegates would be Republican.
Dec 1st, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
State Should Expand Family Medical Leave
Republican proposal would slash coverage; Democratic bill would expand it.
Oct 29th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Bill Would Change How Coops Operate
Backed by big donors, agriculture and electric cooperatives and propane dealers.
Oct 20th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Walker Ignores Biking on State Committee
No biking, pedestrian representatives on autonomous vehicles committee.
Aug 21st, 2017 by Dave Cieslewicz
Medicaid’s Future A Key Campaign Issue
Republicans want big cuts. Democrats don’t. Likely issue in 2018.
Jul 5th, 2017 by Steven Walters
The Tax Handout for Rich Kids
State's “neo-vouchers” reimburse wealthy for kids at elite private schools.
Apr 18th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
The High Cost of Quality Child Care
Burdens working families. Tax credit could ease this and expand opportunities.
Apr 10th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Hidden Loaded Guns And No Training
Republican bill to end permits and training for concealed carry is dangerous.
Apr 4th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
$28 Million Spent on 2016 Legislative Races
A new record, 66% more than 2014, huge special interest spending.
Mar 3rd, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Senators Give Themselves 31% Increase
In non-public meeting they approve 31% raise in their per day expenses.
Feb 27th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
15 Election Winners and Losers
Clarke to the cabinet? Should pollsters be fired? RoJo trumps Trump. And much more.
Nov 9th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Final Notes From The Campaign-Trail
After 210 interviews with candidates, some observations on a crazy election.
Nov 7th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Caring for our Most Vulnerable
Shouldn’t the care and safety of Wisconsin children and veterans be a top priority?
Oct 2nd, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
State Should Lead on Student Loan Debt
Legislation would allow students to refinance debt, but Republicans side with Wall Street banks.
Aug 25th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
New Commission Must Resolve Voting Mess
Partisan Elections Commission replaced state GAB; how will it perform?
Aug 15th, 2016 by Steven Walters
4 Issues Democrats Will Use Against GOP
Party leaders expect running on these issues will elect Democrats on Nov. 8.
Aug 1st, 2016 by Steven Walters
Candidates Battle Over School Funding
GOP and Democratic legislative candidates offer dueling statistics. Who’s right?
Jul 5th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Atty Mark Thomsen’s Tudor Mansion
New appointee to state Elections Commission overhauled his East Side mansion.
Jun 17th, 2016 by Michael Horne
Democratic Family Feuds
Eight Democratic legislators face primary challengers, but not one GOP legislator does.
Jun 6th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Action Needed on Student Loan Debt
Democratic plan lets college grads refinance debt and lower debt, as with mortgages.
May 18th, 2016 by Jennifer Shilling, Dave Hansen and Julie Lassa
Legislative Session Passed Historic Changes
Republicans say voters will reward them this fall. Democrats are preparing attacks.
Mar 21st, 2016 by Steven Walters
Did Democrats Overreact to ACT Scores?
The claim that state dropped from 2nd to 41st on ACT scores is simply wrong.
Jan 15th, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
New Medicaid Savings Could Benefit Taxpayers
Two factors will reduce state Medicaid costs and give legislators room to improve system.
Jan 4th, 2016 by Jon Peacock
Five Things to Watch For in 2016
Will Rebecca Bradley win? Can Democrats re-take the senate? Will Walker get a different job?
Jan 4th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Open Government is Good Government
Three bills will rewrite long-standing campaign finance, ethics and anti-corruption laws.
Nov 2nd, 2015 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
The Explosive Growth of School Choice
It’s grown 78% in four years, now puts 32,100 kids in private schools
Sep 8th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Schools Need Help For Hungry Children
Assembly bill seeks to give more kids access to quality meals for breakfast and lunch.
Sep 1st, 2015 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Bucks Arena Will Need Democratic Support
But which Democrats are likely to back it?
Jul 6th, 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
Walker’s Christmas Tree Budget
The budget has a flock of non-financial items -- 58 in all -- that will quietly change state polices.
Feb 25th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
Walker’s UW Cuts Get National Press
It’s probably helping his presidential run, but also raising questions about Walker as a person.
Feb 18th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
U.S. Supreme Court Case Threatens Health Care
Wisconsin and 34 states that didn’t set up health care exchanges could lose all coverage under Obamacare.
Jan 5th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Who Will Lead the Democrats?
The party badly needs leadership, but the bench looks thin. Here are the likely candidates.
Nov 17th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Businesses, Special Interests Got $600 Million in Tax Breaks
But two-thirds of $1.9 billion in Republican tax cuts went to families.
May 12th, 2014 by Steven Walters
