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.
Content referencing Jennifer Shilling - Page 3
GOP poised to miss state budget deadline
School budgets and road projects left in limbo by Republican inaction
Jun 30th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Is Wisconsin entering a recession?
‘Gold Standard’ jobs report exposes weakening economy and declining wages
Jun 7th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
NRA-backed bill threatens school safety
"It is unfortunate that Republicans continue to side with gun lobbyists at the expense of our children’s safety"
May 31st, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
GOP tries to hide another dismal jobs report
WI lost nearly 4,000 manufacturing jobs in 2016 and ranked dead last in start-ups
May 26th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Dem Student Loan relief plan rejected by GOP
State budget committee fails to address growing student loan debt crisis
May 23rd, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Democrats Respond to 53 Percent Increase in Municipal Projects Going Out of State
From January to April 2016, $20.9 million in municipal contracts were awarded to out-of-state companies compared to $32 million during the same time period in 2017.
May 22nd, 2017 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Shilling backs Health Care Protection Package
D.C. politics threaten health care access for Wisconsin families
May 12th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Dem proposal to end Veteran Home fund raids rejected by GOP budget committee
Republican lawmakers on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee rejected a Democratic proposal that would have prevented a $26 million funding raid.
May 11th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Student loan borrowers lose federal protections
Democrats call on Attorney General to defend student loan borrowers
May 8th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Rep. Peter Barca Statement on Joint Transportation Committee
"Democrats want a deal that includes meaningful infrastructure reform, invests in our communities and expands economic opportunities."
May 3rd, 2017 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Democratic leaders discouraged by limited response to opioid epidemic
Democratic amendments to increase rural access to treatment, expand health care coverage and improve treatment services were rejected by the majority party.
May 2nd, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Presidential visit highlights Wisconsin economic challenges
Democrats are urging action on a range of proposals to expand economic opportunities and encourage local business growth.
Apr 18th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
The Tax Handout for Rich Kids
State's “neo-vouchers” reimburse wealthy for kids at elite private schools.
Apr 18th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Statement on Jakubowski arrest
"It's time for leaders in Wisconsin to stand up to the powerful gun industry and take proactive steps to keep deadly firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals."
Apr 14th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
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
Local Water Contamination Raises Red Flags
La Crosse area health officials warn of private well contamination
Apr 6th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Republicans Vote to Privatize Wisconsin Water
High capacity well bill threatens local lakes, rivers and groundwater
Apr 5th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Democrats pass internet privacy protection
Shilling proposal to restore internet privacy passes Senate, heads to Assembly
Apr 4th, 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
Republicans propose “Permitless Carry” bill
In wake of mass shootings, GOP wants to arm more teenagers
Mar 28th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Lawmakers fear Wisconsin impact of ACA repeal
Thousands to lose coverage, millions would face higher costs
Mar 21st, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Treat family like family
Senate Dem Leader urges passage of paid family leave bill
Mar 14th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Republicans renew effort to block lifesaving medical research
GOP proposal would criminalize Wisconsin’s cutting edge biomedical advances
Mar 10th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
What ever happened to the Gold Standard?
GOP denies reality on job losses while defending lavish tax break to the top 1%
Mar 9th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
GOP Agenda is Failing Wisconsin Families
State loses over 4,000 manufacturing jobs despite lavish GOP giveaways
Mar 7th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Be Bold for Change
Democrats continue the fight for women’s rights
Mar 7th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
$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
Gov. Walker fails to submit balanced budget
$1 billion transportation deficit unaddressed by Gov. Walker
Feb 8th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling backs Compassionate Cannabis Care Act
Dems partner with health professionals and patients in medical marijuana push
Feb 7th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Cost of child care skyrockets
Democrats propose plan to ease costs, expand economic opportunity
Feb 3rd, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Rural Schools Deserve Better
GOP school cuts continue to hurt students, communities and taxpayers
Feb 1st, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
AUDIT: Wisconsin road crisis worsens
$1 billion budget deficit looms as GOP opposes long-term funding solution
Jan 26th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Working families struggle as GOP tax breaks for millionaires skyrocket
“Rather than targeting tax breaks to the wealthiest one percent, we should return those dollars to the working families who need help the most”
Jan 24th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Statement on Gov. Walker’s proposed work restrictions
“Once again, Gov. Walker is creating one set of rules for working families and another set of rules for the wealthy and well-connected.?
Jan 23rd, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Statement on Presidential Inauguration
"We must work together to lift up our fellow citizens, respect our neighbors and support our communities so that everyone has a chance to achieve their American Dream."
Jan 20th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Sen. LaTonya Johnson Appointed to Wisconsin Center District Board
"I look forward to working with members of the board and stakeholders throughout the community to strengthen Milwaukee's economy, workers, and neighborhoods."
Jan 19th, 2017 by State Sen. LaTonya Johnson
Protect Seniors by extending SeniorCare
Democrats launch effort to save successful Rx drug program
Jan 17th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Senate Dem Leader reacts to State of the State
Shilling urges politicians to take off blinders and focus on helping working families
Jan 10th, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Senate Dem Leader lays out priorities for 2017-18 session
"While the rest of the nation has seen strong job gains, our state has consistently ranked below the national average for job creation..."
Jan 3rd, 2017 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Statement on GOP Election Rigging Lawsuit
“Democrats believe every voter deserves to have their voice heard.”
Dec 22nd, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Gov. Walker and President-elect Trump put polluters and special interests ahead of Wisconsin families
"Gov. Walker is once again proposing a range of costly, discriminatory and unconstitutional policies aimed at punishing workers and dividing communities."
Dec 20th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Sen. Shilling appoints Taylor, Erpenbach to serve on Joint Finance Committee
“Sen. Taylor and Sen. Erpenbach have been outspoken advocates for working families in Wisconsin and understand the importance of investing in our future.”
Dec 2nd, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Wisconsin Elections Commission Receives Two Presidential Election Recount Petitions
The state is working under a federal deadline of December 13 to complete the recount.
Nov 25th, 2016 by Wisconsin Elections Commission
Statement on Senate Democratic Leadership Election
“I am honored that my colleagues have once again entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as Senate Democratic Leader.”
Nov 22nd, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Post-Election Update II: Potential Recount, Voting Equipment Audits, Provisional Balots, Absentee Ballots
Election updates
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Wisconsin Elections Commission
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
At The Top of Their Class
Senate Democrats receive highest honors on Student Loan Scorecard.
Oct 24th, 2016 by Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee
RSLC Launches Ad Buy on WI Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling’s Weak Record
The ad campaign aims to expose Shilling’s penchant for playing politics at the expense of her constituents.
Oct 19th, 2016 by Republican State Leadership Committee
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
Wisconsin Democrats Join Speaker Paul Ryan’s Call for Donald Trump to Release His Tax Returns
Last week’s report offers a disturbing preview of the foreign entanglements that could influence Donald Trump.
Sep 19th, 2016 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
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
Neglect Ignored, Problems Denied, Solutions Delayed
GOP inaction once again jeopardizes vulnerable residents at state facility
Sep 1st, 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
Trump candidacy threatens U.S. security
GOP nominee continues dangerous rhetoric and reckless behavior
Aug 16th, 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
Donald Trump Picks The Most Extreme VP Pick in a Generation
Gov. Mike Pence is a nightmare for working Wisconsinites.
Jul 16th, 2016 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
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
Shilling Calls on Republican Senators to Denounce Trump
GOP Senators refuse to admonish ‘indefensible’ statements
Jun 8th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
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
Eager acceptance of Trump’s dangerous rhetoric confirms Senate GOP disconnect
Republican politicians including Gov. Scott Walker and Sen. Ron Johnson have also committed to supporting Donald Trump as their party’s nominee.
May 5th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Unconstitutional Right-to-Work only part of the problem
GOP policies result in 16 consecutive quarters of economic disappointment
Apr 11th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Statement on Right to Work ruling
"This ruling is a major victory for hardworking Wisconsin families."
Apr 8th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Dems question last-minute cancellation of UW budget presentations
Gov. Walker’s Board of Regents won't hear update on GOP budget cuts
Apr 6th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Voter System Crash Causes Statewide Concern
Statewide Outages Prevent Early Voting and Registration
Apr 1st, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Jennifer Shilling declares: “I’m With Her!”
Senate Democratic Leader endorses Hillary Clinton for President
Mar 22nd, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Justice Bradley’s Defense of Rapists
Justice Rebecca Bradley has refused to apologize for previous statements she made arguing that women “play a role in date rape.”
Mar 21st, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Legislative Session Passed Historic Changes
Republicans say voters will reward them this fall. Democrats are preparing attacks.
Mar 21st, 2016 by Steven Walters
Senate Republicans Call It Quits
Majority party set to end legislative session on a whimper
Mar 15th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
GOP all talk, no action on student loan debt
Several proposals that would address Wisconsin’s $19 billion student loan debt crisis are among the proposals that Republicans have refused to take up.
Mar 14th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
DOC audit needed to improve safety
“Taxpayers, correctional officers, children and families deserve better.”
Mar 9th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Hate speech is not “irrelevant”
Senate Dem Leader calls on Gov. Walker to condemn offensive remarks
Mar 8th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Child abuse cover-up continues as GOP ignores reports
Senate shirks legal responsibility as Lincoln Hills scandal widens
Mar 1st, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling statement on Harris Dodd announcement
“Nikiya has been a steadfast champion for women, children and families across Wisconsin.”
Feb 25th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling applauds local solar investments
Western Wisconsin will see an influx of new jobs and economic development as a result of significant investments in solar power.
Feb 24th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Lincoln Hills cover-up continues as GOP ignores crisis
Months after DOJ and FBI raid troubled facility, Republicans defend status quo
Feb 22nd, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Gov. Walker signs bills limiting birth control access
38 Democratic legislators including Sen. Shilling had urged Gov.Walker to veto these bills.
Feb 18th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
‘Height of Hypocrisy’ as GOP blocks Winnebago Co. Executive from holding office
Majority party continues to ignore student loan debt crisis, mass layoffs & child safety
Feb 16th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Another session of Republican inaction on student loan debt
Republicans still won’t take up plan to reduce monthly student debt payments
Feb 15th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling questions GOP obstruction on child abuse scandal
Dem leader troubled by withholding of public records
Feb 15th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling statement on Sec. Wall resignation
“I am appalled by the latest revelations of child abuse and sexual assault that occurred in Gov. Walker’s Department of Corrections.”
Feb 12th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
GOP ignores middle class, prioritizes political attacks
Republican leaders rush bill banning Democratic candidate from serving
Feb 10th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Senate Republicans attack voter rights again
GOP eliminates Special Registration Deputies and blocks registration drives
Feb 9th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Senate Republicans getting desperate
GOP leader wants to ban Democratic candidate from serving
Feb 2nd, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Republican school cuts buck national trend
Student loan debt crisis worsens as budget cuts impact higher education
Jan 27th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Democrats push Family Medical Leave Act protections
Despite public support, bill’s future uncertain in GOP-controlled Senate
Jan 26th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Budget takes $100 million hit as GOP policies drive down family wages
“The declining revenue numbers are yet another sign of Wisconsin’s underperforming economy and declining family wages under Republican control”
Jan 21st, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Senate GOP ignores call for student loan debt relief
Republicans undercut merit hiring, continue attack on women’s health
Jan 20th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Shilling statement on the State of the State
“When it comes to the challenges facing our state, we need solutions, not sound bites.”
Jan 19th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Republican agenda features familiar ideas
Dem proposals on school funding, broadband and student loan debt gain support
Jan 15th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
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
Dems urge action to close health coverage gap
“The Affordable Care Act is here to stay and we need to do everything we can to take advantage of the opportunities it provides to hardworking families in Wisconsin.”
Jan 13th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Wisconsin ACT scores plummet
State drops from 2nd best to 9th worst in the nation
Jan 13th, 2016 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
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
Democrats 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 Shilling
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
