Born Wausau, June 16, 1950; married; 4 children, 3 grandchildren. Graduate Newman H.S. (Wausau); attended UW-Marathon County and Northcentral Tech. College. Former ginseng, dairy, and beef farmer. Served in Army Reserve 1968-74. Member: 7th Cong. District, Marathon, Wood, Taylor, Rusk, Sawyer, Price, Lincoln, Portage, and Shawano Co. Republican Parties; Farm Bureau; Natl. Rifle Assn.; Friends of Rib Mountain; Wausau Elks; Marathon Lions. Former member: Wis. Rifle and Pistol Assn.; Internatl. Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #1791; Childcare Connection Bd.; DOT Law Enforcement Adv. Coun.; Marathon Co Hunger Coalition. Recipient: American Heart Assn. Legislator of the Year Award 2014; End Domestic Abuse Wis. Legislative Leader Award 2014; Wis. VFW Legislator of the Year Award 2014; Wis. Amer. Legion Legislator of the Year Award 2014; Wis. Vietnam Veterans Legislator of the Year Award 2002; Wis. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Certificate of Commendation 2005; Wis. Towns Assn. Friend of Wis. Towns Award 2014, 2011; Wis. Counties Assn. Outstanding Legislator Award 2014; Wis. Urban and Rural Transit Assn. Legislative Statesman of the Year 2014; Wis. Prof. Police Assn. Legislator of the Year Award 2014; Wis. Troopers Assn. Legislator of the Year Award 2014, 2003; Center for Driver’s License Recovery and Employability Legislative Champion Award 2014; State Bar of Wis. Scales of Justice Award 2014; Wis. Dental Assn. Champion Award 2013 & Award of Honor (Mission of Mercy) 2011; Wis. Academy of Family Physicians Friend of Family Medicine Award 2014; Amer. Academy of Pediatrics Childhood Legislative Advocate of the Year 2005; Wis. Council on Physical Disabilities Appreciation Award 2014; Wis. Electric Cooperatives Assn. Enlightened Legislator of the Year Award 2013; Wis. Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award 2006, 2004; Wis. Dairy Business Assn. Award 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008; Wis. Grocers Assn. Friend of the Grocers Award 2014, 2012, 2008, 2006; WMC Working for Wisconsin Award 2014, 2012, 2002, 2000; MMAC Champion of Commerce Award 2014; Wis. Builders Assn. Friend of Housing Award 2013, 2006; Associated Builders and Contractors of Wis. Building Wisconsin Award 2014; State Farm Insurance Golden Car Seat Award 2007; Chiropractic Society of Wis. Legislator of the Year Award 2014; Allied Health Chiropractic Centers Commitment and Dedication to the Chiropractic Profession Award 2004; 3M Award of Appreciation 2001; Wis. Paper Council Champion of Paper Award 2007; UWSP Paper Science Foundation Friends of the Foundation Award 2005; The Amer. Conservative Union Defender of Liberty Award 2013; Wis. Ginseng Board Assistance to the Wis. Ginseng Industry Award 2005; Wis. Bear Hunters Assn. Hero Award 2014, 2012.
Elected to Assembly 1998-2010; elected to Senate in June 2012 special election; reelected 2014. Majority Caucus Sergeant at Arms 2003-2007. Biennial Senate committee assignments: 2015 — Transportation and Veterans Affairs (chp.); Economic Development and Commerce (vice chp.); Agriculture, Small Business, and Tourism (also 2013); Jt. Leg. Council (also 2013); Building Comn.; State Councils on: Military and State Relations; Highway Safety; Transportation Projects Commission. 2013 — Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs (chp.); Economic Development and Local Government (vice chp.); Financial Institutions and Rural Issues; State Council on Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Assembly committee assignments: 2011 — Transportation (chp., also 2007, vice chp. 2001-05, mbr. 2009, 1999); Public Health and Public Safety; Rural Economic Development and Rural Affairs; Veterans and Military Affairs (since 2007, also 1999-2003). 2009 — Renewable Energy and Rural Affairs. 2007 — Rural Affairs; State Affairs (since 1999); Gov.’s Council on Highway Safety (since 2003).
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-2502. E-mail: Sen.Petrowski@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: Marathon 54448.
Mailing address: Office: Room 123 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison 53707-7882.
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Content referencing Jerry Petrowski
Democrats Want Audit of Gableman’s 2020 Election Review
Request comes after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Gableman "an embarrassment."
Aug 11th, 2022 by Rich Kremer
Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves More than $106 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin
May 5th, 2022 by Gov. Tony Evers
Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature
Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.
Mar 28th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Gableman, Vos Sign New Contract on Election Probe
Judge orders Gableman to release 700 pages of documents from probe.
Mar 9th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves More than $28 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin
Feb 9th, 2022 by Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves More than $60 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin
Dec 16th, 2021 by Gov. Tony Evers
Natural Resources Board Chair Supports Republicans
Fred Prehn, Walker appointee who refuses to step down, gave $35.000 to GOP candidates.
Aug 18th, 2021 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Building Commission Approves Nearly $87 Million in Projects in Wisconsin
Projects include nearly $66 million approved for Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center expansion
May 26th, 2021 by Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Evers Signs Bill Designating May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day, Orders Flags to Half-Staff
May 14th, 2021 by Gov. Tony Evers
As State Looks to Bounce Back from Pandemic, Gov. Evers Urges Bipartisan Support for $2.38 Billion in Capital Budget Investments to Provide Estimated 29,000 Family-Supporting Jobs, $4.3 Billion in Economic Impact
Governor's 2021-23 capital budget to be taken up by State Building Commission this week includes major projects in both Republican and Democratic districts
Mar 15th, 2021 by Gov. Tony Evers
Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Steven Walters
Bill Gives Pay Parity to Public Defenders
Legislature okays 10% merit raise so state public defenders get same pay as prosecutors.
Feb 23rd, 2021 by Gretchen Schuldt
Governor Evers Announces 2021-23 Capital Budget Recommendations
Feb 22nd, 2021 by Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approves Projects
Feb 11th, 2021 by Gov. Tony Evers
Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approves $350 million for Key Projects
Dec 16th, 2020 by Gov. Tony Evers
Could Hmong Voters Decide State Election?
They’re the largest Asian American group in Wisconsin, with varied views.
Oct 26th, 2020 by Rob Mentzer
Building Commission Approves $65 million for Key Projects
Aug 12th, 2020 by Gov. Tony Evers
Will Senate Act on Assembly-Passed Bills?
160 bills passed by Assembly haven’t gotten consideration by state Senate.
Apr 27th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Adds 12 New Circuit Court Branches
Bill signed by Gov. Evers makes first additions in a decade.
Mar 7th, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
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
Legislators May Hike Public Defenders Pay
Plan would more closely align state public defenders’ pay with that of state prosecutors.
Nov 1st, 2019 by Laurel White
Gov. Evers Applauds Renewable Energy Project Approved by Building Commission
Oct 16th, 2019 by Gov. Tony Evers
Bill Would Increase Public Defender Pay
Bipartisan legislation funds merit based pay increases for public defenders.
Sep 27th, 2019 by Danielle Kaeding
Evers’ Transportation Secretary Moves Toward Confirmation
But some GOP legislators concerned with appointee Craig Thompson's past as a lobbyist
Aug 9th, 2019 by Laurel White
Gov. Evers Announces Building Commission Approved Projects
Gov. Evers is committed to maintaining safe and reliable buildings by making smart and efficient maintenance decisions and investing in needed repairs and upgrades across the state building portfolio.
Aug 7th, 2019 by Gov. Tony Evers
Shilling Co-Authors Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Teen Dating Violence
“Experiencing unhealthy relationship practices as a young adult can have lifelong negative impacts including increased risk for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.”
Jul 30th, 2019 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
GOP rejects funding for cancer research facility, veteran homes, and mental health facilities
Republicans jeopardize investments in Wisconsin’s future
Mar 20th, 2019 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Top Polluters Give to GOP Candidates
Waupaca Foundry and Mullins Cheese donated more than $16,000 to Republicans.
Mar 18th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Gov. Evers Announces 2019-2021 Capital Budget Recommendations
These Capital Budget Recommendations aggressively and responsibly address deferred maintenance and life safety issues in state-owned buildings.
Mar 7th, 2019 by Gov. Tony Evers
Farmers, Environmentalists Applaud Water Quality Trading Bill
GOP bill would create a clearinghouse to trade credits from reducing water pollution.
Feb 28th, 2019 by Hope Kirwan
State Building Commission Approves Key Projects
Design and construction of UW-Milwaukee Sandburg Hall renovation project.
Feb 21st, 2019 by Gov. Tony Evers
Governor Evers Announces Transportation Stakeholder Task Force
Together, this group will discuss the state’s critical transportation issues and seek solutions to these challenges.
Jan 30th, 2019 by Gov. Tony Evers
Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald Announces Senate Standing Committees, Chairs
"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate this session as we continue to pass reforms that put hard-working families first."
Dec 17th, 2018 by U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald
Outside Group Targets Republican Legislators
Will spend $1 million against four state senators, including Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.
Oct 15th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Building Commission Approves $5 Million for Brown County STEM Innovation Center
New structure to replace Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park also approved
Aug 8th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Projects
"The projects that the State Building Commission approved today will maintain and strengthen the delivery of important services and resources to the public."
Jun 6th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance
93 bills signed into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol
Apr 16th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Walker Signs Sara’s Law
Bill expands legal protections for guardians and attorneys in family law proceedings
Apr 11th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Supporting Wisconsin’s Children and Families: Governor Walker to Sign 11 Bills to Improve Outcomes for Children in Foster Care
This legislative bill package was created by the 2017 Speaker’s Task Force on Foster Care.
Apr 4th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Walker Signs Bills on Improving Family Access to High-Quality Child Care, Creating Transitional Jobs Program for Wisconsin Veterans, and Increasing Funding for Watershed Protection Grants
Governor Walker signs 64 bills into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol
Apr 3rd, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
Bill Suppresses Victim’s Mental Health Records
Defendant couldn’t request, jury couldn’t see records unless victim allows it.
Dec 19th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Kwik Trip Cashes in on Walker Support
Convenience store chain gave Walker $90,000, got $21 million from state jobs agency.
Dec 6th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
With 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 Voters
Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements
Elected officials, grassroots activists and business owners unite behind Leah
Nov 2nd, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Bill Would Change How Coops Operate
Backed by big donors, agriculture and electric cooperatives and propane dealers.
Oct 20th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Wisconsin Building Commission Approves Key Projects
"The State Building Commission approved a number of important projects today, which will positively impact Wisconsin residents."
Oct 18th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Projects
The Building Commission is chaired by Governor Walker.
Aug 9th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
H.O.P.E. for Wisconsin: Governor Walker Signs Four Special Session Bills into Law at Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay
"Like many states in our great nation, Wisconsin is experiencing a dangerous trend – a growing number of cases of opioid abuse and overdose."
Jul 17th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Projects
Including the Lubar Center for Entrepreneurship on the campus of UW-Milwaukee.
Jun 28th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Capital Budget
Governor Walker’s Capital Budget recommended $803 million in total projects.
Mar 8th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Projects
"I would like to thank the members of the Building Commission for taking action on these projects..."
Feb 15th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Projects
Today the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved several key projects across the state
Oct 12th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Projects
"The funds approved by the commission will be instrumental in strengthening the facilities at 13 UW campuses."
Aug 10th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker Signs Legislation Into Law Easing Tax Burden and Bolstering Freight Mobility in Wisconsin
Acts 360 and 361.
Apr 15th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law
Acts 200 - 257.
Mar 1st, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law
Acts 154 - 199.
Feb 29th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Legislation to Aid Disabled Taxicab Riders Passes the State Assembly
SB 275 has now passed both the State Assembly and State Senate and will now head to the Governor.
Feb 11th, 2016 by State Rep. Lisa Subeck
Legislation to Aid Disabled Taxicab Riders Passes the State Senate
“The Senate’s action today is a step forward in ensuring that those with disabilities have barrier-free access to transportation options”
Jan 12th, 2016 by State Rep. Lisa Subeck
Legislation to Aid Disabled Taxicab Riders Passes Transportation Committees in State Assembly and Senate
AB 358/SB 275 was crafted with the help of the Council on Physical Disabilities Transportation and Parking Committee.
Jan 7th, 2016 by State Rep. Lisa Subeck
Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law
Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Nov 11th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
It’s time for consequences for juvenile auto thieves
Statement from Alderman Mark A. Borkowski October 21, 2015
Oct 21st, 2015 by Ald. Mark Borkowski
New Radio Ads, Mail Pieces Thank Legislators for Prevailing Wage and Budget
Legislature Shows Yet Again It Has The Courage To Do What's Right for Wisconsin Taxpayers
Jul 20th, 2015 by AFP Wisconsin
Governor Scott Walker Signs Senate Bill 164 Into Law
Governor Scott Walker today signed Senate Bill 164 into law at the State Capitol, which allows nonresident veterans and their family members to pay resident tuition at technical colleges in Wisconsin.
Jun 18th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
Building Commission Approves Projects
Today, the State of Wisconsin Building Commission approved several key projects across the state.
Jun 3rd, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
State Jobs Agency Not Serving Northern Wisconsin?
High unemployment counties get little help and the main project has generated just 40 of 665 promised jobs.
Jun 1st, 2015 by Madeleine Behr
Rep. Zepnick Testimony: Right To Work
"I urge you to vote no."
Mar 3rd, 2015 by Josh Zepnick
Stories From the State Capitol
Six vignettes tell the story of how the Senate passed the Right-to-Work bill.
Mar 2nd, 2015 by Steven Walters
Republicans Should Retain Legislature This Fall
Democrats hope to retake Senate but their chances don't look good.
Apr 23rd, 2014 by Bill Lueders
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
The Transit Agenda
Supporters headed to the State Capitol for "Public Transportation Day," meeting with legislators, promoting their agenda, and handing out awards.
Mar 7th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association news conference
As part of Wisconsin Transit Week, which was declared by Wisconsin State Governor Scott Walker, the week of March 3rd, key transportation organizations will be holding a news conference.
Mar 4th, 2014 by Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association
