Joan Ballweg (Rep.), 41st Assembly District

Born Milwaukee, March 16, 1952; married; 3 children. Graduate Nathan Hale H.S. (West Allis) 1970; attended UW-Waukesha; B.A. Elementary Education UW-Stevens Point 1974. Co-owner of farm equipment business. Former 1st grade teacher. Member: Markesan Chamber of Commerce (former treas.); Waupun Chamber of Commerce; Green Lake County Farm Bureau; Waupun Memorial Hospital (bd. of dir., fmr. chp.); Agnesian HealthCare Enterprises, LLC management com. (fmr. secy.); volunteer, Markesan District Schools; Markesan PTA (fmr. pres.); Markesan AFS Chapter (hosting coordinator, pres., fmr. host family, liaison). Former member: FEMA V Regional Advisory Council. Recipient: Markesan District Education Assn. Friend of Education Award 1990. Markesan City Council 1987-91; Mayor of Markesan 1991-97.

Elected to Assembly 2004; reelected since 2006. Majority Caucus Chairperson 2013, 2011. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Jt. Legis. Council (co-chp., also 2011); Colleges and Universities (vice chp. 2007, 2005, mbr. 2011, 2009); Assembly Org. (also 2011); Rules (also 2011); Tourism; Leg. Coun. Spec. Com. on 911 Communications (chp.). 2011 — Labor and Workforce Development (chp.); Homeland Security and State Affairs; Leg. Coun. Spec. Com. on Review of Higher Education Financial Aid Programs (chp.). 2009 — Renewable Energy and Rural Affairs; State Affairs and Homeland Security; Leg. Coun. Spec. Com. on Emergency Management and Continuity of Government (vice chp.). 2007 — Homeland Security and State Preparedness (chp.); Insurance (also 2005); Public Health; Small Business (also 2005); Leg. Coun. Spec. Com. on Disaster Preparedness Planning (chp.). 2005 — Family Law; Rural Affairs and Renewable Energy.

Telephone: Office: (608) 266-8077; (888) 534-0041 (toll free); District: (920) 398-3708.
E-mail: Rep.Ballweg@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: 170 West Summit Street, Markesan 53946.
Mailing address: Office: Room 210 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison 53708.

Photos

Content referencing Joan Ballweg

Republicans Replace Senate President, Keep Majority Leader

Republicans Replace Senate President, Keep Majority Leader

State Sen. Mary Felzkowski will preside over slightly smaller GOP majority in upcoming legislative session.

Keyeski Declares Victory in the 14th Senate District
Dems Need To Win Three Key Senate Races For Control of Wisconsin Government

Dems Need To Win Three Key Senate Races For Control of Wisconsin Government

Races could create pathway for Democratic control of Senate or lock-in Republican control for years.

Joan Ballweg Allies Continue to Release False and Misleading Attack Ads
Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves 50 Community Projects Across Wisconsin Supported by $50 Million State Budget Investment
Hotel Industry Honors Gov. Evers, Sen. Ballweg, Rep. Kitchens for Support of Tourism
DLCC Spotlights 14 Democratic Candidates for State Legislature

DLCC Spotlights 14 Democratic Candidates for State Legislature

National group helps with funding, messaging; goal is Democratic Assembly takeover.

On 2nd Anniversary of Dobbs Ruling, Democrats Say Abortion Rights Still Key Issue

On 2nd Anniversary of Dobbs Ruling, Democrats Say Abortion Rights Still Key Issue

Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, causing 1849 law to go into effect in Wisconsin until challenged.

The State of Politics: Parties Target 5 State Senate Seats With No Incumbent
The State of Politics

Parties Target 5 State Senate Seats With No Incumbent

More competitive races will mean fierce battles and huge spending.

Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds

Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds

Standoff between Republicans on Joint Finance Committee and Gov. Evers continues.

UW-Platteville Vacating Richland Campus

UW-Platteville Vacating Richland Campus

Democrats blame Republicans for cutting UW system funding.

Evers Vetoes Bill Restricting Transgender Athletes in School Sports

Evers Vetoes Bill Restricting Transgender Athletes in School Sports

Governor blasts 'hateful' rhetoric by Republicans, who say he's 'against women.'

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'

Republican Senator Joins Democrats Against Transgender Sports Bill

Republican Senator Joins Democrats Against Transgender Sports Bill

Sen. Joan Ballweg cites higher rate of depression, suicide for transgender youth.

Wisconsin’s Medicaid Postpartum Protection Lags Most States

Wisconsin’s Medicaid Postpartum Protection Lags Most States

Legislature has refused to accept federal money to expand Medicaid, with harmful results.

The State of Politics: Parties Seek New Candidates in New Districts
The State of Politics

Parties Seek New Candidates in New Districts

New state legislative maps means races are the fairest and most wide open in 12 years.

Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees

Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees

GOP boots one from DNR board, three from UW Health board.

Hoping To Avoid Court Drawing Them, GOP Approves New Legislative Maps

Hoping To Avoid Court Drawing Them, GOP Approves New Legislative Maps

But Gov. Tony Evers said he will veto proposal, which leaves Wisconsin Supreme Court in control.

Republicans Offer Revised Tax Cut Plan

Republicans Offer Revised Tax Cut Plan

'Governor, we heard you and we look forward to your signature' on this bill.

Senate Votes to Fire Evers Appointee from Public Service Commission

Senate Votes to Fire Evers Appointee from Public Service Commission

Tyler Huebner rejected. Senate also passes electric vehicle, nudity ban and tax cut bills.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $589 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin
Financial aid modernization will help Wisconsin students
Press Release

Financial aid modernization will help Wisconsin students

Financial Aid Modernization Act will make it easier for students to receive state financial aid

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $388.7 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin
Milwaukee Wants More Reckless Drivers Towed

Milwaukee Wants More Reckless Drivers Towed

United council backs state law change. But proposal could die in Legislature.

Legislative Committee Okays $6 Million for 2nd Juvenile Facility

Legislative Committee Okays $6 Million for 2nd Juvenile Facility

What would that mean for Milwaukee's youthful offenders?

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $341.8 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin
Senate Republicans Pass Budget That Cuts Taxes and Democrats’ Policies

Senate Republicans Pass Budget That Cuts Taxes and Democrats’ Policies

Two Republicans join Dems in voting against. "Generational harm," says minority leader.

Republican Budget Would Require $4 Million Move-to-Wisconsin Campaign

Republican Budget Would Require $4 Million Move-to-Wisconsin Campaign

Democrats proposed a much larger program focused on childcare.

Gov. Evers Announces State Building Commission Approves Approximately $125.7 Million in Projects Across Wisconsin
DSPS Secretary, Republicans Debate Licensing Staffing, Backlog

DSPS Secretary, Republicans Debate Licensing Staffing, Backlog

Secretary-designee wants to use its revenue to hire staff, Republicans question backlog, push for fewer licenses.

Bipartisan Support For Extending Medicaid Benefits For Postpartum Mothers

Bipartisan Support For Extending Medicaid Benefits For Postpartum Mothers

Approximately 50 post-partum deaths annually that the Wisconsin health department believes are preventable.

GOP Building Commission Members Reject Gov. Evers’ $3.8 Billion Plan, Setting Up Budget Showdown

GOP Building Commission Members Reject Gov. Evers’ $3.8 Billion Plan, Setting Up Budget Showdown

State building commission deadlocks on every funding proposal.

Gov. Evers Reacts to Republican Rejection of Historic Investment in State Infrastructure
Press Release

Gov. Evers Reacts to Republican Rejection of Historic Investment in State Infrastructure

Republicans again obstruct state infrastructure investments estimated to provide 45,000 family-supporting jobs, $6.8 billion in economic impact

Bipartisan Bill Would Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage

Bipartisan Bill Would Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage

Would extend coverage from 60 days to one year to improve infant and maternal health.

Republicans Holding Confirmation Hearings For Gov. Evers’ New Appointees

Republicans Holding Confirmation Hearings For Gov. Evers’ New Appointees

Agriculture, DNR secretaries get hearings, a marked change from Evers' last term.

Should State’s Schools Require Financial Literacy Course?

Should State’s Schools Require Financial Literacy Course?

17 states require it. Evers, some Republicans favor it, but won't fully fund it.

Wisconsin Court of Appeals Race Takes Partisan Turn

Wisconsin Court of Appeals Race Takes Partisan Turn

Donations from mega-donors, political action committees funding attack ads.

Senator Agard Supports Child Victims’ Act
Press Release

Senator Agard Supports Child Victims’ Act

Senator Agard has been a leader on this subject in previous sessions

Bipartisan Bill Would Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage

Bipartisan Bill Would Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage

Increasing healthcare access could help address racial health disparities.

Can We Please Discuss Criminal Justice Reform?

Can We Please Discuss Criminal Justice Reform?

Democratic legislators plead with Republicans, who cut off any attempt to discuss reforms.

Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget

Republicans Slash Evers Education Budget

Reduction in spending could mean state loses $1.5 billion in federal pandemic relief funding for education.

City of Weyauwega receives $93,000 state grant to support redevelopment of vacant Main Street building
Press Release

City of Weyauwega receives $93,000 state grant to support redevelopment of vacant Main Street building

WEDC investment to help fund construction for commercial space and apartments

City of Green Lake receives $250,000 state grant to support redevelopment of hotel and resort
Press Release

City of Green Lake receives $250,000 state grant to support redevelopment of hotel and resort

WEDC investment to help fund reopening of the Heidel House

DNR Secretary Says PFAS Efforts Need Funding

DNR Secretary Says PFAS Efforts Need Funding

PFAS identification and cleanup and public land purchases are budget priorities for the agency.

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 
Press Release

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

The State of Politics: Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
The State of Politics

Where Are Act 10 Players Today?

Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.

Bill Blocks Vaccine Priority for Inmates

Bill Blocks Vaccine Priority for Inmates

Rep Wangaard seeks to correct ‘mistake’ by Gov. Evers.

GOP Lawmakers Strip Emergency PFAS Rule

GOP Lawmakers Strip Emergency PFAS Rule

Committee votes to eliminate targets for safe levels of the harmful forever chemical.

GOP Lawmakers Target DNR’s PFAS Regulatory Power

GOP Lawmakers Target DNR’s PFAS Regulatory Power

A Republican backed bill would remove rules for acceptable levels of harmful forever chemicals.

The State of Politics: Can Evers, Republicans Mend Fences?
The State of Politics

Can Evers, Republicans Mend Fences?

Their first two years weren't very cooperative. But that might change with a new Legislature.

Republicans Have ‘Blood On Their Hands”

Republicans Have ‘Blood On Their Hands”

Evers signals he will ignore Legislative restriction, challenges GOP to present their pandemic plan.

City of Ripon receives $190,000 state grant to support redevelopment of a vacant grocery store
Press Release

City of Ripon receives $190,000 state grant to support redevelopment of a vacant grocery store

WEDC investment to help fund renovation of vacant building into an urban vertical farm

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Student Debt
The State of Politics: Can Democrats Retake State Senate?
The State of Politics

Can Democrats Retake State Senate?

An uphill fight. Retirements by seven incumbents make races hard to call.

GOP Reveals Tax Cut Proposal

GOP Reveals Tax Cut Proposal

Gov. Evers wants money for schools, GOP wants tax relief.

Riverwood Eagle’s Nest breaks ground on construction of new senior community project in Wisconsin Dells
Press Release

Riverwood Eagle’s Nest breaks ground on construction of new senior community project in Wisconsin Dells

WEDC will provide $250,000 to the City of Wisconsin Dells to help fund project

Data Wonk: The Use and Abuse of Jobs Data
Data Wonk

The Use and Abuse of Jobs Data

Walker administration used flimsy interpretations of jobs reports to put a positive spin on the state's economy.

Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act Introduced During National Breastfeeding Month
Press Release

Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act Introduced During National Breastfeeding Month

Representative Subeck Circulates Bi-Partisan Bill to Support Nursing Mothers in the Workplace

Campaign Cash: GOP Plan Restricts Local Control Over Quarries
Campaign Cash

GOP Plan Restricts Local Control Over Quarries

Legislators get donations from frac sand companies, reduce oversight of sand mines and quarries.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #19 Relating to the Creation of the Committee to Celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Wisconsin’s Ratification of the 19th Amendment
Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance
Supporting Wisconsin’s Children and Families: Governor Walker to Sign 11 Bills to Improve Outcomes for Children in Foster Care
Press Release

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.

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
Losing Track: State GPS Monitoring Has Huge Problems
Losing Track

State GPS Monitoring Has Huge Problems

Malfunctions, unnecessary jailings plague growing offender monitoring program.

Campaign Cash: Kwik Trip Cashes in on Walker Support
Campaign Cash

Kwik Trip Cashes in on Walker Support

Convenience store chain gave Walker $90,000, got $21 million from state jobs agency.

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families
Press Release

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations

Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements
Press Release

Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements

Elected officials, grassroots activists and business owners unite behind Leah

Representatives Highlight Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act on Child Health Day
Press Release

Representatives Highlight Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act on Child Health Day

“The bill would ensure new mothers can make the healthy decision to breastfeed their babies, while still being able to provide economic security for their families.”

Committee Holds Hearing Today on Regulatory “Sunset” Bill
Press Release

Committee Holds Hearing Today on Regulatory “Sunset” Bill

Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin today called on lawmakers to approve AB 384, a measure that would require the re-adoption of government rules every seven years under a rigorous review process.

Representative Subeck Will Reintroduce Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act to Support Nursing Mothers in the Workplace
Press Release

Representative Subeck Will Reintroduce Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act to Support Nursing Mothers in the Workplace

LRB-1206 would bring Wisconsin law in line with federal employment regulations regarding breastfeeding.

Children Left Behind: Study Shows Poverty’s Impact on Kids
Children Left Behind

Study Shows Poverty’s Impact on Kids

New UW study shows 20% of test scores deficit due to lags in early brain development.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs 58 Bills Into Law

Acts 200 - 257.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law

Acts 154 - 199.

Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act Receives Hearing with Strong Public Support
Press Release

Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act Receives Hearing with Strong Public Support

Advocates, health care professionals and mothers spoke in support of workplace breastfeeding accommodations

Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act Gains Strong Bi-Partisan Support
Press Release

Healthy Babies, Working Mothers Act Gains Strong Bi-Partisan Support

Proposed bill removes workplace barriers to breastfeeding

Representative Subeck Introduces Legislation to Support Nursing Mothers in the Workplace
Press Release

Representative Subeck Introduces Legislation to Support Nursing Mothers in the Workplace

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for an infant’s first six months, with continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced.

Legislative Musical Chairs

Legislative Musical Chairs

A new Republican leader and many other changes coming this fall.

The Roundup: The Governor and the Empire Builder
The Roundup

The Governor and the Empire Builder