Joe Sanfelippo (Rep.), 15th Assembly District
Born Milwaukee February 26, 1964; married; 3 children. Graduate Thomas More H.S. 1982; attended Marquette U. 1982-84. Small businessman; currently operates a small Christmas tree farm. Owned and operated a landscaping business for 20 years. Member: Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, West Allis and St. John the Evangelist Parish, Greenfield. Milwaukee County Bd. of Supervisors 2008-12.
Elected to Assembly 2012; reelected 2014. Biennial committee assignments: 2015 — Health (chp., mbr. 2013); Campaigns and Elections; Financial Institutions; Mental Health Reform; Transportation (also 2013). 2013 — Housing and Real Estate (vice chp.); Jobs, Economy and Mining; Urban Education; Speaker’s Task Force on Mental Health.
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-0620; (888) 534-0015 (toll free).
E-mail: Rep.Sanfelippo@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: 20770 West Coffee Road, New Berlin 53146.
Mailing address: Room 306 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8953, Madison 53708.
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Content referencing Joe Sanfelippo
Sup. Tony Staskunas Won’t Seek Re-Election
The West Allis supervisor has served on the board since 2013.
Sep 7th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
State Has Many Uncontested Legislative Races
Why newcomers Ryan Clancy on East Side, Dave Maxey in New Berlin face no opponent.
Nov 8th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Are Wisconsin’s Politicians Paid Too Much?
The issue arises anew after Milwaukee school board members give themselves a raise.
May 25th, 2022 by Terry Falk
Wisconsin’s January 6 Collaborators
25 Republicans who sought to overturn a legal election.
Jan 9th, 2022 by Matt Rothschild
Liberal Talk Coming to Waukesha
Mike Crute’s new talk radio station, WAUK 540 AM, will compete with local right-wing talkers.
Jan 2nd, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Johnson Seeks ‘True Partnership’ With State Government
Council president, who could soon become acting mayor, says city’s future depends on this.
Nov 9th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Kaul Supports Gun Bills Proposed by Democratic Legislators
Bills includes increased background checks and new court orders blocking individuals from gun possession.
Sep 24th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Legislators Clash On Police Funding
A heated debate as Republicans condemn Milwaukee and Milwaukee legislators defend the city.
Jun 24th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
Rep. Sanfelippo Calls For National Guard To Patrol City
Suburban Republican cites crime, calls it a “war zone,” demands Gov. Evers act.
Jun 16th, 2021 by Henry Redman
Cannabis Backers Switch Focus to Local Laws
‘Beating our head against the wall’ pushing Legislature to legalize pot.
Apr 26th, 2021 by Isiah Holmes
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
Will Budget Hearings Be Superspreader Events?
Mask wars pit Democrats against Republicans in Legislature.
Feb 27th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Why GOP Wants to Spread COVID-19
72% of state voters support mask mandate. But Republicans worry only about Trump supporters.
Jan 27th, 2021 by Bruce Thompson
Mass Vaccination Bill Clears Committee
One provision would expand vaccination to everyone by March, DHS says bill doesn't address "critical limitation."
Jan 21st, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Assembly Bill Seeks to Vaccinate Everyone
Would overrule health officials, who say making everyone eligible would overwhelm limited vaccine supply.
Jan 20th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Will State Republicans Abandon Trump?
Many have in other states. Will Wisconsin’s GOP get off the Trump crazy train?
Jan 18th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
GOP Legislators Criticize State’s Vaccine Rollout
Republicans want faster, wider rollout. Evers says state needs more vaccine.
Jan 14th, 2021 by Laurel White
GOP State Legislators Asked Pence to Not Certify Election
15 legislators signed the letter. Four of them serve on Assembly elections committee.
Jan 14th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Assembly Committee Passes GOP COVID-19 Bill
Vos calls measure ‘bipartisan’ though all Democrats oppose it.
Jan 6th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
The Republican Push For Autocracy
Analysis shows GOP now resembles authoritarian parties in Hungary and Turkey.
Nov 18th, 2020 by Bruce Thompson
How Will Legislature Investigate Election?
And will legislators subpoena election clerks, using this power for first time in more than 40 years?
Nov 16th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Rep. Tusler Says Election Inquiry for ‘Transparency’
Rep. Joe Sanfellippo raised the possibility of subverting the results of the election.
Nov 12th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Legislator Pushes Illegal Election of Trump
Committee chair wants to order electors to ignore state vote and give Trump the state’s electoral votes.
Nov 10th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Evers Considering Abandoned $1.1 Billion I-94 Expansion
The project was dropped by Gov. Scott Walker over it's huge price tag.
Jul 9th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal
Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.
Apr 15th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Convention Center District Authorizes $420 Million Expansion, Raises Hotel Tax
District still aiming for 2023 opening even though bonds can't be sold.
Apr 2nd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Some ‘Tougher on Crime’ Bills Passed
Gov. Evers vetoed most, but signed a few.
Mar 9th, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
11 Key Details About the Convention Center Expansion
Plus: Rite-Hite moving to city, Mitchell Street mystery, Lower East Side projects still alive.
Mar 8th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Two Opposite Visions of Criminal Justice
State Reps. Evan Goyke and Joe Sanfellipo espouse different visions for law enforcement in Wisconsin.
Feb 28th, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
“Tougher On Crime” Bills Make No Sense
Sen. Jon Erpenbach blasts recent "Tougher on Crime" legislation. Argues for increased education funding.
Feb 21st, 2020 by State Sen. Jon Erpenbach
GOP Pushes Fetal Personhood
Republican legislators introduce an amendment to the state constitution that gives personhood to fertilized eggs.
Feb 14th, 2020 by Shamane Mills
Controversial “Tougher on Crime” Bills Pass
Two parties split over the future of criminal justice. Democrats assail GOP for "fear mongering" legislation.
Feb 13th, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
Will Republicans Kill Rape Kit Bill?
30 states passed bills to assure rape kits are processed. Only Wisconsin has made it partisan, expert testifies.
Feb 10th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Fight Looms Over Tough-on-Crime Bills
Republican bills would jail more people. Democrats resist, align themselves with Trump.
Feb 10th, 2020 by Steven Walters
GOP Adds More “Tougher On Crime” Legislation
New bills increase penalties for offenses like car theft and reckless driving.
Feb 7th, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
Sexual Assault Bill Becomes Partisan Issue
Bipartisan bill ready to pass but gets hijacked by Republicans adding provisions on school choice, ICE.
Feb 5th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Bill to Impound Cars Costly for Cities
Republican bill could cost local governments $50 million per year and charge owners of autos that are stolen.
Feb 3rd, 2020 by Gretchen Schuldt
GOP Lawmakers Push “Tougher on Crime” Legislation
Package of bills draws major criticism and concern from committee, citizens.
Jan 31st, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
AG Calls Out GOP Lawmaker
Kaul urges legislator to work on sexual assault kit bill.
Jan 24th, 2020 by Laurel White
GOP Legislators Push “Tougher on Crime” Bills
Stiffer penalties on variety of crimes even as Evers moves to reduce prison population.
Jan 14th, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
Kaul Pushes Assembly for Rape Kit Bill
AG wants legislation to ensure no more backlog of untested sexual assault kits.
Dec 4th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
State Republican Lawmakers Oppose Barrett’s Budget
Seven Republicans take aim at proposal to reduce police staffing, but don't mention sales tax request.
Oct 7th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Pushes Plan for $15/Hour Downtown Jobs
Would urge downtown businesses, developers to increase wages, worker protections.
Jul 30th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Electric Scooters Could Return This Year
Bill working its way through state Legislature to legalize electric scooters.
May 8th, 2019 by Jeramey Jannene
Bill Targets Illicit Massage Parlors
Helps municipalities close them down. Another bill imposes fine for soliciting prostitutes.
Mar 18th, 2019 by Corrinne Hess
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
Secrecy Hides State Legislators’ Actions
Anonymous budget amendments and "Body Snatcher” bills reward special interests, limit public input.
Oct 30th, 2018 by CV Vitolo-Haddad and Dee J. Hall
Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates
Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.
Sep 24th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Fall Election Could Be Fascinating
More contested seats, tough campaign tactics could make for tighter, intense races.
Jun 18th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Taxis Will Be “At Your Own Risk”
State "deregulation" bill would also put hundreds of local cab drivers out of work.
Feb 8th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
GOP Legislators Push Harsher Bail Rules
State constitutional amendment opposed by defense lawyers, supported by City of Milwaukee.
Feb 1st, 2018 by Gretchen Schuldt
Republican Bill Deregulates Taxis
All city regulations would be moot, including background checks on drivers by police.
Jan 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
We Hate DOT, But Here’s $712 Million
GOP senators would borrow big for Department of Transportation they distrust.
Jul 24th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Abele Blasts State on Juvenile Prisons
State wants 21% hike in fees and more inmates at failing prisons.
Apr 27th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Gokhman’s Transit-Oriented Apartments
Walker's Point project is another example of new, transit-friendly apartments.
May 6th, 2016 by Jeramey Jannene
Walker’s Pt. Apartment Building Rises
New Land developing three apartment buildings on a lot once used for taxicabs.
Jan 8th, 2016 by Jack Fennimore
The Revenge of Scott Walker?
Law killing John Doe law assures no more such probes targeting him. But was reform needed?
Oct 27th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Chris Larson’s War Against Abele
State senator running for county executive blasts Abele with personal attacks, will divide Democrats.
Oct 15th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Taxi Parking to Urban Living
Deregulating taxicabs will pour at least $172,000 into government coffers annually.
Sep 11th, 2015 by Jeramey Jannene
Walker’s Point Apartments Begin To Rise
The first of three new apartment buildings is under construction in Walker's Point.
Aug 14th, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
Renaissance on S. 2nd Street
Three five-story apartment buildings are planned for 2nd and Washington. Credit goes to the planned streetcar and design modifications to narrow the street.
Apr 22nd, 2015 by Dave Reid
Will Republicans Support a Bucks Bailout?
It can’t get done without GOP legislators, but they have deeply felt reasons for opposing any deal.
Aug 28th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Will Taxicab Issue Ever Be Settled?
City Attorney’s legal opinion helps clarify things, but it’s still a contentious issue.
Jan 21st, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Campaign Season Kicks Off
Politicos flock to Jon Richards fundraiser, and judicial candidate Janet C. Protasiewicz's event.
Dec 18th, 2013 by Michael Horne
How Republicans Will Hurt City Real Estate
Reacting to a smelly deal involving one school building, legislators are pushing a badly-flawed bill that worsens the problem.
Oct 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
How to Reelect Freshmen Legislators
Party leaders let them sponsor high-profile bills likely to win votes.
Aug 26th, 2013 by Steven Walters
The Mystery of Sanfelippo’s Taxicab Empire
Why is Rep. Joe Sanfelippo the registered agent for all of his brother’s many companies?
Apr 30th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Terrible Town for Taxis
How a city permit system enabled a cartel to dominate the taxicab business, stifling competition and providing poor service.
Apr 23rd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County Board Violates Its Own Law
Lobbyists have worked without board approval, which could be a cause for “discharge” of board chair Dimitrivjevic.
Apr 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Sheriff Clarke’s New Buddies
The conservative lawman and liberal county board have suddenly gotten very friendly. Why?
Apr 2nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Not-So-Straight Story
Journal Sentinel coverage of county board downsizing misleads folks on both sides of issue.
Feb 19th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Return of Sue Black
How she got the new job. And will she run against Chris Abele?
Feb 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County Lobbyists Asleep on the Job?
They should be working to get more state funding. But they’re too busy protecting the county board.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Rep. Sanfelippo Says Full-Speed Ahead
His bill to downsize county government will be introduced next week and he predicts it will pass.
Jan 31st, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Bill to Cut Supervisor Pay Likely
Despite Republican delays and opposition by the board, the bill has a good chance of passage.
Jan 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Why We Need a Part-Time County Board
For 125 years, the board was part-time. Then Tom Ament and company nudged it up to full-time. Why?
Jan 9th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
County Board Approves Negotiations for The Couture
Proposed 44-floor building for lakefront stays on track
Jul 26th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
S. 2nd Street Street Re-design Approved at Committee
For over a year business owners, property owners, and residents in Walker's Point have worked to have S. 2nd Street rebuilt with people in mind. The plan, as UrbanMilwaukee.com has covered in past, includes narrowing the street from 58 feet to 50 feet, removing travel lanes, and adding bike lanes, street trees, and new lighting with the goal of creating a street conducive to multiple modes of transportation, be it walking, biking, or driving.
Dec 10th, 2009 by Dave Reid
RTA Meets the Milwaukee County Board – Meeting Recap
The Milwaukee County Board's Transportation, Public Works, and Transit Committee, chaired by Supervisor Michael Mayo, held a meeting on Wednesday morning to discuss the recommendations approved by the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority. Julia Taylor, the Governor's Appointee on the RTA, was on hand to answer questions along with Carl Mueller, the RTA's PR consultant, and Ken Yunker, who has worked closely with the RTA in his role at SEWRPC.
Dec 4th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
