Born Marinette, February 27, 1964; married; 3 children.
Graduate Marinette H.S. 1982; attended UW-Marinette. Insurance and financial representative. Former restaurant owner and operator.
Member: Jaycees (lifetime mbr., fmr. chapter, state, U.S. pres.); Marinette Kiwanis (fmr. pres.); Marinette Co. GOP (fmr. chm.). City of Marinette Recreation and Planning Bd. 2003-06.
Elected to Assembly 2006; reelected since 2008. Biennial committee assignments: 2015 — Jt. Com. on Finance (co-chp., also 2013, mbr. 2011); Corrections; Jt. Com. on Audit (also 2013); Jt. Com. on Employment Relations (also 2013); Jt. Legis. Council (also 2013). 2011 — Insurance (also 2009, vice chp. 2007). 2009 — Education (also 2007); Health and Health Care Reform (also 2007). 2007 — Jobs and the Economy.
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Content referencing John Nygren
Wisconsin Surplus Is Nearly $4.3 Billion. How Much Will Be Spent?
Fights over the surplus have become common, a big change from years ago.
Feb 15th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
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
Regardless of Who Wins Presidency, Health Experts Believe Affordable Care Act Is Safe
Panel of Wisconsin health leaders predicts next president will be focused on prescription drug costs.
Jul 11th, 2024 by Robert D'Andrea
Will Lena Taylor Change Her Style As Judge?
Will in-your-face style of state senator be tempered as a Circuit Court judge?
Feb 5th, 2024 by Steven Walters
How La Follette Helped Save Democracy
But his sudden retirement as Secretary of State has been blasted by Republicans.
Mar 20th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Free Speech Champion Rep. Sortwell Blocks Facebook Comments
Republican turns off Facebook comments on his page after facing claims of child abuse.
Nov 6th, 2021 by Henry Redman
Foxconn Shows Folly of Cheesehead Revolution
Walker, Ryan, Priebus pushed business-friendly policies. The result: an abysmal failure.
May 12th, 2021 by Dan Shafer
Officials Use Secret Portals to Hide Records
UW-Madison administration, Republican legislators use digital dodges to violate open records law.
May 3rd, 2021 by David Armiak
Biden Plan Is a Lead Pipe Cinch
His infrastructure proposal could provide enough funding to replace all lead pipes in Milwaukee.
Apr 14th, 2021 by Dan Shafer
New Finance Co-Chair Expects Challenges
Republican Rep. Mark Born expects partisan disagreements, expects compromises will be reached.
Dec 29th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
More Legislators Become Lobbyists
Nygren and Shilling are the latest to take the lucrative road well-traveled.
Dec 14th, 2020 by Steven Walters
State Rep. John Nygren Resigns
Surprise decision by Finance Committee member from Marinette known for his work on opioid crisis.
Dec 2nd, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Kaul Sues Legislature Over Lame Duck Laws
Lawsuits can’t be settled, consumers lose out on potential settlements, AG charges.
Nov 24th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Thousands Still Await Jobless Aid
Some 93,000 applications for pandemic aid have yet to be processed or adjudicated by state.
Nov 22nd, 2020 by Marty Hobe and Bram Sable-Smith
State GOP Convention Decries Anarchy, Socialism
Hundreds at in-person convention in Green Bay despite fliers warning they ‘assume any potential risk’.
Jul 12th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
Wisconsin Leads 22-State Coalition on PFAS
They support federal standards to prevent ‘forever chemicals” from polluting drinking water.
Jun 10th, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
State DNR Forges Ahead on ‘Forever Chemicals’
Despite pandemic, regulators continue work on enforcement standards for PFAS in drinking water.
Apr 7th, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
GOP Lame-Duck Law Blocks COVID-19 Aid
State GOP was warned of unintended consequences to their law in 2018.
Apr 2nd, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Shipbuilder Donates, Gets State Grant
Marinette Marine gives $45,000 to Democratic Governors; Evers awards $29 million grant.
Mar 9th, 2020 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Nygren Sentencing Shows Power of Addiction
Cassandra Nygren, daughter of Republican state Rep. John Nygren, sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Mar 2nd, 2020 by Casey Hoff
Johnson Controls Must Expand Inspection of PFAS Pollution
DNR requiring the company to look further for pollution from forever chemicals.
Feb 22nd, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
State Assembly Pushing For Constitutional Convention
State GOP is pushing the legislature to join others around the country in an attempt to ratify controversial amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Feb 20th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Bipartisan Water Quality Bills Pass
Though, they do not make it through the sharply divide legislature without some disagreement.
Feb 20th, 2020 by Isiah Holmes
GOP Tax Cut, Farm Bills Pass Budget Committee
Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee ignores Evers’ proposals, passes Republican package.
Feb 18th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
Records Fees Mean Records Denials
Some legislators charge more than $100 to forward digital records. Is that open records?
Feb 6th, 2020 by Sheila Plotkin
Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Push $10M Clean Water Fund
Trust fund would support clean water projects, though a cash source for the fund remains uncertain.
Jan 31st, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
Who’s the Most Partisan?
Republican legislators suddenly embrace bipartisan peacemaking, blast Evers as partisan.
Jan 28th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Republicans Bash Evers Before He Speaks
Condemn governor as too partisan, but his State of State speech is mostly conciliatory.
Jan 23rd, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Assembly Passes PFAS, Nurse Assault Bills
Will go to governor for signature. Five other bills passed need Senate approval.
Jan 22nd, 2020 by Laurel White
Homelessness Decreasing in Wisconsin
Nationwide homelessness is increasing. Meanwhile, state lawmakers argue over funding to combat the issue.
Jan 17th, 2020 by Danielle Kaeding
Pollution Records Shouldn’t Be a Secret
Bipartisan bill requires government pollution test results to be disclosed in a timely fashion.
Jan 2nd, 2020 by Christa Westerberg
Robin Vos Stonewalls on Public Records
John Q. Public can’t get anything from Assembly Speaker
Dec 1st, 2019 by Bill Lueders
How Homeless Got Frozen Out
With no explanation, Fitzgerald stopped bipartisan bill providing grants to homeless shelters.
Nov 27th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
‘Shhh! It’s a Secret…’
Legislators’ refusal to release records violates law, requires legal challenges.
Nov 2nd, 2019 by Bill Lueders
State Jobs Will Go Unfilled
Republican Finance Committee co-chairs refuse Evers request for 60 new hires in state government.
Nov 1st, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
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
Good News, Bad News on State Budget
Report finds 2018-19 year had $1.7 billion surplus, but new budget will exceed projected revenues by $800 million.
Oct 28th, 2019 by Rich Kremer
Suicide Texting Hotline Money Finally Released
Republican-led Joint Finance Committee held up releasing funds for almost three months
Oct 3rd, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Committee Approves Loans for Lead Laterals
$550,000 loan program for any resident, regardless of income, to replace lead laterals.
Sep 10th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
Democrats’ Bill Repeals Lame Duck Law
Would end new requirement that Attorney General get Legislature’s approval for lawsuits.
Sep 6th, 2019 by Laurel White
Lame Duck Laws Hurting the State
Tying hands of Attorney General stalls 15 lawsuits, could cost taxpayers millions.
Sep 4th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Legislators Use Fees to Keep Records Secret
Charging citizens making open records requests means less scrutiny of government.
Sep 3rd, 2019 by Jonathan Anderson
GOP Legislators Hire Private Attorney In Clash With AG
15 state lawsuits have been stalled by legislators' dispute with Kaul over confidentiality agreement.
Aug 30th, 2019 by Laurel White
Shipbuilder Gives to Fund for Democrats
Donation followed by Gov. Evers announcing plan for $31 million in state support to help company expand.
Aug 27th, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Legislators Urge New Strategy on Budget
Stung by Republican cuts in funds to Milwaukee, city-based legislators search for new approach.
Jul 28th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
Clean Drinking Water Effort Falls Short
$40 million state funding to replace lead laterals cut from budget by Republicans.
Jul 24th, 2019 by Isiah Holmes
Evers Uses 78 Partial Vetoes on Budget
Vetoes will help pay for $65 million more in education funding in revised budget.
Jul 3rd, 2019 by Laurel White
Assembly Passes State Budget By 60-39
To secure Senate approval adds amendment to help a company championed by Republican senator.
Jun 26th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
Assembly Passes Bills to Help Homeless
Also approves grant program changes that could attract more minority teachers.
Jun 19th, 2019 by Laurel White
Dueling Visions of the State’s Future
5 major areas where Evers, Republicans differ on state policies, spending.
Jun 17th, 2019 by Steven Walters
GOP Kills Spending Bump For UW System
UW leader Ray Cross decries Budget Committee: "I feel like I've been kicked in the shins."
May 29th, 2019 by Laurel White
State Lawmakers at Odds on Education Funding
Republican legislators approve $25M increase in funding state tech schools, but nix Evers’ plan to increase financial aid proposal. Democrats say it falls short.
May 17th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
GOP Lawmakers Reject Pillars of Evers Budget
Joint Finance drops Medicaid expansion, medical pot, reduction in manufacturing tax credit.
May 10th, 2019 by Laurel White
GOP Legislators Kill Medical Pot Proposal
Budget committee snuffs out Evers plan. It's “off the wall scary,” says Sen. Darling.
Apr 26th, 2019 by Laurel White
GOP Legislators Defend Foxconn
They offer positive slant to Foxconn executive expressing doubt about 13,000 jobs.
Apr 26th, 2019 by Laurel White
Bill Speeds Up Health Insurance Appeals
Legislators consider bill in response to citizens' complaints about "step therapy," delays in getting needed pain medicine.
Apr 18th, 2019 by Shamane Mills
Report Urges Action on Schools’ Drinking Water
State gets “F” grade for not preventing lead in schools’ drinking water. But lead paint still biggest issue.
Apr 12th, 2019 by Danielle Kaeding
Legislators Resist Many Evers Proposals
GOP push back on minimum wage, water quality, corrections worker wages, unemployment compensation and more.
Apr 5th, 2019 by Laurel White
Republicans Call for Reset of Evers’ Budget
Governor’s cabinet members get hammered on many issues by GOP legislators.
Apr 4th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson and Laurel White
Evers Budget Targets Rich Taxpayers
And helps middle class. But Republicans oppose plan.
Mar 11th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Governor’s Veto Power Looms Large
What Legislature gives, veto can take away. The battle has begun.
Mar 4th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Opioid Prescriptions in State Down 29%
Doctors writing fewer prescriptions since 2015, but overdoes deaths still rising.
Feb 11th, 2019 by Shamane Mills
GOP May Resist Kaul on ACA Lawsuit
Attorney General wants to drop lawsuit, Republican legislators hint they won’t let him.
Feb 8th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
New Revenue Projection Below Walker’s
LFB report shows $1.8 billion, not $2.1 billion in new revenue for next state budget.
Jan 31st, 2019 by Laurel White
Vos May Amend Pre-Existing Conditions Bill
Open to some changes Evers wants, but not others. Vote scheduled for today.
Jan 22nd, 2019 by Laurel White
Legislators Can’t Block Liberals On Twitter
Federal judge rules that One Wisconsin Now can’t be blocked from twitter feed of Vos, other GOP lawmakers.
Jan 19th, 2019 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
Bill Curbing Evers’ Power Moves to Legislature
All 12 Republicans on Joint Finance back plan to reduce governor’s power, restrict early voting.
Dec 4th, 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
Highways Issue Will Hurt Republicans
Democrats used LFB report to eviscerate GOP record at legislative hearing.
Jun 15th, 2018 by George Mitchell
Why Mitchell Street Sun Fair Was Cancelled
Republican law aimed at Milwaukee BIDs made it harder to raise money for fair.
May 11th, 2018 by Edgar Mendez
Our Agenda for Wisconsin Is Working
Low taxes, low unemployment, plus a six-year freeze on UW tuition.
Mar 30th, 2018 by Gov. Scott Walker
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
GOP Bill Restricts Suits Against Businesses
Special interests supporting legal restrictions donated $14 million to Republican legislators.
Dec 5th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Why Does GOP Want To Raise My Taxes?
And why do I get nothing back in return but a bigger federal deficit?
Nov 15th, 2017 by Bruce Thompson
Anti-Fraud Law’s Repeal Hurts Taxpayers
State losing millions in federal settlements because Walker, GOP killed whistleblower law.
Nov 6th, 2017 by Julie Spitzer and Dee J. Hall
Nygren, Sidener Dramatize Opioid Problem
Daughter of GOP legislator and former Democratic leader’s problems call for state response.
Oct 18th, 2017 by Casey Hoff
State Budget Is Good, Bad for Biking
Includes a last minute, anonymous proposal hostile to cyclists, pedestrians.
Sep 11th, 2017 by Dave Cieslewicz
Officials Shouldn’t Block Twitter, Facebook Users
Courts have ruled against blocking certain users of official Facebook pages, Twitter feeds.
Sep 2nd, 2017 by Dee J. Hall
Oregon Passes Bike Tax
$15 on purchase of new bike. Will Wisconsin follow suit?
Jul 14th, 2017 by Dave Cieslewicz
John Nygren’s War on Drug Abuse
His daughter’s drug abuse problem brought the issue home to him.
Jul 10th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Bill Expands Winery Retail Hours
It pits Koch Brothers and Farm Bureau (supporters) against Tavern League (opposed).
Jun 29th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
How Trucks Destroy Our Roads
And how a fee on trucks could solve state’s transportation problem.
Jun 22nd, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
MPS Loses Most Under Assembly GOP School-Aid Plan
Gov. Walker's school-aid plan provides $14.8 million more than Assembly plan for MPS.
Jun 12th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Why Does GOP Oppose Student Debt Reform?
Republican legislators still resist bill allowing students to refinance loans.
Jun 5th, 2017 by Scot Ross
Koch-Funded Group Backs Tax Cut
Cut could reduce state forestry funding.
Jun 5th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Governor’s Race Influences Budget
Joint Finance Democrats raise issues that could be used against Walker.
Jun 5th, 2017 by Steven Walters
State Targets Tax Evaders
New enforcement agents could collect $400 million in taxes owed.
Apr 17th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Tax Cyclists for Road Upgrades?
Bike registration fees could be used for transportation infrastructure.
Mar 19th, 2017 by Dave Cieslewicz
Walker Would End State Property Insurance
Local governments then must buy from private insurers, who donated to Walker
Mar 14th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Will Walker Go Back to the Future?
He offered transportation-funding plan in 2011 that may get reconsideration.
Mar 13th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Opioid Crisis Demands Bipartisan Solutions
In 2015 more people in state died from drug overdoses than car crashes.
Feb 24th, 2017 by Jeff Plale
Legislators Could Trim Walker Budget
Does governor expect them to throw out his bag of goodies?
Feb 13th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Budget Talks Focus on Transportation
So what about biking, part of industry that adds $1.5 billion to Wisconsin economy?
Dec 16th, 2016 by Dave Cieslewicz
Republicans Regret Assault on Open Records Law
But Rep. John Nygren is still open to changes to the Open Records Law, just not now.
Sep 19th, 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
Three Ways to Cut Cost of Prisons
A trio of proposed bills would save taxpayers money and help offenders.
Feb 5th, 2016 by Tamarine Cornelius
The Pothole Repair Act
Republican legislators debate allowing counties 0.5% sales tax for road repairs and maintenance.
Jan 11th, 2016 by Steven Walters
21% of Gas Tax Will Go to Repay Debt
Debt level has doubled in a decade, yet legislators approve plan.
Nov 9th, 2015 by Steven Walters
How Republicans Worked to End Public Records
Planning began last September and would have ended open records for all local governments as well.
Aug 3rd, 2015 by George Stanley
