Born June 16, 1958; married; 1 child. B.S. with honors in education Southern Illinois U. 1980; M.P.H. St. Louis U. 1982; Ph.D. St. Louis U. 1987; A.D. in agriculture. Organic farmer. Former dairy farmer, university professor, health care manager.
Member: Wis. Farmers Union; Wis. Farm Bureau Federation (fmr. bd. mbr., Buffalo Co.); Alma Chamber of Commerce; Democratic Party of Buffalo Co. (fmr. chp.); Andrew Blackfoot American Legion Auxiliary Post 129. Former member: Buffalo Co. Agricultural Fair Assn. (bd. mbr.); American Federation of Teachers (treas., Local 4100). Recipient: Wis. Farmers Union Friend of Farmers Union Award 2013; Wis. Congress of Parents and Teachers Joan Dykstra Friends of Children Award 2012; Wis. Aquaculture Assn. Friend of Wisconsin Aquaculture 2011; La Crosse Area Development Council Triangle of Achievement; AFSCME Council 40 Protector of Quality Services Award 2010; School Administrators Alliance Legislator of the Year 2010; Wis. Academy of Family Physicians Friend of Family Medicine; Wis. Grocers Assn. Friend of Grocers 2010; Wis. Crop Production Assn. Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award; Wis. Assn. of County Homes 2010 Outstanding Legislative Service Award; Wis. Troopers Assn. Legislator of the Year 2010; Wis. League of Conservation Voters Conservation Champion 2008; Wis. Assn. of PEG Channels Friend of Access 2008; Wis. Assn. of FFA Honorary State FFA Degree 2008; Pharmacy Soc. of Wis. Legislator of the Year 2008; Wis. Federation of Cooperatives Friend of Cooperatives 2008. Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission 2004-present.
Elected to Senate 2006; reelected 2010. Minority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2013, 2011; Majority Caucus Vice Chairperson 2009. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Agriculture, Small Business and Tourism; Education (also 2011); Jt. Com. on Information Policy and Technology; Jt. Com. for Review of Admin. Rules; Jt. Legislative Audit Com. (co.-chp., 2011 eff. 7/24/12, 2009); Mississippi River Parkway Comn. (also 2011). 2011 — Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education; Financial Institutions and Rural Issues. 2009 — Agriculture and Higher Education (chp., also 2007); Children, Families and Workforce Development; Economic Development; Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-Term Care, and Job Creation. 2007 — Health and Human Services (vice chp.); Economic Development, Job Creation, Family Prosperity and Housing; Judiciary and Corrections.
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Content referencing Kathleen Vinehout
Primaries Let Voters Pick Governor Candidates
How many candidates will run? The list looks long.
Aug 25th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Texas Reps Fleeing State Similar to 2011 Wisconsin Dem Exodus
Texas Democratic U.S. representatives trying to block gerrymander vote, Wisconsin state senators tried the same with Act 10.
Aug 11th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Primary Winners Rely on Certain Counties
Of state's 72 counties a small number provide majority of statewide vote.
May 9th, 2022 by Steven Walters
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
The Remarkable Tenure of Fred Risser
Now 91, he’s served 62 years in the Legislature as its greatest proponent of open government.
Dec 21st, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
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
GOP Bills Change 400 Sections of State Law
Changes help special interests, overthrow voters’ decision in November election.
Dec 3rd, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Voters Approve $1.3 Billion More for Schools
Since 2012 state has cut school spending by cumulative $3.5 billon. Local referendums plugging the gap.
Nov 15th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
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
State Jobs Agency Still a Failure
Walker administration blames director who left in 2012, but four audits in six years show problems persist.
Oct 23rd, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Our 1,000 Miles of Great Lakes Shoreline
Great Lakes are huge resource for state. Foxconn threatens agreement that protects lakes.
Oct 10th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Fastest Legislators in Modern History?
Report finds more fast-tracking of legislation, less public input, under Walker and Republicans.
Sep 16th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Legislation Moved Quickly Under Walker
Much quicker passage, less public input, in first legislative session under Walker, analysis finds.
Aug 30th, 2018 by Teodor Teofilov
Schools Special Needs Grossly Underfunded
Special Education and bilingual instruction are mandated by federal or state law but way underfunded.
Aug 30th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control
Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.
Aug 27th, 2018 by Steven Walters
All the Election Data You Want
It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.
Aug 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Tony Evers Wins Over Crowded Field
State Superintendent wins easily, Mitchell takes second.
Aug 15th, 2018 by WPR Staff
Study Shows Benefits of Medicaid Expansion
States that accepted money have more coverage and cheaper preventive care.
Aug 14th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Candidates for Common Council
Six candidates for 5th District in only primary contest.
Aug 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Democratic Candidate Guide
Packed Democratic gubernatorial race and county sheriff contest are top items on Tuesday's ballot.
Aug 13th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Democrats Make Closing Arguments
Lively gubernatorial debate covered topics from Gov. Walker's worst action to cutting the state's prison population.
Aug 9th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Liberal Groups Won’t Endorse For Governor
None of four Democratic finalists got more than one-third of online vote.
Jul 23rd, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
State School Funding Has Steadily Declined
Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding finds schools struggling with unmet needs.
Jul 21st, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Poll Good News for Evers, Vukmir
Evers lead widens in gubernatorial primary, Vukmir nudges ahead of Nicholson.
Jul 19th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Who Will Win Democratic Primary?
Eight challengers for governor, primary just weeks away, who are the favorites?
Jul 19th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Roys Leads Democrats in Money Raised
Also leads seven other Democratic candidates for governor in cash on hand.
Jul 18th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Democratic Candidates Duke it Out
In debate all eight Democrats running for governor blast the Foxconn deal.
Jul 13th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Growing Pains for Hemp Industry
It’s legalized, yes, but state could be more supportive.
Jul 3rd, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
UW Officials Stonewall State Audit Bureau
Legislators consider ways to compel their compliance.
Jun 27th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Wachs Says He’ll Fight for ‘Regular Folks’
Legislator and trial attorney calls himself a fighter, not an “elitist,” in Democratic primary for governor.
Jun 20th, 2018 by Laurel White
Vinehout Is Different Kind of Democrat
A policy wonk, populist and hunter, whose stance on guns annoys some party members.
Jun 18th, 2018 by Laurel White
Fall Election Could Be Fascinating
More contested seats, tough campaign tactics could make for tighter, intense races.
Jun 18th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Six Questions for Democratic Convention
Can the party revive in Wisconsin? That depends on these six questions.
May 28th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Audit Shows Big Problems at State Fair Park
Management issues, revenue shortfalls, contracts not tracked, environmental laws violated.
May 3rd, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
How Can We Protect Our Water?
Hire back the DNR scientists and inspectors and let them do their work.
Apr 22nd, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Changes in School Funding Formula Needed?
Green Bay students speak 31 different languages. How do schools meet such needs?
Apr 4th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
7 Election Takeaways
What did we learn as the blue wave washed over Wisconsin?
Apr 4th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Why We Need a State Treasurer
The referendum to eliminate position will give more power to governor.
Apr 1st, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Gov. Walker’s Common Sense Welfare Reforms
Critics are wrong, it’s all about workforce readiness.
Mar 22nd, 2018 by Wisconsin Medicaid Director Heather Smith
Deaf Community Ill-Served by Legislature
Republicans water down bill to upgrade skill levels of sign language interpreters.
Mar 16th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Abortion Issue Dogs Vinehout in Governor Race
Her past views against abortion and birth control haunt her campaign.
Mar 15th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
A Wheelchair Is Not a Trampoline
And Republican food share proposal won’t help disabled and poor people.
Mar 5th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Walker’s Work Rule Makes No Sense
Two-thirds of FoodShare recipients are blind, elderly, disabled or children and can’t work.
Feb 7th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Kicking Us When We’re Down
Requiring photo ID for FoodShare recipients will make it harder to get help.
Jan 25th, 2018 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Can Democrats Win State Senate?
Schachtner win gives hope. But everything would have to go right.
Jan 22nd, 2018 by Steven Walters
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
Politics May Doom School Funding Panel
Nearly everyone agrees system needs reform, but can’t agree how to do it.
Jan 8th, 2018 by Steven Walters
New Approach to Funding Schools Needed
Blue Ribbon Commission studying the many problems with current approach.
Dec 18th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
WEDC Admits They Don’t Follow the Law
Are they incompetent or flouting the law? And how will they oversee Foxconn?
Nov 3rd, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Hemp’s Time Has Come
Benefits of legalization are many. Will legislature, Walker approve it?
Oct 30th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Can WEDC Oversee Foxconn Deal?
State jobs agency has failed for seven years. Can it protect taxpayers and watchdog Foxconn?
Oct 25th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
We’re All Running For Governor
Ten Democrats are running, and most were at this forum, chastising Walker.
Oct 9th, 2017 by Michael Horne
Where Are the People?
Bill to end occupational licensing backed by right wing groups, but just one worker testifies in favor.
Aug 29th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Illinois Loves Our Foxconn Deal
They get more jobs. We pay the entire $3 billion in taxes.
Aug 26th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Evers vs. Walker Would Be Historic Race
One of few times in history two incumbent state officials oppose each other.
Jul 31st, 2017 by Dr. Eric Ostermeier
Plague of Floods Caused by Climate Change
Dozens of 100-year floods in 30 years, roads keep getting washed out.
Jul 27th, 2017 by James Rowen
Medicaid’s Future A Key Campaign Issue
Republicans want big cuts. Democrats don’t. Likely issue in 2018.
Jul 5th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Meth Epidemic Overwhelming Counties
Staggering increases in addiction. Help from state is needed.
Apr 11th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Regent Nominees Gave Walker $22,550
The two nominees also gave more than $64,000 to other candidates.
Apr 3rd, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
The Muzzling of the DNR
Gagged by the Walker administration, its staff no longer provide any information.
Mar 16th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Don’t Eliminate The State Treasurer
Wisconsin is the only state where treasurer doesn't oversee cash management.
Mar 7th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
More Funding for Local Roads Needed
In 38 counties only 5% of local roads are rated “good.”
Feb 28th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Walker’s Budget Makes Schools More Unequal
Old equalized aid formula is broken. Governor makes inequity even worse.
Feb 12th, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Who Is Minding DOT’s Spending?
Cost overruns, lack of transparency and oversight has led to huge transportation costs.
Jan 31st, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
State Pension Fund’s Risky Investments
Now invests in hedge funds, derivatives. And the annual return has declined.
Jan 23rd, 2017 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Special Education Vouchers Raise Concerns
Plan hatched in secret. Law is long and complex. Vote was speedy and partisan. Results?
Nov 2nd, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
State Gave $472 Million in Business Tax Credits
Hand-outs to Amazon, Kohls, Quadgraphics and 16 other companies bleed state treasury.
Aug 18th, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Rising Property Taxes Replace State Funding
Portion of local schools funding coming from state has plummeted since mid-1990s.
Aug 8th, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
DNR’s Clean Water Protection Questioned
State audit shows DNR issued no notice of violation in 94% of cases where it was warranted.
Jun 7th, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
State Computer Systems Have Major Problems
Audit Bureau finds “significant deficiencies.” Result could be loss of federal funds, other problems.
Apr 13th, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Speed and Secrecy Killing Democracy
Citizen after citizen testified: "We don't know what's in the bill."
Jan 13th, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Bill Would Limit City Control of Development
Proposed state law would increase developer "property rights" at expense of others.
Jan 6th, 2016 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Don’t Kill the Government Accountability Board
Award winning GAB is nation's only nonpartisan watchdog agency.
Oct 13th, 2015 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
WEDC Leaders Resist Reforming Troubled Agency
Top brass of jobs agency miss opportunity to apologize and fix problems.
Sep 28th, 2015 by State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout
Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?
Five candidates seek the difficult job of trying to revive the minority party in Wisconsin.
Mar 23rd, 2015 by Steven Walters
More Women Run for Top Capitol Jobs
The number of women candidates running for state Capitol jobs is coming back.
Sep 23rd, 2014 by Steven Walters
Will Liberal Democrats Undermine Mary Burke?
Opposition to a pro-business Democrat could help Walker win reelection.
Aug 20th, 2014 by Bruce Thompson
State Releasing Far More Sex Offenders
Number released from mental lockup has quadrupled, but officials say risk to residents is low. First of a three-part series.
Feb 3rd, 2014 by Nora G. Hertel
Telephone Company Rip-Off
Now that the telecom industry is deregulated, AT&T can gouge customers with late fees.
Jan 7th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Politician
Here are some last-minute gift ideas for a few Wisconsin pols.
Dec 23rd, 2013 by Steven Walters
Why the Minimum Wage Should Be Increased
It could do more than anything to reduce the income gap in this state.
Dec 5th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Can Burke Beat Walker?
The 2014 campaign may depend on which candidate has the best story to tell.
Nov 26th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Walker’s Year Of Political Danger
Weak poll results and tricky issues face the governor in the year before he runs.
Nov 4th, 2013 by Steven Walters
The New Right-Wing Media
The state is a national leader in creating new conservative publications.
Oct 22nd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Debtor Governor
Figures from non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau figures show Walker’s debt level the worst since 1970.
Sep 10th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Mental Health Care in Shambles at County Jails
Jails are overloaded with people with mental illness. A key Republican lawmaker wants to examine issue.
Jan 3rd, 2013 by Rory Linnane, Tegan Wendland and Kate Golden
