Kathy Bernier (Rep.), 68th Assembly District

Born Eau Claire, April 29, 1956; 3 children, 6 grandchildren. Graduate Chippewa Falls Senior H.S. 1974; B.A. UW-Eau Claire; certificate in public management essentials, UW-Green Bay 2005. Member: American Legislative Exchange Council; Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce; Lake Hallie Optimists Club; Wis. Women in Government; National Foundation for Women Legislators (state chp.). Former member: Wis. County Clerks Assn. (legis. chair, fmr. treas.); Wis. County Constitutional Officers; Chippewa County Humane Assn.; Kiwanis Noon Club; National Conference of State Legislatures, Elections and Redistricting Com. (vice chp). Village of Lake Hallie trustee 2007-present. Chippewa County Clerk 1999-2011.

Elected to Assembly 2010; reelected since 2012. Biennial committee assignments: 2015 — Campaigns and Elections (chp., also 2013); Family Law (vice chp.); Aging and Long-Term Care (since 2011); Agriculture; Mining and Rural Development; Workforce Development (also 2013). 2013 — Rural Affairs (vice chp.); Public Safety and Homeland Security. 2011 — Election and Campaign Reform (vice chp.); Tourism, Recreation and State Properties.

Telephone: Office: (608) 266-9172; (888) 534-0068 (toll free).
E-mail: Rep.Bernier@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: 10923 40th Avenue, Chippewa Falls 54729.
Mailing address: Office: Room 314 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952, Madison 53708.

Photos

Content referencing Kathy Bernier

Constitutional Referendums on April Ballot Address GOP ‘Zuckerbucks’ Charges

Constitutional Referendums on April Ballot Address GOP ‘Zuckerbucks’ Charges

Election conspiracy theorists made unfounded charges the funding caused voter fraud.

Back in the News: MAGA Republicans Hate Robin Vos
Back in the News

MAGA Republicans Hate Robin Vos

Assembly Speaker confesses he regrets hiring Gableman: 'He was way wackier than I thought.'

Op Ed: Here’s To State Republicans Who Support Constitution
Op Ed

Here’s To State Republicans Who Support Constitution

GOP veterans join Wisconsin branch of national group Keep Our Republic.

Assembly Bill Would Allow Milwaukee, Other Cities To Count Absentee Ballots Early

Assembly Bill Would Allow Milwaukee, Other Cities To Count Absentee Ballots Early

Day-before processing seeks to end late night results.

New Bipartisan Group Will Fight Election Misinformation

New Bipartisan Group Will Fight Election Misinformation

Keep Our Republic will 'shine a light on the election system,' says state director.

Meet The Candidates Seeking Open State Senate Seat

Meet The Candidates Seeking Open State Senate Seat

Three Republicans, one Democrat running for seat held by retiring Sen Alberta Darling.

Sen. Jacque Also Got Email From Ginni Thomas

Sen. Jacque Also Got Email From Ginni Thomas

Wife of supreme court justice asked Republican legislator to overturn 2020 election results.

Democracy Day Dogged By Election Lies

Democracy Day Dogged By Election Lies

11 of 12 Republicans running for statewide office or Congress in Wisconsin hasn't fully accepted 2020 election results.

Ginni Thomas Urged Wisconsin Legislators to Overturn Election

Ginni Thomas Urged Wisconsin Legislators to Overturn Election

Wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sent emails to lawmakers following 2020 election.

Democrats Want Audit of Gableman’s 2020 Election Review

Democrats Want Audit of Gableman’s 2020 Election Review

Request comes after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Gableman "an embarrassment."

Secretary of State Mails Constitutional Convention Documents

Secretary of State Mails Constitutional Convention Documents

Wisconsin one of 16 states backing convention. Republicans accused La Follette of delay.

GOP Lawmakers Threaten to Sue Secretary of State La Follette

GOP Lawmakers Threaten to Sue Secretary of State La Follette

Lawmakers say La Follette didn't forward GOP resolution supporting a constitutional convention of states.

Op Ed: Who Will Vos Appoint to Elections Commission?
Op Ed

Who Will Vos Appoint to Elections Commission?

Will he have the courage to appoint someone who tells the truth and follows the law?

Gableman Rallies With Extremists, Including Vos’s Primary Opponent

Gableman Rallies With Extremists, Including Vos’s Primary Opponent

Wall Street Journal warns Gableman could help Republicans lose state in 2022.

The State of Politics: Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature
The State of Politics

Historic Turnover Will Change Legislature

Retirements, redistricting and members pursuing higher office could transform Legislature.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Supports Dropboxes
The State of Politics: Little Change In Voting Rules For April
The State of Politics

Little Change In Voting Rules For April

After 16 months of controversy only one change in rules, though not for lack of Republican efforts.

Gableman, Vos Sign New Contract on Election Probe

Gableman, Vos Sign New Contract on Election Probe

Judge orders Gableman to release 700 pages of documents from probe.

Taxpayers Pay for Gableman’s Groceries, Political Speeches

Taxpayers Pay for Gableman’s Groceries, Political Speeches

He has spent $519,000 so far on widely criticized election probe.

Anti-Trans Kids Bill’s Impact Lingers?

Anti-Trans Kids Bill’s Impact Lingers?

Proposal prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors can affect their mental well-being, experts say.

New Youth Detention Facility Clears State Budget Committee

New Youth Detention Facility Clears State Budget Committee

$42 million for a state facility to replace Lincoln Hills passes Joint Finance Committee.

Op Ed: Republicans Restrict Right To Vote
Op Ed

Republicans Restrict Right To Vote

Ramming through 5 bills making it harder to vote and hog tying nonpartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Voces Opposes Bill Allowing DACA Hires By Law Enforcement

Voces Opposes Bill Allowing DACA Hires By Law Enforcement

Bill would allow law enforcement agencies, such as police departments, to hire DACA recipients.

Assembly Passes Early Vote Counting Bill

Assembly Passes Early Vote Counting Bill

A raft of election related bills passed, some adding additional requirements to absentee voting.

Senate Passes a Dozen Voting Bills

Senate Passes a Dozen Voting Bills

Republicans say bills address election ‘irregularities.’ Democrats charge ‘voter suppression.'

GOP Election Bills Are Far Reaching

GOP Election Bills Are Far Reaching

Restricting absentee voting, more power for Legislature, nursing home employees could face prison.

Legislators, Citizens Battle Over Election Bills

Legislators, Citizens Battle Over Election Bills

Senate Elections committee debates: Do GOP bills enhance voting ‘integrity' or unleash 'war on voters’?

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

Pushing for more public funding of private schools.

Republicans Offer Slate of Election Bills

Republicans Offer Slate of Election Bills

They won’t suppress votes, Bernier and other GOP legislators promise. Democrats skeptical.

Speaker Vos Struggles to Maintain Control

Speaker Vos Struggles to Maintain Control

Assailed by GOP rebels. ‘Conspiracy theorists have taken over the party.’

The State of Politics: Absentee Ballot Boxes Helped Republicans, Too
The State of Politics

Absentee Ballot Boxes Helped Republicans, Too

Many of the 500 drop boxes in state were in districts voting heavily for Trump.

Op Ed: Wisconsin’s January 6 Collaborators
Op Ed

Wisconsin’s January 6 Collaborators

25 Republicans who sought to overturn a legal election.

Sen. Bernier, Who Blasted GOP Election Probe, Won’t Seek Reelection

Sen. Bernier, Who Blasted GOP Election Probe, Won’t Seek Reelection

Republican chair of Senate elections committee says pushback to her criticisms not a factor.

Senate GOP Leader Opposes Dismantling Elections Commission

Senate GOP Leader Opposes Dismantling Elections Commission

Some Republican legislators proposing to get rid of the regulatory agency.

The State of Politics: Top 8 Capitol News Stories In 2021
The State of Politics

Top 8 Capitol News Stories In 2021

And what a strange year it was.

Quit ‘Chasing Conspiracy Theories,’ Kaul Urges Republicans

Quit ‘Chasing Conspiracy Theories,’ Kaul Urges Republicans

Election investigation ‘wasting taxpayer money,’ attorney general charges.

Key Republican Bashes GOP Elections Probe

Key Republican Bashes GOP Elections Probe

Sen. Bernier, Senate’s elections committee chair, calls investigation a ‘charade’ that will harm her party.

Op Ed: The Return of McCarthyism
Op Ed

The Return of McCarthyism

Michael Gableman is the new Joe McCarthy, with the same bullying, sneering, demagogic style.

Gableman Says GOP Election Probe Stymied AG

Gableman Says GOP Election Probe Stymied AG

In first testimony to lawmakers, head of probe says he won't conduct interviews in public.

Op Ed: Charges Against Election Officials Are Partisan Stunt
Op Ed

Charges Against Election Officials Are Partisan Stunt

Using unproven allegations to cause distrust of democracy.

Evers Vetoes Reading Assessments

Evers Vetoes Reading Assessments

But governor signs bill requiring financial transparency for schools,

The State of Politics: Senate Targets Elections Commission
The State of Politics

Senate Targets Elections Commission

Three separate elections investigations pushing for changes. What's the likely impact?

Milwaukee, Madison Officials Push Back on GOP Election Probe

Milwaukee, Madison Officials Push Back on GOP Election Probe

'They had full and complete access’ to election records, says Milwaukee County Clerk.

Senate Passes New Reading Test for Early Grades

Senate Passes New Reading Test for Early Grades

Modeled on Mississippi plan. Democrats call it meaningless without more spending on education.

Republicans Want Yet Another Election Probe

Republicans Want Yet Another Election Probe

After non-partisan report finds 2020 election was safe and secure, Senate leaders call for another investigation.

Is Third Time The Charm for Red Light Cameras?

Is Third Time The Charm for Red Light Cameras?

Rep. LaKeshia Myers reintroduces bill to allow Milwaukee to use cameras to bust speeders and red-light runners.

Catalytic Converter Thefts Prompt State Legislation

Catalytic Converter Thefts Prompt State Legislation

New bill would require ID and proof of ownership upon sale.

Democrats Walk Out Of Assembly Committee

Democrats Walk Out Of Assembly Committee

Citing COVID-19 risk and no Republicans wearing masks. 'This is so far from real democracy.'

Republican Schools Colleagues on Election Lies

Republican Schools Colleagues on Election Lies

Elections chair Sen. Kathy Bernier runs 2.5 hour meeting with experts and verifiable facts.

State Now Projects $4.4 Billion Windfall

State Now Projects $4.4 Billion Windfall

Fiscal bureau projects far more tax revenue than expected for 2021-2023.

Can We Talk About Marijuana? Democrats Ask

Can We Talk About Marijuana? Democrats Ask

GOP legislative leader won’t allow a vote or even discussion of medical marijuana.

Legislature Considering Bills Restricting Transgender Athletes

Legislature Considering Bills Restricting Transgender Athletes

Legislation would ban transgender women and girls from participating in athletics on female teams.

State Restrictions Often Bar Disabled Voters

State Restrictions Often Bar Disabled Voters

Republican legislators latest proposals will make this worse.

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

Legislators Resist Plans to Help Workers

GOP sniping at Evers plans for workforce training, minimum wage hike, funding to fix UI system.

WDA thanks Gov. Evers, legislators for bipartisan action on new dentist vaccine law
Senate Passes Bill To Prevent Rape Kit Backlog

Senate Passes Bill To Prevent Rape Kit Backlog

Bipartisan bill passed one year ago, but Assembly resisted.

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

Honoring Limbaugh But Not Black History

Honoring Limbaugh But Not Black History

Republican legislators back resolution to honor Rush, resist celebrating Black History Month.

GOP Bills Bar Transgender Athletes

GOP Bills Bar Transgender Athletes

Prevents them from competing with school teams that align with their gender identity.

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.

How The Republican Party Lost Control

How The Republican Party Lost Control

Wisconsin was a hotbed for the far-right rebellion.

Do State Election Laws Need Reform?

Do State Election Laws Need Reform?

After months of Trump’s false claims, legislators still squabbling, but a bipartisan bill is possible.

MKE County: Does the Wisconsin Counties Association Help Milwaukee?
MKE County

Does the Wisconsin Counties Association Help Milwaukee?

Some county officials say no, and are pushing to withdraw from the group.

The State of Politics: Both Parties Back Election Law Changes
The State of Politics

Both Parties Back Election Law Changes

Legislators actually agree on at least two reforms.

Murphy’s Law: Why Republicans Won’t End Election Complaints
Murphy’s Law

Why Republicans Won’t End Election Complaints

It’s no longer about electing Trump. It’s laying the groundwork for voter suppression.

Talk Radio Host, GOP Politicos Testify At Election Integrity Hearing

Talk Radio Host, GOP Politicos Testify At Election Integrity Hearing

Democrats "walk out" of hearing, calling it a sham.

The State of Politics: How Will Legislature Investigate Election?
The State of Politics

How Will Legislature Investigate Election?

And will legislators subpoena election clerks, using this power for first time in more than 40 years?

Rep. Tusler Says Election Inquiry for ‘Transparency’

Rep. Tusler Says Election Inquiry for ‘Transparency’

Rep. Joe Sanfellippo raised the possibility of subverting the results of the election.

Op Ed: Voting Access Ensures All Voices Are Heard
Op Ed

Voting Access Ensures All Voices Are Heard

A new bipartisan coalition is working to promote safe, reliable voting in Wisconsin.

Lawsuit Demands State Mail Ballots to Voters

Lawsuit Demands State Mail Ballots to Voters

Activist groups say April election excluded voters, demand mailed ballots to all this fall.

GOP Road Show Attacks Evers’ Plan

GOP Road Show Attacks Evers’ Plan

Analysis: Republicans want a Badger Bounce Back, but distort details of Evers' plan.

Campaign Cash: Menards Accused of Price Gouging
Campaign Cash

Menards Accused of Price Gouging

Stores in Wisconsin and Michigan at issue, Michigan AG sends cease-and-disest letter.

Bill Would Prohibit Free Campaign Rallies

Bill Would Prohibit Free Campaign Rallies

Trump, Clinton campaigns still owe Eau Claire, other cities for security, sanitation costs.

GOP Bill Legalizes Medical Marijuana

GOP Bill Legalizes Medical Marijuana

But Fitzgerald and Vos immediately throw cold water on idea.

The State of Politics: The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing
The State of Politics

The Path to Brad Pfaff’s Firing

Why GOP legislators shot down Agriculture Secretary. And why Evers was incensed.

Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power

Senate Votes to Kill Governor Veto Power

Approves putting constitutional amendment on ballot to restrict partial veto power.

The State of Politics: Task Force Takes on Retirement “Crisis”
The State of Politics

Task Force Takes on Retirement “Crisis”

Huge numbers of older Wisconsin residents have little in retirement savings.

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Retirement Security
Press Release

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Retirement Security

"Everyone should have the opportunity to save for their future and no one should have to worry about making ends meet or their financial security in retirement."

Choose Life Program Still a Mystery

Choose Life Program Still a Mystery

President says group had nothing to do with bill that would give it $500,000 from the state.

Murphy’s Law: State Helps Fund Murky Pro-Life Group
Murphy’s Law

State Helps Fund Murky Pro-Life Group

What exactly does Choose Life Wisconsin do with the money it gets?

Right-Wing Legislators Propose Spending $500,000 a Year on Misinformation Campaign Targeting Wisconsin Women
Press Release

Right-Wing Legislators Propose Spending $500,000 a Year on Misinformation Campaign Targeting Wisconsin Women

Would Require State Taxpayers to Subsidize Fake Women’s Health Centers

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving
Press Release

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving

"Caregivers provide critically important care and services, and it is essential that we recognize the important contributions these unsung heroes make to families in Wisconsin."

Rep. Shankland Introduces Bipartisan 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act
Press Release

Rep. Shankland Introduces Bipartisan 12-Month Contraceptive Care Act

"At some point in their lifetime, almost all women will depend on birth control for their health or family planning."

Campaign Cash: $35.8 Million Spent on Legislative Races
Campaign Cash

$35.8 Million Spent on Legislative Races

New record set: 2018 spending was 27% more than in 2016, double that in 2014.

Campaign Cash: Secretive Fund Spent $715,480 On Democrats
Campaign Cash

Secretive Fund Spent $715,480 On Democrats

High Ground Political Fund, connected to Nation Consulting, funded six state senate races.

State Senate Celebrates Swearing-In Ceremony Ahead of Upcoming Legislative Session
Press Release

State Senate Celebrates Swearing-In Ceremony Ahead of Upcoming Legislative Session

"Senate Republicans will continue to fight for hard-working families, taxpayers, and the future of our state just like we have for the last eight years."

Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald Announces Senate Standing Committees, Chairs
Press Release

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."

The State of Politics: Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?
The State of Politics

Gerrymander Caused Women Assembly Losses?

27 women Democrats running for Assembly lost, women leaders point to gerrymandering.

The State of Politics: Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates
The State of Politics

Democratic Program Recruits Women Candidates

Emerge program’s training give women the confidence to run for office.

The State of Politics: 6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control
The State of Politics

6 Senate Races Will Decide Party Control

Stakes are high, including control over 2020 redistricting.

The Push for Nonpartisan Redistricting

The Push for Nonpartisan Redistricting

Advocates push for Wisconsin to enact a redistricting process similar to Iowa's system.

Governor Walker Signs Bills to Create and Expand Outdoor Recreation, Attract Talent to Wisconsin, and Improve Medical Assistance
Wendy Sue Johnson Announces Bid for the 68th State Assembly District
Press Release

Wendy Sue Johnson Announces Bid for the 68th State Assembly District

Wendy Sue has a long history of public service and community engagement.

Campaign Cash: The Mystery of Meteor Timber
Campaign Cash

The Mystery of Meteor Timber

GOP bill would let company destroy hardwood wetlands, but the money trail is murky.

Back in the News: Majority Now Backs Fair Redistricting
Back in the News

Majority Now Backs Fair Redistricting

37 counties, two-thirds of state’s population, have passed “Fair Maps” resolution.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.

Governor Walker Signs 19 Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Walker Signs 19 Bills Into Law

Acts 65-83.

Governor Walker Signs Four Sportsman Bills into Law
Press Release

Governor Walker Signs Four Sportsman Bills into Law

Assembly bills 528, 455, 323 and Senate Bill 225.

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

Campaign Cash: Bill Restricts Local Control Over Sand Mines
Campaign Cash

Bill Restricts Local Control Over Sand Mines

Fracking industry donated big money to Walker, GOP legislators.

Court Watch: Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged
Court Watch

Bill Lets Some Criminal Records Be Expunged

Rep. Goyke’s bill gets bipartisan support, allows retroactive expungement of youthful convictions.

Campaign Cash: Hospitals Group Pays for Capitol Clout
Campaign Cash

Hospitals Group Pays for Capitol Clout

Wisconsin Hospital Association spends millions on lobbying, campaign donations.

Campaign Cash: Farm Bureau Has Capitol Clout
Campaign Cash

Farm Bureau Has Capitol Clout

Spends $3 million on lobbying alone, gets policies hurting environment.

Court Watch: Drunk Driving Law’s Annual Cost $20 Million?
Court Watch

Drunk Driving Law’s Annual Cost $20 Million?

Walker, Corrections won’t estimate cost of longer prison time for offenders.

Constitutional Convention, No Dems Allowed

Constitutional Convention, No Dems Allowed

State bill says GOP picks all delegates to convention championed by Kochs.

Campaign Cash: Special Interests Spend $9 Million on Legislative Races
Campaign Cash

Special Interests Spend $9 Million on Legislative Races

Led by Greater Wisconsin Committee, Democratic-leaning groups spent more, 53% of money.

Wisconsin Republicans are All Aboard the Trump Train
Press Release

Wisconsin Republicans are All Aboard the Trump Train

Donald Trump's dangerous, sexist, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric didn't stop Republican leaders in Wisconsin from eagerly jumping on the Trump train.

Op-Ed: Republicans Not Serious About Redistricting Reform
Op-Ed

Republicans Not Serious About Redistricting Reform

Assembly committee to address the issue is really a sham. The issue will never get a hearing.

Redistricting reform to get real hearing: APRIL FOOL’S!
Press Release

Redistricting reform to get real hearing: APRIL FOOL’S!

The committee will allow only invited guests to speak.

Governor Scott Walker Signs Three Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs Three Bills Into Law

All three bills focus on building dementia-friendly communities throughout Wisconsin.

Rep. Bernier Continues Offensive Comments Toward Local School Leaders
Press Release

Rep. Bernier Continues Offensive Comments Toward Local School Leaders

Also Leaves Out Key Education Figures

Governor Scott Walker Attends NRA and Wisconsin FORCE Convention, Signs Assembly Bill 142
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Attends NRA and Wisconsin FORCE Convention, Signs Assembly Bill 142

Wisconsin FORCE is an NRA Chartered State Association that promotes and supports the purpose and objectives of the NRA.

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law
Press Release

Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law

Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Op-Ed: Don’t Kill the Government Accountability Board
Op-Ed

Don’t Kill the Government Accountability Board

Award winning GAB is nation's only nonpartisan watchdog agency.

The State of Politics: Stories From the State Capitol
The State of Politics

Stories From the State Capitol

Six vignettes tell the story of how the Senate passed the Right-to-Work bill.