Leah Vukmir (Rep.), 5th Senate District
Born Milwaukee, April 26, 1958; 2 children. Graduate Brookfield East H.S. 1976; B.S. in nursing Marquette U. 1980; M.S. in nursing UW-Madison 1983. Registered nurse; nationally certified pediatric nurse practitioner for 20 years; research fellow, Wisconsin Policy Research Institute; Past Pres. and Co-founder of Parents Raising Educational Standards in Schools (PRESS). Member: Republican Party of Milwaukee Co., Republican Party of Waukesha Co., Wauwatosa Republican Club; West Allis Speedskating Club (former ASU Speedskating Referee). Former member: Standards and Assessments Subcommittee of Gov. Thompson’s Task Force on Education and Learning; English/Language Arts Task Force of Gov. Thompson’s Council on Model Academic Standards; American Legislative Exchange Council (first vice chp.). Nationally recognized authority and speaker on education issues and educational standards. Recipient: Center for Education Reform’s Unsung Hero Award 1998; Brookfield East High School Alumni Achievement Award 2002; American Legislative Exchange Council Legislator of the Year 2009; Right Women Iron Lady Award 2014.
Elected to Assembly 2002-08; elected to Senate 2010; reelected 2014. Biennial Senate committee assignments: 2015 — Health and Human Services (chp., also 2013); Judiciary and Public Safety (vice chp.); Education (since 2011, vice chp. 2011); Jt. Com. on Finance. 2013 — Jt. Com. for Review of Admin. Rules (co-chp., also 2011); Judiciary and Labor (vice chp.). 2011 — Health (chp.); Public Health, Human Services, and Revenue. Assembly committee assignments: 2009 — Education (also 2007); Education Reform (chp. 2005, 2003, eff. 8/17/04, vice chp. 2003); Health and Health Care Reform (chp. 2007); Public Health (vice chp. 2007). 2007 — Criminal Justice (also 2003). 2005 — Health (vice chp., mbr. 2003); Children and Families (since 2003); Criminal Justice and Homeland Security; Medicaid Reform. 2003 — Economic Development.
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-2512.
E-mail: Sen.Vukmir@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: Wauwatosa 53226.
Mailing address: Office: Room 131 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison 53707-7882.
Content referencing Leah Vukmir - Page 3
The Many Errors of Brad Schimel
His sloppy report on John Doe leaks won’t help Attorney General’s reputation.
Dec 13th, 2017 by Bruce Thompson
Save Our SeniorCare!
Access to affordable prescription drugs keeps our seniors healthier and helps prevent unnecessary and costly hospital visits.
Dec 11th, 2017 by State Sen. Tim Carpenter
DPW Ads: Leah Vukmir & Kevin Nicholson Are “Roy Moore’s WI Enablers”
Vukmir and Nicholson have stood silently by the Republican Party as it funds alleged serial sexual predator Roy Moore
Dec 8th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Why John Doe Probe Saved Emails
And why Schimel report complaining about investigators could be wrong.
Dec 8th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
Leah Vukmir statement about unconstitutional John Doe raids in Wisconsin
"My privacy has been violated in such a brazen way by those who targeted me, my friends, and even my family."
Dec 6th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Vukmir veterans’ tuition bill now law
Walker signs bill to reimburse Guard members for full tuition
Dec 6th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Governor Walker Signs Bills Supporting Veterans into Law at Applied Fab & Machining in Wausau
"The proven skills, dedication, and work ethic of our veterans and service members illustrate their key role in keeping Wisconsin’s workforce strong and successful."
Dec 6th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Will Roy Moore Embarrass Kevin Nicholson?
The Republican Senate candidate depends on Moore contributor Richard Uihlein.
Dec 1st, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Is Waukesha County Becoming Less Red?
Perhaps not, but legislative districts straddling its border are changing.
Nov 22nd, 2017 by Bruce Thompson
Walker, Vukmir Court the Israel Lobby
A great way to get donations from billionaires like Sheldon Adelson.
Nov 16th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
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
Vukmir Bill Will Cause Prison Bed Shortage
State prisons already overcrowded; bill would add 1,800 inmates, cost $57 million per year.
Nov 14th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families
Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations
Nov 8th, 2017 by Wisconsin Conservation Voters
Senate passes Vukmir bills to protect communities from repeat violent criminals
Senate Bills, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 passed, three of them with bipartisan support.
Nov 7th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
When it comes to protecting our children, Evers chooses to do nothing
"We can’t trust Evers to properly protect our schools, let alone improve them."
Nov 2nd, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements
Elected officials, grassroots activists and business owners unite behind Leah
Nov 2nd, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Vukmir, Rohrkaste lead bipartisan effort to lower drug prices
Bill would allow for pharmacists to switch brand-name biologics for biosimilars
Nov 1st, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Governor Walker Reaffirms Support for Israel, Prohibits Discriminatory Boycotts of Israel in State Contracting
"We stand firmly against discrimination in any form and we wholly support our friends in Israel."
Oct 27th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Senate Republicans Attack the Health of Women Across Wisconsin
Anti-choice extremist U.S. Senate candidate Leah Vukmir is a sponsor
Oct 26th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Mark Belling says Leah Vukmir is a real conservative who pushes the envelope
Belling made a few comments about the U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin.
Oct 25th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Wisconsin dollars back Leah Vukmir in Senate race
Leah announced earlier in October that she raised nearly $250,000 in the first three weeks of her campaign.
Oct 18th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Vukmir And Nicholson Support Trump Limits to Women’s Healthcare Access
"Shame on Leah Vukmir..."
Oct 6th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
In just three weeks, Leah Vukmir raises nearly $250K
Leah demonstrates fundraising strength to take on Tammy Baldwin
Oct 4th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Vukmir, Kooyenga author bill to show Wisconsin’s strong support of Israel
The bill would also prohibit state agencies and local governments from establishing their own policies to boycott Israel.
Oct 3rd, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
One Wisconsin Now Calls for State Ethics Investigation of State Sen. Leah Vukmir’s Sleazy Fundraising Deal
Taps Chair of WEDC Board, State Agency She Helps Oversee, to Shake Down Donors for Contributions for Her Run for U.S. Senate
Sep 27th, 2017 by One Wisconsin Now
Gamble with your safety? Barrett says YES.
Mayor Tom Barrett’s budget jeopardizes police and fire funding for streetcar project
Sep 26th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Leah Vukmir Unveils Finance Committee for U.S. Senate
Long-time Wisconsin GOP Donors Back Leah for Senate
Sep 21st, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Leah Vukmir Announces Steering Committee for U.S. Senate
GOP Leaders across Wisconsin unite to support Leah
Sep 18th, 2017 by State Sen. Leah Vukmir
Leah Vukmir Welcomes Your Hate
Or how to run for U.S. Senate in the land of scorched-earth politics.
Sep 12th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Leah Vukmir leads vote to cut wages for Wisconsin workers
Late-night budget motion to eliminate prevailing wage would disproportionately harm veterans
Sep 6th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Vukmir, Kuglitsch author bill to reimburse veterans for full tuition costs
"Those who serve our country deserve the certainty that we will keep our promises to them."
Aug 29th, 2017 by Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir
Richard Uihlein, GOP Kingmaker
Should one billionaire dictate the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate?
Aug 17th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Vukmir: The time is now for Foxconn
"Any reluctance to support this deal makes no sense to me."
Aug 15th, 2017 by Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir
Buyers’ Remorse for Voucher Backers
School choice backers donated generously to Walker, but he’s vacillated on the issue.
Aug 7th, 2017 by George Mitchell
Vukmir echoes Walker encouraging Congress to give states block grants
"A successful repeal of Obamacare begins with the federal government handing over the reins to the states."
Aug 1st, 2017 by Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir
Foxconn Loves Wisconsin, Walker
Gou says governor is top reason Foxconn coming. Abele has county site in play.
Jul 27th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Kevin Nicholson Silent as Republicans Raided Funding for King
Did Kevin Nicholson support Rep. Dale Kooyenga and D.C. Leah's votes to raid millions from the funds available to take care of Wisconsin's elderly veterans?
Jul 21st, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Statement on Senate Health Care Developments
"In 2018, the voters will choose progressives who stood up to protect their health care."
Jul 18th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Vukmir supports Senate GOP budget
"Our constituents sent us here to hold the line on taxes. This budget does that and more."
Jul 18th, 2017 by Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir
What You Won’t Find in the Republican Senate Budget Proposal
If you ask people across the state what the state should fund, most will tell you that we should fund our schools, our roads and essential services that keep us safe.
Jul 18th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Hospitals Group Pays for Capitol Clout
Wisconsin Hospital Association spends millions on lobbying, campaign donations.
Jul 6th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Senator Craig’s Statement on Chief Flynn’s Blame Game
"Chief Flynn is playing politics instead of fixing problems under his direct control"
Jun 27th, 2017 by State Sen. David Craig
Anthem Insurance Likes Republicans
Pulling out of Obamacare, giving almost $175,000 to GOP politicians.
Jun 23rd, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Senate Passes Bill to Combat Motor Vehicle Thefts
Between 2013 and 2015, incidents of motor vehicle thefts increased 50%.
Jun 14th, 2017 by Assistant Majority Leader Leah Vukmir
Will Gov. Scott Walker Stand Up For Vulnerable Wisconsinites At Risk Of Losing Health Care Insurance?
It's been widely reported that Senate Republicans are drafting their version of Trumpcare behind closed doors.
Jun 13th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Stalled: Republicans Struggle With State Budget Process
Sen. Leah Vukmir and Rep. Dale Kooyenga Fail To Get The Job Done
Jun 7th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Republican Legislators Rejecting Student Loan Refinancing Themselves Attended College at One-Fifth the Cost Today
Cost of Their Own Schooling May Explain Ignorance of Student Loan Debt Crisis, But it Doesn’t Excuse Their Refusal to Help
May 26th, 2017 by One Wisconsin Now
Continued state cigarette subsidy for Native American tribes disappointing
$68.7 million subsidy ought to go to bolster public safety, Alderman Donovan says
May 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
New Republican ‘Safe Spaces for Racists’ Legislation Threatens Students With Expulsion for Declaring Hate Speech Not Welcome on Campuses
U.S. Senate Hopeful Leah Vukmir Out to Prove She Can Make a Bad Idea Even Worse
May 3rd, 2017 by One Wisconsin Now
The Freedom to Work For Less
New labor law by Walker and GOP is all about “freedom”... Not.
May 2nd, 2017 by RT Both
Abele Blasts State on Juvenile Prisons
State wants 21% hike in fees and more inmates at failing prisons.
Apr 27th, 2017 by Gretchen Schuldt
D.C. Leah Hits Corrupt Washington Lobbying Group For Campaign Cash
"D.C. Leah is going above and beyond to show her interests lie with powerful D.C. special interest..."
Apr 26th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
GOP Bill Repeals Minimum Markup
But business, tourism interests back current law on "unfair sales."
Apr 25th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
MacIver Institute applauds introduction of minimum markup bill
Will Wisconsin consumers finally see relief from government-mandated higher prices?
Apr 19th, 2017 by MacIver Institute
Governor Walker Signs Project Labor Agreement Legislation Into Law
The bill explicitly prohibits state and local governments from requiring a bidder on a public works project to enter into an agreement with a labor organization.
Apr 17th, 2017 by Gov. Scott Walker
Kochs Support Prevailing Wage Bill
GOP bill pushed by ALEC and group's treasurer, Sen Leah Vukmir.
Apr 13th, 2017 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Is this a Senate race or a yacht sale?
Even conservative radio personality, Mark Belling, is unimpressed with the current slate of candidates.
Apr 13th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Sen. Leah Vukmir’s Ugly Record On Equal Pay
In 2009, then-Rep. Leah Vukmir voted against the Democratic-led legislature making it easier for victims of wage discrimination to have their day in court.
Apr 4th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
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
Just Call Her ‘D.C. Leah’
Vukmir Kicks off Senate Campaign with Lobbyists, Elite in DC
Mar 21st, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Republican Extremists Eye Fetal Tissue Bill for the Second Straight Legislative Session
"Not only is this proposal out of touch with the needs of everyday Wisconsinites, it does nothing to move our state forward."
Mar 16th, 2017 by Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Senators Give Themselves 31% Increase
In non-public meeting they approve 31% raise in their per day expenses.
Feb 27th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
GOP’s Redistricting Lawyers Are Big Donors
Lawyers paid $2.1 million to defend gerrymandering, give $76,000 to politicians.
Feb 6th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Kochs, Big Business Back Anti-Union Bill
They spent $24 million on campaigns. Bill targets union construction projects.
Jan 27th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
11 Predictions for 2017 Politics
Scott Fitzgerald gets Trump appointment, redistricting is upheld and more.
Jan 2nd, 2017 by Steven Walters
Senator Fitzgerald Reelected Majority Leader
“I am honored to once again be representing this group of outstanding conservative leaders and thrilled to be growing our ranks for the upcoming legislative session.”
Nov 10th, 2016 by U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald
The Legend of Leah Vukmir
Once considered a horrible legislator, she’s now one of the Capitol’s “heaviest hitters.”
Nov 8th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Hard Right Dominates GOP Senate
Eight or nine senators could dictate much of Gov. Walker's 2017-19 state budget.
Oct 31st, 2016 by Steven Walters
Governor Walker Announces Members of the Task Force on Opioid Abuse
Group to hold its first meeting on October 28 in Green Bay
Oct 25th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
The Decline of Reaganism
The Church of the Gipper is defied by Donald Trump. Will Republicans adjust their ideology?
Sep 7th, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
Republicans’ Plan: Tax Breaks For Millionaires and Tax Increases For Local Property Owners
“Is this really the Senate Republicans’ plan?”
Aug 26th, 2016 by State Sen. Janet Bewley
Road Map To Economic Failure
Why has Walker’s jobs plan failed? And why won’t he change his approach?
Apr 14th, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
Governor Scott Walker Signs 46 Bills Into Law
Acts 154 - 199.
Feb 29th, 2016 by Gov. Scott Walker
Governor Scott Walker Signs 49 Bills Into Law
Governor Scott Walker signed 49 bills into law today at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Nov 11th, 2015 by Gov. Scott Walker
GAB Head Refutes Republican Attacks
Point by point, he refutes lead attacker, GOP state Sen. Leah Vukmir.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Matt Rothschild
How Republicans Plan to Kill GAB
Government Accountability Board will be scrapped in favor of weaker commissions.
Oct 5th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Crunch Time for Bucks Arena Deal
Joint Finance Committee needs nine of 16 members to approve it. That could be tough.
Jun 15th, 2015 by Steven Walters
AFP Releases Open Letter To Joint Finance Committee On Prevailing Wage
Time to Step Up And Send Prevailing Wage Repeal Bill To Governor's Desk
Jun 2nd, 2015 by AFP Wisconsin
Budget Could Delay Local Highway Projects
Republican legislators want to reduce borrowing in Walker transportation budget, but this could delay numerous projects.
Mar 16th, 2015 by Steven Walters
The Decline of ALEC
The right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council, long a big influence on state legislatures and Wisconsin, is bleeding business support.
Oct 16th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
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
Unopposed Legislators Still Love Campaign Cash
Retiring and unopposed legislators are sitting on $1.2 million in donations.
Sep 2nd, 2014 by Steven Walters
The Coming War Against Common Core
Top priority for Republican legislators next year is to kill Common Core educational standards.
Jul 7th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Few Competitive Legislative Races
Redistricting has reduced the number of competitive districts for fall elections.
Jun 9th, 2014 by Steven Walters
County Executive Abele Thanks Governor Walker for Signing Bill to Improve Mental Health Care
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele thanks Governor Scott Walker for signing a bill today that will create an independent board of experts to oversee Milwaukee County’s Behavioral Health Hospital.
Apr 8th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Supervisor Taylor Welcomes State Bill Concerning County Mental Health Care Changes But Believes it Does Not Go Far Enough
The State of Wisconsin has in the past successfully taken over administration of certain functions of Milwaukee County government, such as the Income Maintenance Program.
Feb 13th, 2014 by Steve F. Taylor
Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. QUESTIONS Bill on Mental Health
Says Legislation Could Reduce Accountability, Looks Like More of the Same; He Questions How It Will Help Patients
Feb 3rd, 2014 by Sup. Michael Mayo
Democratic Wedge Issues
Republicans are out of step on issues like same sex marriage and medical marijuana.
Jan 16th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Don’t Take Away Our School Buildings
Republican bill would force MPS to sell buildings used to expand successful schools like Golda Meir.
Oct 14th, 2013 by Angela McManaman
Lazich, August, Fitzgerald and Vos Still Silent on Redistricting Reform Public Hearings As Support & Pressure Builds
Their Silence Underscores Need for an End to Gerrymandering in Wisconsin
Sep 17th, 2013 by Common Cause in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Ignores Climate Change
Republicans join Koch Brothers, opposing actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Sep 12th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Super Scott
Democrats continue to underestimate Walker, even as he radically transforms the state.
Feb 28th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Liz Cheney to Open Bush-Cheney Office Here
If you are over by Mayfair Monday, you can drop by the grand opening of the Bush–Cheney’04 Wisconsin Headquarters, 2222 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa. The opening is open to the press, and Liz Cheney will be available for interviews. The event is at noon and features such other dignitaries as Rep. Leah Vukmir, Rep. Mark Honadel, Rep. Curt Gielow, and County Executive Scott Walker. If you are in the neighborhood and would like to do something other than that, then get to the corner of Hwy. 100 and W. North Avenue where Wisconsin Citizen Action hosts a “Bash Bush” event at 11:30 a.m. Gary George Law License Suspended If you never got around to hiring Gary George as a lawyer like the Warshafsky Law Firm did, you’re “temporarily” out of luck. The disgraced former state senator’s license was temporarily suspended April 1st by an order of Cornelia G. Clark the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin, dated March 8, 2004.. Clark acted on a motion from the Office of Lawyer Regulation “seeking the temporary suspension of the license of Attorney Gary R. George to practice law in Wisconsin. … The basis for this motion is Attorney George’s January 22, 2004 guilty plea in United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, to one count of conspiracy.” It is not common for lawyers to plead guilty to felony charges – they usually put up a fight, and a law license won’t be of much use where Gary’s going – namely, federal prison. For one thing, the competition would be intense. Paul Henningsen’s already got most of the business locked up by now, one would imagine. Along with George’s demise we lose another annoyance – we shall no longer see or hear Gary George advertisements for the Warshafsky Law Firm. George taped his advertisements in August, 2000, back when the century was new and George’s integrity was unblemished. (We were a simpler people then.) Back then I asked the law firm about the ads. “Are they designed to help George in his reelection campaign?” The Warshafsky spokesperson replied, “It has no connection to the campaign. He just brings us a lot of business.” Election Night Approaches We are down to the final hours in our Mayoral election, with the result said to be a tossup. Much will be dependent on voter turnout, which itself can depend on things like the weather. The primary election had the added allure of a presidential primary to possibly juice the vote. On the other hand, it is possible that the lack of a republican presidential race kept Milwaukee republicans at home in February, and that they will come out to vote Tuesday, if there are enough of them to count. Then we have the white people for Pratt, and the black people for Barrett contingency. I should imagine they exist in roughly the same, small numbers. Among them – former candidates Frank Cumberbatch and Leon Todd have endorsed Barrett. Sandy Folaron and Vince Bobot have […]
Apr 5th, 2004 by Michael Horne
