Peter Barca (Dem.), 64th Assembly District
Born Kenosha, August 7, 1955; married; 2 children. Graduate Mary D. Bradford H.S. 1973; B.S. UW-Milwaukee 1977; attended Harvard U.; M.A. UW-Madison 1983. Past president, Aurora Assoc. International. Former CEO, Northpointe Resources; National Ombudsman, USSBA; Midwest Regional Administrator, USSBA. Member: Foundation Bd. of Dir., UW-Parkside; Society for ISCTR (co-founder); WISITALIA (past pres.); Former member: Lake County Econ. Dev. Com. on Small Business (chp.); Com. to Found the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha (chp.); Lake County Partnership on Econ. Dev. (exec. com.); Small Business Forum of DNC (nat’l co-chair); Kenosha Family and Aging Soc. (bd. mbr.); Kenosha Incubator Assn. (chm.).
Elected to Assembly 1984-1992 (resigned 6/8/93 upon election to U.S. Congress); reelected since 2008. Minority Leader 2013, 2011; Majority Caucus Chairperson 2009, 1993, 1991. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Assembly Organization (since 2009, also 1993, 1991); Rules (since 2009, also 1993, 1991); Jt. Com. on Employment Relations (also 2011); Jt. Com. on Information Policy and Technology; Jt. Legislative Council (also 2011); Jt. Com. on Legislative Organization (also 2011); Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Bd. (also 2011). 2009 — Jt. Legis. Audit Com. (co-chp.); Financial Institutions; Jobs, the Economy and Small Business.
Content referencing Peter Barca - Page 2
Walker Administration and Republican Legislators Must Also Be Held Accountable for Corrections Crisis
Assembly Democrats Request Audit of Department of Corrections
Feb 12th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Governor Walker Further Opens Door for Cronyism, Corruption in Wisconsin
Republican Civil Service Law Puts Political Interests over Public Interest
Feb 12th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Legislative Republicans Continue Harm to Wisconsin Women, Children
Assembly Republicans Pass Attack on Women’s Health Care Access, Put Domestic Violence Victims at Risk
Feb 11th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Legislative Republicans Turn their Backs on Wisconsin’s Lakes and Wetlands
“The bills Republicans passed today are a trifecta of environmental degradation.”
Feb 9th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Appoints Jon Richards Interim Chief of Staff
Richards served in the legislature from 1999-2015
Feb 1st, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Wisconsin Budget Lags as Republicans Neglect People’s Priorities
The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau revenue report that showed Wisconsin is expected to take in $158 million less in revenue:
Jan 21st, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Democratic State of the State Response
By Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha)
Jan 19th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Walker/Republican Cuts to K-12 and Higher Education Total More Than $2 Billion
New figures refute Walker claims on eve of State of the State Address
Jan 18th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Session Day Incident
“While I accept Rep. Gannon’s apology, his racially tinged rhetoric and disrespect for the institution are reprehensible."
Jan 12th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Public Records Board Revising Open Records Policy
“My fellow Democrats and I will continue to work to protect public access to government records and ensure our citizens know what their elected officials are doing behind closed doors.”
Jan 11th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Walker Plan Fails to Provide Real Relief on Student Debt
“Wisconsin’s economy would clearly do better if we had a real policy solution to student loan debt and the governor’s plan isn’t it.”
Jan 11th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Recent Republican Campaign Finance Changes Open Door to Corruption
Reps. Barca and Berceau to Introduce Bill to Restore Transparency to Campaign Finance Laws
Jan 8th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
State Economy Falters as Republicans Open Wisconsin for Corruption
Wisconsin still in the bottom third in private-sector job growth
Dec 17th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republican Laws Mark End of Clean, Open and Transparent Government
“Once again, Governor Walker and legislative Republicans could not be trusted to do the right thing for our state.”
Dec 16th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Joins Call for District Attorney to Investigate Potential Open Meeting Violation
Assembly Democrats will Pursue Legislative Fixes to Preserve Open Records Access
Dec 14th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Shut Down WEDC and Move Real Reforms Forward
“The Republican WEDC experiment is an outright failure.”
Nov 20th, 2015 by Katrina Shankland
Republican WEDC illegally gave out $21 million in taxpayer dollars
Democrats have put forward numerous proposals to reign in the WEDC, increase accountability and improve economic development.
Nov 19th, 2015 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Rep. Barca: Republicans Take Extraordinary Steps to Open Wisconsin for Corruption
Instead of Working on People's Agenda, Republicans Push Through Corrupt Politicians’ Agenda
Nov 16th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Barca, Lassa Invite Bipartisan Support for WEDC Replacement
Speaker Vos Agrees State Needs New Model for Jobs Agency
Nov 11th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
While Wisconsin Economy Flounders, Republicans Take “Extraordinary” Measures to Put More Money in Politics
Assembly Democrats Call on Republicans to Add Jobs Bills to Extraordinary Session
Nov 6th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Governor Walker, WEDC Must Do More to Help Wisconsin Companies
“I also am renewing my call for WEDC to discuss not only Oscar Mayer but the many other vital Wisconsin companies we need to keep in Wisconsin, at our board meeting next week.”
Nov 6th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on JFC Transportation Bonding
“Instead of making tough choices and exemplifying true leadership, Republicans are once again kicking a bigger can down a longer road.”
Nov 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Oscar Mayer Closing
"The closure of Oscar Meyer accentuates the urgent need for action on jobs."
Nov 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Democrats Vote for Student Debt Relief While Republicans Waste Millions to Create New Problems in Safety Net
Assembly Democrats voted in favor of the “Higher Ed, Lower Debt” bill, which will provide significant assistance to the more than one million Wisconsin residents burdened with student loan debt.
Nov 3rd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republicans Further Open Doors for Cronyism, Corruption
Public Interest will take a Back Seat to Political Interests
Oct 27th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Gov. Walker Signing John Doe Bill
"Governor Walker and his fellow Republicans have sent strong signals that Wisconsin is open for corruption."
Oct 23rd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
“Wisconsin is Open for Corruption”
Republicans Pass Corrupt Politician Protection Act
Oct 20th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
GOP Pushes Bills to Hide Political Corruption and Allow More Money in Politics
Republicans’ misguided agenda dismantles state ethics and campaign finance laws
Oct 19th, 2015 by State Sen. Jennifer Shilling
Republicans Continue to Ram through Major Power Grabs
Bills will Turn Government Watchdog into Partisan Lapdog, Allow Corporate Special Interests More Influence on State Government
Oct 13th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Governor Walker’s Supreme Court Appointment
“The Governor making this appointment so close to the election does not serve the public well...”
Oct 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Republican Proposals to Change Campaign Finance Laws
“Republicans want to make it easier for corporations to ‘participate in our democracy’.”
Oct 7th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Republican Proposal to Dismantle Government Accountability Board
“This proposal flies in the face of the issues that the people of Wisconsin really care about...”
Oct 7th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on the Passing of Marty Beil
“Our thoughts are with Marty’s family at this very difficult time.”
Oct 2nd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Legislative Leaders and Citizen Action Call on Walker to Make Course Correction on BadgerCare
Wisconsin is adding mostly poverty-wage jobs, which is increasing BadgerCare enrollment.
Sep 29th, 2015 by Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Republicans Again Put Extreme Special Interests above People
Republican Legislature Passes Bills to Endanger Health Care Access for 50,000 Patients While Refusing to Protect Taxpayers
Sep 24th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
State Lawmakers Need an Economic Opportunity Strategy
State Senate Invitation-Only Listening Tour Will be Closed to Outside Voices
Sep 24th, 2015 by Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Statement from Rep. Barca on GOP Civil Service Proposal
"This is yet another politically motivated attack on hardworking state employees."
Sep 24th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Gov. Walker Ending His Presidential Campaign
“Gov. Walker has pushed far right wing policies through Wisconsin hoping that extreme element of his party would propel his presidential campaign to win the nomination.”
Sep 21st, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Passing of Justice Crooks
“The loss of Justice Crooks is a loss for the entire state. My heart goes out to his family at this time.”
Sep 21st, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Citizen Action Applauds Proposal to Scrap Walker’s Discredited Jobs Agency
Over 2,900 Wisconsinites have signed a petition calling for the closure of the agency on Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s website.
Sep 15th, 2015 by Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Barca, Lassa Propose New Model for Economic Development
Hybrid Agency Would Replace Failed Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Sep 15th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republicans Push Through Corrupt Politicians Protection Act
“John Doe Reform Bill” Would Eliminate Tools for Rooting Out Political Corruption
Sep 11th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Testifies on WEDC Audit
Legislative Audit Bureau Report Shows WEDC Not Following Laws or Own Policies
Sep 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republicans’ Brazen Attack on Open Government Continues
Newest Speaker Vos Proposal Will Severely Restrict Records Access
Sep 8th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on New WEDC CEO Mark Hogan
“It’s also curious that Gov. Walker tapped one of his major donors to fill this role at WEDC.”
Sep 3rd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Testifies About Problems Plaguing Privatized Medical Transportation Program, Will Offer Alternative
Rep. Barca Requested Audit in Response to Constituent Concerns
Sep 2nd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Barca, Lassa Demand that WEDC Board Discuss Eaton Clawback, Other Outsourcing Issues
The latest WKOW report found that Eaton Corporation is sending another 83 jobs from its Pewaukee facility to Mexico.
Sep 1st, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
As Students Go Back to School, Republicans Siphon Hundreds of Millions of Taxpayer Dollars to Unaccountable Private Schools
Republican Campaign Donors Profit off Public Schoolchildren
Sep 1st, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Dignitary Protection Unit Overtime Ruling
“Like so many people in Wisconsin, it appears that these hardworking law enforcement officers have been thrown under Gov. Walker’s campaign bus.”
Aug 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Retirement of WEDC CEO Reed Hall
WEDC Needs Major Leadership and Structural Changes
Aug 25th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Audit: GAB Doing Its Job as Non-Partisan Government Watchdog
“Today’s audit shows that the Government Accountability Board is conducting its investigations in an appropriate way.”
Aug 20th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
WEDC Must Act More Quickly to Put in Place Stronger Taxpayer Safeguards
Awards Committee moves forward Rep. Barca and Sen. Lassa’s proposal to require background checks prior to awarding taxpayer assistance.
Aug 19th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Urges WEDC to Immediately Adopt Stronger Taxpayer Safeguards
Awards Committee Will Vote Monday on Rep. Barca Proposal to Require Legal Check Prior to Awarding Taxpayer Assistance
Aug 13th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Passage of Bucks Arena Deal
My goal was to get the best deal possible for workers and taxpayers of Wisconsin – and I believe this deal does that.
Jul 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Proposes Steps to Address Jobs Agency Shortfalls
Governor Departs as Chairman of Distressed WEDC to Focus on Presidential Run
Jul 20th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Budget Signing
"... this budget is not a budget for the people of Wisconsin."
Jul 12th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republicans “Double Down” on their Assault on Open Government
“Republicans want to turn our nonpartisan government watchdog into a partisan lapdog.”
Jul 10th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Assembly Republicans Refuse to Commit to Not Degrading Open Records Law
Assembly Democrats Reaffirm Commitment to Open Records, Open Government
Jul 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
As Governor Walker Readies Presidential Announcement, Assembly Republicans Shockingly Make His Harmful Budget Even Worse
Budget Includes Massive Giveaways to Special Interests on Backs of Wisconsin Children
Jul 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Applauds AG Schimel for Showing Respect for Clean, Open and Transparent Government
“There is no more important Wisconsin value than protecting clean, open and transparent government.”
Jul 3rd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republicans Deal a Major Blow to Open Government, Load Budget with Special Interest Giveaways as Schools, Universities Brace for Harmful Cuts
Anti-Education, Anti-Middle Class Budget Wrapping Up in Joint Finance Committee
Jul 2nd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on Assembly Republicans’ Prevailing Wage Plan
Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca released the following statement on the Assembly Republican plan to change the prevailing wage law:
Jun 29th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
It’s Official: Marriage Equality Now the Law of the Land
Statement from Rep. Barca on today’s historic Supreme Court ruling
Jun 26th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Affordable Care Act Tax Credits
"Today’s court decision is an especially important victory for Wisconsin families, especially the 183,000 Wisconsinites – including 11,000 children – who stood to lose their health care coverage."
Jun 25th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on WEDC Document Release
"I am shocked to learn that under Governor Walker’s leadership 26 loans totaling more than $124 million were approved by WEDC without so much as a staff review."
Jun 19th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Jobs Woes Continue As Republican Budget Doubles Down on Failed Economic Agenda
New figures show Wisconsin now ranked 38th in job growth
Jun 17th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Assembly Republicans Refuse to Consider Transparency and Accountability for WEDC
“Governor Walker’s WEDC has been wasting taxpayer money to repay their Republican campaign supporters instead of providing real economic opportunity and jobs for hardworking Wisconsinites.”
Jun 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Lisa Subeck
Statement of Rep. Barca on Republican Proposal to Eliminate Nonpartisan Audit Bureau
"In a session filled with bad ideas, this is one of the worst in terms of adversely affecting the taxpayers' long-term interest."
Jun 8th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Bucks Arena Proposal
Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement on the Bucks Arena package unveiled today
Jun 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
12 Days After WEDC Revelations: No Answers for Board Members
Rep. Barca and Sen. Lassa Still Have Not Received Information from WEDC
May 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republican Budget Shifts Up to $800 Million from Wisconsin’s Public Schools to Private Voucher Schools
GOP Budget Another Major Shift of Funds from Public Schools to Private Schools to Support Gov. Walker’s Presidential Ambitions
May 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Extreme GOP Education Budget Plan
This Republican plan further defunds public schools and destroys local control.
May 20th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on UW-Madison Cuts
"Cutting the University of Wisconsin is not only wildly unpopular – it is also incredibly shortsighted."
Apr 17th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on massive layoffs at long-term care organization in Slinger
"The governor’s lack of planning and inclusiveness and failure to involve people in important public policy has had devastating consequences for the citizens of our state"
Apr 9th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Republican Proposal to Again Harm Middle Class
"Repealing prevailing wage would be another huge hit against the middle class and small businesses in Wisconsin"
Apr 1st, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on State Patrol Contract
"Today I voted to support bringing the contract to the full legislature as State Troopers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe are deserving of a raise."
Mar 19th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Wisconsin drops to 38th in job growth, trailing all neighboring states
Democrats continue to work on restoring economic opportunity for Wisconsin
Mar 19th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Democrats Lay Out Next Steps on “Right to Work” Bill
Bill will drive down wages, hurt Wisconsin’s middle class
Mar 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on “Right to Work” heading to full Assembly
"‘Right to Work’ is a distraction from Governor Walker’s harmful budget and it will keep pushing Wisconsin’s economy in the wrong direction."
Mar 2nd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Barca, Shankland call Walker ‘deceitful’
Right-to-Work bill distracts from "incredibly harmful" budget, they say
Feb 25th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Shutting Down of Public Hearing
"I am deeply disappointed that Senator Nass and Republicans did not at least live up to their promise of holding the public hearing until 7:00 tonight."
Feb 24th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Governor Walker, Republicans rush to pass “Right to Work” to distract from disastrous budget, economic mismanagement
In response, Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement.
Feb 20th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Responds to GOP Finance Co-Chairs’ Attacks
"It almost appears as if Republicans are putting together a Nixon-style enemies list for anyone who dares to disagree with their agenda."
Feb 19th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Wisconsin Assembly leaders Barca, Vos to speak at Marquette Law conference on campaign finance regulation
The conversation between Barca and Vos, the third and final session of the conference, will be moderated by Mike Gousha.
Feb 19th, 2015 by Marquette University
Statement from Rep. Barca on Proposed Casino/Arena Double Bonanza for Wisconsin Taxpayers
“If Governor Walker was being up front that his sole objection was about wanting to protect taxpayers, he will take advantage of this incredible opportunity and secure a win-win for Wisconsin taxpayers.”
Feb 10th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Gov. Walker’s Blame Game
"Put simply, Gov. Walker needs to own up to his own extreme ideas."
Feb 5th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Wisconsin Needs a Budget that Puts Families and Economic Opportunity First
Walker budget another step backward for Wisconsin
Feb 3rd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Wisconsin Needs a Budget that Puts Wisconsin Families and Economic Opportunity First
Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha), Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee) and other legislative Democrats highlighted a need for a state budget that puts Wisconsin families first and restores economic opportunity for all.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by JoCasta Zamarripa
New Poll Shows Right to Work is Wrong Priority for Wisconsin
Republican Pollster Finds that Passing “Right to Work” and Repealing Prevailing Wage Are Unpopular, Fringe Issues in Wisconsin
Feb 2nd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Governor Walker is Wrong: Kenosha Casino Would Be a Taxpayer Bonanza
Project would create up to 10,000 jobs, draw millions of new tourists each year
Jan 29th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on Governor Walker’s UW System Plan
"Budgets are about priorities and once again dramatically slashing higher education in the 21st Century global economy will drastically take Wisconsin in the wrong direction."
Jan 27th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Under Republicans, Wisconsin Continues to Face Staggering Budget and Jobs Deficit
Walker and Legislative Republicans Prioritize Politics over Economic Opportunity
Jan 23rd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Gov. Walker turns away thousands of good-paying jobs, millions of new tourists by rejecting Kenosha casino project
Lack of Leadership Costs Wisconsin Thousands of Jobs
Jan 23rd, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Education Proposals
"Every child in Wisconsin deserves a quality education and Governor Walker's expansive voucher program is failing students and taxpayers."
Jan 7th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Welcomes New Members to Legislature
Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) welcomed seven new Democratic representatives to the Wisconsin State Legislatur
Jan 5th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Taylor statement on Joint Finance Committee appointment
Rep. Chris Taylor released the following statement on her appointment to the Joint Committee on Finance
Dec 31st, 2014 by Chris Taylor
Wisconsin continues to lag neighbors, nation in job growth under Gov. Walker, Republican legislature
State ranks 32nd overall over the past year
Dec 18th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Unemployment Insurance Audit
The audit found that nearly 1.7 million phone calls to the unemployment call center were blocked over the year.
Dec 16th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca calls on Gov. Walker to put the brakes on “Right to Work for Less”
“I call on Governor Walker to put the brakes on this divisive issue that clearly will damage Wisconsin’s middle class. "
Dec 4th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca Statement on Expected Budget Deficit
Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) issued the following statement on the Wisconsin Department of Administration’s 2015-2017 state fiscal report issued today
Nov 20th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
