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 3
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
Budget Forces ‘20% Reduction’ In Highway Projects
Budget reduction will raise the final costs of all projects
Sep 14th, 2015 by Steven Walters
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
The Explosive Growth of School Choice
It’s grown 78% in four years, now puts 32,100 kids in private schools
Sep 8th, 2015 by Steven Walters
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
Wisconsin Deserved Better Than This Budget
Democrats proposed more than 50 amendments and Republicans rejected every one.
Jul 16th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Walker Is Radical Even Among Republicans
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca calls Walker a "petri dish" for extremism.
Jul 14th, 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
No Christmas In May For Republicans
Tax collections haven’t risen so GOP lawmakers may have to swallow Walker budget cuts they opposed.
May 11th, 2015 by Steven Walters
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
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
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
Huge Growth for Brady and Water
Three different developments will add 740 apartments and tremendous urban density to the area.
Feb 16th, 2015 by Dave Reid
How Could Walker Refuse Incredible Deal?
Kenosha casino would pay entire taxpayer bill for NBA arena and up to $275 million for any (unlikely) litigation costs. And Walker says no?
Feb 12th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
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
State Subsidizes Company With Safety Violations
Ashley Furniture gets $6.7 million from job agency, has federal fines for more than 1,000 worker injuries.
Feb 8th, 2015 by Madeleine Behr
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 Ald. 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
Controversy Over Assembly Members Per Diems
Is the 56% increase in legislators' daily expenses "outrageous" or overdue?
Jan 28th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
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 State Rep. 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
Who Will Lead the Democrats?
The party badly needs leadership, but the bench looks thin. Here are the likely candidates.
Nov 17th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Outsourcing Loopholes Never Fixed by Walker Administration
Outsourcing Safeguards Were Never Implemented
Oct 31st, 2014 by Citizen Action of Wisconsin
The Battle Between Walker and Burke
They are two wildly different personalities with quite different agendas. A frank look at both candidates for governor.
Oct 24th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters Announces Endorsements
Slate highlights problem solvers.
Sep 25th, 2014 by Wisconsin Conservation Voters
Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General
Jon Richards is the favorite. But is he the best choice?
Aug 7th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
More Freedom for Wisconsin Citizens
By Senate Democratic Leader Chris Larson and Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca
Apr 8th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on Rep. Pasch not running for re-election
“I have been extremely fortunate to serve alongside Rep. Pasch for nearly six year."
Apr 4th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on Senate passage of amended oral chemo bill
Today the Senate passed an amended version of the oral chemotherapy bill, which the Assembly passed last month.
Apr 1st, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca urges Gov. Walker to use Vegas fundraising trip to analyze economic benefits of Kenosha casino
Proposed casino project expected to create thousands of jobs, generate tens of millions for state and local economies.
Mar 28th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Instead of trying to fix problems, Gov. Walker joins fellow Republicans in trying to fix elections
Governor signs bills that will severely restrict voting rights
Mar 27th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Gov. Walker signs bill undermining legal rights for veterans poisoned by asbestos
Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement today after Gov. Walker privately signed a bill into law that will seriously undermine the legal rights of veterans who have been victims of asbestos poisoning.
Mar 27th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Republicans focus on voter suppression on what could be Assembly’s last day
Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca released the following statement.
Mar 21st, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Statement from Rep. Barca on Assembly passage of amended oral chemo bill
Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) released the following statement after the Assembly passed an amended version of the oral chemotherapy bill.
Mar 21st, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Wisconsin stalled at 35th in job growth, still trailing neighbors
Despite lagging economy, Republicans ready to give up and focus on getting re-elected
Mar 19th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Assembly Republicans ready to go home with important issues left undone
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca
Mar 12th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Stopping people from voting – not jobs – is the top Republican priority
Statement from Rep. Barca on Gov. Walker’s plans for voter ID special session
Mar 12th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Assembly Republicans reject additional middle-class property tax relief
Instead, Speaker Vos and his caucus rubberstamp Gov. Walker’s irresponsible spending plan
Feb 11th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Assembly Democrats unveil a more responsible alternative to Gov. Walker’s spending plan
Proposal includes more funding for middle-class property tax relief, job training, rainy day fund
Feb 6th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca, Sen. Lehman propose hands-free cell phone driving requirement
Proposal would help limit unsafe driving behavior, save lives
Jan 30th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Rep. Barca announces living wage bill for state contract employees
People who work for Wisconsin deserve fair wage to help provide for their families
Jan 29th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Happy Days Are Here Again
Gov. Walker’s State-of-the-State speech will be singing a very positive song.
Jan 20th, 2014 by Steven Walters
State surplus must ensure long-term economic security for Wisconsin working families
Rep. Barca emphasizes a bold approach that remedies Wisconsin’s lagging recovery
Jan 16th, 2014 by State Rep. Peter Barca
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
Minnesota Trumps Wisconsin on Health Care
By cooperating with Obamacare Minnesota will cover 225,000 more people and spend $104 million less than Wisconsin.
Dec 27th, 2013 by Nora G. Hertel and James Nord
Representative Goyke Elected Democratic Caucus Secretary
State Representative Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement regarding his election today as Democratic Caucus Secretary.
Dec 18th, 2013 by Evan Goyke
