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2023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTIO N 118
February 12, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives VOS, NEUBAUER, AUGUST,
BINSFELD, MAGNAFICI, ARMSTRONG, SPIROS, WITTKE, NOVAK, BARE, STUBBS,
OHNSTAD, C. ANDERSON, STEFFEN, O'CONNOR, DUCHOW, DITTRICH, SUMMERFIELD,
MICHALSKI, ZIMMERMAN, MACCO, SHELTON, SINICKI, S. JOHNSON, CONSIDINE,
PALMERI, SUBECK, KITCHENS, SCHRAA and JACOBSON, cosponsored by Senators
LEMAHIEU, HESSELBEIN, JAMES, BALLWEG, TESTIN, L. JOHNSON, WIRCH and
ROYS. Referred to Committee on Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: recognizing and commending the National Conference of State
Legislatures on its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Whereas, the National Conference of State Legislatures was founded in 1975
and has evolved during the past half-century to become the premier organization
solely dedicated to serving state and territorial legislators and legislative staff; and
Whereas, NCSL was created from the merger of three organizations that served
or represented state legislatures and that shared the belief that legislative service
is one of democracy's worthiest pursuits; and
Whereas, NCSL is a bipartisan organization with three objectives: to advance
the effectiveness, independence and integrity of state legislatures; to foster
interstate communication and cooperation; and to ensure states a strong, cohesive
voice in the federal system; and
Whereas, our nation's state legislatures are laboratories of democracy and have
continuously shown that they are capable of tackling emerging challenges; and
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Whereas, state legislatures are where people from different backgrounds,
representing different communities, can come together and find common ground;
and
Whereas, NCSL has facilitated the exchange of ideas, provided critical research
and information, and encouraged a rigorous review of complex issues confronting our
communities, states, and nation; and
Whereas, NCSL strives to strengthen the bonds between America's state
legislatures and the international community; and
Whereas, the Wisconsin Legislature has played an active role in NCSL since the
organization's founding; and
Whereas, in 1975, Legislative Council Director Bonnie Reese became the first
NCSL Staff Chair from Wisconsin and was followed by multiple staff chairs from
Wisconsin including State Auditor Dale Cattanach in 1985–86, Senate Chief Clerk
Donald Schneider in 1992–93, and Legislative Reference Bureau Chief Steve Miller
in 2006–07; and, in 2019, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos was elected as the first NCSL
President from Wisconsin; and
Whereas, Speaker Vos currently serves as NCSL President Emeritus, and
Legislative Council Director Anne Sappenfield serves as NCSL Immediate Past Staff
Chair; and
Whereas, Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August and the Legislative
Reference Bureau's Administrative Services Manager Wendy Jackson currently
serve on the NCSL Executive Committee; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the
Wisconsin State Legislature recognize and commend the National Conference of
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State Legislatures for its superb leadership and its commitment to the legislative
institution; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk transmit a copy of this joint resolution
to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
(END)
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