AR27: Resolution Text

LRB-6099/1

RJL:ekg&cjs

2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE

2021 Assembly RESOLUTION 27

February 15, 2022 - Introduced by Representatives Vos and Steineke. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AR27,1,2 Relating to: honoring Governor Tommy G. Thompson for his achievements and extraordinary service to the state and people of Wisconsin.

AR27,1,6 Whereas, Governor Tommy George Thompson has had a long and exceptional career in public service, serving in the Wisconsin Assembly, as governor, as secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and most recently as interim president of the University of Wisconsin System; and

AR27,1,8 Whereas, Governor Thompson was born on November 19, 1941, in Elroy, Wisconsin, and remained there throughout his childhood; and

AR27,1,10 Whereas, Governor Thompson attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1963 and a juris doctor in 1966; and

AR27,1,13 Whereas, Governor Thompson began his career in public service in 1966, when he joined the Wisconsin National Guard and was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly at age 24; and

AR27,1,15 Whereas, Governor Thompson served in the Wisconsin National Guard for six years and served another four years in the Army Reserves; and

AR27,2,2 Whereas, during his first term in the Assembly, Governor Thompson was appointed to serve on the powerful Joint Committee on Finance; and

AR27,2,5 Whereas, throughout his 20 years in the Assembly, Governor Thompson served in other important leadership roles, including assistant minority leader and minority leader; and

AR27,2,8 Whereas, Governor Thompson was elected governor of Wisconsin in 1986, was re-elected an unprecedented three times, and served as governor for a total of 14 years, making him the longest serving governor in Wisconsin history; and

AR27,2,11 Whereas, as governor, Governor Thompson was a pioneer in enacting innovative policies that served as national models, such as welfare reform and school choice; and

AR27,2,14 Whereas, while governor, Governor Thompson served in several leadership roles, including chair of the Amtrak Board of Directors and chairman of the National Governors Association; and

AR27,2,17 Whereas, Governor Thompson was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, a position he held from January 2001 until January 2005; and

AR27,2,20 Whereas, while Secretary of Health and Human Services, Governor Thompson was the first cabinet secretary on the ground in New York City following the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center; and

AR27,2,25 Whereas, as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Governor Thompson served as the chair of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and led several significant health initiatives, including expanding health insurance coverage to low-income Americans and strengthening the country's preparedness for bioterrorism attacks; and

AR27,3,3 Whereas, Governor Thompson served as interim president of the University of Wisconsin System from July 2020 to March 2022, as the system faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and

AR27,3,9 Whereas, Governor Thompson has received many awards and distinctions for his service, including the Horatio Alger Foundation's Distinguished American Award and Governing Magazine's Most Valuable Public Official Award, and has had several places named in his honor, including the Tommy G. Thompson Center, Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Governor Thompson State Park; and

AR27,3,12 Whereas, Governor Thompson is a loving husband to Sue Ann, his wife of over 50 years, and treasured father to three children: Jason, Kelly, and Tommi; now, therefore, be it

AR27,3,15 Resolved by the assembly, That the members of the Wisconsin Assembly do hereby commend the accomplishments and dedicated service of Governor Tommy G. Thompson to the state and people of Wisconsin; and, be it further

AR27,3,18 Resolved, That in recognition of his many years of distinguished service to the legislature and the people of Wisconsin, the Assembly Parlor in the Capitol shall be known as the Tommy G. Thompson Assembly Parlor.

AR27,3,19 (End)