Chris Larson Explained

Chris Larson
Office:Minority Leader of the Wisconsin Senate
Term Start:January 3, 2013
Term End:January 5, 2015
Predecessor:Scott L. Fitzgerald
Successor:Jennifer Shilling
State Senate1:Wisconsin
District1:7th
Term Start1:January 3, 2011
Predecessor1:Jeffrey Plale
Office2:Milwaukee County Supervisor
Term Start2:2009
Term End2:2011
Birth Date:12 November 1980
Birth Place:Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Spouse:Jessica Brumm
Education:University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (BA)

Christopher J. Larson (born November 12, 1980) is an American Democratic politician and a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing southeast Milwaukee County since 2011. He was Senate minority leader from 2013 through 2014,[1] and currently serves as Senate Democratic caucus chair.

Background

Larson was born and raised in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. He graduated from Thomas More High School in 1999 and earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with a minor in political science. Before entering politics, Larson was a business manager.[2]

Milwaukee County Board

In April 2008, Larson was elected Milwaukee County Supervisor on a platform of improving public transportation, parks and education.[3]

As supervisor, he supported economic development efforts near the Milwaukee airport, participated in a coalition to save the Hoan Bridge from destruction and authored legislation to enhance public parks.[4] [5] [6]

Wisconsin Senate

On September 14, 2010, Larson defeated incumbent Senator Jeffrey Plale in the Wisconsin state senate primary election and defeated Republican Jesse Ripp in the general election on November 2, 2010, becoming the youngest member of the senate.[7] [8] [9] In 2013, Larson was elected Senate Minority Leader.[10]

Larson represents the cities of Cudahy, South Milwaukee, St. Francis, Franklin, Oak Creek and Milwaukee.[11]

Following Democrats poor showing in 2014 elections, Larson resigned as Senate Minority Leader on November 11, 2014.[12]

PolitiFact Wisconsin, a nonpartisan fact-checking group, has fact-checked 5 public statements from Chris Larson since August 2020, with each of the 5 being rated as "True" or "Mostly True."[13]

Larson was elected to the Wisconsin Senate for a fourth term in November 2022.[14]

County Executive Election

In November 2019, Larson announced he would run for Milwaukee County Executive after incumbent Chris Abele announced he would not seek re-election.[15] Larson came in first in the non-partisan primary and was defeated in the April 13 general election.[16] [17]

Legislative positions

For the 2021-2022 legislative session, Senator Larson's priorities include COVID-19, public education, cannabis legalization, fair legislative maps, voting rights, environmental protection, healthcare expansion, and criminal justice reform.

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, funding for local public schools was cut by $1.6 billion,[18] and during the 2013-2014 session 50% of Wisconsin school districts received less state money than they did under the previous session.[19] Larson supported initiatives to fully restore funding for local public schools.[20] [21]

In February 2013, Democrats introduced a package of six jobs bills, which included funding for technical colleges and required state agencies, as well as state and local governments, to buy from Wisconsin businesses.[22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28]

Larson fought to accept federal health care money through the Affordable Care Act to strengthen Wisconsin's BadgerCare program[29] [30] since, according to Wisconsin's nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau, strengthening BadgerCare would expand health care coverage to 85,000 more Wisconsinites, save the state $119 million over the biennium, and create over 10,000 Wisconsin jobs.[31] [32]

Larson and his Democratic colleagues all signed on to a proposed constitutional amendment (2013 SJR 74) to reverse Wisconsin's ban on same-sex marriage.[33] Larson co-sponsored legislation to reinstate laws to prevent workplace discrimination against women, which had been removed from Wisconsin statutes during the 2011-12 legislative session.[34]

Larson introduced legislative proposals during the 2013-2014 Legislative Session to reform Wisconsin's jobs agency, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which has seen numerous scandals since it was created in 2011, including losing track of $56 million in loans, misuse of taxpayer funds, exaggerated jobs claims, and lack of basic oversight, according to a national report by Good Jobs First.[35] [36] [37] [38] [39]

During the 2015-16 legislative session, Larson introduced numerous proposals aimed at improving public schools. For instance, Larson co-authored a proposal to implement and invest in the community schools model, which provides wraparound services for students, such as providing access to health care and a healthy diet. He introduced legislation to give schools support to provide services for students with disabilities.[40]

In early 2016, Larson and a group of environmental advocates and organizations led a fight against a bill that would have made it easier for Wisconsin water utility systems to be taken over by non-Wisconsin, for-profit companies and corporations.[41] After intense public outrage, the bill was not scheduled for a vote in the Senate and failed to become law. The lead poisoning of families in Flint Michigan galvanized opposition to water privatization in Wisconsin.[42]

For 2020, some of Larson's main legislative issues include public education in Milwaukee, addressing climate change issues, tackling lawmaker corruption,[43] improving access to senior care, and improving infrastructure in areas such as childcare[44] and public transportation.[45] In 2019, Larson has also called for increased regulation of trampoline parks and other amusement parks, which have seen an increase in the number of children injured.[46]

2011 Wisconsin protests

See also: 2011 Wisconsin protests.

During the protests in Wisconsin, Larson, along with the 13 other Democratic state senators, left the state to deny the state senate a quorum on Governor Scott Walker's controversial "Budget Repair" legislation. All 14 state senators returned on March 12.[47]

Legislative committee membership

Senator Larson's committee assignments for the 2021-2022 session are as follows:[48]

During the 2011-2012 legislative session, Larson served as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules, and as a member of the Joint Committees on Finance, Audit, and Information Policy and Technology; on the Senate Committees on Education; Education and Corrections; Natural Resources and Environment; Housing and Insurance; and Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism. He also served on the Governor's Commission on Waste, Fraud, and Abuse; and the Special Task Force on University of Wisconsin Restructuring and Operational Flexibilities.[49]

During the 2013-2014 legislative session, Larson served on the Committee on Senate Organization, the Joint Legislative Council, and the Joint Committees on Employment Relations, and on Legislative Organization.[50]

2022 U.S. Senate campaign

See main article: 2022 United States Senate election in Wisconsin.

Larson was briefly a candidate for United States Senate in 2021. He announced his candidacy on May 26, 2021,[51] but withdrew from the Democratic primary on August 3, 2021, endorsing fellow Milwaukeean Mandela Barnes.[52]

Personal life

Larson lives in Bay View with his wife, Jessica, and their two children.[53] [54]

Larson is a member of the League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, Bay View Historical Society, Bay View Lions Club, and Arbor Day Foundation.[55]

Brushes with the law

When Larson was a 19-year-old freshman at UWM, he was arrested for shoplifting from a supermarket and received a $331 municipal citation, which was later dropped after Larson took a court-ordered class.[56]

Four years later, he was illegally parked in a tow-away zone on Milwaukee's east side. When a tow truck arrived and the driver attached Larson's car to it. Larson sprinted out of a nearby house, "yelling and screaming" wildly at the driver. When that driver refused to release his car, Larson climbed inside and then "rode along all the way to the tow yard" while beeping "the car horn continuously." Once they arrived, he refused to get out of his car until lot employees called police. He was cited for disorderly conduct, but that ticket was eventually dropped.[57] [58]

External links

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Notes and References

  1. News: State Rep. David Crowley edges state Sen. Chris Larson for Milwaukee County exec . Bice . Daniel . April 13, 2020 . April 13, 2020 . .
  2. Book: Wisconsin State Blue Book 2013-2014. 2013. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. Madison, WI. 978-0-9752820-6-9. 32. 2014-07-23.
  3. News: Wisconsin 7th State Senate District Q & A. August 6, 2014. Bay View Compass. August 30, 2010.
  4. News: BizTimes Staff. October 5, 2010. Milwaukee's Aerotropolis project moves forward. BizTimes Milwaukee Business News. BizTimes Media, LLC. April 15, 2021.
  5. News: Hissom. Doug. August 7, 2009. South Side coalition seeks to save the Hoan Bridge. OnMilwaukee. OnMilwaukee, LLC. April 15, 2021.
  6. Web site: February 3, 2010. Special Meeting of the Parks, Energy and Environment Committee. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051206/http://www.milwaukeecounty.org/ImageLibrary/Groups/cntySupervisors/cntybrdstandingcommittees/PEE/2010/RM020310Special.pdf. August 8, 2014. April 15, 2021. Milwaukee County Government.
  7. Web site: Stein. Jason. September 14, 2010. Larson unseats Plale in state Senate race. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20100918221314/http://www.jsonline.com:80/news/statepolitics/102929649.html . April 15, 2021. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Gannett. en. 2010-09-18 .
  8. Web site: Stein. Jason. Johnson. Annysa. November 2, 2010. Republicans take over state Senate, Assembly. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20101106041225/http://www.jsonline.com:80/news/statepolitics/106582898.html . April 15, 2021. The Journal Sentinel. USA Today Network. 2010-11-06 .
  9. Web site: Tolan. Tom. November 2, 2010. Larson wins 7th Senate District race. live. April 15, 2021. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA Today Network. https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062344/http://archive.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/106582018.html . 2017-02-27 .
  10. Book: State of Wisconsin 2013-2014 blue book. 2013. Madison . Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. 978-0-9752820-6-9. 32. April 15, 2021.
  11. Web site: The Demographic Statistical Atlas of the United States - Statistical Atlas. live. April 15, 2021. Statistical Atlas. Cedar Lake Ventures, Inc.. https://web.archive.org/web/20210416001609/https://statisticalatlas.com/state-upper-legislative-district/Wisconsin/State-Senate-District-7/Overview . 2021-04-16 .
  12. News: Jason. Stein. Chris Larson to step down as leader of Wisconsin Senate Democrats. November 11, 2014. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
  13. Web site: PolitiFact . 2022-11-15 . www.politifact.com.
  14. Web site: Chris Larson. live. April 15, 2021. Ballotpedia. https://web.archive.org/web/20140726214930/http://ballotpedia.org:80/Chris_Larson . 2014-07-26 .
  15. Web site: November 18, 2019. State Sen. Chris Larson announces his candidacy for Milwaukee County executive. live. April 15, 2021. FOX6 Milwaukee. FOX Television Stations. https://web.archive.org/web/20191119025744/https://fox6now.com/2019/11/18/state-sen-chris-larson-announces-his-candidacy-for-milwaukee-county-executive/ . 2019-11-19 .
  16. News: Glauber. Bill. Dirr. Alison. February 18, 2020. Chris Larson, David Crowley advance to April 7 election in Milwaukee County executive race. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. USA Today Network. February 18, 2020. April 15, 2021.
  17. News: Bice. Daniel. State Sen. Chris Larson concedes to Rep. David Crowley in the Milwaukee County exec's race. . April 14, 2020. April 15, 2020.
  18. News: DeFour. Matthew. Cash-strapped Wisconsin school districts brace for Walker's second budget proposal. August 7, 2014. Wisconsin State Journal. January 27, 2013.
  19. Web site: 13-14 July 1 Estimate vs. 12-13 Final Aid Eligibility. State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Web Site. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. August 7, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140812184240/http://sfs.dpi.wi.gov/files/sfs/Jul_over_PY_Final_alpha.pdf. August 12, 2014. dead.
  20. Web site: Senate Amendment 2 to 2011 Assembly Bill 40. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 7, 2014.
  21. Web site: Senate Amendment 9 to Assembly Bill 40. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 7, 2014.
  22. News: Sexton. Riley. Walker announces $100M workforce development plan. August 18, 2014. The Badger Herald. September 26, 2013.
  23. Web site: 2013 Senate Bill 42. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  24. Web site: 2013 Senate Bill 43. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  25. Web site: 2013 Senate Bill 44. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  26. Web site: 2013 Senate Bill 74. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  27. Web site: 2013 Senate Bill 25. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  28. Web site: 2013 Senate Bill 88. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  29. Web site: Senate Amendment 10 to Assembly Bill 40. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 7, 2014.
  30. Web site: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 to 2013 Assembly Bill 1. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 7, 2014.
  31. News: Wahlberg. David. Full Medicaid expansion would save money and cover more, fiscal bureau says. August 7, 2014. Wisconsin State Journal. May 29, 2013.
  32. News: Tighe. Mike. Area lawmakers implore Walker to expand BadgerCare. August 7, 2014. La Crosse Tribune. February 5, 2013.
  33. Web site: 2013 Senate Joint Resolution 74. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 11, 2014.
  34. Web site: 2013 Senate Bill 143. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 12, 2014.
  35. News: Stein. Jason. Neglected WEDC taxpayer-financed loans grow to $12.2 million. August 18, 2014. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. November 30, 2012.
  36. News: Ivey. Mike. WEDC cited in national report on how not to spend taxpayer dollars on economic development. The Cap Times. October 24, 2013.
  37. Web site: Senate Amendment 6 to Senate Bill 205. Wisconsin State Legislature. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  38. Web site: Senate Amendment 7 to Senate Bill 205. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  39. Web site: Senate Amendment 8 to Senate Bill 205. Wisconsin State Legislature Web Site. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. August 18, 2014.
  40. Web site: Wisconsin State Legislature Website. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. March 25, 2016.
  41. News: Vernburg. Steven. Bill to ease sales of water supplies into private hands sparks clash. Wisconsin State Journal. March 25, 2016.
  42. Web site: From Flint to Madison: Our Water is Under Attack. Overpass Light Brigade. March 25, 2016.
  43. Web site: 'This is an invitation to corruption:' Wisconsin state lawmakers exempt themselves from open records rules. November 18, 2019. FOX6. January 4, 2019.
  44. Web site: Rep. Brostoff, Rep. Crowley, and Sen. Larson Introduce Legislation to Ensure Gender Parity and Greater Access to Baby Changing Tables in Wisconsin. Brostoff. Jonathan. November 25, 2019. FOX6. January 4, 2019.
  45. https://voteforlarson.org/#issues Chris Larson - legislative issues
  46. Web site: 'Our daughter couldn't walk:' State lawmaker pushes for regulation of trampoline parks after injury. Miston. Bill. December 23, 2019. FOX6. January 4, 2019.
  47. Web site: Democratic senators return to Madison to tell crowd fight isn't over. archive.jsonline.com. 2017-05-01.
  48. Web site: Senator Chris Larson. 2021-01-07. docs.legis.wisconsin.gov.
  49. Book: State of Wisconsin Blue Book. 2013. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. Madison, WI. 978-0-975-2820-6-9. 32. July 30, 2014 .
  50. Book: State of Wisconsin Blue Book. 2015. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. Madison, WI. 978-0-975-2820-6-9. 32. March 25, 2016.
  51. Larson . Chris . ChrisJLarson . 1397545268644622336 . I’m running for U.S. Senate because everyone, no matter their ZIP code, deserves a fair shot at the American dream. . https://t.co/jL748PUlaH .
  52. News: Chris Larson suspends Democratic U.S. Senate campaign, endorses Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes . . August 3, 2021 . Glauber . Bill . Marley . Patrick . August 3, 2021 .
  53. Web site: Chris Larson - It's a girl!. Facebook.com. February 26, 2017.
  54. News: In politics marathon, Larson likes the underdog role. Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel. 2017-05-01.
  55. Book: State of Wisconsin Blue Book. 2013. Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. Madison, WI. 978-0-975-2820-6-9. 32. July 28, 2014.
  56. Web site: Candidate's old shoplifting bust surfaces. jsonline.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20160311065613/http://m.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29487144.html. 2016-03-11. dead. February 26, 2017.
  57. Web site: Murphy's Law: The Rise of Chris Larson. urbanmilwaukee.com. February 26, 2017.
  58. Web site: Chris Larson is Unfit to Lead Milwaukee County. Newstalk1130.iheart.com. 2016-02-17. 2017-02-27.

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