Dave Hansen

Last updated
Dave Hansen
Dave Hansen Cropped.jpg
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 30th district
In office
January 3, 2001 January 4, 2021
Preceded by Gary Drzewiecki
Succeeded by Eric Wimberger
Personal details
Born (1947-12-18) December 18, 1947 (age 73)
Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s)Jane Dessart
Children3
Alma mater University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
Website Senate website
Hansen at Oconto 2018 Copperfest Parade State Sen. Dave Hansen.jpg
Hansen at Oconto 2018 Copperfest Parade
Hansen campaign logo State Sen. Dave Hansen - Campaign Logo.jpg
Hansen campaign logo

Dave Hansen (born December 18, 1947) is an American Democratic politician and former state legislator. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Senate from 2001 through 2021, representing the 30th senatorial district.

Contents

Early life and education

Hansen was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 1971, marrying Jane Dessart the same year; the couple has three children. [1]

Early career

Before being elected to public office, Hansen was a school teacher, a Teamster's Union steward, and also a truck driver for the City of Green Bay. He served on the Board of Supervisors for Brown County from 1996 to 2002. [1]

Wisconsin State Senate

Hansen was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in November 2000. He defeated incumbent Republican Senator Gary Drzewiecki. He was re-elected in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. He served as the Assistant Democratic Leader from 2003 until 2016. [1]

2011 Act 10 protests

On February 20, 2011 Hansen, along with the 13 other Democratic State Senators, fled the state to deny the State Senate a quorum on Governor Scott Walker's legislation, which, among other things, limited collective bargaining benefits for most municipal and state employees. [2]

2011 Recall effort

Hansen was the target of a recall effort as a result of his leaving the state in an attempt to prevent the Senate from being able to vote on Act 10. On July 19, however, he handily defeated his challenger and retained his seat.

A chronology of the recall effort:

Committees

Decision to retire

On January 9, 2020, Hansen announced he would retire after his term ended in January 2021. He cited the desire to spend more time with his wife, young grandchildren and older grandchildren as they start their careers. Hansen said he raised the possibility of retirement during a family get together over the Christmas holiday. He says his family was very supportive of the decision. Hansen said he was proud of bipartisan cooperation to pass legislation covering senior care and the Silver Alert system. But he also lamented the declining trend away from bipartisanship.

Senator Hansen's nephew, De Pere alderman Jonathon Hansen has filed to run in his uncle's senate district. [7]

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Eric Wimberger is an American politician and attorney. A Republican, he represents the 30th district of the Wisconsin State Senate. The 30th district comprises the cities of Green Bay and De Pere in Brown County, and several municipalities and towns along the west coast of the Green Bay in eastern Oconto and Marinette counties, up to the southern half of the city of Marinette.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Julie Pohlman (ed.) State of Wisconsin 2015–2016 Blue Book . Madison: Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, 2015, p. 78.
  2. Glauber, Bill (February 20, 2011). "In Illinois, Wisconsin Senate Democrats vow unity". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  3. "Recall Dave Hansen". Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. March 9, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  4. Tolan, Tom (April 21, 2011). "Recall petitions filed against 4 lawmakers". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  5. Bauer, Scott (June 11, 2011). "Wisconsin Sen. Dave Hansen of Green Bay recall election certified". Green Bay Press Gazette. Retrieved June 11, 2011.
  6. "July Recall, Special Election Results". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. July 19, 2011. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
  7. BeMiller, Haley (January 13, 2020). "De Pere alderman, nephew of Sen. Dave Hansen to run for uncle's Senate seat in November". Green Bay Press-Gazette . Retrieved April 26, 2020.
Wisconsin State Senate
Preceded by
Gary Drzewiecki
Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 30th district
January 3, 2001 January 4, 2021
Succeeded by
Eric Wimberger