State Representatives are sworn-in at the capitol as the 98th regular session of the legislature gets underway. Before administering the oath of office in the Assembly chambers, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser Jr addresses its members. "Individually and collectively you have the copacity not to disappoint our citizens."
Both parties seem to agree that Wisconsin has created many innovative programs over the years, and as lawmakers begin a new session of the legislature, they'll focus on issues that Wisconsin families care about, like affordable healthcare, jobs and the tax burden.
Representative Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) takes over John Gard's old job as Assembly Speaker; Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington) is the new Speaker Pro-Tem, a position formerly held by Representative Steve Freese, who lost his seat in the Assembly.
Representative Jim Kreuser (D-Kenosha) gives Representative Marlin Schneider special recognition as the longest serving member in the history of the Assembly. The Wisconsin Rapids Democrat is sworn-in for the 19th time.
There are a total of 99 state representatives, 82 of whom are incumbents reelected to office, and 17 brand new faces. Republicans have a slim majority of the Assembly, with 52 members, and Democrats are just five behind with 47 members. In case you're wondering, there are 77 men in the House and 22 women.
Pat Fuller retains his job as Assembly Chief Clerk and Richard Skinrud is again Sergeant at Arms.