Senator Coggs named chair of Labor, Election and Urban Affairs Committee

Madison--Senator Spencer Coggs has been named chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Elections, and Urban Affairs for the 2007-2008 Session by incoming Majority Leader Judy Robson.

"I welcome this opportunity and look forward to working with my colleagues on initiatives that are so important to many Wisconsin citizens," said Senator Coggs.
Senator Coggs was first elected to the State Assembly in 1982 and won a special election to the State Senate in 2003. He currently serves as vice president of the National Labor Caucus of State Legislators and is the former chief steward for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME), Local 1091.

"I know that my background as a former city health inspector and union official will serve the committee well as we address the issues most paramount to the working men and women of Wisconsin," said Senator Coggs.

As a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, Senator Coggs is well acquainted with the issues facing Wisconsin’s urban centers.

One bill he hopes will come before his committee is the issue of police pay after termination. Senator Coggs is the Senate author of the bill to ban this practice.

In addition, Senator Coggs has been a vocal supporter of voters’ rights, having introduced two election reform bills last session.

He also successfully fought against the requirement that already registered voters would have to present a photo ID every time they go to their polling place or risk losing their voter privileges.

"I look forward to addressing vital challenges with this committee.

"As chairman, I know we will have many lively, productive, and respectful discussions on many topics," said Senator Coggs.