MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A longtime Northeast Wisconsin lawmaker plans to retire at the end of his current term.
State Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, has represented the 14th Senate district since 2004. Before that, he served in the state Assembly for 10 years.
“For the last 26 years, I have walked into the Capitol building and admired its beauty and history and reflected on the responsibility I have as an elected official. It has been an honor to serve in the state legislature, but there comes a time in life when it’s time to move on,” Olsen said in his retirement announcement. “Throughout my career, I have tried to be thoughtful, compassionate, and reasonable and have looked for long-term solutions to problems, rather than relying on quick fixes.
Olsen has chaired the education committees in both the Senate and Assembly. He also currently serves as the vice chair of the powerful budget-writing Joint Finance Committee.
Key legislation has included bill related to school finance, teacher licensing, truancy, open enrollment, rental units, wineries and mobile homes. Olsen also authored the state’s graduated driver’s license law, which affects teens who have just received their licenses.
“I would like to thank the people of the 14th Senate District for your continued confidence in me and your willingness to reach out to me to share your ideas and concerns. Together, I believe we made Wisconsin a better place to live,” Olsen’s announcement said.
Olsen, who turns 69 on Wednesday, says he looks forward to spending more time with his family and riding his Harley.
The 14th Senate district seat will be up for election in November. The election winner will be sworn in in January.
