Dana Wachs
| Dana John Wachs | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 91st district | |
|
Assumed office January 7, 2013 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
August 25, 1957 Eau Claire, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Beverly Wickstrom |
| Residence | Eau Claire, Wisconsin |
| Alma mater | Valparaiso University |
| Profession | Politician |
Dana John Wachs (born August 25, 1957) is an American lawyer and politician.
Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Lucille (a teacher) and Ray Wachs (former Eau Claire City Attorney and City Manager). Wachs graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School, Marquette University and received his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.
Legal career
Wachs has practiced law in Eau Claire for 30 years. He has achieved the highest rating, AV, by Martindale-Hubbell for his legal ability and ethical standards. He has been named a Wisconsin Super Lawyer. He has also been recognized as one of the top lawyers in Wisconsin by Milwaukee Magazine and was named to the National “Top 100 Lawyers” list by the National Trial Lawyers Organization. Wachs is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, the Wisconsin Association for Justice, the American Bar Association and the National Trial Lawyer Organization.
Wachs practices at Richie, Wickstrom & Wachs LLP in Eau Claire.
Eau Claire City Council
Wachs served on the Eau Claire City Council from 2009-2012. During that time, he served on the following:
- City/County Health Committee
- Transit Commission
- Affirmative Action Committee
- Parks and Waterway Committee
- Library Board
- Economic Policy Advisory Committee
Wisconsin State Assembly
In November 2012, Wachs was elected unopposed to the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Democrat. He was re-elected unopposed in 2014.[1][2]
2013 Legislative Session
During his first term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Rep. Wachs served on the Assembly Committees on:
- Colleges and Universities
- Constitution and Ethics
- Criminal Justice
- Judiciary
- Workforce Development
He was also the Vice-Chair of the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Transfer of Structured Settlement Payments.
"Revolving Door" bill
In 2013, Wachs introduced Assembly Bill Assembly Bill 51, the "Revolving Door" bill. This proposal would have prohibited any former legislator from working as a lobbyist for 24 months after they leave office.http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/related/proposals/ab51
Redistricting Referendum
In 2014, he introduced Assembly Joint Resolution 80, which would have called for a statewide advisory referendum on whether or not Wisconsin should adopt a nonpartisan system of redistricting.http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/related/proposals/ajr80
Save Our Lakes
In 2014, he introduced Assembly Bill 778, the "Save Our Lakes" bill http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/proposals/ab778
2015 Legislative Session
For the 2015 legislative session, Rep. Wachs serves as the ranking Democratic member on the Assembly Committees on Judiciary and Colleges and Universities. He also serves on the Constitution and Ethics Committee.http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2015/legislators/assembly/1324
Other Proposals Supported by Wachs
- "Higher Ed, Lower Debt" http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/proposals/ab498
- Funding for Eau Claire Confluence Project
- Legislation to prevent the sale of Camp Randall Stadium http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/proposals/ab319
- Legislation to create a non-partisan system of redistricting in Wisconsin http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/proposals/ab185
- Refundable Early Stage Seed and Angel Investment Tax Credits http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2015/proposals/ab102
- Resolution to ask the people if Congress should propose an amendment to overturn Citizens United http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2015/proposals/ajr8
Personal
Wachs is married to Beverly Wickstrom and has 3 adult children.