Dana Wachs

Dana John Wachs
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the 91st district
Assumed office
January 7, 2013
Personal details
Born (1957-08-25) August 25, 1957
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Beverly Wickstrom
Residence Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Alma mater Valparaiso University
Profession Politician
Website Official website

Dana John Wachs (born August 25, 1957) is an American lawyer and politician, currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. Wachs has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in 2018.[1][2]

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.

Wachs has practiced law in Eau Claire for 30 years. He has achieved the highest rating, AV, by Martindale-Hubbell for 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.

As an attorney, Wachs has negotiated $6 million, $2.9 million, and $1 million settlements in separate medical malpractice cases. He also successfully argued before the Wisconsin Supreme Court for an expansion of medical malpractice law.

Eau Claire City Council

Wachs served as a member of the Eau Claire City Council from 2009-2012.

Committee assignments

During his time on the City Council, Wachs served on the City/County Health Committee, Transit Commission, Affirmative Action Committee, Parks and Waterway Committee, Library Board, and 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.[3][4] In 2016, Wachs was elected to serve on the Credentials Committee at the Democratic National Convention.

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, and 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.[5]

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.[6]

Save Our Lakes

In 2014, he introduced Assembly Bill 778, the "Save Our Lakes" bill.[7]

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.[8]

Personal

Wachs is married to Beverly Wickstrom and has 3 adult children.

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 8/3/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.