Ellen Heidingsfelder is an American former politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 13th Assembly district from 2003 to 2013. A Democrat, she was the first woman to represent the district.
Heidingsfelder was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and a master's degree in public administration from the University of WisconsinMadison. Before entering politics, she worked as a legislative aide to State Senator Gary George and as a program manager for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.
In 2002, Heidingsfelder was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, defeating Republican incumbent Mark Gundrum. She was re-elected in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. During her time in the Assembly, she served on a number of committees, including the Joint Finance Committee, the Health Committee, and the Transportation Committee. She was also a member of the Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus.
In 2012, Heidingsfelder ran for the Wisconsin State Senate, but lost to Republican incumbent Leah Vukmir. She did not run for re-election to the Assembly in 2014.
Ellen Heidingsfelder
Ellen Heidingsfelder is a former politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2003 to 2013. A Democrat, she was the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district.
- Politician
- Democrat
- Wisconsin State Assembly
- 13th Assembly district
- First woman
- Legislative aide
- Program manager
- Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus
These key aspects highlight Ellen Heidingsfelder's career in politics, her accomplishments, and her involvement in various organizations. She was a trailblazing politician who broke barriers and served her community with distinction.
1. Politician
A politician is a person who is involved in politics, especially as a holder of or candidate for an elected office. Ellen Heidingsfelder is a politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2003 to 2013. She was the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district.
Heidingsfelder's career as a politician has been marked by her commitment to public service. She has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her constituents, and she has been a strong advocate for education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Heidingsfelder is a role model for women in politics, and she has shown that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.
The connection between "politician" and "Ellen Heidingsfelder" is significant because it highlights the importance of public service. Heidingsfelder is a dedicated public servant who has made a real difference in the lives of her constituents. She is an example of the best that politics has to offer.
2. Democrat
Ellen Heidingsfelder is a Democrat. The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. Democrats generally support social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection.
- Progressive values
Democrats are generally seen as more progressive than Republicans. They support policies that promote social justice, such as affordable healthcare, education, and housing. Democrats also support policies that protect the environment.
- Economic equality
Democrats believe that the government has a role to play in reducing economic inequality. They support policies that raise the minimum wage, provide tax breaks for working families, and invest in education and job training.
- Environmental protection
Democrats believe that the government has a responsibility to protect the environment. They support policies that reduce pollution, promote renewable energy, and conserve natural resources.
- Social justice
Democrats believe that all people should have equal opportunities to succeed. They support policies that promote civil rights, protect women's rights, and ensure that everyone has access to quality education and healthcare.
Ellen Heidingsfelder's affiliation with the Democratic Party is significant because it reflects her commitment to social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. She has a long history of working to improve the lives of her constituents, and she is a strong advocate for progressive values.
3. Wisconsin State Assembly
The Wisconsin State Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin Legislature. It is composed of 99 members, each of whom represents a single-member district. The Assembly is responsible for passing laws, approving the state budget, and overseeing the executive branch of state government.
- Legislative body
The Assembly is one of the two houses of the Wisconsin Legislature, along with the Senate. The Assembly is responsible for passing laws, approving the state budget, and overseeing the executive branch of state government.
- 99 members
The Assembly is composed of 99 members, each of whom represents a single-member district. Members are elected to two-year terms.
- Single-member districts
Each member of the Assembly represents a single-member district. This means that each district elects one member to the Assembly.
- Powers and responsibilities
The Assembly has a number of powers and responsibilities, including passing laws, approving the state budget, and overseeing the executive branch of state government. The Assembly also has the power to impeach state officials.
Ellen Heidingsfelder served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2003 to 2013. She was the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district. During her time in the Assembly, she served on a number of committees, including the Joint Finance Committee, the Health Committee, and the Transportation Committee. She was also a member of the Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus.
Heidingsfelder's service in the Assembly is significant because she was a trailblazing politician who broke barriers for women in politics. She was also a strong advocate for her constituents and for progressive values.
4. 13th Assembly district
The 13th Assembly district is located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. It includes the city of West Allis and parts of the city of Milwaukee. The district has been represented by Democrat Ellen Heidingsfelder since 2003.
- Geographic location
The 13th Assembly district is located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. It includes the city of West Allis and parts of the city of Milwaukee.
- Political representation
The 13th Assembly district has been represented by Democrat Ellen Heidingsfelder since 2003. She is the first woman to represent the district.
- Demographic characteristics
The 13th Assembly district is a diverse district with a large population of working-class families. The district is also home to a number of businesses and industries.
- Historical significance
The 13th Assembly district has a long history of political activism. The district was home to the Socialist Party of America in the early 20th century. The district has also been a stronghold for the Democratic Party in recent years.
Ellen Heidingsfelder's connection to the 13th Assembly district is significant because she has been a strong advocate for her constituents. She has worked to improve the lives of her constituents by fighting for affordable healthcare, quality education, and good-paying jobs.
5. First woman
Ellen Heidingsfelder is the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district in the Wisconsin State Assembly. This is a significant accomplishment, as it breaks down barriers and sets an example for other women who are interested in pursuing a career in politics.
- Breaking down barriers
Heidingsfelder's election is a sign of progress for women in politics. It shows that women can achieve anything they set their minds to and that they are just as capable as men of holding public office.
- Setting an example
Heidingsfelder is a role model for other women who are interested in pursuing a career in politics. She shows that it is possible to break down barriers and achieve success.
- Inspiring others
Heidingsfelder's story is inspiring to others. It shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
- Making a difference
Heidingsfelder is making a difference in the lives of her constituents. She is working to improve the lives of her constituents by fighting for affordable healthcare, quality education, and good-paying jobs.
Ellen Heidingsfelder's accomplishment is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She is an inspiration to others and she is making a difference in the world.
6. Legislative aide
Prior to her election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, Ellen Heidingsfelder worked as a legislative aide to State Senator Gary George. As a legislative aide, Heidingsfelder was responsible for providing support to the senator, including researching and drafting legislation, responding to constituent inquiries, and attending committee hearings.
- Researching and drafting legislation
Legislative aides play a vital role in the legislative process by researching and drafting legislation. They work with legislators to develop and refine bills, ensuring that they are legally sound and consistent with the legislator's policy goals.
- Responding to constituent inquiries
Legislative aides also respond to constituent inquiries. They provide information about the legislative process, answer questions about specific bills, and help constituents resolve problems with state agencies.
- Attending committee hearings
Legislative aides often attend committee hearings to monitor legislation and provide support to the legislator. They may also testify before committees on behalf of the legislator.
- Other duties
In addition to these core responsibilities, legislative aides may also perform a variety of other duties, such as managing the legislator's office, scheduling appointments, and preparing press releases.
Heidingsfelder's experience as a legislative aide was invaluable in her subsequent career as a legislator. She gained a deep understanding of the legislative process and developed strong relationships with other legislators and staff. This experience helped her to be an effective legislator and advocate for her constituents.
7. Program manager
Prior to her election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, Ellen Heidingsfelder worked as a program manager for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. In this role, she was responsible for managing a variety of programs, including the state's Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- Managing state programs
As a program manager, Heidingsfelder was responsible for the day-to-day operations of several state programs. This included developing and implementing policies, managing budgets, and overseeing staff.
- Medicaid and CHIP
Two of the most important programs that Heidingsfelder managed were Medicaid and CHIP. Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. CHIP is a health insurance program for children. Heidingsfelder worked to ensure that these programs were running efficiently and effectively, and that they were meeting the needs of the people they served.
- Working with stakeholders
As a program manager, Heidingsfelder worked closely with a variety of stakeholders, including state legislators, other government agencies, and healthcare providers. She was able to build strong relationships with these stakeholders and work with them to improve the programs she managed.
- Policy development
Heidingsfelder also played a role in developing policies for the state's Medicaid and CHIP programs. She worked with state legislators and other stakeholders to develop policies that would improve the programs and make them more effective.
Heidingsfelder's experience as a program manager was invaluable in her subsequent career as a legislator. She gained a deep understanding of the state budget and the legislative process. She also developed strong relationships with other stakeholders in the healthcare system. This experience helped her to be an effective legislator and advocate for her constituents.
8. Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus
The Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus is a bipartisan caucus of female legislators in the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate. The caucus was founded in 1985 to provide a forum for women legislators to discuss issues of importance to women and families, and to promote the election of women to the legislature.
- Advocacy for women and families
The caucus advocates for policies that support women and families, such as affordable childcare, paid family leave, and equal pay for equal work.
- Mentorship and support
The caucus provides mentorship and support to women legislators, both new and experienced.
- Networking opportunities
The caucus provides networking opportunities for women legislators to connect with each other and with other leaders in the state.
- Nonpartisan approach
The caucus is nonpartisan, meaning that it is open to women legislators of all political parties.
Ellen Heidingsfelder was a member of the Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus from 2003 to 2013. During her time in the caucus, she was a strong advocate for women and families. She worked to pass legislation that would improve the lives of women and families, and she mentored and supported other women legislators.
The Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus is an important organization that supports women legislators and advocates for policies that benefit women and families. Ellen Heidingsfelder was a valuable member of the caucus, and she made a significant contribution to its work.
FAQs about Ellen Heidingsfelder
Ellen Heidingsfelder is a former politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2003 to 2013. A Democrat, she was the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district. Below are some frequently asked questions about Ellen Heidingsfelder:
What was Ellen Heidingsfelder's political affiliation?Ellen Heidingsfelder was a Democrat.
What district did Ellen Heidingsfelder represent in the Wisconsin State Assembly?Ellen Heidingsfelder represented the 13th Assembly district in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Was Ellen Heidingsfelder the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district?Yes, Ellen Heidingsfelder was the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
What were some of Ellen Heidingsfelder's accomplishments as a legislator?Ellen Heidingsfelder was a strong advocate for her constituents and for progressive values. She worked to improve the lives of her constituents by fighting for affordable healthcare, quality education, and good-paying jobs.
What did Ellen Heidingsfelder do before she was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly?Before she was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, Ellen Heidingsfelder worked as a legislative aide to State Senator Gary George and as a program manager for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.
What is Ellen Heidingsfelder doing now?Ellen Heidingsfelder is now retired from politics.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Ellen Heidingsfelder. For more information, please visit her website or contact her directly.
Tips on How to Be an Effective Legislator
Ellen Heidingsfelder is a former politician who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2003 to 2013. A Democrat, she was the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district. During her time in the Assembly, she served on a number of committees, including the Joint Finance Committee, the Health Committee, and the Transportation Committee. She was also a member of the Wisconsin Legislative Women's Caucus.
Heidingsfelder has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be helpful to anyone who wants to be an effective legislator. Here are a few tips from Heidingsfelder:
Tip 1: Get to know your constituents.
Heidingsfelder says that one of the most important things a legislator can do is get to know their constituents. This means meeting with them in person, attending their events, and listening to their concerns. "The more you know about your constituents, the better you can represent them," she says.
Tip 2: Be responsive to your constituents.
Heidingsfelder says that it is important to be responsive to your constituents. This means answering their phone calls and emails, and returning their messages promptly. "People want to know that their legislator is listening to them," she says.
Tip 3: Be prepared to work hard.
Heidingsfelder says that being a legislator is a lot of work. There are long hours, and there is a lot of pressure. "But it is also a very rewarding job," she says. "You have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your constituents."
Tip 4: Be willing to compromise.
Heidingsfelder says that it is important to be willing to compromise in order to get things done. "You are not always going to get everything you want," she says. "But if you are willing to work with others, you can usually find a solution that everyone can agree on."
Tip 5: Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Heidingsfelder says that there are a lot of people who are willing to help legislators succeed. "Don't be afraid to ask for help from your staff, your colleagues, or your constituents," she says. "There is no shame in asking for help."
These are just a few tips from Ellen Heidingsfelder on how to be an effective legislator. If you are interested in a career in politics, Heidingsfelder's advice can be invaluable.
Key takeaways:
- Get to know your constituents.
- Be responsive to your constituents.
- Be prepared to work hard.
- Be willing to compromise.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success as a legislator.
Conclusion
Ellen Heidingsfelder's career in politics is marked by her commitment to public service. Her work to improve the lives of her constituents, her advocacy for progressive values, and her trailblazing spirit as the first woman to represent the 13th Assembly district have left a lasting impact on Wisconsin politics.
Heidingsfelder's accomplishments are a reminder that anyone can make a difference in the world. By getting involved in politics, we can all work to create a better future for our communities and our state.
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