Contact: Rep. Rodriguez
(608) 266-0610
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – State Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) joined Gov. Scott Walker to sign Senate Bill 99 into law marking the Richard A. Grobschmidt Memorial Bridge located along the Hank Aaron State Trail in honor of former state Senator Richard Grobschmidt.
“Sen. Grobschmidt was revered by his colleagues for his great work ethic,” said Rodriguez. “He was a hard-worker, pushing policy that made life better for everyone in the district but was humble and never sought headlines for the great things he did. He was well-liked and respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”
Senate Bill 99, Act 84, directs the Department of Natural Resource to place a sign naming an existing bridge the Richard A. Grobschmidt Memorial Bridge along the Hank Aaron State Trail located in Lakeshore State Park. The sign will be funded through private donations.
“Back in August, friends and family from across the state came to Madison to testify on this bill sharing heartwarming stories of Rick that showed not only that he was a good legislator but also a great friend and family-man,” said Rodriguez. “This is a well-deserved honor in remembrance of Rick’s dedication to public service.”
The former lawmaker is credited for establishing a school-to-work apprenticeship program for high school students and helped champion the public school open enrollment program.
Grobschmidt, a lifelong South Milwaukee resident, served five terms in the Assembly and three terms in the state Senate before leaving the legislature to take a post at the Department of Public Instruction as Assistant State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Prior to the legislature, Grobschmidt was a high school history teacher at South Milwaukee High School.
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