Madison, Wis. — Today, Representative Ann Roe (D–Janesville) delivered remarks on the floor of the Wisconsin State Assembly in support of a resolution she authored honoring the life, public service, and accomplishments of former State Senator Tim Cullen. Members of Senator Cullen’s family attended the session at the State Capitol to witness the passage of the resolution recognizing his enduring legacy of leadership and service.
“Tim’s legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire people of all ages across the state. As a former state senator—serving twice for significant terms, a Janesville City Council member, Secretary of Health and Social Services and as a Janesville School Board member, Tim served an enormous variety of constituents with unwavering dedication and compassion.” said Rep. Roe.
Senator Tim Cullen, who passed away on December 23, 2024, dedicated his life to public service and to improving the Janesville community. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served on the Janesville City Council and the Janesville School Board, later becoming Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield.
He also worked for former Congressman Les Aspin before being elected to the Wisconsin State Senate, where he represented the Janesville area for a total of 16 years—including five years as Senate Majority Leader. In 1986, Governor Tommy Thompson appointed him as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services.
“Tim was as busy out of office as he was in office, —did I mention he published three books, established two foundations—one providing government internships for high school students and one fostering and supporting our future teachers. And his family wrote Tim lived a life of service and believed deeply in Democracy and in justice for the underprivileged and working class.” Rep. Roe continued.
“Relentless and fierce are other adjectives to describe Tim as he fought for working families, union rights, collective bargaining and access to the ballot box.”
Former legislative colleague and friend of Tim Cullen, Representative Debra Kolste (D-Janesville) stated: “a man who would bring solutions to a problem, not empty partisan rhetoric or caustic name calling. Real answers to hard questions.”
Friend and Former Representative Sue Conley (D-Janesville) stated: “Tim never stopped thinking about how to improve our community and he always brought solutions to the table.”
Rep. Roe ended by stating, “You know I say was, but I believe when the days are tough and I stare at the 1800’s map of Janesville Tim passed along to former Reps. Kolste and Conley who then passed it along to me, Tim is with us—urging us to work together, solve real problems and serve every single person in the great state of Wisconsin,
Tim, you are missed. Thank you for your tireless service, faith in people, and wisdom. And thank you to Tim’s family for sharing him with all of us.”
