The Wisconsin Senate, the powers of which are modeled after those of the U.S. Senate, is the upper house of the Wisconsin State Legislature, smaller than the Wisconsin State Assembly. Together, they comprise the legislative branch of the state of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Constitution ties the size of the State Senate to that of the Assembly, by limiting its size to no less than 1/4, nor more than 1/3, of the size of the Assembly. Currently, Wisconsin is divided into 33 Senate Districts (1/3 of the current Assembly membership of 99) apportioned throughout the state based on population as determined by the decennial census, for a total of 33 senators. Similar to the U.S. Senate, in addition to its duty of reviewing and voting on all legislation passed through the legislature, the State Senate has the exclusive responsibility of confirming certain gubernatorial appointments, particularly cabinet secretaries (as part of the system of checks and balances) and members of boards and commissions.

Senators are elected for four-year terms, staggered so that half the Senate is up for election every two years. If a vacancy occurs in a Senate seat between elections, it may be filled only by a special election.

The Democratic Party currently controls the chamber by an 18 to 15 margin. This majority will hold for the 2009 - 2011 session.

The Senate chamber is in the south wing of the Wisconsin State Capitol, in Madison, Wisconsin.

[edit] Salary and benefits

Senators elected or re-elected in the fall of 2008 will receive an annual salary of $49,943.

In addition to their salaries, senators outside Dane County may receive a per diem up to $88 to cover living expenses while they are in Dane County on state business. Members of the Madison delegation may receive a per diem up to $44 to cover expenses.

Each senator also receives $75 per month in "out-of-session" pay when the Legislature is in session for three days or less.

Over two years, each senator is allotted $66,008 to cover general office expenses, printing, postage and district mailings.

[edit] The 2009–2011 legislative session

[edit] Officers

• President of the Senate: Fred Risser
• President pro tem of the Senate: Pat Kreitlow
• Majority Leader: Russ Decker
• Minority Leader: Scott L. Fitzgerald
• Assistant Majority Leader: Dave Hansen
• Assistant Minority Leader: Glenn Grothman
• Majority Caucus Chair: John Lehman
• Minority Caucus Chair: Joseph Leibham
• Majority Caucus Vice Chair: Kathleen Vinehout
• Minority Caucus Vice Chair: Sheila Harsdorf

• Chief Clerk: Rob Marchant
• Sergeant at Arms: Ted Blazel

[edit] Seat allotment

[edit] Members

[edit] External links

• Wisconsin State Senate official government website
• Project Vote Smart - State Senate of Wisconsin