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Midwest Regional Meeting Elected Official Attendee Biographies

CHRISTINE RADOGNO Senate Republican Leader, Illinois Representing the 41st Senate District

GENERAL ASSEMBLY Christine Radogno is the Senate Republican Leader, and first female Caucus Leader in General Assembly history. She began her third term as Senate Republican Leader in 2013. She has served in the since 1997, and she currently represents the 41st District in DuPage, Will and Cook Counties. Sen. Radogno is a sitting member on the Senate Executive Committee. LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Leader Radogno is a leading state budget expert, having served as the budget negotiator for the Senate Republican Caucus. In 2011 she was a key figure in the workers’ compensation negotiations that led to the most significant reforms to the state’s system in decades. She continues to work on workers’ compensation reform, while also tackling the complicated issue of public employee pension reform. Leader Radogno has been a long-time advocate for ethical and fiscal reforms in Illinois state government, actively working to promote debt responsibility, and to restore discipline and accountability to the state’s borrowing and contracting practices. Her human services background has reinforced her dedication to fostering a responsible health care system in Illinois. Radogno has sponsored Medicaid Reform legislation advocating common-sense changes to Illinois’ public health system. BACKGROUND Before running for the Senate, Christine Radogno served as Village of LaGrange trustee (1989-1996). Prior to her experience as a trustee, she worked as a social worker at Mercy Center for Health Care Services. AWARDS Senator Radogno has received numerous awards throughout her legislative career, particularly awards honoring her commitment to health care and human services, economic development and Illinois agriculture. EDUCATION Senator Radogno was educated in the Chicago area. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University, Chicago, and a Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University. She graduated from Lyons Township High School. PERSONAL Senator Radogno lives in Lemont. She and her husband have three adult children and one grandchild.

TOM CROSS Representative, Illinois Representing the 97th House District Executive Committee Member

Tom Cross is the Minority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives and represents the 97th District. Rep. Cross was first elected in 1992. His district includes northern and eastern Oswego Township in Kendall County and portions of Plainfield, Troy and Wheatland Townships in Will County. This legislative session, he is pushing an aggressive legislative agenda to create jobs and protect Illinois families. With the state billions of dollars behind in its bills and in debt, one of Rep. Cross’ highest priorities this legislative session is to improve Illinois’ economy and get people back to work-a stable economy can lead to a more stable government. Rep. Cross is leading the charge to cut wasteful government spending and structurally change the way the state of Illinois does its business. Rep. Cross will continue to be mindful of the needs of the business community by initiating comprehensive jobs packages and tort reforms to help existing employers thrive while attracting new jobs to our communities. He also supported landmark workers’ compensation reforms that will improve benefits for labor while lowering cost for employers. Rep. Cross practices law with Mahoney, Silverman, and Cross in Joliet. Before joining the firm, he practiced private law after serving eight years as a prosecutor in the Kendall County State’s Attorney’s Office. He is a graduate of Yorkville High School and Illinois Wesleyan University. He received his J.D. from Cumberland Law School in Alabama. Rep. Cross also is very involved in the community including serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Illinois Chapter. He and his wife, the former Genie Hovater, live in Oswego with their two children. They belong to the Oswego Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist. Awards include: YMCA 2012 Legislative Hero, 2011 IL Career and Tech Education Students “For Your Continued Support,” 2010 Outstanding Advocate Award from the Easter Seals, 2009 Highest Voting Record Supporting the Ag Community from Will Co. Farm Bureau, 2007 Outstanding Member of the House from Model IL Government, among others.

BRANDT HERSHMAN Senate Majority Floor Leader, Indiana Representing the 7th Senate District

Senator Brandt Hershman serves as the Majority Floor Leader and the Chairman of the Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy in the . He was the youngest member of the Indiana Senate when first elected in 2000, but had already established himself as a conservative political leader prior to his role in the Senate. He grew up on a family farm established by his ancestors more than 150 years ago, learned the value of hard work at a young age. Paying his own way through an undergraduate degree in Political Science at Purdue University, Hershman was selected to serve as a Presidential Writer for President George H.W. Bush. Upon leaving the Bush Administration, Hershman helped manage the successful campaign of a first time Congressional candidate against a Democratic incumbent recognized by Roll Call as the “best politician’ in Congress. Hershman continued his public service, logging 18 years as District Operations Director for a former member of the U.S House of Representatives. In 2000, he ran for an open seat in the Indiana Senate, taking back a seat that had been held by Democrats for 16 years. He has served since that time, earning a 64 percent margin of victory in his last election. His legislative record includes authorship of the historic 2006 Indiana telecommunications reform act, lauded as the best deregulatory bill in the nation. Since that time he has lead the fight in energy, telecommunications and tax issues, including authoring or sponsoring Indiana’s income tax reduction, corporate tax rate reduction, and elimination of the inheritance tax. During Sen. Hershman’s tenure as Tax Chair, Indiana’s business friendliness environment has improved 18 places in the last 3 years, according to the Pollina survey. In other legislative areas, Hershman authored a redesign of Indiana’s 911 dispatch system, and a comprehensive rewrite of Indiana’s unemployment insurance system. In 2012, Hershman was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns. He has also received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federal of Independent Business, Aviation Association Legislator of the Year He currently serves as Co-Chairman of the NCSL Labor and Economic Development Committee, as well as being a member of the Purdue University School of Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Council, and the Indiana University School of Medicine, Lafayette Advisory Council. Senator Hershman is a 2013 graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and has done executive coursework at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Hershman is married to his wife, Lisa, who is an internationally published business author, as well as the founder and CEO of the DeNovo Group LLC. The Hershmans reside in Lafayette.

ERIC TURNER Speaker Pro Tem, Indiana Representing the 32nd House District

P. Eric Turner is a twelve-term member of the Indiana House of Representatives, having first been elected in 1982, at the young age of 30. He serves as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Indiana House. He is a member of the Ways & Means Committee, Rules & Legislative Procedures and Public Health Committees. Turner is President and CEO of T3 Investments Corporation, a Real Estate and Investment Company; and, is a founding partner of Mainstreet Property Group. Turner is a graduate of Taylor University with a Bachelor of Science degree; and was an All Conference Selection in football. His alma mater awarded him the “2007 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for Professional Development.” Eric has served on the Board of Directors of several professional and community organizations, including the North Central Indiana Youth for Christ, Taylor University Recruiting Foundation, the Connection Youth Ministry, Lakeview Christian School, Small Business Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, American Pyrotechnic Association, Lightrider, State Legislative Leaders Foundation, Taylor University Hall of Fame, and National Conference of State Legislators. Turner and his wife of 40 years, Cyndy, are the parents of four (4) children, all of which are graduates of Taylor University. They have nine (9) grandchildren. Zeke (36) is Founder and President of Mainstreet Property Group. Jessa (34) is the former General Counsel & Legislative Director for Indiana Family & Social Services Administration and currently operates her own Governmental Affairs Practice – TSS Capitol Group. Kylee (32) is Senior Accountant for Mainstreet Capital Partners. Courtney (25) is in her third year at Regent University School of Law

BILL DIX Senate Republican Leader, Representing the 32nd House District

A third generation farmer, , was born and raised on his family farm near Janesville, Iowa. Bill graduated from Janesville High School in 1981 and received a Bachelor of Science degree from in 1985. After college, Bill accepted employment with Cargill, Inc. of Minneapolis as a Sales Manager until 1991. Bill then returned to Iowa to join his parents in their diversified farming operation, specifically noted for their production of cantaloupe and pumpkins sold in many of Iowa and Minnesota grocery establishments. Bill assumed sole ownership of farming operations in 2007. In 1996, Bill decided to run for the Iowa House of Representatives. Bill served five two-year terms in the Iowa House of Representatives. During his service in the legislature Bill was an outspoken advocate for limiting government, encouraging an environment that fosters economic growth, and challenging the status quo. Bill sponsored legislation that eliminated the inheritance tax, the tax on residential utilities, and gave working Iowans a ten-percent across the board income tax reduction. Bill served on numerous committees and held leadership roles as Chair of the Government Oversight Committee, House Assistant Majority Leader, and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He also served as the Legislative Campaign Chairman where he spearheaded Republican campaign efforts to retain the majority in the House of Representatives in 2002 and 2004. In his tenure at the State Capitol, Bill was honored by many organizations throughout the State of Iowa. He was named a “Friend of Agriculture” by the Iowa Farm Bureau each year. He was named “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business/Iowa. Through the years, he was awarded “Legislator of the Year” by several organizations, including Iowa Motor Truck, Inc., Association of General Contractors, and Independent Telephone Companies. He was also named “Friend of the Fair.” In 2006, Bill was a candidate for the 1st Congressional seat vacated by Jim Nussle. In 2007, Bill accepted the challenge presented to him by the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease include a resolution to the ’s state platform. He was successful and the resolution passed in July 2008.

On October 22, 2009, Bill announced his plan to seek political office once again. He defeated the incumbent in District #9 on November 2, 2010. Bill has many hobbies, including many sporting activities, spending time with his family and singing. Bill is a member of many organizations, including the Shell Rock Lions, Shell Rock Music Association, Rotary International, Waverly Chapter, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Farm Bureau, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and Iowa Corn and Soybean Growers. Bill and his wife, Gerri, have three children, Michael (14), Will (12), and Elizabeth (10).

KRAIG PAULSEN Speaker of the House, Iowa Representing the 67th House District Executive Committee Member

Speaker was first elected to the Iowa House in 2002 and serves House District 35, northern and western Linn County. Kraig was born on September 9, 1964 in Monticello, Iowa. His father, Dr. Kenneth Paulsen, is a veterinarian. His mother, Marilyn Felker, is a retired hospital transcription manager. Kraig has one brother and two sisters, all who live in Linn County. Paulsen attended school in the Cedar Rapids School District where he graduated in 1983 from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School. He went on to attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa where he graduated in 1987. Kraig received his MBA in 1994 from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Minot, North Dakota. He also received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa in Iowa City in 2003. Kraig married his high school sweetheart, Cathy, in 1985 in Cedar Rapids. They have four children, a daughter and three sons. The family are members of the New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids. Paulsen served his country in the Air Force where he served as an Operations Group Senior Weapons Instructor, Maintenance Flight Commander and Squadron Director of Operations. Kraig was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the USAF Commendation Medal, and the USAF Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He was twice recognized as the Best Operations Crew in the USAF in his assigned weapon system, USAF Space Command Maintenance Junior Officer Manager of the Year, the Minot Air Force Base Junior Officer of the Quarter, and the Missile Wing Instructor of the Year. Kraig is currently an attorney for CRST International, Inc in Cedar Rapids. Paulsen has also previously served as the House Judiciary Chair, the House Minority Whip for two years and the House Republican Leader.

LINDA UPMEYER House Majority Leader Representing the 54th House district

Linda Upmeyer serves as the Majority Leader of the Iowa House of Representatives. She was first elected in 2002. Linda is a cardiology nurse practitioner. Linda was born on July 23, 1952, in Mason City, Iowa. She grew up in Garner on the family farm. She graduated from Garner High School in 1970. Following high school, she attended NIACC and the University of Iowa, where she received her BS in Nursing. She received her Master’s in Nursing from Drake University. Linda and her husband Doug have five children and three grandchildren, Colin, Carter, and Cooper. Linda is a member of Farm Bureau, Prof. Cardiovascular Nurses Assn. and Iowa/American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau Int’l Nursing Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Nat’l Leadership Honor Society, and Phi Theta Kappa. She is a former trustee for North Iowa Area Community College and a former board member of both the National and Iowa Association of Community College Trustees. She currently serves at the Vice President on the Executive Board of the American Legislative Council. She was elected as Iowa’s first female House Majority Leader by her peers in 2010.

PAT GRASSLEY House Agriculture Committee Chairman Representing the 17th House district

Pat Grassley was raised in New Hartford, Iowa. He attended Dike-New Hartford Schools and went on to earn his AA in Agriculture Business from Hawkeye Community College. Pat was first elected to the Iowa State House in 2006. He has served as Ranking Member on the Rebuild Iowa/Disaster Recovery Committee and Chairman of the Economic Growth/Rebuild Iowa Committee. Pat is currently the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee. He also serves on the Commerce Committee, State Government Committee, and Ways and Means. Pat and his wife, Amanda, live just outside of New Hartford where he farms with his father and grandfather. They are the proud parents of two girls, Indee and Reagan.

JEFF KING Senate Vice President, Kansas Representing the 15th Senate district

Jeff mounted a successful, grassroots campaign for the in 2006, winning his primary and general elections by 66 and 75 percent of the vote respectively. Jeff also won re-election in 2008, garnering the highest percentage victory of any Kansas legislator with a contested race. In the Kansas House, Jeff championed public safety and tax reform. He sponsored and carried on the floor of the Kansas House legislation that has provided over $30 million in annual tax relief to fixed-income seniors and working families. Jeff also authored disaster-relief legislation that has provided over $45 million in state funds for rebuilding communities devastated by the 2007 Greensburg tornado and the 2007 southeast Kansas flood. On July 1, 2009, legislation sponsored by Jeff became law which ensures that criminals who attack and cause bodily harm to Kansas law enforcement officers spend time in prison. In December 2010, Jeff was elected to the from the 15th District, replacing now-Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Recognizing the dire challenges facing Kansas from its $8.3 billion underfunded pension system, Jeff quickly became a leader in pension reform. Through his leadership of the KPERS Study Commission, Jeff helped develop a reform plan that will save Kansas taxpayers $3.5-6 billion over the next 20 years while protecting the retirement funds of current and future KPERS retirees. As Vice-Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jeff drafted the final bill that reformed Kansas DUI laws, ending deadly loopholes that allowed repeat drunk drivers to avoid jail time and felony convictions. A leader in tax reform and school finance, Jeff also serves on the Education, Taxation, and Agriculture committees. Jeff is active in a number of civic organizations. He is a longtime member and past president of the Independence Lions Club. He is also a 2003 graduate of Leadership Kansas. Jeff and his family are active members of Saint Andrew's Church in Independence, where Jeff serves as a lector and member of the Finance Council. Jeff lives in Independence with his wife, Kimberly, his five-year-old daughter, Amelie, and his four-year-old son, Alec.

JASE BOLGER Speaker of the House, Michigan Representing the 63rd House District Executive Committee Member

Speaker of the House Jase Bolger was first elected as a State Representative in November of 2008. He is in his second term as a State Representative and his first as Speaker. He serves the people of the 63rd District, which includes the eastern Kalamazoo County city of Galesburg and the townships of Brady, Charleston, Climax, Comstock, Pavilion, Richland, Ross, Schoolcraft and Wakeshma; as well as the central/north-western Calhoun County city of Marshall and townships of Bedford, Emmett, Marshall, Newton and Pennfield. As a small businessman, Jase founded and operates a company that offers telephone- and computer-based support to Fortune 100 companies throughout the country. He competes nationally and internationally every day to bring work back to Michigan. After a decade of civic and community involvement, Jase was first elected to public office in 2004 as a Calhoun County Commissioner. His leadership and long-range planning abilities produced a solid record and established him as an official determined to minimize spending and secure the county's future. Jase graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor of Business Administration with a dual major in Finance and Political Science. An Eagle Scout, Jase holds community service high on his list of priories. His involvement with AYSO Soccer, the Rotary, United Way, the KAAAP mentor program, Oaklawn Hospital, the Knights of Columbus, and several Chambers of Commerce are a testament to his commitment to helping our youth and moving our economy forward.

DAVID HANN Senate Republican Leader, Minnesota Representing the 48th Senate District

Senator Hann is in his third term representing Eden Prairie and Minnetonka in the Minnesota State Senate, and serves as Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, a member of the K-12 Education Committee, and a member of the Finance Committee. He is now a partnering agent with Boys and Tyler Financial Group Inc. after spending 25 years with Eden Prairie based E.A. Sween Company. In his second year at Gustavus Adolphus College, Hann enlisted in the U.S. Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. After completing his degree in Religion, he did graduate work at the University of Chicago. He served eight years on the Eden Prairie School Board prior to his election to the state senate. Hann has been recognized by the Minnesota School Board Association for his service to education in the legislature, and has been named "Best Friend of the Taxpayer" four times by the Taxpayers League. He and his wife, Anne, have four children.

KURT DAUDT House Republican Leader, Minnesota Representing the 48th Senate District

Representative Kurt Daudt proudly serves Minnesota House District 31A which includes precincts in Isanti, Anoka and Sherburne counties. Kurt is currently the Minority Leader in the Minnesota House and serves the citizens on six committees: Rules and Legislative Administration, Commerce and Regulatory Reform, Higher Education Policy and Finance, Property and Local Tax Division, Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance, and Redistricting. Prior to his election to State Representative, Kurt served 6 years as an Isanti County Commissioner and was a Stanford Town Board Supervisor from 1999-2005. He has been a champion of the taxpayers during his time in office. On the county board, he led the fight to solve a $2.2 million deficit without raising taxes. He brought those skills to St. Paul where he helped balance the state budget without raising taxes. Kurt’s signature legislation to protect the taxpayers from fraud and abuse was authoring EBT Card (Welfare) Reform, which prevented EBT cards from being used at casinos or for alcohol and tobacco. Rep. Daudt cares about the future of our community. He resides on the same farm his grandparents homesteaded in Crown. When he is not working for the taxpayers in St. Paul, he can be found working on Project 24, a non-profit organization he helped found that builds orphanages in Kenya.

TOM DEMPSEY Senate President Pro Tem, Missouri Representing the 110th House District

Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey represents part of St. Charles County in the . He was elected to the Senate after winning a special election in 2007, re-elected in 2008 and again in 2012. Senator Dempsey was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve as Senate Leader in 2013. He previously served seven years in the Missouri House of Representatives (2001-2007), and is the only Missouri lawmaker to have served as both House Majority Floor Leader and Senate Majority Floor Leader. In addition to his legislative duties, Sen. Dempsey is vice president of First National Bank of St. Louis. His family has been in the restaurant business in St. Charles County for more than 50 years. Born in St. Charles, Sen. Dempsey is a graduate of DeSmet Jesuit High School and received a B.A. degree in Political Science from Rockhurst University. He is a member of the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, St. Charles Rotary Club and St. Cletus Catholic Church. Senator Dempsey and his wife, Molly, reside in St. Charles; they are the parents of three children, Meaghan, Abby and Jack.

TIM JONES Speaker of the House, Missouri Representing the 110th House District Executive Committee Member

Timothy (“Tim”) W. Jones is the State Representative for the 110th District (Cities of Eureka, Wildwood, Pacific and portions of unincorporated St. Louis and Franklin Counties) and is a Member of the law firm of Doster Ullom, LLC (Chesterfield) practicing in the Litigation Department. He began his career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the State of New York. Tim Jones was elected to the General Assembly in November 2006, and then re-elected in November 2008 and in November 2010. He was elected for a fourth and final term in November 2012. His caucus unanimously elected him to serve as Speaker of the House for the 2013-2014 Legislative Sessions. He was previously unanimously elected and served as House Majority Floor Leader for the 2011-2012 Legislative Sessions. Speaker Jones has passed dozens of important pieces of legislation, including the Missouri Health Care Freedom Act, numerous pieces of legislation to support small businesses and protect taxpayers and landmark laws that protect the unborn and our 2nd Amendment rights. Tim is active in several local organizations and always urges others to invest in their community. He previously served three terms as President of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Eureka. Tim has been awarded numerous community and legislative awards for his work throughout his career in public service. Tim is a 1989 graduate of St. Louis University High School. He received his B.A. with a double major in English and Russian Studies and honors from Fordham University in 1993 and his J.D., with honors, from St. John’s University School of Law in 1996. Tim resides in Eureka with his wife Suzanne where they raise their two beautiful and very energetic daughters.

PHIL BERGER Senate President Pro Tem, North Carolina Representing the 26th Senate district RLCC Chairman

Phil Berger is the President Pro Tempore of the , and the first Republican Senate leader in more than a century. He represents the state’s 26th Senate district, which includes Guilford and Rockingham counties. Senator Berger was first elected to the Senate in 2000. He rose to Senate Minority Leader in 2004, and was unanimously elected President Pro Tem by his fellow Senators following the November 2010 elections that put Republicans in charge of the legislature for the first time since the 19th century. In his first legislative session, Senator Berger orchestrated passage of a state budget that erased the largest structural deficit in North Carolina history without raising taxes. He passed tax cuts for families and small businesses, and led numerous reforms to North Carolina’s energy, medical malpractice, and regulatory laws. Senator Berger was the catalyst for sweeping reforms to North Carolina’s public schools. He helped get teachers their first pay raise in four years. And his reforms will reward the state’s best educators with pay raises and bonuses based on performance and merit. It also will stop the social promotion of third graders who can’t read at grade level and ensure literacy by fourth grade, give students more schooling options, grade every school on an easy-to-understand A-F scale so families know the quality of their child’s school, and divert dollars away from administration and bureaucracy and directly into classrooms. Senator Berger earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Averett College, becoming the first member of his family to graduate college. He earned a law degree from Wake Forest University. He lives with his wife, Pat, in Eden, where he has practiced law for over 25 years. He has three children – his law partner, Kevin, Phil Jr., the district attorney in Rockingham County, and Ashley, who just started her first year of law school. He has four grandchildren.

HARRY BROWN Senate Majority Leader, North Carolina Representing the 6th Senate district

 Member, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville  Member, Jacksonville/Onslow Chamber Military Affairs Committee  Former Chairman, Onslow County Republican Party  Former District Chairman, White Oak River District Boy Scouts of America  Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America  Former Chairman, Jacksonville/Onslow Sports Commission  Former President, Jacksonville Breakfast Rotary Club  Former President, Jacksonville/Onslow Chamber of Commerce  Former President, North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association  2001 Jacksonville/Onslow Chamber Golden Eagle, Man of The Year  Coached/Managed, Local Area Youth Sports for 13+ Years  Co-Chaired, Onslow Citizens For Schools & Roads Committee ( Receiving $56 Million in School Funding and Over $800,000 in Road Funding)  Sponsor of the Crime Stopper Program  Strong Supporter of Special Olympics  Supports the United Way  32nd Degree Mason and Shriner  Onslow/Jones County Schools: Provided financial support to programs such as Project Graduation, athletic Century/Booster Clubs, & numerous other school activities.  Provided bullet proof vests for the Jacksonville Police Department K-9 Unit.  Supports The Relay For Life  Provided Scholastic Instruction at Coastal Carolina Community College for their Business curriculum, as well as personal history and education for a marketing class at Webster University.

BARBARA SEARS House Majority Floor Leader, Ohio Representing the 47th House district

State Representative Barbara Sears is currently serving in her third term. She represents the 47th House District, which includes parts of Lucas and Fulton counties. For the 130th General Assembly, she was elected by her colleagues to serve as Majority Floor Leader for the Ohio House of Representatives. Prior to joining the Ohio House, Representative Sears served from 1998 to 2008 on the Sylvania City Council – serving the last four years as president of the council and chair of the finance committee. She was also active with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, a regional council of governments from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, most recently serving as chair of the council. In 2008, she completed her six-year term on the Swan Creek Retirement Village, a part of the Ohio Presbyterian Retirement System. Representative Sears was active in the quality assurance committee and was chair of the adviser board. Sears was also a co-owner of Noble and Sears, Inc., a firm specializing in employee benefits and financial planning. In addition to her work as a legislator, Sears is currently Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits at Roemer Insurance in Toledo. Representative Sears received the Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services (OAMES) Legislator of the Year award in 2008 and has also received the Guardian of Small Business award from the National Federation of Independent Business in 2010. She has also won the Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice Hero Award, the Ohio Podiatric Association Legislator of the Year in 2011 and Watchdog of the Treasury. In the 129th General Assembly (2011-2012), she received: Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities Legislator of the Year, Ohio Area Office of Aging – Legislator of the Year, Leading Age of Ohio – Public Service Award, The Ohio Council Legislative Award for Support and Advocacy of Behavioral Health, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association - Certificate of Appreciation, VOICES For Ohio Children - Champion of Children, Ohio Podiatric Medical Association - Legislator of the Year Award, Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice Hero Award, American Conservative Union - Defender of Liberty Award, Sunshine Communities – Resolution of Appreciation, Healthcare Information Management System Societies - Legislator of the Year Award, Best Friends Society Recognition for Dedication to Dog Advocacy, Companion Lobby Day Award – Commitment to Companion Animals, Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates Recognition – Dedication to Due Process for Dog Owners, and the Watchdog of the Treasury Award. Representative Sears remains active in her community through her involvement with the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation, the Northwest Ohio Association of Health Underwriters, the Sylvania Rotary and the local Chambers of Commerce. She attended the University of Toledo and received her associate degree in 1983.

JAKE CORMAN Speaker of the House, Pennsylvania Representing the 34th Senate district

Jacob Doyle "Jake" Corman III, of Centre County, was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania in 1998 and is now serving his fourth consecutive term. Senator Corman represents the 34th Senatorial District, which includes all of Juniata, Perry and portions of Centre, Mifflin, and Union Counties. Senator Corman is currently the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also serves as a member of the Banking and Insurance, Education, Game and Fisheries, Rules and Executive Nominations, and State Government Committees. Senator Corman obtained an Associate Degree in Communications from the Pennsylvania College of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Pennsylvania State University. His hands-on experiences in state and federal government have made him one of the General Assembly’s foremost authorities on public policy issues. He has put these resources to work as the former Majority Policy Chairman while quickly ascending the ranks of Senate Republican leadership. In 2009, Corman was elected by his colleagues to serve as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, one of the most powerful of the standing committees. The committee reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in developing the state budget. In his role as Chairman, Corman has fought against tax increases and pushed for lower spending and greater fiscal restraint. He believes that state government should live within its means – just as Pennsylvania families do. Senator Corman has also worked to enact major government reforms such as the Right-to-Know Law, the Privacy and Security Legislative Act and the Mandate Waiver Program. Senator Corman continues to advocate for ways to develop Pennsylvania's workforce and strengthen the state's economy. His steadfast commitment to revitalizing business and industry in the Commonwealth has resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs for working-class Pennsylvanians. In addition, Senator Corman has played a leading role in shaping solutions to economic and health care issues in Pennsylvania. His leadership has resulted in increased access to the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) program for senior citizens.

Senator Corman is married to Kelli Corman. They are the parents of three children, Isabella, Davis and Jacob Corman. Senator and Mrs. Corman reside in Bellefonte, Centre County.

SAM SMITH Speaker of the House, Pennsylvania Representing the 66th House District RLCC Vice Chairman

Speaker Samuel H. Smith is currently serving his 14th term in the Pennsylvania House as one of its most tenured members. He is currently serving his second term as Speaker. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as a member of House leadership for 10 years. In 2000 his colleagues elected him Majority Whip, and from 2003 to 2010, Sam served as the leader of the Republican Caucus. In his capacity as Speaker, Sam presides over House sessions, maintains order on the House floor and protects the parliamentary rights of members during voting sessions. In addition, the Speaker appoints committee chairmen, assigns bills to committees, and signs all passed bills and joint resolutions. First elected in 1986, Sam has never lost sight of the issues important to rural citizens and he continues to be a strong advocate for this group of hard-working Pennsylvanians. He was born and raised in Punxsutawney and represents all of Jefferson County and portions of Indiana and Armstrong counties. Sam is the only House Speaker born and raised in Jefferson County. He graduated from Punxsutawney High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Penn State University. He succeeded his father, L. Eugene “Snuffy” Smith, who represented the 66th Legislative District from 1963 to 1985. As a legislator, Sam has focused on advancing issues important to his constituents, including job creation and retention. He is active in several community improvement organizations, including the Jefferson County Development Council and Route 119 Improvement Committee. He has been a board member of the Jefferson & Clarion Counties Community Action, Inc. Agency since 1988. Sam’s been a friend and avid supporter of local fire companies and emergency service providers. An advocate of quality education, Sam is the author of legislation creating Accountability Block Grants which have assisted school districts across the Commonwealth. With an eye toward providing quality educational opportunities for students in rural areas, he serves on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Council of Trustees and the Punxsutawney College Trust. He recently received the “Elected Official of the Year Award” from the Pennsylvania Library Association for his consistent advocacy on behalf of millions of Pennsylvanians who rely on the books, computers, programs and the expertise available in our libraries. Sam is also well known for his leadership on conservation issues. He played a key role in securing major funding to clean up streams, improve local water and sewer services, and reclaim abandoned mines through the “Growing Greener” initiative that he authored. He currently serves as a member of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board. Sam is a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Punxsutawney. He and his wife, Donna, have two children, Alexandra and Zach.

SCOTT FITZGERALD Senate Republican Leader, Representing the 13th Senate District Executive Committee Member

Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) was elected to the in 1994, defeating a long-time incumbent in a Republican primary by running on a strong, conservative message. In November 2006, Scott was re-elected to a fourth term in the Senate, serving the residents of the 13th State Senate District. He is widely viewed as one of the state’s most stalwart conservative leaders. Serving as Senate Majority Leader during the 2004 election cycle, he engineered a net gain of one seat for Senate Republicans, increasing their majority from 18-15 to 19-14. As the co-chairman of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance during the 2005-2006 budget debate, he helped craft a state budget that froze property taxes and lowered the tax burden for Wisconsin families. In November 2006, Scott was elected by his colleagues to serve as Senate Republican Leader for the 2007-2008 legislative session. He was honored to be re-elected to that position for the 2009-2010 session. As Republican Leader, he led Senate Republicans in standing up against some of the largest tax and fee increase proposals that Wisconsin has ever seen. He has developed a conservative agenda that focuses on cutting taxes, encouraging job growth, reducing state spending, and using free market ideas and consumer choice to reform health care. Scott has authored and championed legislation that reduces the burden placed on Wisconsin’s taxpayers and preserves traditional Wisconsin Values. He was a sponsor of the Property Tax Freeze, and he authored a constitutional amendment requiring a 2/3 vote in both houses of the legislature to raise taxes. Scott was the lead author of the constitutional amendment Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly approved in November 2006 defining and protecting marriage in Wisconsin as a union between one man and one woman. He has a perfect pro-life voting record during his time in the State Senate, being honored by both Wisconsin Right to Life and Pro-Life Wisconsin for his tireless defense of the rights of unborn babies. Scott joined the US Army Reserve in 1981 while attending college and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Armor Branch in 1985. During his 27 years of service, he served in a number of assignments, including Battalion Commander. In 2009, he retired from service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His background in service has given him a unique perspective to author legislation that supports our soldiers and veterans in Wisconsin. Scott is recognized as one of the legislature’s leaders on issues affecting Wisconsin veterans. He has been honored by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs for his work on behalf of the men and women who serve our country in uniform. Scott comes from a family very active in public service. His father, Steve Fitzgerald, was Sheriff of Dodge County for 14 years and now serves as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin. His brother, Jeff, is the Assembly Republican Leader. Born in 1963, Scott graduated from Hustisford High School in 1981 and earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1985.

ROBIN VOS Speaker of the Assembly, Wisconsin Representing the 63rd Assembly district

Representative was first elected to the in 2004 and is currently serving his fifth term as a state Representative. Robin was elected Speaker of the Assembly by his peers for the 2013-2014 session. He has previously served as the chair of the Joint Finance Committee, as well as serving on the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy; Campaigns and Elections; Children and Families; Financial Institutions; Insurance, Labor, Medicaid Reform; Government Operations and Spending Limitations and the Joint Legislative Council. Born in 1968, Robin is a lifelong Racine County resident, graduating from Burlington High School in 1986. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, where he served as a UW Board of Regents Student member from 1989 to 1991. Robin graduated with a BS in Political Science and a minor in Public Relations in 1991. After college, Robin worked as a legislative assistant for Racine County state Representative Jim Ladwig. Robin also worked for Jim’s successor, his wife, state Representative Bonnie Ladwig. After Mark Neumann was elected to Congress, Robin served as the district director until 1996 when he purchased his small business that he still owns and operates today. In 1996 he bought Rojos Popcorn in Burlington – a popcorn packaging company that he still operates today with the help of more than 20 employees. Robin also owns several other small businesses including the Union Grove Car Wash in Union Grove, Knights Popcorn store in , and rental properties in Whitewater, WI. While building his businesses, Robin never lost his passion for politics. He was elected as a Racine County Board Supervisor in 1994. He served on the board until 2004 when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

JOHN NYGREN Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Finance, Wisconsin Representing the 89th Assembly district

John Nygren was elected as the Wisconsin State Representative from the 89th Assembly District in November, 2006. Nygren is a fourth generation resident of Northeast Wisconsin. He was born on February 27, 1964 in Marinette and is a 1982 Gradate of Marinette High School. John is deeply rooted in the community with his wife, Maggie, and their three children Cassie, Cali, and Colin. Maggie is a high school teacher in the local community. John considers his service in the assembly a continuation of his more than 20 years of community service. John’s dedication to community service began in the Jaycees. He served as Chapter President of the Marinette Jaycees, Regional Director for Northeast Wisconsin, State President, United States National President, and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Vice President and JCI Executive Vice President. He was co-chairman of the Jaycees’ “Celebrate” project three times. John served two years as President of the Marinette Kiwanis, and as Chairman of the Marinette County Republican Party. John is a long time member of the City of Marinette Recreation Board, and the Marinette Elks Club. John has long believed that personal involvement is a key to making his community a better place to live. The Nygren family is very involved at Faith Lutheran Church, where Maggie teaches Sunday school and chairs the Mission Board. John now serves as church Elder. John previously spent four years as Church President, and coordinated over 3000 volunteer hours in a church building project. The Nygren’s believe that if their community is to flourish, and if their children are to have a brighter future, they must step forward and lend a hand. John strongly believes in the “citizen legislature.” John continues his work with Great Lakes Financial Management Group. He began his career in financial services in 1998. He sees his career as a way to keep in touch with the people in his district. Each day he meets with young families, the elderly, and business owners. He listens to their hopes, dreams, and concerns. John believes this gives him a perspective to represent this area well in Madison. Prior to his career in financial services John spent more than 12 years in the restaurant industry as a Manager, District Manager, and Director of Operations. He eventually became the co-owner of a restaurant. John knows what it is like to meet a payroll. This experience provides John an understanding of the challenges facing small business of all types. Representative Nygren is serving the people of northeastern Wisconsin for his fourth term in the State Assembly. Nygren serves as Co-Chair of the powerful Joint Committee on Finance.