Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 27, 2024
Contact: [email protected] 
 
Gov. Evers Order Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Rep. Betty Jo Nelsen
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #245 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., Dec. 2, 2024, in honor of former Wisconsin State Rep. Betty Jo Nelsen, who passed away on Thurs., Oct. 17, 2024, at the age of 89.

“Former Rep. Nelsen was an exceptional example of a dedicated public servant, making history as the first woman to serve as minority leader in the history of our state legislature,” said Gov. Evers. “In the weeks since her passing, our thoughts are with former Rep. Nelsen’s husband, Jim, her children, grandchildren, and all her loved ones as they mourn her loss and celebrate her incredible legacy.”

Former Rep. Nelsen was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly via special election in 1979 and ultimately served six terms in the Wisconsin State Legislature, representing the 10th Assembly District from 1979 to 1983, the 5th Assembly District from 1983 to 1985, and the 10th Assembly District again from 1985 to 1990. In 1987, former Rep. Nelsen made history as the first woman elected to serve as minority leader. During her time as an elected official in Wisconsin, she served on many notable committees, such as the Joint Committee on Finance, the Joint Committee on Employment Relations, and the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization. In 1990, former Rep. Nelsen resigned from the Legislature to serve in the administration of President George H. W. Bush as administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service within the United States Department of Agriculture, and in 1992, was nominated to serve as assistant secretary of agriculture for food and consumer services. Later, former Rep. Nelsen served on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. In addition to her life of public service, former Rep. Nelsen was also deeply committed to her community and served in a number of leadership positions on several boards and commissions, including Future Milwaukee, United Community Services, United Way, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Junior League of Milwaukee.

Services for former Rep. Nelsen will be held on Mon., Dec. 2, 2024, in Milwaukee.

Executive Order #245 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Mon., Dec. 2, 2024, and is available here.
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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