Bonnie Reese Legislative Internships

Bonnie Reese was a trailblazer and a role model for Wisconsin women serving in government. She

was the first woman to head a major state agency as the Executive Director of the Legislative Council where she shaped public policy on the school funding formula, establishing the statewide university system, and reforming marital property. Bonnie also served as the first female director of the National Conference of State Legislature’s Staff Section. She epitomized the very best of women in government and combined her extraordinary professionalism with grace and a sense of humor. Bonnie Reese died in 1989 after a courageous battle with cancer. In her honor, the Wisconsin State Assembly named a hearing room after her and WWIG dedicates a portion of our annual gala proceeds to a legislative internship in her name. This internship provides the recipient with a $4,000 stipend and the opportunity to work within one or more of Wisconsin’s five nonpartisan legislative service agencies where she will learn more about the legislative process.