The Wisconsin Paper Council selected state Sen. Janet Bewley, D-Mason, as the organization’s Legislator of the Year for 2020.
Bewley was presented the award at the council’s annual meeting held in Wisconsin Rapids.
Each year the council selects at least two legislators, one from each house and each political party to receive the awards.
Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, and Rep. Nancy VanderMeer, R-Tomah, were also recognized this year for their support of the industry, said Scott Suder, president of the Wisconsin Paper Council.
“Sen. Bewley has been a strong supporter of our organization and our industry,” said Craig Timm, chairman of the council’s board of directors, in a statement. "Bewley understands the paper and forestry sectors and has worked to inform and educate other policymakers about the importance of our industries.
ADVERTISEMENT
“In addition, her leadership in the bipartisan Wisconsin Paper Caucus has been both recognized and appreciated,” Timm said.
Bewley, who serves as Senate minority leader, was honored for her strong involvement and continued support for Wisconsin’s pulp, paper and forestry industries.
The lawmaker has been a strong advocate for passage of the Chemical Recovery Boiler Bill, a supporter of declaring May of each year as “Paper and Forest Products Month” and is one of the key leaders of the bipartisan Wisconsin Paper Caucus.
Papermaking is an important industry in Wisconsin that can be strengthened if lawmakers work across the aisle, Bewley said.
“I am very humbled and honored to have received this award,” Bewley said. “I’m proud to have worked with the Wisconsin Paper Council on important bipartisan legislation and have been very pleased to play a leadership role in the bipartisan Wisconsin Paper Caucus.”
