WI AJR86

Joint resolution honoring Representative James "Jim" Francis Rooney, who passed away on May 3, 2025, at age 89

Rooney served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1972 to 1985, serving as caucus chair for assembly Democrats in four legislative sessions and holding leadership positions on elections, highways, and banking committees

Served on the Racine County Board from 1966-1984 and 1998-2000, including as chair from 1982-1984, and held positions as Racine County highway commissioner and public works director

Authored Chapter 274, Laws of 1977, creating the Wisconsin Waterways Commission, which he chaired from 1985 to 2019 under both Republican and Democratic governors

Instrumental in transforming Racine's lakefront by working with the federal government to decommission a commercial port and develop Reefpoint Marina