Summerfield re-elected to caucus chair post, discusses next session

BLOOMER — State Rep. Rob Summerfield, R-Bloomer, has been re-elected by his caucus to serve as Assembly Caucus chair for the upcoming legislative session."

"I want to thank my colleagues for putting me in this leadership role," Summerfield told the Leader-Telegram. "It's an awesome opportunity for me to serve. I think I'll be able to be an influence (in Madison) in serving my district."

Summerfield represents the 68th Assembly District, which now covers the northern half of Chippewa County and spreads through Rusk County and parts of Taylor and Price counties. He will be starting his fifth term in the Legislature.

In the last legislative session, Republicans held a 64-35 majority in the Assembly. Largely due to redistricting, the GOP advantage has shrunk to a 54-45 advantage.

Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Thorp, nominated Summerfield for the role, and she noted it was a unanimous vote.

"He's organized, efficient, and an outstanding negotiator, which you have to have," Hurd said Wednesday. "And he's very caring."

Hurd agreed it's important to have the caucus leader coming from western Wisconsin.

"It's incredibly important because there is a divide between the rural and urban," Hurd said. "We have to shout a lot louder to be heard. And our needs are different up here. Having Rob in that role gives us more attention."

When asked about top policies he wants to see the Assembly tackle this session, Summerfield said getting tax relief is the most important, and possibly obtaining tourism relief dollars.

"We're looking at tax policy changes, long term," he said.

One of the chief measures Summerfield has worked on in his tenure has been getting broadband internet access to rural areas. He said he'll be reaching out to federal agencies on obtaining money already allocated.

"We've made great gains," Summerfield said. "Hopefully we can roll things out faster."

Summerfield also was part of a coalition to legalize marijuana for medical use only. He is not yet sure if that proposal will come back up next session.

"That once again is going to be a discussion," Summerfield said. "I'm fully supportive of medical marijuana, but we have to do it correctly."

Summerfield, 44, was first elected in 2016. In the past, Summerfield has helped operate and manage Two Acres Supper Club and Chippewa Valley Land Title. He is a lifelong county resident. Before redistricting, he represented the 67th Assembly District.