The Changing Role of Government: A State Perspective

GovernorTommy G.TIlOmpson earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 1963 and his law degree in 1966, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a former Army captain and a member of the U.S.Army Reserve. Governor Thompson's state government career began in 1966 when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly at the age of 24. He rose through the ranks of the state legislature and ran successfully for governor in 1986. GovernorThompson has since brought national recognition to Wisconsin for reforms initiated in a variety of areas including education, environmental protection and trade and, most notably, welfare reform. The Governor currently serves as chair of tlle National Governors' Association and the Education Commission of tlle States. He was also co-chair of the 1996 Education Summit.