Spencer Coggs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
G. Spencer Coggs
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Coggs in 2010
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| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 6th district |
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| In office November 25, 2003 – January 6, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Gary George |
| Succeeded by | Nikiya Harris |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly | |
| In office January 4, 1993 – November 25, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Annette Polly Williams |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Toles |
| Constituency | 17th District |
| In office January 7, 1985 – January 4, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Jeannette Bell |
| Succeeded by | Leon Young |
| Constituency | 16th District |
| In office January 3, 1983 – January 7, 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Betty Jo Nelsen |
| Succeeded by | Betty Jo Nelsen |
| Constituency | 10th District |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 6, 1949 Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | married |
| Children | 2 |
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| Residences | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Alma mater |
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| Profession | health officer, politician |
George Spencer Coggs (born August 6, 1949) is an American public administrator and politician from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He belongs to the Democratic Party. Since April 2012, he has been the city treasurer for Milwaukee.
Before becoming treasurer, Mr. Coggs served for many years in the Wisconsin state government. He spent 10 years in the Wisconsin Senate and 20 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He represented the west side of Milwaukee. His uncle, Isaac N. Coggs, and his cousin, Elizabeth M. Coggs, also served in the Assembly.
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Early Life and Education
Spencer Coggs was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He studied at Milwaukee Area Technical College and earned an Associate's degree. Later, he went to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and received a Bachelor of Science degree.
Before becoming a full-time politician, Mr. Coggs worked in different jobs. He was a health officer for the City of Milwaukee, making sure places were clean and safe. He also worked as a postal worker and an industrial printer. He was involved in his union, helping other workers.
Serving in the Wisconsin Legislature
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Mr. Coggs began his political career by being elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1982. He served in the Assembly until 2002. During his time there, he helped lead the Democratic group as the Majority Caucus Vice Chairperson several times.
In 2003, he was elected to the state Senate in a special election. He was re-elected in 2004 and 2008. In the Senate, he worked on committees that dealt with housing, money, and criminal laws. He also served as vice president for a national group of state lawmakers who supported labor unions.
Protests in 2011
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In 2011, there were large protests in Wisconsin about a new law proposed by Governor Scott Walker. This law would change how public employee unions worked. To stop the law from passing quickly, Mr. Coggs and 13 other Democratic State Senators left Wisconsin. By leaving, they prevented the State Senate from having enough members present to vote on the bill.
Running for Other Offices
In 2009, Mr. Coggs announced he would run for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in 2010. The Lieutenant Governor is the second-highest elected official in the state. He lost the Democratic nomination in a four-person race. Another legislator, Tom Nelson, won the nomination.
In 2012, Mr. Coggs decided to run for Milwaukee City Treasurer. The Treasurer manages the city's money. He won a spot on the ballot in the primary election, which narrows down the candidates. In the general election, he won the position, defeating fellow Democrat Tim Carpenter.
After becoming Treasurer in April 2012, Mr. Coggs decided not to resign from his Senate position right away. He wanted to make sure the Senate still had an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. He said he would donate his second salary to charity. He was later succeeded in the Senate by another Democrat, Nikiya Harris.
