Spencer Coggs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids G. Spencer Coggs
Coggs in 2010
Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 6th district
In office November 25, 2003 – January 6, 2013
Preceded by	Gary George
Succeeded by	Nikiya Harris
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
In office January 3, 1983 – November 25, 2003
Preceded by	Betty Jo Nelsen
Succeeded by	Barbara L. Toles
Constituency	10th District (1983-1985) 16th District (1985-1993) 1993-2003
Personal details
Born	(1949-08-06) August 6, 1949 (age 75) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	married
Children	2
Relatives	Isaac N. Coggs (uncle) Elizabeth M. Coggs (cousin)
Residences	Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Alma mater	Milwaukee Area Technical College (A.A.) University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (B.S.)
Profession	health officer, politician

George Spencer Coggs was born on August 6, 1949. He is an American politician from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He belongs to the Democratic Party. Mr. Coggs is currently the city treasurer for Milwaukee. He has held this job since April 2012.

Before that, he worked for 10 years in the Wisconsin Senate. He also spent 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, were also politicians. They both served in the State Assembly.

Early Life and Work

Spencer Coggs grew up in Milwaukee. He worked as a health officer for the City of Milwaukee. He was also a chief union leader for his local union. Later, he worked as a postal worker. He also had a job as an industrial printer.

Working in the Wisconsin Legislature

Coggs (right) with union organizers in 2008

Coggs speaking in the state senate in 2009

Coggs leading a committee meeting in 2009

Spencer Coggs was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1982. This was for the 10th district. He was re-elected many times until 2002. During his time in the Assembly, he held an important role. He was the Vice Chairperson for the Majority Caucus in 1985, 1987, and 1989.

In 2003, he was elected to the state senate. This happened in a special election. He was re-elected again in 2004 and 2008. In the Senate, he was part of important committees. These included the Committee on Housing and Financial Institutions. He also served on the Joint Committee for Review of Criminal Penalties.

Mr. Coggs was also the vice president of a group called the National Labor Caucus of State Legislators. This group helps state lawmakers who support workers' rights.

Protests in Wisconsin (2011)

Coggs speaking during a protest outside the Wisconsin State Capitol in 2011

In 2011, there were big protests in Wisconsin. These protests were about a new law. This law was proposed by Governor Scott Walker. It was called the "Budget Repair" legislation.

During these protests, Spencer Coggs and 13 other Democratic State Senators left the state. They did this to stop the State Senate from having enough members to vote on the new law. This is called denying a quorum.

Running for Other Offices

In December 2009, Spencer Coggs announced he would run for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. The current Lieutenant Governor was not seeking re-election. In September 2010, he lost the Democratic nomination. Another politician, Tom Nelson, won that election.

In February 2012, Coggs ran for Milwaukee City Treasurer. He won a spot on the ballot for this election. He competed against other candidates in a primary election. In the main election, Coggs won the treasurer position.

After becoming Treasurer in April, Coggs decided not to leave his Senate job right away. He said he wanted to keep his Senate seat until a new Senator was chosen. This was because the Senate was tied between the two parties. He wanted to make sure there was no "mischief" from the other party. He also said he would give his second salary to charity. Later, another Democrat, Nikiya Harris, took his place in the Senate.