Whereas, John L. Merkt was born on October 2, 1946, in Milwaukee, and died on April 1, 2009; and

Whereas, John L. Merkt graduated from Milwaukee Marquette High School, attended Marquette University from 1964 to 1968, and earned a BS degree in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1971; and

Whereas, John L. Merkt was first elected to the Wisconsin assembly in 1976, serving in the 1977 through 1987 sessions; and

Whereas, during his tenure in the legislature, John L. Merkt demonstrated talent for identifying issues that captivated public imagination and was an independent thinker with a big heart; and

Whereas, John L. Merkt strongly opposed street drugs and was invited by President Ronald Reagan to the White House for the signing of federal legislation that significantly toughened penalties for people who supplied drugs to individuals who died as a result — the “Len Bias Law"; and

Whereas, John L. Merkt introduced “Len Bias" legislation in Wisconsin which was also signed into law; and

Whereas, John L. Merkt should be remembered for the many causes he championed related to the Milwaukee Brewers; and

Whereas, after his retirement from the legislature, John L. Merkt worked for Speaker David Prosser until 1996 and, as a staff member, worked on legislation that led to the construction of Miller Park; now, therefore, be it