Luther S. Olsen was born in Berlin in 1951. He graduated from Berlin High School in 1969 and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1973. He completed the Wisconsin Rural Leadership Program Group IV in1990-1992.
Senator Olsen was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2004, after serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly for 10 years. He started his public service career as member of the Berlin Area School Board from 1976 to 1997, including holding the office of President of the Board from 1986 to 1995. This position gave him his dedication to the education of Wisconsin’s youth while serving in both of the Wisconsin State Legislature.
The statement “also serves” appears many times in his list of offices and assignments to date. Senator Olsen is not afraid to take a leadership role indicated by the number of “chair” or “co-chair” positions he has held on various Boards, Commissions and Committees.
Senator Olsen’s legislative interests have focused on education, local government, small businesses and children. He is considered one of the most knowledgeable people in the legislature when it comes to the school aid formula and has authored a number of bills making adjustments to the school funding system to better meet the needs of school districts around the state. He has authored laws related to special education, truancy and teacher licensure, among many others. He has advocated for businesses in his district by authoring laws relating to rental units, wineries, mobile homes and tourism. He was the author of the state’s Graduated Driver’s License law, which changed the way teenagers get their driver’s license.
The value the people of Wisconsin and beyond feel for his service is indicated by the number of awards presented to him including several “Legislator of the Year” awards.
His favorite saying: “Livin’ the dream!” indicates how much he enjoys working for the citizens of Wisconsin.