Rep. Kurtz of Wisconsin Assembly authors bill to name highway in Lake Delton

Tony Kurtz, Wisconsin State Representative of 41st District | legis.wisconsin.gov

By G. O. Nelson

Apr 4, 2025

A new bill authored by State Rep. Kurtz in the Wisconsin Assembly seeks to designate a segment of US Highway 12 in Lake Delton to honor Tom Diehl, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "designating the Tom Diehl Memorial Highway. (FE)".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates the Department of Transportation to designate and mark the section of US Highway 12 running through the village of Lake Delton in Sauk County, Wisconsin, as the "Tom Diehl Memorial Highway." The bill involves creating a new statute, 84.1054, to formalize this designation, ensuring the highway segment is labeled in honor of Tom Diehl. The purpose appears to be commemorative, aiming to recognize and memorialize Tom Diehl by naming this stretch of road after him. The bill will take effect upon enactment, ensuring swift implementation by the Department of Transportation.

The bill was co-authored by Senator Sarah Keyeski (Democrat-14th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Russell Goodwin (Democrat-12th District), Representative Alex R. Joers (Democrat-81st District), Representative Dean Kaufert (Republican-53rd District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Howard L. Marklein (Republican-17th District), Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), and Senator Brad Pfaff (Democrat-32nd District), along 10 other co-sponsors.

Tony Kurtz has authored or co-authored another seven bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Kurtz graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1989 with a BS.

Kurtz, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 41st Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Alex Dallman.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bills Introduced by Tony Kurtz in Wisconsin Assembly During 2025 Regular Session

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
AB155	04/02/2025	Designating the Tom Diehl Memorial Highway. (FE)
AB137	03/13/2025	Maximum life and allocation period for Tax Incremental District Number 9 in the village of DeForest and the total value of taxable property that may be included in tax incremental financing districts created in the village of DeForest. (FE)
AB22	02/06/2025	Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Middleton. (FE)