The 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 153 honors the life and legacy of Anne Arnesen, a dedicated advocate for children and families who passed away on January 14, 2026. Born in Allegan, Michigan, in 1932, Anne moved to the Madison area in the 1960s with her family. Throughout her life, she was a prominent community leader, serving as a school board member and engaging in various advocacy efforts, particularly for women's rights. For 22 years, she led the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, now known as Kids Forward, and was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Madison Children's Museum and NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin.
The resolution highlights Anne's commitment to civil service and her progressive political activism, emphasizing her dedication to economic and social justice. Her work aimed to empower vulnerable populations in Wisconsin, and her influence extended through her participation in the Madison School Board and the League of Women Voters. The resolution, introduced by several representatives and senators, expresses the Wisconsin State Legislature's collective respect and admiration for Anne Arnesen's contributions to the community and her enduring legacy.