Contact: Julaine Appling, President – 608-256-3228
Fax: 608-256-3370
Email: [email protected]
Madison, WI – Wisconsin Family Council (WFC) will today present State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt with its 2017 William Wilberforce Freedom Award.
William Wilberforce was an 18th century Member of Parliament, serving from 1780, when he was just 21 years old, to 1825, when he retired due to health problems. For 44 years Wilberforce tirelessly worked to abolish the slave trade and free the slaves in the British Empire. The lucrative slave trade was abolished in 1807, but the slaves weren’t set free until 1833, with Wilberforce learning of the bill’s passage just three days before he died. In addition, he did much philanthropic work in his homeland and worked cooperatively and tenaciously to restore civility and goodness in England, looking to political and social figures to set an example for the rest of the country.
WFC President Julaine Appling stated, “Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt is a worthy recipient of this award. Throughout his seven years in the state Assembly, like Wilberforce, he has time and again taken on hard issues, providing leadership often when no one else will. His commitment to marriage, family, life and religious freedom has been proven repeatedly as he has consistently authored and supported legislation that strengthens, preserves or promotes these foundational issues.
“As Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee for the past two sessions, Rep. Thiesfeldt has championed the freedom of parents to have educational options for their children and respected the right of parents to know what is going on in their children’s schools and to have the final say in their children’s educational program. While often holding positions and delivering messages that are not necessarily popular with everyone, Rep. Thiesfeldt has exemplified ‘goodness’ in his deportment and in his respectful treatment of his colleagues, constituents and other stake holders. We are honored to give this award to this well-deserving legislator whose character and conviction are exemplary.”
The 2017 William Wilberforce Freedom Award will be presented to Rep. Thiesfeldt today during a reception in his honor. The presentation and reception will be held in the Assembly Parlor in the State Capitol from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, with the formal presentation taking place at 11:30.
