Wisconsin is divided into 33 Senate Districts apportioned amongst the state based on population as determined by the decennial census, for a total of 33 Senators. Similar to the U.S. Senate, in addition to its duty of passing all legislation passed through the legislature, the State Senate has the exclusive responsibility of confirming certain Governor's appointments, particularly cabinet secretaries (as part of the system of checks and balances) and members of boards and commissions.
Senators are elected for four year terms, staggered so that half the Senate is up for election every two years. If a vacancy occurs in a Senate seat between elections, it may be filled only by a special election.
Senators elected or re-elected in the fall of 2002 will draw $45,569 a year in salary.
In addition to their salaries, Senators outside Dane County may receive up to $88 a day each in living expenses while they are in Dane County on state business. Members of the Madison delegation are allowed up to $44 each in expenses.
Each senator also receives $75 a month in "out-of-session" pay when the Legislature is in session for three days or less.
Over two years, each senator is allotted $66,008 to cover general office expenses, printing, postage and district mailings.
