The collection consists of papers created and collected by John R. Plewa in the course of his membership in the Wisconsin state Assembly and state Senate. The collection has been arranged in five series: SPEECHES, NEWLSETTERS, PRESS RELEASES, SUBJECT FILES, and POLITICAL MEMORABILIA.
The SPEECHES series (1973-1994) contains copies of speeches given by Plewa. Most are arranged chronologically, although some are arranged alphabetically by subject.
Plewa issued periodical NEWSLETTERS (1973-1994) for constituents which are arranged chronologically. This series includes results of constituent questionnaires that were sometimes included in these newsletters. The series also contains other articles written by Plewa. Editorials written by Plewa can often be found in the subject series.
The PRESS RELEASES series (1974-1995) consists of press releases issued by Plewa and are arranged by date.
The SUBJECT FILES series (1972-1995) are organized by the issues that they address. Some subjects are general, whereas others relate to a particular bill. Each file may contain background research on a given subject including correspondence from constituents or other public officials, newspaper and magazine articles, memoranda and notes. Files often include bills, amendments, and drafts and may contain editorials written by Plewa and others about proposed or passed legislation.
The bulk of this series regards the Family and Medical Leave Act. These files cover many years of work on the issue from the beginning of Plewa's research through drafting the bill and later implementation and amendment. Also included is a tape recording of a debate about the family leave law.
Other major issues addressed include abortion, tax credits and support for private schools, transportation issues including driver education and automobile insurance, juvenile delinquency and corrections, and local issues affecting the Milwaukee area.
The POLITICAL MEMORABILIA series contains many papers that deal with Plewa's 1984 campaign for the state Senate. These include nomination papers, campaign registration papers, campaign correspondence, financial reports, position papers, sample ballots, brochures and brochure samples, advertisements and election results. Other materials include newsletters and campaign literature from other politicians, awards, ephemera and newspaper clippings about Plewa.
