Tommy G. Thompson
GW Bush Administration, 2001-2005

Secretary Thompson began his career in public service in 1966 as a representative in Wisconsin's state Assembly. He was elected assistant Assembly minority leader in 1973 and Assembly minority leader in 1981. Prior to taking the helm at Health and Human Services, Secretary Thompson made Wisconsin state history when he was re-elected to the governor's office for a third term in 1994 and a fourth term in 1998. During his 14 years as governor, Secretary Thompson focused on revitalizing Wisconsin's economy. He also gained national attention for his leadership on welfare reform, expanded access to health care for low-income people, and education.

As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary Thompson launched major initiatives to:

• Strengthen the nation's preparedness for a bioterrorism attack;
• Substantially increase funding for the National Institutes of Health;
• Reorganize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to encourage greater responsiveness and efficiency;
• Clear the backlog of waivers and state plan amendments, approving 1,400 and thereby provide health insurance to 1.8 million lower-income Americans throughout the nation;
• Urge all Americans to prevent disease by focusing on critical health areas, such as obesity, diabetes and health disparities; and
• Take the next bold step to continue making welfare a path to employment and opportunity.

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