MADISON – The Wisconsin State Legislature has adopted Senate Joint Resolution 16, officially designating May 1 as St. Joseph the Worker Day in Wisconsin. Inspired by Louisiana’s 2021 Senate Resolution 116, Wisconsin embraces the same language and spirit to honor the dignity of all working men and women, celebrating their contributions to families, communities, and the nation.

For the past four years, a dedicated team in Louisiana has championed this movement for workers, rooted in the virtues of St. Joseph. In 2021, Louisiana unanimously passed the nation’s first resolution of its kind, establishing May 1 as St. Joseph the Worker Day. Wisconsin’s initial attempt last year fell short, but on April 22, 2025, they succeeded, adopting similar language through Senate Joint Resolution 16.

Louisiana’s trailblazing resolution, introduced by former Senator Fred Mills, Jr., recognizes a variety of virtues such as protector, provider, peacefulness, prudence, and prayerfulness exemplified by St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers. Each year, Louisiana celebrates with a prayer breakfast hosted by Senator Fred Mills, USA Energy Workers, LLC, Angel Publishing, Hugs from Heaven, and others. Over 250 workers, faith leaders, and community members gather to honor laborers, including military personnel, educators, first responders, healthcare providers, energy workers, fishermen, farmers, and more, with a special tribute to motherhood. Louisiana anticipates another robust 4th annual celebration on May 1, 2025, co-hosted with Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet, to continue uplifting its workforce.

Wisconsin’s resolution, introduced by Senators Tomczyk, Jacque, and Marklein, and cosponsored by Representatives Wichgers, Behnke, Donovan, Goodwin, Gundrum, and Murphy, was adopted by the Senate and concurred in by the Assembly on April 22.

“Wisconsin is proud to join Louisiana in recognizing St. Joseph the Worker Day, a tribute to the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of our economy,” said Senator Cory Tomczyk.