Wisconsin Senate Bill SJR5

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/5/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

Celebrating the 51st anniversary of the American Birkebeiner and proclaiming February 17 to 23, 2025, as American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 5 is a commemorative resolution honoring the 51st anniversary of the American Birkebeiner, the major cross-country ski race held between Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin. It recognizes the event’s growth from its 1973 origins into the largest cross-country ski race in North America and notes its role as the only U.S. race in the Worldloppet Ski Federation. The resolution also highlights the broader Birkie Week festivities, the participation of thousands of skiers and spectators, and the involvement of volunteers and international visitors. The resolution formally proclaims February 17 through 23, 2025, as American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin. It also acknowledges the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s stewardship of the trail system and its mission to promote international competition and healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities. The resolution directs the Senate chief clerk to provide a copy to the Foundation.

Impact

SJR5 does not change Wisconsin statutes, create regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is limited to a legislative recognition and ceremonial proclamation designating a week in February 2025 as American Birkebeiner Week. The resolution may help promote tourism, public awareness, and state support for the event and the trail system, particularly in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties and the surrounding northwestern Wisconsin region.

Sentiment

The available context suggests broad positive sentiment. The bill is framed entirely as a celebration of a well-known Wisconsin sporting event, emphasizing community participation, economic benefit, tourism, volunteerism, and healthy recreation. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating opposition, and the resolution’s tone is uniformly supportive and congratulatory.

Contention

No notable policy contention appears in the bill text or available legislative history. Because the measure is a nonbinding commemorative resolution, it does not present disputes over funding, regulation, or statutory change. Any discussion would likely center only on the appropriateness of honoring the event and its local economic and cultural significance, rather than on competing policy positions.