Grigsby returns to state Assembly after illness

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Democratic state Rep. Tamara Grigsby of Milwaukee has returned to the state Assembly after a three month illness that included a two-week stay in intensive care.

The 37-year-old Grigsby addressed her colleagues from the floor of the Assembly in a brief emotional speech Tuesday. She thanked them for their support and said she was happy to be back.

Grigsby was released from the hospital in January after a monthlong stay following complications related to her treatment from an undisclosed form of cancer.

Grigsby released a statement saying the state Senate’s rejection of a mining bill and a court ruling on Monday striking down Wisconsin’s voter identification law inspire her.

She was elected in 2004 and is a member of the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee.