Bernier was born in Eau Claire to John and Marge Anderson and grew up in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin. Bernier graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1974 and was married in September 1977. While raising her children, she worked a variety of part-time and limited term jobs including certified nursing assistant, waitress, and census taker. As a single mother, Bernier applied to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1993. She was accepted as a non-traditional student and continued working part-time jobs to put herself through college. She graduated in May 1998 with a bachelor's degree in political science. Bernier earned a certificate in public management essentials from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Shortly after graduating, Kathy was elected Chippewa County Clerk and served in that position until February 2011. Bernier also served as chair of the Chippewa County Republican Party. Bernier has served as a trustee for the Village of Lake Hallie, as the liaison to the Clerk/Treasurer’s office, and has served on the Lake Hallie police commission and parks and recreation board.
During her time in the legislature, Bernier has authored a number of pieces of legislation that have been signed into law. These include Assembly Bill 16, a measure aimed at raising public awareness of human trafficking in Wisconsin; Senate Bill 527, a measure that increases local control for county treasurers regarding unclaimed property; Assembly Bill 112, which allows disabled individuals to seek special permission for hunting from medical practitioners; Assembly Bill 243, which adds regulations and clarity to the state Youth Hunt program; Senate Bill 160, which increases the standards of maintenance and service for nursing home facilities and oxygen equipment; Senate Bill 295, which institutes online voter registration in the state; Assembly Bill 146, which expands dental hygiene services in the state; and Assembly Bill 14, known as the State Workforce Development Bill or Wisconsin Fast Forward. Bernier voted in support of the Budget Repair Bill in 2011, which requires state employees to contribute 5.8% of their salaries to cover pension costs, contribute 12.6% towards their health care premiums, and weakens collective bargaining privileges for most public employee union members.
Awards
Bernier was named the Legislator of the Year from Wisconsin County Constitutional Officers. Bernier is also recipient of the Outstanding Legislator Award from the Wisconsin Counties Association and Working for Wisconsin Award from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. Bernier was named a Woman of Excellence by the National Foundation for Women Legislators and received the Legislative Excellence Award from the State Dairy Business Association.
