Steiger was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He attended the youth government and leadership program Badger Boys State in 1955 where he was elected Governor and then represented his state at Boys Nation. In 1960, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, Steiger entered the business world, becoming a part owner of the Oshkosh Motor Lodge. Later, he became the president of Steiger-Ratke Development. In 1960, the young Steiger made his first run for elected office and became a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1961 to 1965. His wife was Janet Dempsey Steiger; they were married on August 10, 1963.
Career
In 1966, Steiger was elected to the 90th United States Congress as the representative of Wisconsin's 6th congressional district. He was reelected to the six succeeding congresses as well. Steiger however died in office before being able to serve as part of the 96th Congress overall serving from January 3, 1967 till December 4, 1978. His death left a vacancy in the house that was filled by a special election resulting in the election of Tom Petri. While in the House, Steiger was a strong supporter of tax cuts as a way to stimulate the economy. He sponsored legislation reducing the capital gains tax, establishing OSHA, and securing environmental protection for the Great Lakes. The bills he authored on these topics include the Williams-Steiger Bill establishing OSHA in 1970, the Clear Lakes Bill establishing environmental protection for the Great Lakes, the Older Americans Act of 1965, the Elementary and Secondary School Act, the Manpower Act, and the Steiger Amendment of 1978 reducing the capital gains tax. While a Congressman, in 1969 he employed the future Vice President Dick Cheney as an intern.
Death
Steiger died in Washington D.C. at the age of 40 from a heart attack just weeks after winning reelection.
Legacy
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists annually hands out the William Steiger Memorial Award, which honors individuals from the social/political sphere whose efforts have contributed to advancements in occupational safety and health. His son, William R. Steiger, worked for Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, and most recently as the Director of the Office of Global Health Affairs and Special Assistant to the Secretary for International Affairs, in the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, where he has been the subject of controversy for his role in the politicization of science. The congressman was honored in his hometown of Oshkosh with the naming of the William A. Steiger Park, which is located on the south shore of the Fox River, east and west of the Wisconsin Street Bridge.
