MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - A state legislator who lost his re-election bid in August will serve on Milwaukee’s Social Development Commission.

Governor Scott Walker named Jason Fields to the 18-member panel Wednesday.

The appointment came less than a week after the board of the anti-poverty agency had a major shake-up – and some board members had criticized Walker for not showing enough of a regard for what the commission does.

The Republican governor went almost a year-and-a-half without appointing anyone to the SDC. Walker said Fields, a Democrat, has a strong dedication to the people of Milwaukee – and it’s exactly what the commission needs.

Fields served 8 years in the Assembly before losing to Mandela Barnes in last summer’s Democratic primary.

A group called Wisconsin Progress said it took credit for the defeats of Fields and 29-year Assembly veteran Peggy Krusick. Fields went against his party by supporting private school vouchers for low-income kids – which the Wisconsin Progress group opposes.