January 3, 2005
NEW LEGISLATURE SWORN IN
January 3rd marks the beginning of the 2005-07 legislative session for all 132 members of the Wisconsin Legislature. The Assembly adds 19 new members while the Senate will add four. The traditional start of the legislative session includes the official swearing in ceremony, approval of legislative rules and setting a session calendar. The calendar for the upcoming two-year session will feature floorperiods that run January through June and September to December in 2005. The 2006 floorperiods run January through May.
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEES SET
Legislative leaders have released committee assignments for the upcoming session. The Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee, chaired by Rep. Robin Kriebich (R, Eau Claire), will include Reps. Joan Ballweg (R, Markesan) Gregg Underheim (R, Oshkosh), Steve Nass (R, Palmyra), Sue Jeskewitz (R, Menomonee Falls), Debi Towns (Janesville), Andy Lamb (R, Menomonie) and Jennifer Shilling (D, La Crosse). Additional Democrat appointees have yet to be named.
The Senate Higher Education and Tourism Committee, chaired by Senator Shelia Harsdorf (R, River Falls) , will include Senators Neal Kedzie (R, Elkhorn), Dan Kapanke (R, La Crosse), Roger Breske (D, Eland) and Jeff Plale (D, South Milwaukee).
A complete listing of all legislative committees and memberships is available at: Senate: http://www.thewheelerreport.com/xgr05/05senatecommittees.PDF. Assembly: http://www.thewheelerreport.com/xgr05/asmcommittees05.PDF.
GOVERNOR TO DELIVER BUDGET ADDRESS FEBRUARY 8
Three weeks after Governor Doyle delivers his state of the state speech January 12, he is scheduled to address the Legislature and outline his 2005-07 biennial budget plan February 8. The address coincides with the introduction of the spending plan to the legislature and traditionally kicks off the legislative budget process. After introduction, the budget will be referred to the Joint Committee on Finance for statewide public hearings, legislative deliberations and executive action.
For more information on state related issues contact,
Kristi Thorson or Don Nelson
Assistant Director, State Relations
608/262-8967