January 5, 2007
LEGISLATIVE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS COMPLETE
The final appointments to the higher educations committees in the Senate and Assembly by the minority party were made this week. On the Assembly side, the Democrats re-appointed to the Colleges and Universities Committee Representatives Spencer Black (D-Madison) and Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) and also tabbed freshman Representatives Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire) and Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh). All Democrat appointees represent 4-year institutions in their districts.
The Republican appointees are Representatives Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) as vice chair, Sue Jeskewitz (R-Menomonie Falls), Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee), Mark Gottlieb (R-Port Washington) and (R-Oconomowoc). None of the GOP appointees have a 4-year campus in their district, but most have a 2-year campus in or near their area.
In the Senate, to the Agriculture and Higher Education Committee, the Republicans re-appointed Senators Shelia Harsdorf (R-River Falls) and Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse). The Democrats previously appointed Senators Kathy Vinehout (D-Eau Claire) as chairperson, Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) as vice-chairperson and Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee). Every member of the committee represents a 4-year institution in their district.
GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE, ATTORNEY GENERAL SWORN IN THIS WEEK; GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE AND BUDGET ADDRESS SET
Governor James Doyle was sworn in for his second term this week as well as new Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. The 2007-09 Legislature also officially kicked off this week with 21 new members, 16 from the Assembly and four in the Senate.
The legislative session begins in earnest January 9th with the first day of session for official business. The Governor is scheduled to deliver his State of the State address to the Legislature on the evening of January 30th. His budget address, and the day the budget is delivered to the Legislature, is tentatively set for February 13th.
For more information on state related issues contact,
Don Nelson or Kristi Thorson
Assistant Directors, State Relations
608/262-8967