February 21, 2003
LEGISLATURE PASSES BUDGET ADJUSTMENT BILL
Yesterday both houses of the legislature passed Special Session Senate Bill 1, the budget adjustment bill for the current fiscal year. Neither house made any changes to the bill that was passed by the Joint Finance Committee last week. That bill included an additional $1.378 million cut on top of the Governor's $6.89 million cut to the UW System, for a total of $8.3 million, as well as language specifying in what areas of the budget the cut must be applied. UW-Madison can expect to absorb 40 percent of the UW System cut, or approximately $3.2 million. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
HEARINGS SET FOR 03-05 BUDGET BILL
The Joint Finance Committee announced that they will hold public hearings on the 2003-05 budget bill, tentatively set for Madison, Milwaukee, Platteville, River Falls, the Neenah-Menasha area and Rhinelander. Although dates have not been announced, it is expected that the hearings will begin around mid to late March. Agency budget briefings, which include testimony from agency heads, will likely be held a week or so prior to the public hearings. The Committee, which formally introduced the budget bill this week as Senate Bill 44, will begin voting on the bill once the public hearings are complete.
More information about the Governor's budget proposal, including a detailed summary of items of interest to the UW, links to the Chancellor's statement on the budget, and links to related budget documents, are available on the state relations 2003-05 budget web page at www.staterelations.wisc.edu/0305budget.html.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Assembly Bill 66 - UW Medical School requirements
Representative Sheldon Wasserman (D, Milwaukee) has introduced legislation that would require all persons admitted to the UW Medical School to take the Medical College Admission Test. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities.
Assembly Bill 67 - Health Care Providers
Representative Jean Hundertmark (R, Clintonville) has introduced legislation prohibiting the discipline of health care providers and hospital employees who refuse to participate in sterilization, abortion, assisted suicides and certain other procedures. The bill will have a hearing before the Assembly Labor Committee at 10 am, Wed., March 5, in room 417-North.
Assembly Bill 74 - Tuition Voucher
Representative Terry Musser (R, Black River Falls) introduced legislation that would provide a $25 tuition voucher at a University of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Technical College campus for students who sound Taps at military honors funerals. The bill was referred to the Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs.
Assembly Bill 95 - Alien Tuition
Representative Pedro Colon (D, Milwaukee) has introduced legislation to allow aliens who are not legal permanent residents of the US to pay resident tuition in the UW System. A similar provision was included in Governor Doyle's budget.
For more information on state related issues contact:
Charles Hoslet
Senior Special Assistant to the Chancellor
Director, State Relations
hoslet@bascom.wisc.edu
608-263-5510