March 8, 2005
FINANCE COMMITTEE BEGINS BUDGET HEARINGS
The Joint Finance Committee begins its public hearing on the budget bill (Assembly Bill 100) this week. The dates, times and locations are as follows:
- Wednesday, March 9, 1-7 p.m., Health and Wellness Center, Watertown
- Friday, Mach 11, Noon - 5 p.m., Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland
- Monday, March 14, 3 - 8 p.m., UW-Stout, Menomonie
- Tuesday, March 15, Noon - 5 p.m., Prairie River Middle School, Merrill
- Thursday, March 17, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., State Capitol, Madison
The Committee has scheduled selected agency briefings for March 29, 30 and 31.
For information on the 2005-07 budget, including a summary of items of interest to UW-Madison in the Governor’s budget proposal, Chancellor Wiley’s statement on the budget and a budget timeline, please visit the state relations 2005-07 budget web page at www.staterelations.wisc.edu/0507budget.html.
PROF. THOMSON OFFERS “STEM CELL 101” TO LEGISLATORS
This morning UW-Madison Professor Jamie Thomson spoke with legislators and staff about what embryonic stem cell research is and why it is important. This “Stem Cell 101” briefing was designed to give state policy makers an opportunity to learn more about this critical issue.
PRES. REILLY BRIEFS LEGISLATORS ON EFFICIENCY MEASURES
Last week UW System President Kevin Reilly briefed members of the Assembly Colleges and Universities and Senate Higher Education and Tourism Committees on his efficiency and effectiveness initiatives, proposals for consolidating some of the Madison-based administrative functions of UW-Extension and UW-Colleges and credit transfer between UW System and the Technical College System. His testimony is available at www.uwsa.edu/president/speeches/2005/s050302.htm. At the same hearing Representative Rob Kreibich (R, Eau Claire) presented his ideas on merging UW two-year and four-year campuses.
SENATE HIGHER ED COMMMITTEE APPROVES REGENT MCPIKE
Last week the Senate Higher Education and Tourism Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Milt McPike to the UW Board of Regents. His confirmation now goes to the full Senate for approval.
UPCOMING HEARING
The Assembly Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to meet at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, in room 300-Northeast of the State Capitol. Included on their agenda is Assembly Bill 106, which expands the individual income tax deduction for college tuition expenses to colleges, universities or technical colleges located in Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa or Michigan.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Assembly Bill 158 - Board of Regent membership
Representative Andy Lamb (R, Menomonie) introduced legislation that adds a student member at least 24 years old and representing views of non-traditional students to the UW Board of Regents. The bill was referred to the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee.
Senate Bill 96 - charter schools
Senator Alberta Darling (R, River Hills) introduced legislation that would allow baccalaureate or graduate degree granting institutions within the UW System to operate or contract for the operation of a charter school with the approval of the Board of Regents. The bill was referred to the Senate Higher Education and Tourism Committee.
Senate Bill 98 - contractual purchases
Senator Judy Robson (D, Beloit) introduced legislation that requires, with certain exceptions, all contractual services purchased by state executive branch agencies to be performed within the United States. The bill was referred to the Senate Homeland Security, Military Affairs, Small Business and Government Reform Committee.
For the complete text of all bills and their current status, please visit: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/ab_list.html (Assembly bills) or http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/sb_list.html. (Senate bills).
For more information on state related issues contact,
Kristi Thorson or Don Nelson
Assistant Directors, State Relations
608/262-8967