March 24, 2003
BUILDING COMMISSION APPROVES CAPITAL BUDGET
Last week the State Building Commission met and approved the Division of Facilities Development (DFD) recommendations for the 2003-05 Capital Budget. Of interest to the university, the budget includes $135 million GPR (state funded) bonding for maintenance needs as well as bonding to finish phased construction and ongoing programs that were started in previous biennia. No GPR bonding was provided to begin construction of new buildings; however those projects that have already been enumerated (such as the Microbial Sciences building that was approved in the 2001-2003 Capital Budget) will go ahead. Of particular interest to UW-Madison, the 2003-05 Capital Budget provides $8.2 million ($4.8 million GPR and $3.4 million non-GPR) for Phase II of the Integrated Dairy Program. All projects funded totally by non-GPR funds (gift/grant or program revenue supported borrowing) were also approved. The Joint Finance Committee and both houses of the Legislature will now review the capital budget as it reviews the rest of the 2003-05 budget.
FINANCE COMMITTEE HEARS FROM AGENCY HEADS
Last week the Joint Finance Committee began taking testimony from all agency heads, including testimony from UW System President Katharine Lyall and Regent President Guy Gottschalk on Monday March 17. Their power point presentation is available at http://www.wisconsin.edu/budget/03-05/JFCMarchHearing1b.pdf.
The Joint Finance Committee will begin public hearings on the budget today in Rhinelander. Their sixth and final hearing will be in Madison on Wednesday, April 9, in room 412-E of the State Capitol.
Meanwhile, the Board of Regents is continuing its listening sessions on the budget. Sessions are planned for Stevens Point on March 25 and Waukesha on March 26. An additional session will be held the following week at University Research Park in Madison on March 31.
COMMITTEE HAS HEARING ON REGENT APPOINTMENTS
The Senate Higher Education and Tourism Committee met last Wednesday to take up the appointments of Danae Davis, Jesus Salas and David Walsh to the UW Board of Regents. Committee members asked the Regents to express their views on potential cuts to the UW System, tuition increases, executive salaries and financial aid. The committee has not yet voted on the appointments.
ASSEMBLY BUDGET REVIEW COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT UW-EXTENSION
The Assembly Budget Review Committee has scheduled a hearing to hear testimony from Chancellor Kevin Reilly regarding the organization, responsibilities and budget of UW-Extension. The Committee will also discuss Extension's relationship to counties, the UW System, technical colleges and other state agencies. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, at 1:00 p.m. in room 328-NW.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Assembly Bill 163 - optional state holiday
Representative Pedro Colon (D, Milwaukee) introduced legislation that would create an optional holiday for state employees to observe the birthday of Cesar Chavez in lieu of another paid holiday. The bill was referred to the Assembly Committee on Government Operations and Spending Limitations.
Assembly Bill 165 - veterinarian continuing education
Representative J.A. Hines (R, Oxford) introduced legislation that makes changes to continuing education requirements for veterinarians and vet techs. The bill was referred to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture.
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