May 2, 2005
JOINT FINANCE BUDGET WORK CONTINUES
The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance continued it work last week on portions of the Governor’s 2005-07 state budget. Voting on the budget is expected to resume later this week, however, no dates and times have been announced. The committee’s proposed schedule and related papers from which the members will be voting are available at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/../lfb/jfc.html. (Look under “schedule” on the left side of the page.) The UW System budget is not expected to be considered until mid or late-May.
For more information on the 2005-07 biennial budget, please visit the state relations web site at www.staterelations.wisc.edu/0507budget.html.
TUITION CAP BILL TO SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING IN ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE
The Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday, May 3rd in room 225 NW of the state capitol on Assembly Bill 239. The bill, authored by Rep. Robin Kreibich (R-Eau Claire), would cap annual UW System resident undergraduate tuition and nondiscretionary segregated fee increases to 3 percent. UW System President Kevin Reilly and UW-Madison Provost Peter Spear are scheduled to testify in opposition to the bill. The committee notice states they may take action on the bill immediately after the public hearing, however, a vote is unlikely.
VETERANS TUITION BILLS VOTE POSTPONED
The Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs cancelled their executive session for Assembly Bills 317 & 318 originally set for Tuesday, May 3rd. The committee may take action on the bills later in May, however, the proposals may be included in the Governor’s 2005-07 state budget by the Joint Committee on Finance.
LEGISLATION PROTECTING STUDENTS CALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY TO GET PUBLIC HEARING
The Assembly Committee on Military Affairs is scheduled to hold a public hearing and possible executive session, Wednesday May 4 in room 225 NW of the state capitol on Assembly Bill 378. The bill, authored by Rep. Terry Musser (R-Black River Ralls), would require colleges and universities in the state to reenroll students called to active duty beginning in the semester following their military discharge or the next succeeding semester, whichever the student prefers. The bill may be acted on by the committee immediately after the public hearing.
SENATE ACTION SCHEDULED FOR STUDENT REGENT BILL
The state senate is scheduled to take up Senate Bill 121 for a vote on Tuesday, May 3rd. The bill would allow for additional appointment of student members of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. If approved, the bill would go to the Assembly for referral to committee.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Assembly Resolution 14 - Nursing shortage study
Rep. Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton) introduced a resolution that asks the Wisconsin Technical College System and the UW System to collaborate to reduce the nursing shortage and reduce the shortage of other health care occupation professionals. The resolution was referred to the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities.
Assembly Bill 361 - Retirement age
Rep. Gene Hahn (R-Cambria) introduced legislation that would require Wisconsin Retirement System participants, other than protective occupation participants, reach the age of 59.5 to qualify for a retirement annuity under the WRS. The bill was referred to the Joint Survey Committee on Retirement Systems.
Assembly Bill 378 - Military student reenrollment
Rep. Terry Musser (R-Black River Falls) introduced a bill that would require colleges and universities in the state to reenroll students called to active duty beginning in the semester following their military discharge or the next succeeding semester, whichever the student prefers. The bill was referred to the Assembly Committee on Military Affairs and is scheduled for a public hearing and possible vote on Wednesday, May 4th. (See above)
Assembly Bill 387 - Nursing loan program
Rep. Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville) introduced a bill that would that extends eligibility under the nursing loan program to students enrolled in master’s degree programs and extends the loan forgiveness requirements under the loan program to recipients who are employed full time in Wisconsin as nurse educators. The bill was referred to the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities.
Senate Bill 187 - Student financial aid restrictions
Sen. Joe Leibham (R-Shebogan) introduced a bill that to prohibit a student who has been convicted of certain drug crimes to be eligible for the WHEG grant. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Higher Education and Tourism.
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