August 22, 2005
STATE LAWMAKERS REQUEST AUDIT OF UW EMPLOYMENT POLICIES
In response to numerous media reports this summer about UW System employment practices, several state lawmakers have requested independent reviews of university employment policies and activities. In late July the co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee wrote to UW President Kevin Reilly requesting information by September 2 related to back-up positions and paid leaves. The co-chairs, Senator Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh) and Representative Suzanne Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls), indicated they may ask the Legislative Audit Bureau to investigate these issues further. Their request is available at http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/July05/July25/0725roessleruwletter.pdf.
Last week several legislators, led by Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford), asked the co-chairs to perform an audit and review of the “UW System employment policies to determine how many convicted felons are still employed by the UW despite their criminal convictions.” The co-chairs have not yet responded to this request, a copy of which is available at http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/Aug05/Aug19/0819suderuwsystemsudit.pdf.
In addition to the potential external reviews, the UW Board of Regents has announced it is conducting an internal review of university employment agreements, administrative leaves and back-up appointments. This review, through the Regent Business and Finance Committee, is expected to be concluded by October. In the meantime, pending the outcome of the review, the Regents suspended the use of back-up appointments except for those employees who have statutory rights to such appointments. The Regent announcement is available at http://www.wisconsin.edu/news/2005/r050726.htm.
COLLEGE RE-ENROLLMENT BILL SCHEDULED FOR COMMITTEE VOTE
The Senate Veterans, Homeland Security, Military Affairs, Small Business and Government Reform Committee will meet this Wednesday, August 24, at 10:30 a.m. in room 411-South of the State Capitol to vote on several bills, including Assembly Bill 378, which would require college re-enrollment of persons called into active military service.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Senate Bill 293 - College Tuition Plans
Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) has introduced legislation that allows an individual income tax deduction for certain amounts contributed to 529 college tuition programs in any state. The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Finance.
The text and history of all legislation is available at www.legis.state.wi.us/billtext.html.
For more information on state related issues contact,
Kristi Thorson or Don Nelson
Assistant Directors, State Relations
608/262-8967