Government Relations
Legislative Update
January 24, 2003
Legislative hearings
The Assembly Budget Review Committee held a hearing this week on AB 3 (Pettis), a measure that prohibits state agencies from filling more than 80 percent of the total number of full-time equivalent positions that become vacant during the fiscal year. Margaret Lewis, UW System Associate Vice President for University Relations, testified in opposition to the bill. (Read testimony [pdf].) The executive session on the bill is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 9:00 a.m. in 328 North West.
Budget cuts
Gov. Jim Doyle has outlined 2002-03 budget cuts. The 5 percent "administrative cut" for the UW System is about $6.9 million, to be lapsed to the general fund by June 30, 2003. Note that the lapse is 5 percent of the annual appropriation, but must be taken over the next 6 months.
Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) 2002-03 Revenue Estimates
Governor's Regents appointees referred to committee
The governor's appointees to the UW System Board of Regents were referred this week to the Senate Higher Education and Tourism Committee. The Chair of the committee is Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (River Falls). There is no schedule yet for confirmation hearings.
The appointees and their term of appointment:
- Mark Bradley of Wausau to the UW System Board of Regents (May 1, 2008).
- Danae Davis of Milwaukee to the UW System Board of Regents. (May 1, 2007).
- Jesus Salas of Milwaukee to the UW System Board of Regents. (May 1, 2009).
- David Walsh of Madison to the UW System Board of Regents. (May 1, 2008).
- Peggy Rosenzweig of Wauwatosa to the UW System Board of Regents. (May 1, 2007).
State of the State Address scheduled
Gov. Doyle will deliver his State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at 7:00 p.m.
Legislature begins session next week
Both the Assembly and Senate convene on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, for floor action on a number of bills. The Senate will take up some of the appointments that have been passed out of Senate committees.
Additionally, Gov. Doyle announced that he will call the Legislature into special session next week to pass an emergency budget bill to address the shortfall in this fiscal year's budget. Dates for the special session are being negotiated by the governor and legislative leaders.
Information on the Web
UW System Government Relations:
http://www.uwsa.edu/govrel/
UW System Budget:
http://www.uwsa.edu/budplan/
Wisconsin Legislature on the Web
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/
Prepared by Kerry
Niemcek.
For further information contact Margaret
Lewis (608) 262-4464 or David
Miller (608) 262-4463