Government Relations
Legislative Update
June 27, 2003
2003-05 Biennial Budget
On Tuesday, the State Senate concurred in the final Assembly budget amendment on a voice vote sending the bill to the Governor. This is the earliest the Legislature has passed a final budget since 1983. The Governor has said he hopes to complete veto action on the bill by mid-July.
A complete summary of UW System-related budget provisions is on the UW System Budget website.
You may click here for the Legislative Fiscal Bureau summaries of the Governor's budget and Legislative modifications on the web.
Click here for the full text of the budget bill as sent to the Governor.
Assembly Action
The Assembly passed AB 344, the meningitis vaccination bill on a voice vote on Tuesday, June 24. The amended version requires public and private universities to annually provide all enrolled students detailed information on the risks of meningococcal disease and hepatitis B and the availability and effectiveness of vaccines against the diseases. Students living in campus housing must affirm that they have received the information and provide the date of vaccinations if applicable. The institutions must maintain a record of the student's affirmation or dates of vaccinations. The bill was sent to the Senate.
New Bills Introduced
Rep. Terry Musser has introduced AB 422 which increases the maximum amount of an Indian student assistance grant that is funded from Indian gaming receipts from $2,200 to $3,200 per year and eliminates tribal matching contributions for Indian student assistance grants. The bill was referred to the Committee on Colleges and Universities.
Legislative Schedule
The Legislature has adjourned pursuant to the regular session calendar until September 23 except for possible budget veto review days. During this time committees will continue to work on pending legislation.
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/
For further information contact Margaret Lewis (608) 262-4464 or David Miller (608) 262-4463