Government Relations

Legislative Update

March 13, 2007

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STATE UPDATE

Recent State Capitol Activity

Senate Confirms Michael Falbo to the Board of Regents

On Tuesday, February 20, the Senate confirmed Michael Falbo (Franklin, WI) to the UW System Board of Regents by a vote of 32-1. He replaces Gerard Randall who has been on the Board since 1994.

Power Plant Positions Restored

On February 28 the Joint Finance Committee unanimously approved restoration of 270.92 FTE power and waste water treatment plant positions as part of the Budget Adjustment Bill.  The restoration of these positions means that the UW System, along with other state agencies, will not have to remove power plant positions on April 1, 2007, as previously required by 2005 Wisconsin Act 25.  Final action on the Budget Adjustment Bill is scheduled for action in both houses this week.

Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee Public Hearing Held

The Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee (Rep. Steve Nass, Chair) held an informational public hearing on March 5.  No votes were taken.  On the agenda:

Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) Report 06-12. UW System Personnel Policies and Practices.  Audit Bureau Director Jan Mueller presented much the same testimony as reported before the Audit Committee on Nov.  20, 2006.  President Reilly and Regent President Walsh also testified.  The UW will be expected to report back to the Audit Committee again in June this year.            

UW System Waukesha Study. President Kevin Reilly, UW-Milwaukee Provost Rita Cheng, UW Colleges/UW- Extension Chancellor David Wilson, UW-Waukesha Dean Patrick Schmitt, and UW-Platteville Chancellor David Markee provided group testimony in support of a University Center model expansion.  Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas and Waukesha County Action Network (WCAN) spokesperson Bronsen Haase testified their support for a merger, or stand-alone campus.  Nearly 20 students from UW-Waukesha diligently attended and provided testimony as well. 

CR-06-078.  Procedures for dismissal of faculty in special cases and procedures for dismissal of academic staff in special cases.  UW Chief Legal Counsel Pat Brady provided answers to few questions posed by members.  Action on the administrative rule appears complete, according to Rep. Nass, Committee Chair.

Budget Process Begins

Joint Finance Statewide Budget Hearings

Sen. Russ Decker and Rep. Kitty Rhoades, Co-Chairs of the Joint Finance Committee, announced plans to hold six public hearings across the state on Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget bill.  The hearing schedule is as follows: 

  • Tuesday, March 20. 10:30-4:30. UW-Milwaukee Student Union Wisconsin Room,
    2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee.
  • Wednesday, March 21. 10-4. Arlington Agricultural Research Station Public Events Facility,
    N695 Hopkins Rd., Arlington.
  • Tuesday, March 27. Noon-5. Chippewa County Courthouse Assembly Room,
    711 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls.
  • Wednesday, April 4.  Prairie du Chien High School Auditorium, 800 E. Crawford St., Prairie du Chien.
  • Wednesday, April 11.  Nicolet College Learning Resource Center Theatre,
    5634 College Dr., Rhinelander.
  • Thursday, April 12.  National Railroad Museum Lenfestey Center, 2285 South Broadway, Green Bay.

The committee has scheduled an agency briefing for the UW System on March 22.  UW System President Kevin Reilly and Board of Regents President David Walsh are scheduled to testify.

Budget Tools/Resources

LFB Summary of Governor’s Budget
LFB Informational Paper on the UW System [PDF]

State Legislation Update

Legislation Introduced:  Tuition Income Tax and Franchise Tax Credit for Businesses; Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council; Tuition Fee Remission for Family Members of Veterans; Drugs Dealers Ineligible for Financial Aid; College Savings Accounts Tax Deductions for Divorced or Legally Separated Parents

Senator Darling and Representative Zipperer have introduced companion bills SB 31/AB 67 which creates an income tax and franchise tax credit for businesses that pay tuition for an individual to attend a university, college, or technical college. SB 31 has been referred to Small Business, Emergency, Preparedness Committee and AB 67 has been referred to Jobs & The Economy Committee. See additional sponsors and full text for SB 31 and additional sponsors and full text for AB67.

Rep. Al Ott has introduced AB 83, which creates an Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council.  The purpose of which is to advise state agencies on matters related to agricultural education and workforce development to increase hiring and retention of well-qualified employees in industries related to agriculture, food, and natural resources.  Membership would include the president of the University of Wisconsin System or his or her designee and other UW representatives.  The bill has been referred to the Assembly Education Committee.  See additional sponsors and full text for AB 83.

Rep. Schneider has introduced AB 132, which expands the tuition remission for the spouse or child of a veteran who is a resident of this state and was a resident of this state for at least 15 continuous years before the student registers.  The bill has been referred to the Assembly Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. See additional sponsors and full text for AB 132. 

Representative Hahn and Senator Leibham have introduced companion bills AB 151/SB 67 which makes a college student who is convicted of possessing, with intent to manufacture, distribute, or deliver, a controlled substance ineligible for state student financial aid.  AB 151 has been referred to the Colleges & Universities Committee and SB 67 to the Agriculture and Higher Education Committee.  See additional sponsors and full text for AB 151 and additional sponsors and full text for SB 67.

Representative Molepske has introduced AB 154 which would allow an income tax deduction for some amounts contributed by a divorced or legally separated parent to his or her child’s college savings account or college tuition and expenses program.  The bill has been referred to the Colleges & Universities Committee.  See additional sponsors and full text for AB 154.

Please note that UW System positions on these bills are being reviewed by the Regents.  After approval they will be posted on the web. Visit Board of Regents Positions on State Legislation

FEDERAL UPDATE

Grants Forecast

Be sure to review the FY 2007 Grants Forecast (as of March 1), which lists virtually all programs and competitions under which the Department has invited or expects to invite applications for awards and provides actual or estimated dates for the transmittal of applications under these programs.  The lists are in the form of charts -- organized by principal program office -- and will be updated regularly through July.  (Note: This document is advisory only and not an official application notice of the U.S. Department of Education.)

One grant competition that is already underway is the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program.  This program complements the President's early reading initiative by funding replicable professional development programs that improve the knowledge and skills of early childhood educators who serve in high-poverty communities and who primarily work with children from low-income families.  Eligible applicants are partnerships consisting of one or more institutions of higher education and one or more public or private entities (including faith-based organizations).  Applications are due April 20.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 22 UW System Budget Briefing to the Joint Finance Committee

April 3 “Central Wisconsin Days” Legislative Reception
Contact: Tom Miller (715) 346-3014;
5:00-6:30 p.m., Olive Lounge, Hilton Hotel, Madison, $7/per person          

April 18 Posters in the Rotunda (undergraduate research display in Capitol Rotunda)
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Formal program @ Noon (Contact Laurie Dies at ldies@uwsa.edu)

Posters in the Rotunda
Spirit Day (community, alumni, legislator visits)
Legislative Reception (Inn on the Park)

May 8 “Door County Legislative Day” with evening reception and authentic Door County fish boil.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

Are elected officials coming to your institution?  Please contact Grant, Jessica, or Kris.

Growth Agenda for Wisconsin

Your participation in supporting the Growth Agenda for Wisconsin is a must. Recent endorsements include Senator Sheila Harsdorf (kudos to Mark Kinders at UW-River Falls for his help in securing this important legislative support).  We strongly encourage other UW System campuses to contact your area legislators to secure additional endorsements for this important budget initiative to ensure reinvestment by the state Legislature.  See full details of the Growth Agenda.

 

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