Government Relations

Legislative Update

February 1, 2008

Legislative Update Archive | Search Legislative Update

In this issue:

STATE UPDATE

In The News

"Wisconsin Legislature/Doyle: Close Budget Gap Now," – Gov. Doyle has asked state agencies to cut spending, saying that the UW System will be protected from budget actions that would reduce services; the Governor stressed consolidation and reorganization as options. See full story.

Governor’s State of the State – In his State of the State address, Governor Doyle unveiled his plans to Grow Wisconsin. For further details see news release, and text of his speech.  

Republicans Announce Economic Agenda – Sen. Kanavas and Rep. Strachota held a joint press conference to announce the Republican economic development agenda for 2008.   See Kanavas and Strachota news releases for details.

Senate Democrats Economic Development Program – The Senate Democrats outlined an eight-point economic development program.  Senate Majority Leader Decker is hoping to pass the proposals before the Legislature adjourns on March 13.  See proposal for details.

Legislative Fiscal Bureau – In a memo to the Co-Chairs of the Joint Finance Committee, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau released preliminary estimates of the general fund tax revenue for the rest of the 2007-09 biennium.

 

State Legislation Update

Recent Legislative Activity

January 17 – The following two bills were referred to the Joint Committee on Finance: SB 238, relating to instructional materials for students with disabilities in the UW System, and SB 353, relating to collective bargaining process for UW System faculty and academic staff.

January 18 – AB 708, relating to non-resident tuition exceptions, has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities.

January 22 – The Assembly Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform passed two bills unanimously:         AB 570, making changes to the anatomical gift law based on the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act of 2006, with one amendment; and SB 310, changing anatomical gifts.

January 23 – The Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations held a public hearing on SB 163, requiring all contractual services purchased by state executive branch agencies to be performed in the United States.  UW System Assistant Vice President of Procurement, Ruth Anderson, Special Assistant Grant Huber, and UW-Madison Purchasing Director Mike Hardiman, testified on behalf of the UW System.

January 29 – The Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee held a public hearing on AB 541, the tuition gift certificate bill.  Doug Hendrix, Associate Vice President for Financial Administration, testified on behalf of the UW System along with Rep. Gottlieb, the bill’s author.  Also on the agenda was AB 577, relating to the appointment of student members to the UW Board of Regents.  No action was taken.

January 30 – The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education held a public hearing on SB 286, relating to tuition remissions for certain UW System and technical college students.

The Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy held a hearing on AB 609, regarding appropriation for nanoscience positions at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout, and on AB 635, creating an income and franchise tax credit for expenses related to nanotechnology.

Remaining Legislative Schedule

Watch live coverage of the Senate and Assembly floor sessions online. The Legislature started legislative session on January 15, 2008. Take special note that the conclusion of the general business floor period is coming quickly, March 13. The remaining schedule is as follows:

  • Feb 19 to March 13, 2008 (Tu − Th) Last general-business floor period
  • April 3, 2008 (Th) Bills sent to Governor
  • May 6 to 8, 2008 (Tu − Th) Limited-business floor period
  • May 15, 2008 (Th) Bills sent to Governor
  • May 27 and 28, 2008 (Tu − W) Veto review floor period

 

Upcoming Legislative Activity

January 23 – The Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations will hold a public hearing on SB 163, relating to state procurement of contractual services, and SB 372, relating to changes in the UW Hospitals and Clinics Authority and UW Hospitals and Clinics Board.

January 29 – The Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities will hold a public hearing on AB 541 relating to the UW System tuition gift certificate program and AB 577 relating to the appointment of student members of the Board of Regents.

The committee will also hold an executive session on AB 281 relating to the purposes, authority, and responsibilities of the Educational Approval Board and the regulation of schools by that board and AB 494 relating to the membership of a technical college district board that governs a district in a first class city.

Remaining Legislative Schedule

Watch live coverage of the Senate and Assembly floor sessions online. The Legislature started legislative session on January 15, 2008. The remaining schedule is as follows:

  • Jan 15 to 31, 2008 (Tu − Th) Floor period
  • Jan 23, 2008 7 p.m. – Governor’s State of the State Message
  • Feb 19 to March 13, 2008 (Tu − Th) Last general-business floor period
  • April 3, 2008 (Th) Bills sent to Governor
  • May 6 to 8, 2008 (Tu − Th) Limited-business floor period
  • May 15, 2008 (Th) Bills sent to Governor
  • May 27 and 28, 2008 (Tu − W) Veto review floor period

Legislation Circulating, Introduced or Added Since Last Update

January 17 – Sen. Olsen introduced SB 392, relating to non-resident tuition exemptions for veterans. This legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education.

January 23 – Rep. Hixson introduced AB 714, creating a non-refundable individual income tax credit for interest paid on student loans. This legislation has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means

January 25 – Rep. Hixson and Rep. Garthwaite are circulating LRB-3033, which would create a student healthcare cooperative for all students enrolled in an accredited institution of higher education.

January 28 – Reps. Parisi and Black are circulating LRB-0742, which changes the formula used to calculate the amounts appropriated for higher education grants for UW System students and for Lawton grants.

FEDERAL UPDATE

This week President Bush delivered the State of the Union message.  The Federal Relations Office has prepared a memo with highlights of his speech.

UPCOMING EVENTS     

February  
4

Central Wisconsin legislative breakfast and briefing – at UW-Stevens Point
Hosted by:  UW-Stevens Point, UW-Marshfield/Wood County, UW-Marathon County
6

UW-La Crosse Legislative Reception- Inn on the Park, Madison
Hosted by UW-L Foundation/Alumni Association
7-8

UW System Board of Regents Meeting in Madison
7

State auditor, Jan Mueller, will present at the Board of Regents meeting.
18-22

Congressional District Work Period

20

UW System Legislative Liaison/PIO Meeting – In Madison
27

Superior Days – Inn on the Park, Madison
March  
5 5th Annual UW System Undergraduate Research Day (Posters in the Rotunda) and UW Spirit Day to be held in conjunction with the legislative session and the Regents’ meeting in Madison.
5-6 United St. Croix Valley Days, Inn on the Park, Madison
See website for more details. 
6 Board of Regents Meeting - in Madison
17-28 Congressional District Work Period
26 UW System Legislative Liaison/PIO Teleconference

Web Resources

Contact

State Relations: 

Federal Relations:

Legislative Update Archive | Search Legislative Update