Capitol Capsules
Budget shortfall worsens
The state budget picture will likely get worse in coming weeks. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau is expected to announce revised revenue projections for the 2001-03 biennium around Tuesday, May 8, and those estimates are expected to show an additional $300 million to $500 million shortfall. In a recent briefing for the members of the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee, the bureau reported that the governor’s budget plan has a $167 million gap. The gap result from updated estimates that show, for example, a $95.1 million increase for child care costs in the state’s welfare-to-work program, a $50.1 million increase in costs for medical assistance, a $27 million increase in K-12 school aids, and an $8.8 million increase for expanded use of the farmland preservation and homestead tax credits.
Committee removes policy items
In other budget news, Joint Finance Committee co-chairs Sen. Brian Burke, D-Milwaukee, and Rep. John Gard, R-Peshtigo, agreed to remove 150 non-fiscal policy items contained in the governor’s budget proposal, indicating that they will be considered as separate legislation. Of particular interest to UW–Madison, the leaders removed a provision that would modify the membership of the State Lab of Hygiene Board by replacing the UW System president with the UW–Madison chancellor, and making statutory language changes sought by the Medical School. However, the leaders did not remove the provision that would require 15 percent of courses offered by UW System institutions to be delivered during evenings and weekends or via electronic means. For a full list of the policy items removed from the budget, visit: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lfb/jfc/042301_Process.pdf (beginning on page 5).
Stray voltage vote upcoming
The Joint Finance Committee will begin voting on sections of the state budget plan today, May 2. Among the items to be taken up by the committee is a proposal in the governor’s budget regarding the funding of stray voltage research being done by UW–Madison. Voting on most other aspects of the UW System budget is expected to occur in mid to late May.
Building projects approved
The State Building Commission has approved a request to increase the Biochemistry Building’s 1985 wing X-ray crystallography renovation project budget by $120,000 in gifts and grants. Also of interest to UW–Madison, the commission:
- Authorized installation of a campus two-way communication system replacement project.
- Approved increasing funding for the Robert and Irwin Goodman Softball Complex by $200,000 in gift funds.
- Authorized construction of phase one of the campus utility distribution system upgrade at an estimated project cost of $1.5 million.
Pension tax cuts pushed
Three Assembly members plan to push for tax cuts on pensions. Rep. Neil Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, would increase personal tax credits for private pensions at a cost of about $232 million. A proposal by Rep. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, would exempt military pensions, and Rep. Rick Skindrud, R-Mount Horeb, would exempt Social Security pensions from state income taxes. Combined, the proposals would total about $300 million.
For more information on state related issues contact: Charles Hoslet, senior special assistant to the chancellor, 263-5510, hoslet@mail.bascom.wisc.edu
UW-Madison state relations:
http://www.staterelations.wisc.edu