Capitol Capsules

Capitol capsules provides a quick overview of state government activities of interest to UW–Madison employees.

Building projects named
Gov. Scott McCallum has recommended the following projects for the 2001-03 capital budget:

Chamberlin Hall renovation, $20.8 million
Camp Randall Stadium renovation, $99.8 million; includes $72.8 million program revenue borrowing, $17 million gifts, $10 million other borrowing
Mechanical Engineering renovation and addition, $16.5 million for Phase 1; includes $10 million from gifts
Utility Distribution Systems upgrade, $5 million
University Health Services/ Student Activity Center design planning
University Ridge Golf Course, $15.6 million; includes $5.4 million gifts, $10.1 million program revenue borrowing
Charmany Animal Facilities, $1.2 million program revenue borrowing
Weeks Hall addition, $5 million gifts

The governor did not recommend any funding for the Sterling Hall remodeling project. The Building Commission will meet today, March 21, to consider these items.

Two student regents?
Rep. Julie Lassa, D-Plover, has introduced a bill (AB 200) that would name two students to be members of the UW Board of Regents. A student currently holds one seat. The bill was referred to the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities. Sen. Rick Grobschmidt, D-South Milwaukee, proposes similar legislation.

Bill ties aid to tuition
Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, introduced legislation (AB 194) that would tie increases for the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant and Lawton minority grant programs to increases in tuition. The bill was referred to the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities.

Budget review begins
The Joint Finance Committee received a briefing March 19 on the UW System budget from UW System President Katharine Lyall. The committee will hold eight public hearings on the budget bill.