Capitol capsules
Building commission approves utility upgrade
The State Building Commission has unanimously approved the first phase of the Camp Randall renovation project, an $11.2 million utility upgrade.
During the commission’s meeting, Rep. Tim Hoven, R-Port Washington, proposed combining the four phases of the project as a way to guarantee a maximum price. The Division of Facilities Development will investigate this possibility and report back to the commission.
Student regent nominated
The appointment of Tommie L. Jones of Milwaukee to the UW System Board of Regents is on the agenda for the Senate Committee on Universities, Housing and Government Operations meeting Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. in 411 South, state Capitol. Jones attends UW-Whitewater and has been nominated to the student representative position.
The committee may also take executive action on a measure (SB 175) that would add another student to the board. Similar measures (AB 200 and AB 371) are pending in an Assembly committee.
The committee also plans to take up several bills:
- One measure (SB 130) would prohibit the university from requiring applicants for admission to have taken the state high school graduation test.
- Another (SB 173) would create a child care worker loan repayment assistance program and a child care education scholarship program.
- A third (SB 136) would allow the use of accumulated unused sick leave credits and certain health insurance premium credits to buy long-term care insurance.
No tickets during exams?
A bill (AB 87) that would prohibit parking tickets on UW System or technical college property during final exams is up for consideration by the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee when it meets Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 8:30 a.m. in 328 Northwest, state Capitol. Also included on the agenda is a bill (AB 423) that would create a tax exemption for interest on bonds issued by the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority for educational facilities.
Upcoming hearings
University experts are attending a hearing today (Sept. 26) to discuss farm safety, injury prevention and related issues. The Assembly Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Farm and Tractor Safety are meeting at 1 p.m., 225 Northwest, state Capitol. They committee members will talk with representatives from the Department of Health and Family Services and others.
The Joint Committee on Employment Relations will meet Wednesday, Oct. 3, to discuss the 2001-03 pay plan for unclassified staff, including UW System faculty and academic staff. The Department of Employment Relations will be making a recommendation on the pay plan at the hearing.
The Joint Survey Committee on Retirement Systems will meet Tuesday, Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m., 411 South, state Capitol. The agenda includes a measure (AB 498) that makes various changes to WRS contribution rates, and another bill (SB 245) meant to address benefits loss for contribution rates under the WRS.
More information
For information on state-related issues, visit: http://www.staterelations.wisc.edu
Contact: Charles Hoslet, senior special assistant to the chancellor and director, state relations, 263-5510, hoslet@mail.bascom.wisc.edu.