Capitol Capsules
Governor delivers state of the state message
Gov. Jim Doyle delivered his State of the State address to the Legislature Jan. 21. The governor mentioned several economic development initiatives, including venture capital legislation that could help support UW entrepreneurial outreach and education, and a manufacturing competitiveness program. He addressed priorities for 2004, including prescription-drug price-relief initiatives, support for shared revenue and K-12 school funding. The full address is available at http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/speeches_detail.asp?prid=369.
Senate overrides veto
The Senate voted 23-10 on Jan. 22 to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 214, which authorizes permits to carry concealed weapons in Wisconsin. The bill exempts higher educational buildings, but not all university property, from locations where concealed weapons could be carried. The Assembly, where 66 votes are required for the veto override, was expected to act on the bill sometime this week. The bill passed the Assembly 64-35 last November.
Other Senate business
Last week, the Senate passed SB 247, which would allow orientation information related to sexual assault and harassment to be provided to students electronically. Companion legislation, AB 497, passed the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee earlier this month.
Committee action
The Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee on Jan. 13 passed AB 406, which requires colleges and universities to re-enroll a student who was called into active duty military service following discharge or the next succeeding semester. The bill, which the university supported, was amended to address concerns regarding student soldiers whom reciprocity agreements affect.
Doyle signs employee bills
Doyle has signed several employee contract bills into law, including SB 362, which, among other things, grants a paid personal holiday for non-represented state employees in recognition of Veterans Day.
Upcoming hearings
The Senate Higher Education and Tourism Committee will meet Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. in Room 300-Southeast of the State Capitol. Included on its agenda is a bill that allows individual income-tax deductions for certain amounts contributed to college savings programs.
The text and history of introduced legislation is at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/billtext.html. For information on state-related issues: Kristi Thorson, 263-5510.