Capitol capsules

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

Commission approves projects
The Building Commission has unanimously voted to provide the Athletics Department with authority to accept land from the UW Foundation to expand the University Ridge Golf Course, following approval of the expansion in the 2001-03 state budget. The commission also approved funds for campus utility distribution system upgrades to meet demands from the Camp Randall expansion project and the Engineering Centers Building, as well as future demands of the southwest campus area.

Student regent confirmed
The state Senate has unanimously confirmed UW-Whitewater student Tommie L. Jones’ appointment to the UW Board of Regents. At the same time, a Senate committee has endorsed SB 175, which would add a student to the Board of Regents. The measure specifies that the governor can appoint a non-traditional student of his or her choice, but must appoint a traditional student from a list recommended by student government. The full Senate will next consider the bill. Similar legislation (AB 371) was advanced Oct. 16 by an Assembly committee.

Parking tickets bill opposed
UW Police Capt. Dale Burke testified on behalf of the university in opposition to a bill (AB 87) that would prohibit issuing parking tickets on university system and technical college campuses during exam week. Following the hearing, the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities did not take action on the bill, but asked that all university campuses look into their parking policies during residence hall move-in and move-out days.

Security measures reviewed
The Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19, at UW-Fond du Lac to receive an update on security procedures to be implemented on UW campuses.

Hygiene Lab funding sought
State Sen. Mark Meyer, D-La Crosse, has introduced legislation that increases the appropriation for the State Lab of Hygiene by $250,000 because of the increased workload due to the bioterrorism threats in Wisconsin. The bill has been referred to another Senate committee.

Thomson commended
The Senate Universities, Economic Development and Government Operations Committee has endorsed a resolution commending Jamies Thomson, his research team, UW–Madison and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation for the advances in embryonic stem cell research. The resolution asks the federal government to designate UW–Madison as a National Center for Excellence for Embryonic Stem Cell Research. The resolution passed, 4-3.

Other action
Loan forgiveness: The Assembly has passed a bill (AB 556) that requires the Higher Educational Aids Board to study and report on the cost, desirability and effectiveness of creating a student loan forgiveness program.

Military service: The governor has received a bill (AB 558) that provides that, if a student is called into miltary service for at least 30 days, the school must, at the student’s request, either reimburse the student all tuition and fees paid for all courses from which the student had to withdraw and, for UW system students, a prorated portion of room and board payments; or grant the student an incomplete in all such courses and permit the student to complete the courses within six months after leaving service, without paying additional tuition or fees.