Capitol Capsules

Capitol capsules is a roundup of state and federal news that may affect the campus.

State revenue down; budget adjustments likely
Revenue Secretary Rick Chandler says state tax collections are short of projections this fiscal year. For the first quarter (July-September), the state collected 2.7 percent less in sales tax revenue than projected, while individual income tax receipts were off 6.8 percent. Chandler also says there are indications that Wisconsin housing starts and homes sales have fallen, which will have a negative impact on tax collections. And most national economic forecasts predict no growth, or even a contraction, for the next two business quarters. The latest estimates are that the state may be facing a budget deficit of $300 million to $1.3 billion. The recent hiring freeze is expected to save the state $10 million, but no further action has been suggested. However, the governor and Legislature are expected to pass a budget adjustment bill in early 2002 to address the budgetary shortfall. The governor and Republican leadership say they will not hike taxes to balance the budget.

Doyle backs stem cell research
Attorney General Jim Doyle has presented UW–Madison with $250,000 for stem cell research related to juvenile diabetes. Funds for the gift came from an antitrust settlement that 21 states reached with six major vitamin manufacturers who were fixing vitamin prices. Doyle presented the funding to UW–Madison in the name of UW–Madison alum and film producer Jerry Zucker, who has a daughter with juvenile diabetes.

Regents sets exec salaries
The UW System Board of Regents has approved annual salary levels for the chancellors, vice chancellors and senior officers of the UW System. The regents approved salary levels in line with the competitive market for university leadership. In some instances this meant significant increases, including a 46 percent increase to $299,000 for System President Katharine Lyall. “Our assigned salaries fall below the midpoint of our very conservative ranges,” says Regent President Jay L. Smith. Increases for most other UW executives are 3.2 percent, the same as the average increase for faculty and academic staff. Chancellor John Wiley will receive $298,250, partly funded by the UW Foundation for services rendered outside of his duties as chancellor. Wiley still will receive less than most peers in a group of 11 universities for which the median is $304,800. Provost Peter Spear will receive $220,000.

‘Charter university’ proposed
An new Wisconsin Policy Research Institute recommends that UW–Madison be turned into a charter university. Arguing that UW–Madison is increasingly important to the future of Wisconsin, the authors suggest that the campus be given more freedom from restrictive state regulations that prevent the university from securing additional funding resources and being able to quickly respond to challenges. Under the charter school model, the state would continue to fund the university at some level. To read the report, visit: http://www.wpri.org/Reports/reports.htm

Contract to be set on efficiency
The State Building Commission has waived the low-bid requirement for the Camp Randall renovation project. As was done in Kohl Center construction, officials will chose a construction manager who is deemed the most efficient, not just the one who offers the lowest bid. Construction firms will have until early December to submit proposals. A committee will forward its top two choices in early February to Administration Secretary George Lightbourn, who makes the final decision.