Captiol capsules

Tech council calls for state support of UW
Last week, the Wisconsin Technology Council released a report calling on the governor and the Legislature to reverse the long slide in public support for the UW System, beginning with the 2005-07 state budget bill. This recommendation and others are based on its analysis and conclusion that “without a vibrant foundation in academic research and development, Wisconsin will find it difficult, if not impossible, to grow a high-tech, ‘knowledge-based’ economy in the 21st century.”

Audit committee to meet on UW administration
The Joint Audit Committee was scheduled to hold a public hearing on the Legislative Audit Bureau’s report on UW System administrative expenses and staffing today (Oct. 6). UW System President Kevin Reilly and UW Regent President Toby Markovich were expected to testify after the bureau provided its report to the committee.

An audio broadcast of the hearing will be available at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lab/JCAHearingDates.htm. Highlights of the audit report are available online at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lab/reports/04-10highlights.pdf. . The full report is available at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/lab/reports/04-10full.pdf.

Gard, Fitzgerald announce “100-day jobs agenda”
Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, and newly elected Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, released a “100-Day Jobs Agenda” that they intend to bring forward when the legislative session begins in January. The nine-point agenda includes initiatives in tax relief, including a research-and-development tax credit; regulatory reform; health-care cost containment; and work force training at the technical colleges. For the announcement and proposal, visit http://www.thewheelerreport.com/ releases/Sept04/Sep27/0927gopjobs.PDF.

Web site clarifies political-activity rules
As the Nov. 2 election nears, it’s important that university employees understand laws and policies governing political activities while at work. For a series of memos on this topic, as well as other state-related issues, visit the State Relations Web site at http://www.staterelations.wisc.edu or contact Kristi Thorson or Don Nelson, assistant directors of State Relations, at 262-8967 or staterelations@bascom.wisc.edu.