Legislative Update
January 27, 2017
The Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association held its biennial Legislative Seminar on January 12th. Special thanks to Lt. Gov. Kleefisch, Representatives Joan Ballweg, Bob Kulp, and Dave Murphy, and Senators Sheila Harsdorf and Jen Shilling, for their presentations to our members.
- Governor Walker has requested a joint session of the Legislature on February 8th at 4p.m. for the purpose of delivering his 2017 budget address.
- The Legislative Fiscal Bureau issued its new revenue projections, which will serve as the starting point for the 2017-19 biennial state budget, found HERE. Overall, the LFB’s estimates of general fund tax collections were $454.6 million higher through 2018-19 compared to the Department of Revenue’s November estimates. The updated general fund condition statement also shows a net balance at the end of 2016-17 that is $322.4 million higher than the administration’s previous report, in large part due to lower than anticipated agency spending.
- The Legislative Council Study Committee on Reducing Recidivism and Removing Impediments to Employment issued its final report, found HERE. The committee’s report recommended support for Milwaukee Area Technical College’s educational programs for the incarcerated
- The study committee on Volunteer Firefighter and EMT Shortages issued its final reports, found HERE. The committee’s report included an advisory letter to WTCS and the District Boards Association regarding training programs.
WTCS and DBA will hold a New Legislator Orientation informational briefing February 7th at 9a.m. in room 412-East, State Capitol. All are welcome to attend.
The WTCS Student Showcase—a celebration of outstanding technical college students from around the state—is February 21st from 11a.m. to 2p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. Please join us! Learn from our highly skilled and engaging students about their work in and out of the classroom.