First Healthy Debate
There is a sharp disagreement with what to do with Youth Apprenticeship Program funding in the Department of Workforce Development. (Budget paper 883.)
Co-chair Rep. Kitty Rhoades moved alternative four, which would keep funding for the program at the current level. Gov. Jim Doyle is recommending $1.6 million in funding over the biennium, including adding two new positions.
Democrats on the committee say the program is a success. Sen. Bob Jauch accused Republicans of "de-funding" it.
Rep. Robin Vos was exasperated. "Only in government is staying at the current level called de-funding," he said.
One of the positions is earmarked for Milwaukee, which fired up Rep. Scott Suder. "Why should one go to the great state of Milwaukee?" he asked. "I could not get a special project position for Abbottsford."
Rhoades' motion fails 6-10, with the two Republican Senators on the panel, Luther Olsen and Alberta Darling, voting with Democrats.
Co-chair Sen. Decker moves to adopt the governor's proposal, which passes 11-5, with GOP Rep. Steve Kestell voting with Olsen, Darling and the Dems.
Labels: DWD, Youth Apprenticeship Program
