WisPolitics Budget Blog

Here are links to the omnibus motions on TANFand economic development that the JFC adopted today.

Labels: Department_of_Commerce, DWD, Economic_Development, TANF

The governor's recommendations for budget papers 905, 906, and 907, relating to the Department of Workforce Development's child support program, were approved by the committee.

Labels: Child Support, DWD

The JFC is informal to discuss an amendment introduced by Sen. Bob Jauch to divert $80,000 from the Youth Apprenticeship Program in the second year of the biennium for the Crex Meadows Youth Conservation Camp. To receive the funds, the camp must raise $20,000.

The Burnett County camp serves at-risk students in Northern Wisconsin. About 60 students participate each year, and Jauch said students who attend the camp have an 86 percent high school graduation rate.

Assembly Republicans on the committee balked at the earmark, but Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, had a word withthe GOP Republicans just before they could take a vote. Co-chair Rep. Kitty Rhoades, R-Hudson, then called for the committee to stand informal.

Labels: DWD, Jauch, Youth Apprenticeship Program

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