WisPolitics Budget Blog

Taylor-Kestell Motion Passes

The motion from Rep. Kestell and Sen. Taylor regarding the DCF passed 11-5. GOP Sens. Olsen and Darling voted with Kestell and the Democrats to approve the motion.

Taylor next introduced a motion to change the name of the agency to "Department of Children and Family Resources."

The motion failed 3-13.

Labels: Department_of_Children_and_Families

JFC Back

Lunch break is over, and the committee is back in session. First off, they are considering motions to budget paper 200, which creates the Department of Children and Families.

There is a bipartisan motion on the floor by Sen. Taylor and Rep. Kestell that has three proposals:

- to specify that the purpose of DCF is to focus on integration of services and increase collaboration and efficiency.

- to specify that the merger of programs in DCF does not alter the missions of W-2 and child welfare services.

- to specify that the Joint Legislative Council Committee on Strengthening Wisconsin's Families will act in an advisory role during the development and implementation of the plan to create DCF and in the ongoing administration of programs administered by DCF.

Kestell said the motion helps to alleviate concerns Republican members had about how the creation of DCF impacts W-2. Co-chair Rep. Rhoades said she doesn't believe this is the time or the place for such a motion.

Labels: Department_of_Children_and_Families, Kestell, Taylor

Committee Splits on Dept. of Children and Families Proposal

The GOP motion to halt the creation of the Department of Children and Families was defeated on an 8-8 party vote. Doyle's recommendation remains in the budget.

The committee is on break until 1:30 p.m.

Labels: Department_of_Children_and_Families

Creation of Dept. of Children and Families Before Committee

Gov. Jim Doyle's proposal to create a new Department of Children and Families is being debated by the committee. (Budget paper 200)

Rep. Steve Kestell, R-Elkhart Lake, said the proposal is one of the most important the JFC will take up in this budget. "And it could be something we regret," he said.

Kestell said there isn't enough definition in Doyle's proposal, and "that tends to make me nervous."

Republicans on the committee have made a motion to modify Doyle's recommendation to retain W-2 in the Department of Workforce Development, rather than transfer it to the new DCF. (Alternative 4 in the budget paper)

Rep. Suder said the proposal includes a "warm and fuzzy name," but no substance. He said the proposal was a "retreat from the mission of W-2."

Sen. Taylor, argued against alternative 4, saying the proposal is not a change in the mission of W-2, and will provide resources for family and reduce poverty.

Labels: Department_of_Children_and_Families

WisPolitics Budget Blog

JOINT FINANCE COMMITTEE

Senate Members

Assembly Members

BUDGET LINKS

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Taylor-Kestell Motion Passes

JFC Back

Committee Splits on Dept. of Children and Families Proposal

Creation of Dept. of Children and Families Before Committee

Blog Editor

Blog Description

Other Sites

Previous Posts

Archives