The state is currently holding more than $400 million in unclaimed assets. This money comes from forgotten paychecks, insurance premium overpayments, utility deposits, forgotten bank accounts, forgotten stocks, abandoned safe deposit boxes and many other forms of assets that have been lost, forgotten about or that people did not even know they had. As part […]
Fiscal Bureau Releases Final Budget Summary
Date Wed, Aug. 7, 2013 - 4:41pm By Hamilton
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau has released its final summary of the 2013-15 budget. The lengthy document describes each of the provisions of Act 20, including all fiscal and policy modifications recommended by the Governor, Joint Committee on Finance, and Legislature.
State Starting Venture Capital Fund
Date Wed, Aug. 7, 2013 - 10:38am By Hamilton
States that have invested public resources into developing a financial mechanism and related network to propel start-up companies forward are reaping the benefits. Specifically, these states are experiencing accelerated growth rates among high-potential startups and those businesses are producing higher payrolls than comparable-sized firms. With the passage of 2013 Wisconsin Act 41, which was accomplished […]
Gov. Walker Issues Vetoes & Signs Budget
Date Wed, Jul. 3, 2013 - 4:38pm By Hamilton
Gov. Scott Walker signed the $70 billion 2013-15 Wisconsin biennial budget into law on June 30, 2013. Walker vetoed 57 items in the budget, which reduced GPR spending by $856,000 over the biennium. The budget signed by Gov. Walker varies from the budget passed by the legislature thanks to the expansive veto powers granted to […]
Legislature to Vote on $70 Billion Budget
Date Tue, Jun. 18, 2013 - 8:18pm By Hamilton
The Joint Finance Committee’s (JFC) budget bill, ASA 1 to AB 40, will now be taken up for consideration by each house of the legislature. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald have both indicated they would like to pass the JFC version of the budget with as few changes as possible. […]
Unemployment Reserve Fund Improving but Still in the Red
Date Fri, Jun. 14, 2013 - 2:39pm By Hamilton
The Legislative Audit Bureau’s report on the state’s Unemployment Reserve Fund shows that the fund’s equity increased by $313.7 million during the 2011-12 fiscal year, however, the fund is still $612.4 million in the hole. During fiscal year (FY) 2011-12, fund equity increased from a deficit of $926.1 million as of June 30, 2011, to […]
Budget Bill Heads to the Floor
Date Fri, Jun. 7, 2013 - 9:56am By Hamilton
After a marathon hearing that covered three of the biggest policy issues in the budget – medical assistance, K-12 education, and taxes – the Joint Finance Committee finalized its version of the 2013-15 budget. Highlights Medical Assistance As Gov. Walker recommended, the JFC voted (12-4 along party lines) to reject federal funds for expanding Medicaid […]
On Last Day JFC Will Take Up Medical Assistance, K-12 Education & Taxes
Date Thu, May. 30, 2013 - 4:20pm By Hamilton
The Joint Finance Committee will convene on Tuesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. to vote on the remaining budget items – medical assistance, K-12 education & taxes. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau has prepared papers on the following budget items for JFC’s consideration: Health Services — Medical Assistance and Related ProgramsMA Cost-to-Continue Reestimate BadgerCare Plus — […]
Finance Committee Votes on Controversial Issues
Date Thu, May. 23, 2013 - 11:06am By Hamilton
As the finance committee wades deeper into the budget mire, the issues become more complex and controversial. On Tuesday, JFC voted, mostly on party lines, on proposals related to public employee benefits, environmental fees, and food share. Double Dipping JFC voted to slightly change the governor’s proposal to limit the ability of retired public employees […]
Upcoming Budget Action
Date Thu, May. 23, 2013 - 9:34am By Hamilton
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will meet on May 23 at 10a.m. The committee has a full schedule for the day that includes transportation and higher education. Proposed Topics for May 23: Financial InstitutionsJustice–General Agency ProvisionsJustice–Victim and Witness ProgramsJustice–TransfersJustice–DNA CollectionTransportation–Transportation FinanceTransportation–Local Transportation AidTransportation–State Highway ProgramEducational Communications BoardHigher Educational Aids BoardUniversity of Wisconsin System Click here […]