LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Monday, March 10, 2008

Administrative Center – Room 3220

10:30 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Ann Fisher, Charles Spiker, Sharon Hampson, John Medinger

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  Roger Plesha 

MEMBERS ABSENT:   Jason Gillett  

STAFF & GUESTS PRESENT:  State Assembly Rep. Jennifer Schilling, Steve O’Malley, Jerry Huber, Gregg Stangl, Gloria Doyle, Pam Semb, Pete Eide, Bob Taunt, Melissa Gilbert, Cheryl Stephen

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Committee Chair Ann Fisher called the meeting to order at 10:31 a.m. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Spiker/Medinger to approve minutes of February 11, 2008.  Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused; Gillett absent.

DISCUSSION WITH STATE ASSEMBLY REP. JENNIFER SHILLING ON COUNTY/STATE ISSUES:

Update on Current Legislative Session and Projected State Deficit – Jennifer Shilling noted they are in the last week of the legislative floor period regarding the State budget shortfall.  Some agencies have returned funds so it’s now at about $500 million shortfall.  The Governor wants to protect his priorities which are education, healthcare, economic development and financial integrity of the state.  Some legislators would like to look at transportation funds which has been used in the past; another idea is delaying some of the tax cuts and new spending; looking at the statutory fund balance requirement and the rainy day account; hospital tax is back on the table; and looking at financial institutions loop-holes when their subsidiaries are located in other non-tax states.  The legislature is moving forward on budget shortfall issue.     

County Issues:

• WI Retirement for MCO Employees – The Assembly passed legislation last week; now in the Senate and should be scheduled soon.  She noted the importance of it for the County and encouraged elected officials and staff to contact Senator Decker’s office.
• State Funding for Probation Clients in County Jails – No discussion.
• Dental Access – Jennifer and others have been working on this for over 2 years.  Not going anywhere soon, but it will be re-introduced next year with hope of having a pilot program in La Crosse County.  She and Senator Kapanke meet monthly with the local Dental Task Force.  Working on an agreement with WI Dental Association in allowing “Missions of Mercy” where dentists donate their time in giving dental care around the state – hopefully will have a location in or near La Crosse.  Another piece of new legislation is a tax credit to dentists that see Medicaid patients.  Secretary Hayden of DHFS is also looking at other access points, such as Boys & Girls Clubs and schools.   
• 17-Year Olds to Juvenile Court – Jennifer noted an audit was done on this; it would be very costly to the counties; again this will be held off until next legislative session.

General discussion, questions and answers.  Supervisor Medinger relayed concern with unforeseen state budget deficit and the raiding of the state’s cookie jars.  Jennifer said it’s difficult to predict or plan for 2 years, especially relating to the soft economy; other states are having similar issue.  Steve noted effects on the nursing homes; there was zero percent increase in Medicaid reimbursement in the first biennium with an agreement of getting 5% increase in the 2^nd biennium, and now this is under consideration of being cut.  Counties have not seen any increases in shared revenue for over 10 years; no increases in community aides since mid 1980’s; no increase in courts surcharge dollars - counties are collecting more, but it’s all going back to the state; plus the counties have been absorbing all of the inflation costs.   If this continues and if the state continues to cut, end result is property tax increase for the taxpayers.  Jennifer said more will be known in a week from today. 

Update on SB 150 the non-smoking bill.  Jennifer noted a lot of opposition from the Tavern League – mostly based on fear of losing business; and the smoke-free folks do not like the phase-in concept.  This bill may not be going anywhere at this time as there needs to be a compromise.  

Supervisor Spiker expressed concern with legislative power.  He also noted the transportation fund cannot continue to take a hit.  He also questioned the payment process for revenue sharing; why only 15% for the first payment.  He suggested doing what is right and eliminating the politics.  Supervisor Medinger concurred with 2-3 people having that much power in the legislature.

Supervisor Hampson expressed concern of the state’s priority setting; during last session, made serious mistake of repealing the gas tax. 

Jennifer also noted 2-year delay in smart growth; the delay passed the assembly and now in the senate - looking at 2012.   

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

• Wisconsin Way movement
• WCA representative
• Senator Dan Kapanke

NEXT MEETING

Monday, April 7^th at 10:30 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Hampson/Medinger to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused; Gillett absent.  The meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder