LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Monday, April 7, 2008

Administrative Center – Room 3220

10:30 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Ann Fisher, Charles Spiker, John Medinger, Sharon Hampson (arr @10:47)

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  Roger Plesha 

MEMBERS ABSENT:   Jason Gillett  

STAFF & GUESTS PRESENT:  State Senator Dan Kapanke, Steve O’Malley, Jerry Huber,             Cheryl Stephen

Before a quorum was present, Committee Chair Ann Fisher requested general discussion.  At this time Senator Kapanke noted the importance for dialogue between state legislators and county officials & staff; as government partners, need to have good relationship. 

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Committee Chair Fisher called the meeting to order at 10:47 a.m.  

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Medinger/Spiker to approve meeting minutes of March 10, 2008.  Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused; Gillett absent.

DISCUSSION WITH STATE SENATOR DAN KAPANKE ON COUNTY/STATE ISSUES:

Update on Current Legislative Session – Pending matters for the next legislative session include autism bill and mental health.  Supervisor Hampson requested difference between the Senate and Assembly bills relating to autism.  Senator Kapanke noted the Senate bill requires insurance mandate and would have cost the State $9 million; the Assembly bill will put $6 million into the waiver program and would take care of the waiting list of about 260+ kids.  Both agree on the need to get the medical colleges/medical community and school systems involved. 

Projected State Deficit – Senator Kapanke noted the deficit funding proposals will not affect counties; big items include K-12, shared revenue, possible bonding, sales tax, hospital tax though the Senator is opposed.  Supervisor Spiker relayed his concerns on the following:  use of Transportation Fund dollars, use value assessment and its loop holes, County limited to $500,000 levy increase for 2009 which will not cover true costs – will have to make up the difference in grants, increase in fees, etc.; if the state or federal government wants to mandate programs, then they need to pay for them.  

Senator Kapanke noted the State is looking at the need for a person to promote business in Wisconsin – similar to person that promotes tourism.  The State needs to bring in good paying jobs and promote economic development.

County Issues:

• WI Retirement for MCO Employees – Governor is signing the bill today.
• State Funding for Probation Clients in County Jails – Steve O’Malley noted the state set the dollar amount for per day reimbursement at $40 which has not changed in past 10 years, while at

the same time true costs are around $55/day; and when it comes to final payment and the state has underestimated total number of days, then counties only receive $28/day.

• Dental Access – progress is being made and will continue to pursue.
• 17-Year Olds to Juvenile Court – Steve said it makes a lot of sense, but no funding to cover costs.  Jerry Huber concurred and also noted impact on mental health costs.  He also noted WCA and WCHSA support the bill.
• Additional issues:  nursing homes not prepared for baby boomers and higher weight limits imposed on County roads for logging industry will affect road maintenance.

Steve thanked Senator Kapanke for his work on the WRS for MCO workers and revenue sharing with West Salem.  Senator Kapanke thanked the members for the opportunity of visiting with them and encouraged contacting him when issues arise for the County.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

None suggested.

NEXT MEETING

Monday, May 5^th at 10:30 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Committee Chair Fisher declared the meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

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

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder