Notes from the West Wing

By State Representative Garey Bies

Stewardship Fund

            For this edition of Notes from the West Wing, I’d like to talk about a component of state government that has received a fair amount of coverage in the press: the Stewardship Fund.  First, just so everyone understands, the Stewardship Fund is not actually a “fund,” but rather an appropriation for bonding.  The proceeds from the sale of the bonds are used for the Stewardship program and the costs associated with the program are a result of repayment of the bonds, both principle and interest. 

            The Stewardship Fund was initially created in 1989 and was intended to run for 10 years.  The fund was reauthorized in 1999 and additional bonding authority granted.  It is my personal opinion that the Stewardship Fund is a valuable program and an important one to maintain.  The effort to protect our state’s natural heritage is important.  The problem right now is that the state does not have any spare money in the coffers!  

            In the crafting of the 2003-2005 state budget, the Joint Finance Committee was not afforded the ability to overlook any portion of state government in an effort to trim spending.  As a government program, the Stewardship Fund did not escape review.  Nor should it.  The bottom line is the state does not currently have a surplus of money that can be devoted to the purchase of land.  When the money is available, providing more for the Stewardship Fund is a good idea.  When the money is not available, we have to provide less. 

            The Stewardship Fund recommendation of the Joint Finance Committee does not eliminate the annual bonding appropriation for the fund.  Rather, it merely reduces Stewardship appropriation to $25 million over the next biennium.  Then, starting in 2005-2006 returns the appropriation to $30 million per year. 

            Nobody wants to see funding for his or her favorite programs reduced.  But right now, the legislature needs to get the state’s financial books back in order.  This means we all have to tighten the belt a little for the next couple of years.  

            I also want to follow-up on the CWD topic that I discussed in the previous Notes from the West Wing column.  In that column, I recanted some testimony that was submitted to members of the Natural Resources Committee regarding CWD testing at the University of Wisconsin.  Apparently that testimony was not wholly accurate.  Since the appearance of that column, the University has come forward with information regarding the nature of their CWD research.  The University researchers have also availed themselves to a meeting with myself to elaborate on what their research has involved.  Following the meeting I'll report back to my committee chairman.   

I wish the University had considered appearing at the joint hearing on baiting and feeding.  It was an opportunity to dispel any inaccurate testimony.  It was a very important hearing lasting over 7 hours.  I had expected to see someone from the UW come forward, but it didn't happen. On issues of this importance and interest it is vital to get the correct information.  Prior to my previous column, no one challenged the information I had received.  However, in the time since that column, I have had numerous contacts from across the state with additional information on CWD. 

As always, if you have questions or comments on this column or any other topic you might see or read in the news, I can be reached by e-mail at Rep.Bies@legis.state.wi.us or by telephone, toll-free at 1-888-482-0001.