Notes from the West Wing

By State Representative Garey Bies

Cooperation

             It may not happen terribly often, but on occasion, members of the legislature and those in the executive branch manage to get together on an issue of vital importance to the State of Wisconsin and its residents. 

Just such an occasion came to pass on Wednesday, February 25^th when legislative leaders and the governor managed to reach an agreement that will, among other things, protect seniors by shoring up medical assistance while also working to balance the state’s budget. 

The agreement is centered on the provision to increase bonding by $175 million for refunding of general debt.  Then, General Purpose Revenue (GPR) debt service is reduced by $175 million in 2003-04 and GPR debt is increase by $8.75 million in 2004-05.  This restructuring of the state’s debt will allow for the transfer of $123.5 million in 2003-04 from the general fund to the medical assistance trust fund. 

This agreement is a great example of the executive branch working with the legislative branch to reach compromise on an important issue facing the state, and is also an example of strong and responsible leadership.  While it is true that it was only our legislative leaders at the negotiating table with the governor, our leaders, prior to negotiations, were very receptive to input from individual legislators.  For example, I was contacted by the various nursing homes located in Door County regarding their concerns on this issue.  I was able to take our local nursing homes’ concerns to the legislative leadership who then took those concerns to the negotiating table. 

We must remember though, that while Wednesday’s agreement is great, it is only the first step and not a long-term solution.  What this agreement does accomplish is to allow the legislature and governor the time necessary to work together to develop long-term solutions. 

Other provisions of the agreement include increasing the private bar appropriation of the Office of the State Public Defender by $4.0 million in 2003-04 and $5.2 million in 2004-05 and increasing the appropriation of the District Attorneys by $1 million in 2003-04.  The agreement also eliminated the $32 million gross, general fund deficit for 2003-05. 

On another subject, I have over the last several months received several requests for Wisconsin Highway Maps and have been unable to fulfill them due to lack of maps.  I am happy to report that I now have a good supply of maps here in my office so if you would like a map; please contact me and we can get a map out to you. 

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.