Joint Finance Committee Update

The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee began budget briefings today. The briefings are designed for agency heads to discuss the governor’s budget proposal and take questions from members of the committee. Public testimony is not heard. The hearings take place in Room 412 East in the capitol building.

Today — Supreme Court and departments of Administration, Revenue and Tourism.

Wednesday, March 30 — Government Accountability Board and departments of Corrections and Children and Families.

Thursday, March 31 — University of Wisconsin System, Higher Educational Aids Board, Wisconsin Technical College System and Department of Public Instruction.

Monday, April 4 — Departments of Transportation; Natural Resources; and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Wednesday, April 6 — Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and departments of Health Services; Commerce; Justice; and the new Safety and Professional Services (which is now known as the Department of Regulation and Licensing).

The finance committee also announced its schedule of public hearings on the proposed 2011-13 state budget. Hearings will be held in four locations around the state, but not in Madison:

Thursday, April 7 — Stevens Point,  UW-Steven Point’s Lee Dreyfus University Center, Melvin Laird Room

Friday, April 8 — Minong, Northwood School Richard’s Auditorium, Highway 53

Monday, April 11 — West Allis, State Fair Park, Expo Center Hall A

Wednesday, April 13 — Arcadia, Arcadia High School Auditorium

The hearings are scheduled to begin at 10 am and will end at 6 pm, except for the hearing in Minong, which is scheduled to end at 5 pm. The committee has indicated it will conclude testimony at the time specified.