JFC Removes 131 Items from State Budget, Declines to Restore State Funding for Media Lab

The Joint Finance Committee held their first day of voting on the state budget bill today. They voted 11-4 along party-lines to remove 131 items from Governor Evers’ budget. 

The Committee also took action on the Educational Communications Board (ECB) budget. Democratic lawmakers on the Committee made a motion to support Governor Evers' proposal to restore state funding for the Media Lab run by ECB. This motion failed on a party-line vote on 4-10. As a result, Media Lab will continue to be funded through program revenue (gifts, grants, etc.). 

The following items of interest to WEMTA were removed from budget consideration today:

·         Allowing retired teachers to be re-hired without losing their annuity

·         Returning the deposit of settlement funds to the Attorney General’s office rather than the general fund

·         Paid planning time for teachers

·         The state broadband access goal and broadband report requirements

·         Funding and staff increases for the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer