Family Care Audit Released
The Legislative Audit Bureau released Report 11-5 recently, detailing the findings of the Family Care program audit. I initially requested this audit in December 2009 on behalf of the providers who had contacted me to express their concerns with the long-term stability of the program, particularly with regards to delayed reimbursements and the impact on their businesses. The audit was approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee in July 2010.
The Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) conducted an evaluation of Family Care within the five-year period of FY2005-06 - FY2009-10. During this time, the program grew from five pilot counties to 53 counties statewide and increased its annual expenditures from $248.4 million to $936.4 million. The 2011-2013 Biennial Budget, as currently drafted, includes $1.4 billion in funding per year to maintain Family Care while capping enrollment to June 2011 levels.
A number of concerns were outlined within the LAB report on Family Care. Among them were the administrative costs, which more than tripled from $16.0 million in 2006 to $53.2 million in 2010. Of the total administrative costs under Family Care, 57.2 percent encompasses salaries and fringe benefits of executive, administrative, and care management staff. This includes four cases in which executive salaries were found to have exceeded $200,000, excluding fringe benefits. Three of these executives are employed at Community Care, Inc. and the fourth at Care Wisconsin First, Inc. The salaries of three more executives were also highlighted in the audit report, which ranged from $170,000 to $186,000 in 2010.
Another noteworthy concern identified by the audit involves the number of cases assigned to caseworkers. While managed care organizations (MCOs) such as Lakeland Care District maintain an average caseload of 50 participants per nurse care manager, other MCOs assign up to 80 participants to each nurse care manager. This practice could pose a serious risk to the well-being of patients as a result of the impact it can have on the efficiency by which casework is handled.
Last, but not least, I've previously alluded to concerns raised by providers about the current rate-setting practices under Family Care, as well as the overall lack of uniformity in rates established for residential services throughout the state. DHS, however, is working on a plan to establish uniform rates for residential services in the near future. In the meantime, DHS proposed rate increases for five MCOs and rate decreases for four MCOs which has generated some controversy. It has been argued that this proposal will either limit the ability of some MCOs to negotiate lower rates with providers or it will prevent them from paying higher rates needed for meeting specific needs of participants.
The audit report certainly highlights a number of complex issues within Family Care that will need to be addressed as we prepare for the next fiscal biennium. My colleagues on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and I do intend to schedule a public hearing in the near future to address these issues.
Improving Safety on School Buses
Some of you may recall that I co-introduced a bill last session with Senator Tim Carpenter, Senate Bill 91, intended to prohibit the use of cellular phones and other wireless devices by school bus drivers while transporting students to school. I have reintroduced the proposal this session with State Senator Van Wanggaard and State Senator Tim Carpenter.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school bus drivers must be mentally alert, focused, and prepared for possible emergencies at all times. By not adhering to these basic guidelines, a bus driver puts the safety of their young passengers at risk. Data compiled by the NHTSA has confirmed that driver inattention is the leading cause of the majority of all traffic accidents. Thus, Senator Wanggaard, Senator Carpenter, and I are reintroducing legislation in an effort to prevent a potential tragedy resulting from an inattentive school bus driver talking on their cell phone while transporting students to and from school.
The legislation is currently being circulated for co-sponsorship and will likely be referred to the Assembly Committee on Transportation. In the event it becomes law, the bill will prohibit drivers of school buses and other vehicles used to transport students from using a cell phone or other wireless devices except in the event of an emergency. As the mother of two young children, I believe this is important, common sense legislation that will help protect young, innocent lives.
Changes Regarding Tax Incremental Financing in Pleasant Prairie
In addition to the aforementioned legislation, I also recently introduced Assembly Bill 105 (AB 105) with Representative John Steinbrink, Representative Peter Barca and Senator Bob Wirch. The intent of this measure is to change the requirements in the creation of a tax incremental financing district in the village of Pleasant Prairie.
Under Wisconsin's current tax incremental financing program, a city or village may create a tax incremental district (TID) within a portion of its territory to foster economic development as long as at least 50 percent of the area chosen is in need of rehabilitation or conservation, is suitable for industrial sites, or suitable for "mixed-use" development. Once a TID has been created, the Department of Revenue (DOR) calculates the "tax incremental base" value of the TID - or the equalized value of all taxable property within the TID upon its creation.
Yet, before a TID can be established, the city or village must adopt a resolution containing a finding that the equalized value of the taxable property - as calculated by DOR - of the TID in addition to the value increment of all existing TIDs does not exceed 12 percent of the total equalized value of taxable property within the city or village (the "12 percent test").
Under AB 105, however, the "12 percent test" will be changed for the village of Pleasant Prairie. If Pleasant Prairie wishes to create a new TID, the sum of the equalized value of taxable property of the district; the value increment of all existing districts in the village, other than TID Number 2; and 1.33 times the tax incremental base of TID Number 2 may not exceed 12 percent of the total equalized value of taxable property within the village.
Overall, AB 105 provides Pleasant Prairie with the flexibility needed to effectively use the TID for economic development and job creation, benefitting Kenosha County in the long run.
Since it was introduced, AB 105 has been referred to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve as Chair.
Kenosha Retired Educators' Association Hosts Annual Luncheon
I recently had the pleasure of attending the annual Kenosha Retired Educators' Association legislative luncheon with Representative Barca, Representative Steinbrink and Senator Wirch. The primary topic of discussion was the 2011-2013 Biennial Budget. Understandably, a number of concerns were raised about the provisions included within this document that my colleagues and I are in the process of reviewing ahead of floor discussions scheduled for later this spring. I was happy to provide information to those in attendance about the status of our budget in the next fiscal biennium, and how the spending priorities are broken down - with education and Medical Assistance programs encompassing the larger shares of state spending.
Celebrazione Italiana at UW-Parkside
Last Saturday night, April 30th, my husband Judge Chad Kerkman and I had the privilege of attending Celebrazione Italiana, which was organized by the University of Wisconsin - Parkside. Congressman Paul Ryan also attended the event, which is intended to benefit the Student Exchange and Italian programs at UW-Parkside and their mission of promoting the Italian language and culture on campus and in the community.
The program included a silent auction, dinner, a presentation delivered by Valeria Pugliese about the experiences of the Student Exchange and Italian programs at UW-Parkside and their relationship with Italian universities, and concluded with an awards presentation by Chancellor Deborah L. Ford.
During the evening, Honorable Wilbur W. Warren, III was awarded the Excellence in Leadership Award by UW-Parkside. He was recognized for his outstanding leadership in the community and helping to advance the Italian-American community through promoting the language, history, and culture of Italy.
Judge Warren was initially appointed to serve on the bench by former Governor Tommy Thompson in 1996, and has served as a Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge for the past 15 years. He is a member of the National Italian American Bar Association as well as a Fellow in the American Bar Foundation, a Fellow in the American Society of Pharmacy Law, a certified member of the National Board in Specialty of Civil Litigation, and he serves on the board of the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has also served as President of the Kenosha County Bar Association and is currently Chairman of the Board of Attorneys for Professional Responsibility.
In addition to Judge Warren, Senatore Renato "Ron" Guerino Turano and Umberto Antonio "Tony" Turano were honored for their commitment and generosity to UW-Parkside's Student Exchange and Italian programs. They each received a Lifetime Recognition Award for their contributions to both the university and southeastern Wisconsin's Italian-American community.
Judge Warren is congratulated by Congressman Paul Ryan during Celebrazione Italiana at UW-Parkside.
Kenosha County Law Day
On Monday I attended the annual Kenosha County Law Day at the Kenosha County Administrative building. Sponsored annually by the Kenosha County Council of the American Legion, this event was organized by Deputy Ray Rowe of the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department, Officer Dennis Walsh of the Kenosha Police Department, Commander Dennis Hackeloer of the Kenosha County Council of the American Legion, and local school teachers.
Participating students were given the opportunity to witness the proceedings of an actual court case, tour the 911 center, and meet their local elected officials. The event also included a lesson about evidence collection at crime scenes with CSI Officer Thorne and a canine demonstration with Officer Torres. The American Legion Post 21 also sponsored a lunch for the students.
Kenosha County Law Day also includes an essay writing competition in which students write about a featured topic. The topic chosen for this year was "If I Could Change a Law," and the winners of the competition will be rewarded with a trip to Madison next Friday where I will guide them on a tour of the State Capitol, discuss state government, and have lunch with them. I would like to thank Mr. Pete Wasilevich, owner of the Kenosha area Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants, in advance for his generous support of the lunch provided to the students during their visit to Madison next week.
Celebrating Arbor Day in Paddock Lake
Last Saturday, April 30th, I attended the Arbor Day celebration held at Pathway Glen Park in Paddock Lake. The event was organized by Village Trustee Karen Harris. Also in attendance were Village Trustee Patricia Warner and Kenosha County Board Supervisor Mike Underhill.
The celebration included a tree-planting ceremony in which a Red Sunset Maple was planted at the park, ensuring that Paddock Lake retains its Tree City USA designation. The tree was graciously donated by Ludwig Nursery, located in Brighton.
For additional details and photos of the Arbor Day event, please visit www.westofthei.com.
Rep. Kerkman is pictured at the Arbor Day celebration in Paddock Lake with Kenosha County Supervisor Mike Underhill (Photo by Darren Hillock of West of the I).
Boater's Safety Course offered in Silver Lake
It isn't too late to learn the basics of boating safety in time for summer. This weekend, the Village of Silver Lake Police Department and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a boater's safety course to teach interested participants about the state's boating laws, regulations, and the basics of boating safety while enjoying their favorite water activities. The course will take place from 9:00AM - 3:00PM at the Silver Lake Village Hall at 113 S. First Street in Silver Lake on Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th. The fee for the course is $10 per person. For more information about these courses and to participate, please call 262-889-4100 or visit the Silver Lake Village Hall.
Happy Mother's Day!
On behalf of the Kerkman family, Happy Mother's Day! For those of you who are mothers, I wish you a very enjoyable and, hopefully, relaxing weekend and know that you are all appreciated for everything you do.
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