This week, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee began in earnest its work on Assembly Bill (AB) 40, the 2013-2015 budget bill.  It held a series of budget briefings, which gave agency heads an opportunity to share their comments about AB 40.  These presentations often led to lively Q&A sessions between committee members and the agency representatives.  Here are the agencies that briefed the committee this week:

Tuesday, March 19:  Departments of Administration, Revenue, Workforce Development, and Justice; State Public Defender

Wednesday, March 20:  Departments of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Health Services, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation; Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Thursday, March 21:  Supreme Court, Department of Public Instruction, Wisconsin Technical Colleges, University of Wisconsin, and Department of Corrections

The committee will wind up the agency briefings next Tuesday, March 26, when it hears presentations by the Departments of Children and Families, Natural Resources, and Safety and Professional Services.  All of these briefings are available for viewing online through WisconsinEye.  WisPolitics' Budget Blog also covers the finance committee's activities.

The finance committee has also announced that it will hold four public hearings about AB 40 around the state:

Thursday, April 4:  Greendale High School auditorium, 6801 Southway, Greendale, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Monday, April 8:  Lambeau Field, Legends Club Room, 1265 Lombardi Ave, Green Bay, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10:  Crystal Grand Music Theatre, 430 W Munroe Ave, Lake Delton, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 18:  Baldwin-Woodville High School auditorium, 1000 13th Ave, Baldwin, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Baldwin hearing is, of course, the closest one to the 67th District, and I encourage interested constituents to attend.  You may also send your comments to the finance committee at BudgetComments@legis.wisconsin.gov