Between floor sessions, the Capitol remains abuzz with activity.  In addition to working on the state budget bill, which I'll discuss below, committees are holding hearings on other legislative proposals for the Assembly to vote on the next time it convenes.

Tuesday, March 31, the Assembly's family law committee, which it is my honor to chair, held its first meeting of the 2015-2016 session.  The committee heard testimony on Clearinghouse Rule 14-057, proposed by the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board.  CR 14-057 makes certain changes to the requirements for becoming a licensed clinical social worker.  When an agency promulgates a new rule, the rule is referred to relevant Assembly and Senate committees for review.  In that way, the Legislature is able to keep tabs on the rulemaking process.

Tuesday afternoon, the Assembly transportation committee, of which I am also a member, held a hearing on a number of bills, including two I introduced with the support of my colleagues Sen. Terry Moulton and Rep. Kathy Bernier.  Assembly Bill 98 would require the Department of Transportation to include the Wisconsin Veterans Tribute and Citizen Soldier Monument in Cadott on official state highway maps.  AB 98 is similar to 2013 Assembly Bill 234, which I introduced last session.  Assembly Bill 99 would require DOT to include the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls on highway maps, too.  The statutory list of veterans sites that must be included on the maps already includes the state veterans homes at King and Union Grove, so it only makes sense that the Chippewa Falls home be included as well.

The transportation committee also heard testimony on Assembly Bill 113, which follows up on the implements of husbandry legislation the Legislature passed last session, 2013 Act 377.  Act 377 sought to address many of the issues that arise from the use of public roads by heavy farm implements.  AB 113 makes what its authors call "noncontroversial but necessary changes that address unforeseen issues that came up during implementation" of Act 377.  The committee is scheduled to vote on AB 113, as well as AB 98, AB 99, and other bills, next Tuesday.

Last Monday, March 23, I had the privilege of attending the Joint Committee on Finance's public hearing in Rice Lake about the 2015-2017 state budget bill, Assembly Bill 21 and Senate Bill 21.  I saw a number of familiar faces among the speakers, and I want to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to share their comments with the finance committee and area legislators like me who were present.

Now that the public hearings have concluded, the finance committee will soon begin its deliberations on what to add to, remove from, or otherwise change in Governor Walker's original proposal.

If you would like to share your comments about the budget with committee members, you may continue to do so by e-mailing your comments to BudgetComments@legis.wisconsin.gov.  The deadline for using this address has been extended through Easter Sunday, April 5.

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE EASTER!