UW-Whitewater to host state budget hearing
Mar. 10—MADISON — The Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Finance Committee plans to hold one of its hearings on the state budget Friday, April 9, at UW-Whitewater.
The announcement was made Wednesday, according to a news release from Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, a longtime member of the committee.
Joint Finance plays a key role in the biennial state budget process. After the governor's budget proposal is released, the committee writes its own version of the budget before the Assembly and Senate vote on the measure.
Republicans control the Legislature, so the Joint Finance budget is expected to be much different from the one proposed by Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat.
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dwight Watson said in a statement that it will be an "honor" to host the meeting. But the university, already going through substantial budget cuts on its own, is looking forward to a chance to show that it is worth the investment from the state.
"This is also a great time for members of the Legislature and the state to get to know more about our amazing university and to see their financial support of UW-Whitewater at work," he said. "This is simply a wonderful opportunity for UW-Whitewater and our community."
Joint Finance holds hearings to gather public input. Speakers are generally given two minutes to have their say on the 2021-23 budget, according to the news release.
In addition to in-person hearings, the committee will hold a virtual hearing Wednesday, April 28. Speakers must register for the virtual hearing. Registration details will be announced later.
Residents may submit written comments in a portal on the Joint Finance website, legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments. Or, write to the committee using this email address: budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Other in-person hearings will be April 21 in Rhinelander and April 22 at UW-Stout. The in-person hearings will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with speakers registering on site.
