Representatives of private laboratories in Wisconsin, particularly those offering environmental testing services, question the extent to which the State Laboratory should provide testing services to public and private customers in competition with private laboratories. They also question whether the Laboratory sets its prices fairly.
Based on known capacity and interest on the part of private laboratories in Wisconsin, we estimate between $6.6 million and $10.1 million of the State Laboratory's fiscal year 1994-95 test billing might have been diverted to private laboratories. Redirecting this work would have a limited financial effect on the more than $500 million private laboratory industry, although a few environmental laboratories might realize significant benefits. However, public agency customers of the State Laboratory believe that factors such as cost, quality, and maintaining capacity to respond in emergencies justify the Laboratory's current levels of testing activity.
Inadequate financial and management information kept by the State Laboratory hampers efforts to ensure public agencies are getting the best value, determine which tests are subsidized by public funds, and set prices performed for private customers at competitive levels. Improved cost accounting would enable the Laboratory and other state agencies to manage their resources better and determine which laboratory activities can be provided most cost-effectively by the State Laboratory, and which by private laboratories.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Natural Resources, and private laboratory staff. Responses from the Director of the State Laboratory and the Department of Health and Social Services are Appendices II and III.
Sincerely,
Dale Cattanach
State Auditor
State of Wisconsin
Department of Health and Social Services
June 20, 1996
The Honorable, The Legislature:
Section
46.972(4) of the statutes requires the Department of Health and Social Services to submit to the legislature a report by June 30 of each year on the allocation and expenditure of funds for services for homeless individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including individuals who are dually diagnosed with a mental illness and substance abuse. Attached is the report for calendar 1995.
Department staff are available to answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Joseph Leean
Secretary
State of Wisconsin
Department of Corrections
June 19, 1996
The Honorable, The Legislature:
It is our pleasure to submit to the you the Biennial Report of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care in accordance with s.
15.04(1)(d) and
16.009(2)(l) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
The report serves as an appraisal of the Board's activities during 1994-1995. Successful strategies to resolve complex problems faced by the long-term care consumer are discussed. Continuing problems are identified, and strategies for resolution are proposed for government's consideration.
Wisconsin is embarking on a complicated study of its long-term care service system. The Board on Aging and Long Term Care is an active participant in this effort, representing the interests of the consumer. This report contributes to that discussion. We are hopeful that it will serve as a useful reference for you as the Legislature begins to debate a redesign of long-term care for Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
Linda S. Howard
Chairperson
Geroge F. Potaracke
Executive Director
State of Wisconsin
Department of Administration
June 21, 1996
The Honorable, The Legislature:
As required by s.
16.045(5), I am submitting the fourth semiannual
Wisconsin Gasohol and Alternative Fuel Use Report for distribution to the appropriate standing committees.
Should you or committee members have questions, please contact the Division of Energy and Intergovernmental Relations, Nathaniel E. Robinson, Administrator, at 608/266-7257
Sincerely,
James R. Klauser
Secretary
Referred to committee on Agriculture, Transportation, Utilities and Financial Institutions /Environmental Resources and Urban Affairs.
__________________
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
June 24, 1996
To the Honorable, the Senate:
The following bill(s), originating in the Senate, have been approved, signed and deposited in the office of the Secretary of State:
Sincerely,
TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Governor
__________________
Relating to sport fishing.
Submitted by Department of Natural Resources.
Report received from Agency, June 19, 1996.
Referred to committee on Environmental Resources and Urban Affairs, June 26, 1996
.
Relating to physician assistants.
Submitted by Department of Regulation and Licensing.
Report received from Agency, June 24, 1996.
Referred to committee on Health, Human Services, Aging and Corrections, June 26, 1996
.
Relating to education for school age parents.
Submitted by Department of Public Instruction.
Report received from Agency, June 24, 1996.
Referred to committee on Education,
June 26, 1996
.
Relating to teacher licenses.
Submitted by Department of Public Instruction.
Report received from Agency, June 24, 1996.
Referred to committee on Education,
June 26, 1996
.
Relating to AODA programs.
Submitted by Department of Public Instruction.
Report received from Agency, June 24, 1996.
Referred to committee on Education,
June 26, 1996
.
Relating to sales finance companies.
Submitted by Office of the Commissioner of Banking.
Report received from Agency, June 24, 1996.
Referred to committee on Agriculture, Transportation, Utilities and Financial Institutions, June 26, 1996
.
__________________
Chief Clerk's Report
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Bill 145
Senate Bill 182
Senate Bill 358
Senate Bill 360
Senate Bill 418
Senate Bill 521
