State of Wisconsin
June 2, 2005
The Honorable, The Senate:
Pursuant to Senate Rule
46(2)(c), I am writing to direct that
Assembly Bill 46 be withdrawn from the committee on
Veterans, Homeland Security, Military Affairs, Small Business and Government Reform and rereferred to the committee on
Senate Organization.
I have obtained the consent of the appropriate chairperson.
Sincerely,
ALAN LASEE
Senate President
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
May 26, 2005
The Honorable, The Legislature:
As required by s.
13.94(1)(n), Wis. Stats., we have completed a review of the statewide design and construction standards that apply to multifamily dwellings, which are housing units that are typically two- or three-story, four- to eight-unit apartment buildings. These standards are administered by the Department of Commerce.
For approximately seven years, builders and local safety officials were required to comply with requirements of two separate building codes: the Multifamily Dwelling Code, which took effect in April 1995, and the existing Commercial Building Code. Because differences between the two codes created some confusion among builders, a single code covering multifamily and other commercial buildings was adopted in 2002. The 2002 Commercial Building Code is based on international standards and includes elements of Wisconsin's prior codes. Commerce staff and other interested parties believe the new combined code addresses many of the concerns that existed when multifamily construction had its own separate code. We note, however, that steps could be taken to improve the timeliness of plan reviews and compliance with refund requirements.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by the Department of Commerce and members of the Multifamily Dwelling Council in completing this review.
Sincerely,
JANICE MUELLER
State Auditor
executive order #101
Relating to the Development and Promotion of Biobased Industry
WHEREAS, current biobased product and bioenergy technology has the potential to make renewable farm and forest resources major sources of affordable electricity, fuel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and other materials; and
WHEREAS, technical advances in these areas can create an expanding array of new business and employment opportunities for farmers, forest products companies and other businesses in Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, these technologies can create new markets for farm and forest bi-products and residuals, new economic opportunities for underused land and new value-added business opportunities; and
WHEREAS, they also have the potential to reduce Wisconsin's dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality, water quality and flood control, decrease erosion and help minimize net production of greenhouse gases; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Administration, to develop a comprehensive state strategy, including research, development and private sector incentives, to stimulate the creation and early adoption of technologies needed to make biobased products and bioenergy cost-competitive in large national and international markets;
NOW, THEREFORE, I JIM DOYLE, Governor of the State of Wisconsin by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of this State, and specifically by Wis. Stat. 14.019, do hereby:
Establish the Consortium on Biobased Industry (the "Consortium"); and
2.
Direct the Secretaries of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Natural Resources and the Administrator of the Department of Administration Division of Energy to consult with the Governor regarding potential members of the Consortium; and
3.
Provide that the Consortium will include up to 20 members of stakeholders including representatives from the farm, forestry, chemical manufacturing and other businesses, energy companies, electric utilities, environmental organizations, the university research community and other critical sectors; and
4.
Provide that members of the Consortium may serve on the Consortium through designees; and
5.
Provide that the Consortium shall have the following mission:
a.
Recommend short-term and long-term policy and commercialization strategies for the Governor outlining overall state goals and actions that promote the development and use of biobased products and bioenergy in an environmentally sound manner; and
b.
Propose how these goals can best be achieved through federal and state programs, integrated planning and regional cooperation; and
c.
Identify mechanisms that would encourage and support private sector initiatives in biobased product development; and
d.
Advise on policies at the state and federal level that would support development of biobased products and energy and new and expanding markets to support them; and
6.
Provide that these recommendations shall:
a.
Cover biobased products, including commercial and industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, products with large carbon sequestering capacity and other materials; and
b.
Cover biomass used in the production of energy (electricity, liquid, solid and gaseous fuels and heat); and
c.
Include a description of priorities for research, development, demonstration and other investments in biobased products and bioenergy; and
d.
Include a list of current federal research programs and funding to target; and
e.
Include proposals for using existing agency authorities to encourage the adoption and use of biobased products and bioenergy and recommended legislation for modifying these authorities or creating new authorities if needed; and
7.
Require the Consortium to submit a final report on its findings and recommendations to the Governor and that the Consortium shall dissolve when its final report is accepted by the Governor.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Madison this twenty-seventh day of May in the year two thousand five.
JIM DOYLE
Governor
By the governor:
DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE
Secretary of State
State of Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources
May 31, 2005
The Honorable, The Legislature:
As directed by s.
29.889(11), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources has prepared a report to the Legislature regarding the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program for the 2004 program year, ending December 31, 2004. Said statute directs distribution to "appropriate standing committees of the legislature in the manner provided under s.
13.172(3), Stats". In compliance with these requirements, and because both of you are more apt to determine "appropriate standing committees", I am submitting this report to you, the Chief Clerks of the Senate and Assembly, for distribution.
Sincerely,
SCOTT HASSETT
Secretary
Referred to the committee on Natural Resources and Transportation.
executive order #100
Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff on Memorial Day
WHEREAS, Memorial Day was created by General Order No. 11 issued by General John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, on May 5, 1868; and
S239
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the people of the State of Wisconsin remember and honor the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who, throughout our Nation's history, have laid down their lives in defense of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Federal law requires the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, Memorial Day will be observed on May 30, 2005;
NOW, THEREFORE, I JIM DOYLE, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, DO HEREBY ORDER that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations of the State of Wisconsin beginning at sunrise on May 30, 2005 and ending at 12:00 PM CDT on that date.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Madison this twenty-fifth day of May, 2005.
JIM DOYLE
Governor
By the governor:
DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE
Secretary of State
Pursuant to Senate Rule
17 (5), Senator Lasee removed as a coauthor of
Senate Bill 1.
__________________
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
May 26, 2005
The Honorable, The Senate:
I am pleased to nominate and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint VanderMeulen Crain, Judith,
of Green Bay, as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2012.
Sincerely,
JIM DOYLE
Governor
Read and referred to committee on Higher Education and Tourism.
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor