Madison, WI 53703
Dear Chief Clerk Fuller:
Please add my name as a co-sponsor of Assembly Joint Resolution 85, relating to recognizing the work of Wisconsin's coroners and medical examiners.
Julie Lassa
State Senator
24th Senate District
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Referral of Agency Reports
State of Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee
October 21, 2009
To the Honorable, the Legislature:
Enclosed is the biennial report of the Medical College of Wisconsin, prepared according to the statutory requirement under section 13.106. This report covers the period ending June 30, 2007, and contains information in the following areas:
• Minority student recruitment policies and programs
• Number of minority students enrolled
• Number and percentage of Wisconsin residents enrolled
• Average faculty salaries compared to national averages
• Development of cooperative educational programs with other institutions throughout the state
• Placement of graduates of doctor of medicine and residency training programs
Please feel free to contact me at (414) 955-8217 if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Sincerely,
Kathryn A. Kuhn
Associate Vice President of Government Affairs
Referred to committee on Colleges and Universities.
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Agency Reports
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
Madison
October 22, 2009
To the Honorable, the Assembly:
As required under s.
13.94 (1)(dh), Wis. Stats., we have completed our annual financial audit of the Wisconsin Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan (HIRSP) Authority for 2008. The HIRSP Authority provides medical and prescription drug insurance for individuals who are unable to obtain coverage in the private market or who have lost employer-sponsored group health insurance. As of December 31, 2008, 16,252 policyholders were enrolled in one of the HIRSP Authority's plans.
We have provided an unqualified audit opinion on the HIRSP Authority's financial statements. However, our report on internal control and compliance includes a recommendation that the HIRSP Authority implement a more thorough review process to ensure its financial statements are free from material misstatement.
Following years of significant increases during the early 2000s, policyholder enrollment has decreased in recent years, in part because of the availability of the federal Medicare Part D program. In addition, beginning in 2008, individuals under the age of 19 who are eligible for the State's BadgerCare Plus program are no longer eligible to participate in the HIRSP Authority's plans.
The HIRSP Authority has maintained a sound financial position, with net assets totaling $35.4 million at the end of 2008. In December 2008, the HIRSP Authority Board of Directors approved distribution of a portion of the surplus net asset balance totaling approximately $12.0 million to HIRSP policyholders.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by the HIRSP Authority and the plan administrator. A response from the HIRSP Authority follows our report.
Sincerely,
Janice Mueller
State Auditor