Eugene Hahn
Chairperson
Committee on Tourism and Recreation
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Referral of Agency Reports
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
Madison
April 13, 1995
To the Honorable the Legislature:
We have completed our biennial program evaluation of the Wisconsin Gaming Commission, as required by s.
13.94, Wis. Stats. The Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating pari-mutuel racing and charitable gaming, overseeing Indian gaming, and operating and regulating the Wisconsin Lottery.
Although the proposals included in 1995 Assembly Bill 150, the 1995-97 biennial budget bill, will affect the conduct and financing of gaming in Wisconsin, our review focused on their effect on the Gaming Commission's operations, particularly its operation of the Wisconsin Lottery and the provision of security services.
Because the Gaming Commission already relies extensively on contracts to provide lottery services, increased contracting would be consistent with current practice. Of concern, however, is whether sufficient accountability for the lottery's operations can be maintained with heavier reliance on contracting. Nevertheless, if public accountability can be maintained, an increase in contracting could have another benefit: it could shift the Gaming Commission's focus from day-to-day operations of the Wisconsin Lottery to the broader issue of regulation of the lottery and other gaming activities.
The potential benefits of contracting for security services are not, however, as evident. Therefore, it may not be appropriate to contract for these services. At a minimum, if contracting for security services is pursued, the State should continue to rely on a public agency, rather than a private vendor, to provide these services.
Finally, while we agree that modifications should be made to the Gaming Commission's current structure and membership, we question whether the proposal to replace the current three-member commission with a single full-time paid commissioner and two uncompensated part-time commissioners is prudent. We suggest other options for the Legislature's consideration.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by the Gaming Commission staff. The Gaming Commission has chosen not to attach a response to this report.
Sincerely,
Dale Cattanach
State Auditor
Referred to Special Committee on Gambling Oversight.
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State of Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources
Department of Administration
Madison
March 17, 1995
RE: Clean Water Fund Biennial Finance Plan for FY 1995-1997
To the Honorable the Assembly:
Attached to this letter is the Clean Water Fund Biennial Finance Plan for the FY 1995-1997 biennium. The preparation, submission, and review of the Biennial Finance Plan by the Joint Committee on Finance, environmental legislative standing committees and the Building Commission is required under s.
144.2415(3), Wis. Stats. The statute allows the Joint Committee on Finance and each standing committee to submit to the Building Commission its recommendations and comments regarding the Biennial Finance Plan.
This plan was prepared jointly by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Administration Capital Finance Office. As financial managers of the program, DOA's Capital Finance Office is responsible for completing the following sections of the Plan:
* Balance sheets and other financial information.
* The extent to which the CWF will be maintained in perpetuity, retain its purchasing power and achieve wastewater treatment needs.
* The impact of the program on guidelines stated in s.
144.2415(3)(b), Wis. Stats.
If there are questions concerning these sections, you should contact Frank Hoadley, Director of DOA's Capital Finance Office, at 266-2305.
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This second version of the plan reflects the Governor's proposed biennial budget. A third version of the plan will be submitted later next year reflecting the adopted biennial budget.
If you have any questions regarding the Biennial Finance Plan, please contact Paulette Harder at 266-0836 or Frank Hoadley at 266-2305.
Sincerely,
Paulette J. Harder, Director
Office of Government Relations
Department of Natural Resources
Frank R. Hoadley,
Capital Finance Director
Department of Adminstration
Referred to committee on Environment and Utilities.
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State of Wisconsin
University Wisconsin Medical School
Madison
March 23, 1995
TO: Clerk, Wisconsin State Assembly
FROM: Millard Susman
Special Advisor to the Dean
RE: Annual Report on Family Practice
* A summary of the finances of the Department of Family Medicine for 1993-94
* A summary of the practice locations for the 1993 and the 1994 graduates of the residency program in Family Medicine.
In addition, Act 39 requires a report on the number of graduates entering family practice as a career. Of the students graduating from the UW Medical School in December, 1992, May 1993, and August 1993, a total of 27 entered residencies in family medicine. Of the students graduating in December, 1993, May, 1994 and August, 1994, a total of 34 entered residencies in family medicine. We cannot know with certainty that all of these students will enter family practice as a career, but they have at least set off in that direction.
If you need any further information, please let me know.
Referred to committee on Colleges and Universities.
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State of Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction
Madison
March 31, 1995
The Honorable, Legislature:
Enclosed please find a report of the need for school crime reporting as required by Section
21 of
1993 Wisconsin Act 334.
Should you have questions regarding this report, please contact me directly or Steve Fernan, Education Consultant, at 266-3889.
Sincerely,
John T. Benson
State Superintendent
Referred to committee on Education.
