The plan is divided between public relations, advertising and trade show elements and is a component of the Department's strategic marketing plan published in October 1997.
Attached is the Department of Tourism's Canadian Marketing Plan.
Sincerely,
Moose Speros
Secretary
State of Wisconsin
Department of Employment Relations
December 23, 1997
The Honorable, The Senate:
Pursuant to s.
230.04(13)(e), Stats., the annual Affirmative Action report of the Department of Employment Relations, is hereby submitted. Please distribute the enclosed announcement of the report's availability to members of the Senate.
Additional copies may be obtained from the Department of Employment Relations, Division of Affirmative Action, 137 East Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53702. The telephone number is (608) 266-8149.
Sincerely,
Jon E. Litscher
Secretary
State of Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction
December 1997
The Honorable, The Legislature:
The department is pleased to submit the 1997 Annual Report on the Status of Bilingual-Bicultural Education program, as required under s.115.96, Wisconsin Statutes.
The report provides a review of the state's administration and funding of bilingual education in Wisconsin and factors contributing to program expansion and the resulting continuously lower annual reimbursement rates for school districts. The number of pupils served from minority languages, the locations of the state-aided programs during the 1997 fiscal year (July 1, 1996, through June 30, 1997), and staff-related data are included in the report to inform those with responsibilities for ensuring the continued success of bilingual education programs in Wisconsin. I am confident that you will find the report informational, useful, and of concern given the rising numbers of pupils to be served absent a corresponding increase in fiscal support by the state.
If you have any question on any aspect of this report, please contact Barbara A. Bitters, director, equity, 266-9609. She will be happy to discuss these at your convenience.
Sincerely,
John T. Benson
State Superintendent
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
December 22, 1997
The Honorable, The Legislature:
As required by
1995 Wisconsin Act 5, we have completed an evaluation of state-funded loan guarantee programs administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). The programs, which guarantee commercial loans to eligible small businesses and farmers, are managed in the Wisconsin Development Reserve Fund. A 40 percent decrease in the Reserve Fund balance, from $21.1 million at the end of fiscal year 1991-92 to $12.9 million as of June 30, 1997, heightens the need for effective fiscal management of the Fund and guarantee programs. The Reserve Fund balance could decrease even more quickly if any one of several events occurs, including changes in the economy or default on a large guaranteed loan.
S383
In light of the decreasing balance, WHEDA has taken a number of steps to help improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of the guarantee programs. However, we identified several areas in which WHEDA needs to continue to improve its fiscal management of the Reserve Fund. For example, because it does not record or monitor actual time or costs spent on the guarantee programs, WHEDA is unable to adequately support the appropriateness and necessity of costs allocated to the Reserve Fund. In addition, staffing levels and expenses appear relatively high compared to those of commercial lenders and other state agencies. WHEDA also lacks adequate investment policies and strategies to guide investment decisions for the Reserve Fund.
In the future, additional state funds are likely to be required to maintain WHEDA's loan guarantee programs. However, whether to provide additional state funding in the future will depend on program need, demand, and results. WHEDA's loan guarantee programs for small businesses, which are the most costly to administer, are similar to those provided by the federal Small Business Administration. To help the Legislature assess the continued need for the small business loan guarantee programs, WHEDA needs to measure and report program results, such as the number of actual jobs created and retained.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by WHEDA. A response from WHEDA is the appendix.
Sincerely,
Dale Cattanach
State Auditor
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
December 30, 1997
The Honorable, The Legislature:
We have audited the financial statements of WHA Radio and Television, which are public telecommunications entities operated by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, for the period July 1, 1996 through June 30, 1997 and have issued our reports on these statements, dated December 9, 1997.
The audit was requested by the University of Wisconsin-Extension to fulfill audit requirements of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Corporation requires audited financial statements of public broadcasting entities and certifications of these entities' non-federal revenue sources in determining future funding levels. The audit reports include no major findings, conclusions, or recommendations.
Copies of the audit report have been distributed to members of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and those required by law to receive them. If you are interested in receiving a copy of this report, please contact our office and request report number 97-26 and 97-27.
Sincerely,
Dale Cattanach
State Auditor
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
December 30, 1997
The Honorable, The Legislature:
We have audited the financial statements of ECB\ Radio and Television Networks, which are public telecommunications entities operated by the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, for the period July 1, 1996 through June 30, 1997 and have issued our reports on these statements, dated December 5, 1997.
The audit was requested by the Educational Communications Board t fulfill audit requirements of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The Corporation requires audited financial statements of public broadcasting entities and certifications of these entities' non-federal revenue sources in determining future funding levels. The audit reports include no major findings, conclusions, or recommendations.
Copies of the audit report have been distributed to members of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and those required by law to receive them. If you are interested in receiving a copy of this report, please contact our office and request report number 97-24 and 97-25.
Sincerely,
Dale Cattanach
State Auditor
__________________
Relating to the design and construction of elevators and other mechanical lifting devices.
Submitted by Department of Commerce.
Report received from Agency, December 29, 1997.
Referred to committee on Economic Development, Housing and Government Operations, December 30, 1997.
Relating to erecting outdoor advertising signs where messages may be changed by electronic process.
Submitted by Department of Transportation.
Report received from Agency, December 23, 1997.
Referred to committee on Labor, Transportation and Financial Institutions, December 30, 1997.
Relating to the inmate complaint review system.
Submitted by Department of Corrections.
Report received from Agency, December 29, 1997.
Referred to committee on Health, Human Services, Aging, Corrections, Veterans and Military Affairs, December 30, 1997 .
Relating to allowing the operation of double bottoms and certain other vehicles on certain specified highways.
Submitted by Department of Transportation.
Report received from Agency, December 23, 1997.
Referred to committee on Labor, Transportation and Financial Institutions, December 30, 1997.
__________________
The committee on Labor, Transportation and Financial Institutions reports and recommends:
Relating to the waiver of the motorcycle skills test and to required attendance of motorcycle rider courses and motorcycle instruction permit issuance.
No action taken.
Kimberly Plache
Chairperson
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Secretary of State
To the Honorable, the Senate:
Sincerely,
Douglas La follette
Secretary of State
