Chairperson
__________________
State of Wisconsin
Department of Health and Family Services
October 2, 2001
The Honorable, The Senate:
The Bureau of Health Information, Department of Health and Family Services, is please to submit to the Governor and the Legislature the Annual Health Care Data Report, 1999. The data for this report were collected under section 153.05, Wisconsin Statutes, and are published as authorized by the requirements of section 120.20, Wisconsin Administrative Code.
This report is based on data reported quarterly to the Bureau of Health Information by all operating general medical-surgical and specialty hospitals and Medicare-certified, freestanding ambulatory surgery centers in Wisconsin. It presents a summary of data on utilization and charges at those facilities in 1999.
Sincerely,
Phyllis J. Dube
Secretary
State of Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources
October 1, 2001
The Honorable, The Senate:
Attached is the report on the environmental Cooperation Pilot Program as required by section 299.80 (16)(b) Wis. Stats., to be provided to the governor and the legislature. The report describes the success of the program, my recommendation on continuation of the program and the recommended changes that should be made to the program. We have used the information contained in the Legislative Audit Bureau Letter, DNR analysis of the Pilot Program and consultation with our stakeholders as the basis for the report and recommendations.
Development of these agreements has been far more difficult than was initially envisioned but the results have been more instrumental in defining meaningful change that can be replicated and delivered on an ongoing basis. WEPCO, Cook Composites and Polymers, Northern Engraving, Packaging Corporation of America, Madison Gas & Electric and International Truck and Engine have been leaders. They have been the pioneers doing the research and development work that was necessary to get this program going. Their generosity with their resources, patience with research and development time frames, creativity with seemingly insurmountable odds, energy dedicated to stakeholder interests and dogged perseverance have defined practical systems that can deliver regulatory flexibility that most can only conceptualize.
Over the course of the last two years, we have seen a significant increase in use of environmental management systems, known principally as a concept at the start of the Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program. We have also seen a significant decreased suspicion of regulatory flexibility, interested persons, groups at the corporate level and measurable environmental performance. As a result of increase acceptance and reduced suspicion, we have been able to execute agreements over the course of the last year, move the negotiations along for other agreements and more effectively engage the United States Environmental Protection Agency. We have executed the first agreement in February 2001 and will sign the second agreement today. We have several other agreements that are in progress and several companies who are interested in further discussions.
Progress is being made and practical experience is being gained. This program is providing the practical experience needed to influence innovation discussions at the national level and prove the benefit of regulatory flexibility, public involvement and environmental performance measurement at the state level. Consistent with the DNR strategic plan, I am recommending that the Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program continue as a pilot through June 30, 2006, pursued as a simple, separate piece of legislation. The staff and the Environmental Cooperation Pilot Program Advisory Group have made recommendations for program modifications. Those recommendations should be presented as separate legislation or as a part of the 2003-05 Budget, if staffing recommendations are included. The language should be based on a working group review, seeking changes that would compliment Green Tier legislation should it pass or meet regulatory innovation needs in the absence of Green Tier.
The results of the program and the recommendations are described in greater detail in the attached documentation. I would be happy to meet with you to answer questions and provide additional detail on the information contained in this letter and the attached report. Thank you for the opportunity to share this information.
Sincerely,
Darrell Bazzell
Secretary
__________________
Relating to the lottery and gaming property tax credit.
Submitted by Department of Revenue.
S399
Report received from Agency, October 5, 2001.
Referred to committee on Universities, Housing, and Government Operations, October 10, 2001.
Relating to public use of department lands.
Submitted by Department of Natural Resources.
Report received from Agency, October 9, 2001.
Referred to committee on Environmental Resources, October 10, 2001.
Relating to the high-voltage transmission line fee.
Submitted by Department of Administration.
Report received from Agency, October 5, 2001.
Referred to committee on Health, Utilities, Veterans and Military Affairs, October 10, 2001.
Relating to asbestos inspection fees.
Submitted by Department of Natural Resources.
Report received from Agency, October 9, 2001.
Referred to committee on Environmental Resources, October 10, 2001.
__________________
The committee on Environmental Resources reports and recommends:
Relating to wetland compensatory mitigation.
Report objection recommended, Ayes 5, Noes 0.
Ayes, 5 - Senators
Baumgart, Hansen, Wirch, Cowles and Schultz.
Noes, 0 - None.
Referred to joint committee for review of Administrative Rules, October 10, 2001.
relating to boating safety and enforcement.
No action taken.
relating to issuance of licenses and approvals.
No action taken.
relating to safe drinking water loan program financial assistance.
No action taken.
Jim Baumgart
Chairperson
The committee on Health, Utilities, Veterans and Military Affairs reports and recommends:
Relating to health benefit plan grievance requirements and independent review organizations.
No action taken.
Rodney Moen
Chairperson
The committee on Insurance, Tourism, and Transportation reports and recommends:
Relating to notes to financial statements.
No action taken.
Relating to allowing the operation of double bottoms and certain other vehicles on certain specified highways.
No action taken.
Relating to revising Wisconsin agent licensing rules to be reciprocal and more uniform under Gramm Leach Bliley Act and the NAIC Producer model.
No action taken.
Relating to fees for searching, verifying and certifying motor vehicle records.
No action taken.
Roger Breske
Chairperson
__________________
By John A. Scocos, chief clerk.
