State of Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction
December 23, 2003
The Honorable, The Legislature:
Enclosed is a copy of the "Legislative Report on Charter Schools" for the 2001-2002 school year, as required by sec. 115.28(49), Wis. Stats. The report is submitted to you as required by sec. 13.172(2) Wis. Stats.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Burmaster
State Superintendent
Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation
December 17, 2003
The Honorable, The Senate:
In 1999 the State Legislature included a $75,000 annual grant in the state budget to be matched with $25,000 of private funds for the purpose of establishing, maintaining and promoting the Ice Age National and State Scenic Trail. The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation (IAPTF) has been delighted to be the recipient of that grant since 2000. It is with a great deal of pride that I submit our final report for the year 2003, as required by statute s.
23.295.
The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation is a volunteer and member based organization whose mission is to create, support and protect the Ice Age Trail - designated a National Scenic Trail in 1980 and State Scenic Trail in 1987. The Trail is the only unit of the National Park Service and the only National Scenic Trail that commemorates the effects of continental glaciation in the United States.
Despite its federal and state status, the protection, development and management of the Ice Age Trail is dependent on partnerships. The Trail's primary partners, the National Park Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and IAPTF, work closely with county governments and other municipalities, and with local volunteers from around the state. In 2003 alone, volunteers provided an "in kind" match of over 81,000 hours spent in support of the Trail. When translated into dollars their contribution equals more that $1,000,000 annually - really quite extraordinary.
The grant from the DNR has allowed IAPTF to:
•
Support the work of volunteers who develop, maintain and promote the Ice Age Trail.
•
Build partnerships for the Trail with local governmental units and nonprofit organization.
•
Promote the protection of a corridor for the Ice Age Trail by providing information about acquiring land, or an interest in land in the corridor.
•
Strengthen community support for the Ice Age Trail area by recruiting and training volunteers and by coordinating the activities of interest groups.
•
Promote tourism in the Ice Age Trail area.
We genuinely appreciate your continuing support and your true partnership. Please call me at 608-663-1240 with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Christine Thisted
Executive Director
State of Wisconsin
Department of Transportation
December 26, 2003
The Honorable, The Legislature:
We are pleased to submit the results of our joint study evaluating the effectiveness of Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) and other vehicle sanctions including vehicle immobilization.
S526
The Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Safety, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Family Services, worked with representatives of law enforcement, the legal community, and alcohol assessment agencies to provide a comprehensive review of IIDs and vehicle immobilization.
The study involved extensive dialogue with legal professionals, law enforcement professionals and local, alcohol assessment agencies, and IID vendors; a review of existing literature, and an analysis including opinions on the use of IIDs and other vehicle sanctions. The final report includes the study findings regarding legal and technical aspects of IIDs and vehicle immobilization, their effectiveness, implementation and legislative considerations for Wisconsin.
Each study participant gave their time, commitment and expertise to the process, and they are to be commended, Thank you for providing the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Family Services with the opportunity to conduct this evaluation. Questions regarding the study should be directed to Tim McClain, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Safety at (608) 267-5136.
Sincerely,
Frank J. Busalacchi
Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Helene Nelson
Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
__________________
Relating to the joint effort marketing program.
Submitted by Department of Tourism.
Report received from Agency, December 30, 2003.
Referred to committee on Higher Education and Tourism, December 30, 2003.
__________________
The committee on Energy and Utilities reports and recommends:
Relating to pipeline safety regulations.
Review period waived, Ayes 5, Noes 0.
Ayes, 5 - Senators
Cowles, Lazich, Leibham, Wirch and M. Meyer.
Noes, 0 - None.
Robert Cowles
Chairperson
