WEEK OF OCTOBER 16, 2017
SPEAKER'S TASK FORCE ON FOSTER CARE UPDATE  

The Speaker's Task Force on Foster Care held its fifth public hearing last week in Milwaukee. Its final public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 25 in Green Bay.

Thanks to all of the counties that have provided testimony to the committee to date. The committee has heard a lot of compelling stories, statistics, etc. about the increasing demands on the child welfare system, and in particular, on the social workers deployed on a daily basis to ensure children are safe in their homes. The committee also heard a lot of testimony of the effectiveness of prevention and early intervention services provided to families.

DHS 38 UPDATE

From the Department of Health Services Press Release:

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted a report to the Governor's Office to create a new rule relating to drug testing for able-bodied adults participating in the FoodShare Employment and Training program. The proposed rule is part of the policy amendments included in 2015 Wisconsin Act 55 and supports Governor Scott Walker's efforts to help people move from government dependence to true independence.

Under the rule, able-bodied adults participating in the FoodShare Employment and Training program will be subject to drug screening and, if necessary a drug test. Those who test positive will have the opportunity to get treatment, regardless of ability to pay, so they can get healthy and get back into the workforce. Healthy citizens create a stronger workforce by helping employers fill jobs that require passing a drug test, resulting in a healthier Wisconsin that brings economic prosperity and a better quality of life for everyone in the state. This initiative also supports Wisconsin's efforts to be on the forefront in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

Following the public comment period, DHS made the revisions to the rule text including the following:
  • Adds information about trauma-informed care
  • Updates funding language to reflect DHS' responsibility for funding costs of screening, testing, and treatment
  • Clarifies that individuals exempt from FoodShare work requirements would be exempt from the requirements of this rule

Once the Governor approves the order, the Legislature will review, and once approved, it will be published in the Administrative Register where it will become effective either the first day of the next month or on the date specified in the rule. After which, DHS will work collaboratively with stakeholders on policy and systems development to implement the rule.

 

Counties should review the updated rule and provide comments to Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf via email at the Wisconsin Counties Association. 

View the updated rule here.  
FALL FLOOR SESSION

Wisconsin State Senators have been told to keep Tuesday, October 31 and Tuesday, November 7 available for floor sessions.
COMMITTEE HEARINGS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 16, 2017

Note: The Committee hearings and bills listed below reflect action on legislation impacting county government.  See a complete listing of weekly hearings here.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Assembly Committee on Corrections / Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, 1:30 p.m.
Testimony will be taken only from invited members of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Testimony will focus on evidence-based decision making in the criminal justice system.

Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, 10:00 a.m.
Senate Bill 149/ Assembly Bill 151 - community paramedics, community emergency medical technicians, community emergency medical services providers, and services provided by emergency medical technicians. WCA is monitoring this bill.

Senate Bill 452 - requirements for certain services covered under the Medical Assistance program. WCA is monitoring this bill.

Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities, 1:00 p.m.
Assembly Bill 497 - mitigation requirements applicable to wetland individual permits. WCA is monitoring this bill.

Assembly Bill 532 - one-call system enforcement and other requirements, Public Service Commission authority regarding state energy policy, settlements between parties in Public Service Commission dockets, various public utility regulatory requirements, the regulation of utility facilities under a county construction site erosion control and storm water management zoning ordinance, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. WCA opposes this bill.

Assembly Committee on Public Benefit Reform, 10:00 a.m.
Assembly Bill 501 - FoodShare healthy eating incentive pilot program and making an appropriation. WCA is monitoring this bill.
Assembly Bill 530 - nutritional food pilot program under FoodShare and providing an exemption from rule-making procedures. WCA is monitoring this bill.

Assembly Committee on Housing and Real Estate / Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing and Trade, 10:00 a.m.
Assembly Bill 479 - limiting the authority of local governments to regulate development on substandard lots and require the merging of lots; requiring a political subdivision to issue a conditional use permit under certain circumstances; standards for granting certain zoning variances; local ordinances related to repair, rebuilding, and maintenance of certain nonconforming structures; shoreland zoning of, and the removal of material from the bed of, certain small, private ponds; inverse condemnation proceedings; and the right to display the flag of the United States. WCA opposes this bill.

Assembly Bill 480 - review by the Department of Safety and Professional Services of the state electrical wiring code applicable to one-family and two-family dwellings; the legal description required for recording an easement for the construction, operation, or maintenance of sewer lines or facilities; expanding the use of tax incremental financing for workforce housing development and allowing a reduction in the amount of certain impact fees; effect of changes in requirements for development-related permits or authorizations on persons who apply for the permits or authorizations; exempting certain vehicles delivering propane from class B highway weight limitations and certain special or seasonal weight limitations; elimination of the forestation state property tax; reviews of and reports on bills and proposed administrative rules that affect housing; general permits to place riprap on the bed of a navigable water; and making an appropriation. WCA is monitoring this bill.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy, 12:30 p.m.
Assembly Bill 393 - creative economy development initiative grants and making an appropriation. WCA is monitoring this bill.

Assembly Committee on Health, 10:00 a.m.
Assembly Bill 529 - requirements for certain services covered under the Medical Assistance program. WCA is monitoring this bill.
UPCOMING WCA MEETINGS/EVENTS
  • October 20 - Judicial and Public Safety Steering Committee
  • October 25 - WCA County Ambassador Program (CAP Team)
  • November 17 - Health and Human Services Steering Committee
See a complete listing of upcoming WCA meetings here.
HOW CAN YOU FOLLOW THE SESSION WITH US?  

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As a member-benefit, the Wisconsin Counties Association offers access to The Wheeler Report, WisPolitics, and WisconsinEye.

If you would like to subscribe to any one of these news services, please contact Amy Dias, Office Manager at [email protected] or at 866.404.2700.
QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about anything happening at the state level, please feel free to contact any member of the WCA Government Affairs Team:

Kyle Christianson, Director of Government Affairs
608.663.7188
[email protected]

Sarah Diedrick-Kasdorf, Deputy Director of Government Affairs
608.663.7188
[email protected]

Dan Bahr, Government Affairs Associate
608.663.7188
[email protected]

Marcie Rainbolt, Government Affairs Associate
608.663.7188
[email protected]

Chelsea Fibert, Government Affairs Assistant
608.663.7188