Wisconsin Ag Connection - JFC Slashes Walker's Proposal to Cut DNR, DATCP Boards

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JFC Slashes Walker's Proposal to Cut DNR, DATCP Boards
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/16/2015

Republican members of the legislature's budget committee are saying no to Governor Scott Walker's proposed state budget provision that would transform the boards of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection into advisory councils. On Wednesday, the Joint Finance Committee removed 13 Walker ideas from the budget draft, including a move that would have dropped the ability for citizens to make decisions on the DNR and DATCP governing boards.

Committee co-chairs Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. John Nygren say they have heard from lawmakers from both parties about keeping the boards' structure status quo. Walker claimed his changes would strengthen the leadership of each department.

Assembly Agriculture Committee member Todd Novak of Dodgeville was among the GOP lawmakers against Walker's provision.

"Removing this policy change from the state budget is a good start to creating a better budget for the people of Wisconsin," said Novak. "The board is crucial in providing input and oversight to the direction of the state's agricultural economy."

Meanwhile, the JFC will spend the next several weeks going through the governor's proposed state budget.

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