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Wisconsin Ag Board will retain policy authority

The Wisconsin DNR and DATCP boards will retain their policy-making authority.  Governor Scott Walker’s proposed budget includes a provision which would make the two boards strictly advisory; giving policy-making power to the Secretaries of the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

On Wednesday, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee pulled those provisions from the budget choosing to leave the boards as they are.  Walker contends the change would make the agencies more responsive to business.  Opponents say it would reduce citizen input and give the Governor more power since he appoints the Secretaries.

The Wisconsin Ag Board is made up of nine members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate.  The Secretary of Agriculture administers the Department subject to the direction and supervision of the Board.  Board members serve six-year terms.

The Wisconsin DNR board has seven members appointed by the governor and approved by the Senate.  Three members must be from north of Stevens Point, three from south of Stevens Point and one at large.  At least one member must be a farmer and at least three must have held hunting, fishing or trapping licenses in 7 of the last 10 years.

The Joint Finance Committee also pulled provisions which would have shifted property assessment duties from most municipalities to counties and one which would have exempted research at the University of Wisconsin System from the open records law unless the work was published or patented.  JFC leadership said the provision had nothing to do with the state’s finances.

This was the first in what promises to be a number of days the 16-member Committee will work on the Governor’s proposed 2015-17 Budget.