Governor Doyle proposes 2007-09 budget

Governor Jim Doyle unveiled his 2007-09 biennial budget proposal on Tuesday, February 13th, officially beginning Wisconsin's state budget process. The Governor's $57.7 million two-year budget expands healthcare coverage, increases funding for the UW system and strengthens law enforcement, while covering two-thirds of the cost of public schools.

The Governor's budget contains several specific proposals related - in whole or in part - to the WTCS.

Perkins funding again under attack

In his last two federal budgets, President George Bush has proposed the elimination of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education program. The President's 2008 federal budget plan, released in early February, maintains the program, but subjects it to a sharp cut - over 50%.

Professional development opportunities

WEAC will pay registration fees for up to three technical college faculty interested in taking an online class through the Learning Resources Network (LERN), a leading provider of training in online learning.

A listing of available courses can be seen at www.teachingonthenet.org.

Some of the LERN courses may fulfill certification requirements. Check with your district certification officer.

A limited number of WTCS members will also have an opportunity to attend the University of Wisconsin's Distance Learning Conference in August, 2007. Additional details will follow.

Please contact Andy Lyons (lyonsa@weac.org) if interested.

Collegiate transfer programs

The expansion of collegiate transfer programming has again become a topic of conversation within the technical colleges and among the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

The Regents will consider Chippewa Valley Technical College's liberal arts degree proposal in March.