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Plan on attending the June WCA Educational Seminar on "Energy Independent Communities 2nd Quarterly Meeting." Learn more here. |
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Tons of waste generated in the United States in 2008, according to Waste Business Journal, a drop from 508 million tons in 2008 and the second yearly decrease, declines attributed to the recessionary economy: 505 million.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer via Governing.com |
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 As has been noted in the WCA eNews and other communications, state revenue re-estimates in May showed declining state revenues, which meant that the state budget deficit projected for 2009-2011 had increased. This newest part of the shortfall adds $1.6 billion to the projected deficit.
The new larger state deficit caused legislative leaders to suspend action on the budget temporarily. The Joint Committee on Finance ceased its budget deliberations for several days while legislative leaders and the Governor discussed options to address the new revenue shortfall.
The state budget situation began to move forward last week on Thursday, May 21 when Governor Doyle held a press conference to announce a package of decisions that collectively address the new shortfall. The Governor was joined at the press conference by the two co-chairs of Joint Finance, Sen. Mark Miller and Rep. Mark Pocan. The measures they announced have been agreed to by all three.
Read on for the full update by WCA Legislative Director John Reinemann. |
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 The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides formula grants for projects that reduce total energy and fossil fuel use, air pollution and improve energy efficiency to assist state, local, territorial and Tribal governments.
Read on for the full article by Brett Hulsey, president of Better Environmental Solutions and longtime energy advocate at the county, state and federal level, on what your county can do to secure these block grants. Full Story... |
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If you haven't already, take a moment to view the WCA Annual Conference tentative agenda by clicking here. You can also register online by clicking here and going to "Upcoming Featured Events" on the left side.
Hotel room blocks are now open at the following hotels: Best Western Midway Hotel, Brookstone Inn, Courtyard Marriott, Days Inn Hotel, Econo Lodge, GrandStay Residential Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Howard Johnson, Microtel, Radisson Hotel La Crosse, Settle Inn, Stoney Creek Inn and Super 8 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
As a reminder, all counties are responsible for booking their own hotel rooms at any of the WCA selected hotels. (Rooms are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.) Don't forget to mention the WCA Conference to get the appropriate rate.
If you are requesting a handicapped-accessible room, please contact the Wisconsin Counties Association office at 608.663.7188 to reserve your room. This request must occur no later than Friday, July 31, 2009.
Please note that the WCA Annual Conference hotel room block cut-off date is August 3, 2009.
For additional information on the hotels and room blocks, go to www.wicounties.org and click on "Annual Conference." For questions, contact WCA Meeting Coordinator Cheryl Fleck at 866.404.2700 or via email at fleck@wicounties.org. |
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Earlier this month, President Barack Obama submitted his detailed federal budget for FY 10 to Congress. Read the NACo Legislative Staff synopsis here. |
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WisconsinEye, the nonprofit public affairs network known for its gavel-to-gavel, nonpartisan coverage of state government, recently earned three statewide journalism awards for its first full year of broadcast operations.
The awards include:
· A Golden Gavel Award from the State Bar of Wisconsin for the "Newsmakers" series and overall coverage of legal activities and current affairs from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.
· A second place award from the Milwaukee Press Club in the Best Community Affairs Program category for the "Newsmakers" series.
· A second place award from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association among new media organizations for Best Election Coverage during the 2008 elections. Full Story... |
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"Wisconsin Preparedness Forum III" is an innovative and participatory approach to preparing and strengthening our communities and state through joint awareness, planning and exercising. The group will hold "Wisconsin Preparedness Forum III on September 1-2, 2009 in Appleton at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.
The forum integrates public, non-profit, business and individual efforts to improve local community, state and regional capabilities to protect against threats and respond to and recover efficiently from significant attacks and disruptions.
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Small orange or green boxes tied onto trees is just one of the signs that summer is approaching.
The boxes are gypsy moth traps set by trappers working with the Wisconsin Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Program. The program is preparing for the emergence and flight of the adult male gypsy moth in July.
The gypsy moth is an invasive pest known to defoliate many species of trees and shrubs, especially oaks. However, it is only in the larva or caterpillar stage of life that gypsy moths are most destructive. When they become moths, they spend their two-week lifespan looking for a mate and reproducing.
Trappers will set approximately 29,000 traps in 42 counties by the beginning of July. Traps are used as a method of population survey, not as a method of population control.
Read on for the full story from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Full Story... |
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