School and Library Broadband and Internet Access
in Wisconsin: A Background Paper

by Bob Bocher
(Previous version August 30, 2011; updated January 18, 2012.)

Comprehensive report on Broadband in Wisconsin, legislation, funding and costs to schools and libraries

There was a recent hearing before Agriculture, Forestry and Higher Education Committee to extend the time period before WiscNet must sever its ties to the UW. Sen. Moulton authored the legislation that extends the timeframe of the budget requirements by one year, to July 1, 2014, thus enabling WiscNet to operate under current rules while it is audited and making any changes the Legislative Audit Bureau recommends.

 The extension passed the committee Jan. 23 and SB 375 is now available for a vote before the full Senate. It’s Assembly companion is before the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities and there may be a hearing scheduled in the Assembly on Feb. 9th

"This legislation is important because WiscNet is vital for the success of our schools and libraries, connecting us to state, federal and international research and education networks," said Sen. Moulton. "It's a win-win for everyone. It gives WiscNet's 465 members time to make recommended changes, it gives the libraries, K-12s, and technical colleges time to plan their budgets and to apply for

federal and state matching funding; and it allows the UW to continue their research and keeps thosejobs connected to the research industry."

WiscNet’s cooperative model was formed to promote collaboration and efficiency, while offering necessary and quality telecommunications at an affordable price.

It is important that WEMTA members continue to contact their legislators in support of high quality and  affordable broadband services to our schools and libraries. It is also important to provide freedom of choice from providers in both the public and private sector.

Background on Assembly Bill 302 Nursing Home Bill and Senate Bill 95 Removing Spending Cap on Computers

Legislative Session-October 25, 2011

AB-302, is on the Assembly floor calendar for October 25.  SB-95, which is
currently in the Assembly Committee on Rules.

Information about the Bills and History can be found here
 
According to the Department of Health Services’ fiscal estimate, the changes in AB-302 could
decrease money going into the Common School Fund (CSF) by $1.5 million per year.  The Board of
Commissioners of Public Lands, which administers the CSF, estimates that over the next 20 years
nearly $17 million less would be distributed to school libraries.  For the first year the decrease in
library aid is relatively minor at $42,320; then it rises dramatically, reaching nearly $400,000 in year
five, just over $800,000 in year ten and $1.65 million in year 20.
 
We understand that this is a difficult policy decision.  We do not believe nursing homes should be
fined twice for the same violation any more than they believe school library aid should be cut.
 
The impact of AB-302 would be worsened if the Legislature also passes the part of SB-95 that
relates to the Common School Fund.  That provision would eliminate the 25 percent limit on the
amount of money a school library receives from the Common School Fund that may be used to
purchase school library computers and related software.  The 25 percent “computer limit” is a fairly
recent development, established for the first time in the 2007-09 state budget.  Prior to that, no
library aid derived from the CSF could be used for purchasing computers.  Perhaps a 50 percent
limit would allow school districts more flexibility, while ensuring at least half of the aid goes toward
library material and literacy resources.
 
Research has shown that student achievement is higher in schools where school librarians provide
high quality resources in a variety of formats including both print and digital to meet student learning
needs. The Common School Fund is the primary, and often only, funding source for school library
resources.  While we recognize that learning formats are changing and technology provides
expanded opportunities for learning in new ways, print resources are still a critical part of a strong
reading literacy program.  And, we are not speaking strictly of bound paper books.  Under current
DPI guidelines, Common School Fund distributions may be used for not only digital resources but
also to purchase devices such as Kindles that aid in our educational mission.
 
 

News Updates

Advocacy - Statewide Efforts

The (State of Wisconsin) Legislature recognizes:

(a) The importance of free access to knowledge, information and diversity of ideas by all residents of this state;

(b) The critical role played by public, school, special and academic libraries in providing that access;

(c) The major educational, cultural, and economic asset that is represented in the collective knowledge and information resources of the State's libraries;

(d) The importance of public libraries to the democratic process; and

(e) That the most effect use of library resources in this state can occur only through interlibrary cooperation among all types of libraries and the effective use of technology.

State Statute §43.001

For legislative infomation contact:

Michael Blumenfeld

Blumenfeld & Associates LLC
608-257-1888
blumk@aol.com 

Web sites with information on State legislators and legislative activities include:

Who is running for election: http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/results/candidates-on-ballot

Who is your state representative: http://waml.legis.state.wi.us

What legislation is being considered: http://www.legis.state.wi.wu/intro_list.htm

Common School Fund information: http://bcpl.wisconsin.gov (background information) and http://dpi.wi.gov/sfs/comsch.html