Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 59: Woburn Public Library)

Woburn City Council votes in favor of $24 million library renovation. (Woburn Advocate, 6/17/2011

Excerpt:  A deeply divided Woburn City Council last night voted 6-3 in favor of the $24 million library addition and renovation project, with Council President Paul Denaro and Aldermen Richard Gately and Darlene Mercer-Bruen opposed.

Mayor Scott Galvin and several aldermen had proposed a reduced project with a price tag of $15 million.

Early in the meeting, Galvin said, “There will not be money coming from the city for a $24 million project - we cannot afford it.”

However, with time running out for the city’s application for funding for the project from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), Alderman Raymond Drapeau said, “We need to get Woburn on the list of communities that will share in an estimated $70 million in state funds to be distributed for libraries.

“It will be up to three years before the money becomes available for Woburn, In those three years, we may be in better shape and we may be in worse. But let us let the application go forward, and see what happens down the road. We could be saving the taxpayers of Woburn as much as $10 million.”

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 58: Kent Branch Library, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library)

Kent Branch renovation to last until Nov. (FoxToledo.com, 6/17/2011)

Excerpt:  Toledo's Kent Branch library on Collingwood Boulevard is getting a facelift.

The $2 million federal grant upgrade will change it into a computer resource center so more library patrons can have access to the Internet.

"We're going from 25 computers to over 100 so it is quite dramatic," said Margaret Danzinger, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. "However, even 100 computers isn't enough to serve a community that needs access to the Internet."

Kent Branch to close for $3M renovation. (Toledo Blade, 11/10/2010)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 57: Anza Branch Library, SFPL)

Anza Branch Library reopens after renovation. (San Francisco Chronicle, 6/18/2011)

Excerpt:  Built in 1932, the Anza library at 550 37th Ave. stands in the heart of Outer Richmond, whose steep hills offer views of the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The branch is reopening as a seismically strengthened, ADA-accessible building that includes a 922-square-foot expansion.

Several of the building's historic features, such as the stenciled designs on its ceiling, have been restored. Other additions include an elevator, a teen area, a landscaped courtyard and new computers.

"It's a quiet little corner of San Francisco, but it's a well-used library," said Michelle Jeffers, a library spokeswoman.

The renovation was funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by city voters in 2000 and $500,000 in private funds raised by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library for furniture, fixtures and equipment. The Anza library is the 19th of 24 branches to undergo construction as part of the capital improvement campaign, known as the Branch Library Improvement Program.

Dane County and City of Madison Propose Restrictions on Concealed Carry

DANE COUNTY
Proposal would put restrictions on concealed carry at Dane County properties. (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/17/2011)

Excerpt: On Tuesday the Senate passed a bill allowing people to carry concealed weapons in the state so long as they have a permit. The Assembly is scheduled to take up the legislation next week.

Parisi said the bill does "not take into consideration security needs and local law enforcement."

In announcing the resolution Thursday Parisi identified some county facilities that would not allow concealed carry, but didn't have a complete list and said county buildings continue to be evaluated.

The current version of the state Senate bill allows local governments to post signs prohibiting concealed weapons, according to Sen. Pam Galloway, R-Wausau, who authored the bill.  [Emphasis added.]


CITY OF MADISON
Mayor proposes new restrictions on gun carrying in Madison. (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/18/2011)

Excerpt: A day after Dane County officials introduced a resolution that would ban concealed weapons in county buildings, Mayor Paul Soglin released a statement of his intent to enact an ordinance that would require written permission for gun owners to carry a weapon on private property in Madison.

"We will consider ordinances that give the property owners and lease holders a presumption that individuals may not bring firearms onto someone else's property without their permission," Soglin said in a press release.

The statement is a reaction to Senate Bill 90 which passed Tuesday. The bill heads to the Assembly next week and, if passed, would generally legalize concealed carry in Wisconsin unless property owners post signs indicating otherwise.

The bill would allow local governments to create their own laws regarding concealed carry in public buildings, but it remains unclear as to whether they can enact ordinances that supersede a state law regarding concealed carry on private property. [Emphasis added.]

Baraboo Mayor on State Budget

Veto pen could impact city funds. (Baraboo News-Republic, 6/18/2011)

Excerpt: Mayor Liston said Friday he has followed the budget battle closely and said what passed is not much different than he anticipated.

"They did a projection of the loss of revenue from some of the state aids and it looks like it's about 36 percent," Liston said. "This is all prior to the governor's veto pen, and as we all know the governor has a very powerful veto pen."

Wisconsin's governor may veto parts of a bill, an act sometimes referred to the Frankenstein veto, which requires a two-thirds vote of the both houses of the legislature to overturn.

One provision in Walker's proposed budget was elimination of state support for recycling, which was expected to cost Baraboo about $52,000 a year. That proposal was overturned by the legislature and the current budget agreement continues to mandate local recycling programs and much of the funding to operate them.

Liston welcomed the decision to keep recycling programs, but noted the reduced funding level.
Walker has said he intends to complete any veto decisions and sign the budget by the end of the month. That is when city officials will know how much state support they will have to work with over the next two years.

"We really just need to wait and see what the result is," he said. "Roughly in 10 to 12 days we should have a pretty firm handle as to where we are at, how much money we're going to lose via state grants. At that point we sit down and figure out where we're going to go, how we're going to cover the loss of revenue."

Wisconsin Council on Children & Families: Effects of the Biennial Budget and Budget Repair Bills for Working Families

Wisconsin Council on Children & Families

Wisconsin Senate Passes Budget (Same Version as Assembly)

Wispolitics Budget Blog

Follow-up for Wisconsin library advocates:

Message to Senate Republicans:   Thank you for supporting the broadband/WiscNet compromise language in the budget bill recently passed by the Senate.   I would very much appreciate it you let the Governor know of your support and encourage him to keep this language as approved by the Assembly and the Senate in the budget that he signs into law.  (This message may also be used as as follow-up with Assembly Republicans.)

Message to Senate Democrats.   Thank you for past support and understanding of library issues during the budget process.  The WiscNet compromise as it now stands is acceptable.

No differences to resolve, no need for a conference committee.  ("Clean" version of flow chart.)

The question remains:   How might Walker's veto power muck up the works?  (A question I can't answer to my own satisfaction at this time.)

Here's  the Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis:   

Note:  Anything deleted by the Legislature cannot be restored by the Governor.  However, anything specified or created or otherwise provided is subject to his veto powers.

Federal Broadband Grant:

Delete the Joint Finance provision prohibiting that Board of Regents, the UW System, any  UW institution, or the UW-Extension from receiving or expending funds related to the Building Community Capacity through Broadband (BCCB) grant that was awarded to the UW-Extension.  The Board of Regents, the UW System, any UW institution, or the UW-Extension would not be prohibited from participating in the BCCB project and would not be penalized for committing or distributing funds related to the project after May 1, 2011. 

  

Specify that UW-Extension could  not commit any funds to facilities under this project to which such funds were not committed prior to June 15, 2011, unless approved by the Joint Committee on Finance.

WiscNet

Delete the provision approved  by Joint Finance that would have prohibited WiscNet from  remaining an office or department within the UW-Madison Division of Information Technology beginning on July 1, 2012, and restore the related funding ($1,400,000 PR in 2012-13).  

Modify the requirement that the Legislative Audit Bureau conduct a program audit and a financial audit of the Board of Regents' use of telecommunications services and relationship with WiscNet as follows: (a) require the Legislative Audit Bureau to prepare a financial and performance evaluation audit of the use of broadband services by the Board of Regents instead of requiring program and financial audits of the Board's use of telecommunications services as under Joint Finance; (b) specify that the audit would examine issues of statutory compliance, competition, cost shifting, financing, collaboration, and access when considering the current structure and possible recommendations going forward; and (c) require that the Legislative Audit Bureau file its report under this section by January 1, 2013.    

Specify that language approved by Joint Finance prohibiting the Board of Regents, UW  institutions, and the UW-Extension from becoming or remaining a member, shareholder, or partner in or with any company, corporation, nonprofit association, joint venture, cooperative, partnership, or consortium that offers, resells, or provides telecommunications services to the general public or to any public or private entity other than the  system, an institution, a college campus, or the extension, would not take effect until July 1, 2013.   Specify that the Joint Committee on Finance could act to further delay the effective date of those changes.   In addition create an exemption allowing the Board of Regents, UW institutions, and the UW-Extension to become or remain a member, shareholder, or partner in or with such an entity if one of the following conditions is met: (a) the entity does not offer, resell, or provide telecommunications services that it did not offer, resell, or provide on June 15, 2011, and the entity does not offer,  resell, or provide telecommunications services to a private entity, to the general public, or to a public entity, other than a university or university-affiliated research facility or a facility approved by Joint Finance, that the entity was not serving on June 15, 2011;  or (b) the entity is comprised entirely of universities and university-affiliated research facilities.   

Under another provision, UW-Extension would be prohibited from committing any funds to facilities under the BCCB project to which such funds were not committed prior to June 15, 2011, unless approved by the Joint Committee on Finance.

Telecommunications Services  

Delete the phrase "directly or indirectly" added by the Joint Finance Committee to the language prohibiting the Board of Regents from offering, reselling, or providing telecommunications services that are available  from a private telecommunications carrier to the general public or to any other public or private entity.  The language added by the Joint Finance Committee defining telecommunications services would be retained.  

Provide that the Department of Administration could provide BadgerNet services to hospitals. 

Related WiscNet posts:

Amendment update.    (6/16/2011)
Assembly passes budget at 3:05 a.m.  (6/16/2011)
Wispolitics budget blog.  (6/15/2011)
Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage.  (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release.  (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8.  (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert.  (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

From WiscNet News: Maddy Covelli's "Amendment Update"

Link to Maddy's post.

Federal Broadband Stimulus Grants: We appreciate the efforts to allow the $32 million UW-Extension federal grant to move forward, albeit with the provision that future financial commitments require Joint Finance Committee approval. In communities where we do not have funds committed as of June 15, 2011, we will come to the Joint Finance Committee with our community partners to present a compelling case about the value of this investment and the importance of moving forward with our promise to expand broadband access in rural Wisconsin.

WiscNet: We welcome an objective review of the relationship between the University of Wisconsin and WiscNet, a nonprofit cooperative.  The amendment allows the University of Wisconsin to continue as full members of WiscNet for the next two years, while the review helps everyone understand these issues better.  We look forward to a healthy dialogue with legislators, telecommunications providers, community partners, and others.  We are confident that those open lines of communication will be fruitful.

Research Collaborations: The amended language allows us to remain as active members of existing research consortia (e.g., Internet2, Educause). Over the next two years, the review will help shed new light on our role in these important global partnerships. Even without additional changes to statute beyond today’s amendment, we will still have the option of joining new consortia with additional Joint Finance Committee oversight, and we are confident that legislators will understand the importance of letting WiscNet’s membership join these collaborative research networks that boost Wisconsin’s economy.

Overall: We are cautiously optimistic, but our attorneys and information technology experts need time to review the new statutory language. For now, we appreciate the efforts of Rep. Robin Vos and other legislative leaders who helped broker a reasonable compromise. This allows us to move ahead without jeopardizing network memberships, while we and the State work together to better understand the complex issues involved.

Related WiscNet posts:

Assembly passes budget at 3:05 a.m.  (6/16/2011)
Wispolitics budget blog.  (6/15/2011)
Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage.  (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release.  (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8.  (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert.  (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

Adios Capital Region Business Journal

Capital Region Business Journal publishes last edition. (Wisconsin State Journal, 6/15/2011)

Launched as a print magazine in 2005, evolved into an online publication.

Wisconsin Assembly Passes Budget at 3:05 AM

As reported by the Wispolitics budget blog.

The vote:  60-38.  All Republicans voting in favor.   All Democrats voting against.  One Independent voting with the Republicans.  (Here's a report from the Miwaukee Journal-Sentinel)

The 41-page Republican amendment includes the compromise language for (1) broadband federal grant and (2) WiscNet.

Nearly 40 Dem amendments were offered, including one addressing the broadband federal grant and WiscNet.  All were defeated.  This outcome should be no surprise in this highly-charged, partisan political environment.

(1) Delete the Joint Finance provision prohibiting that Board of Regents, the UW System, any UW institution, or the UW-Extension from receiving or expending funds related to the Building Community Capacity through Broadband (BCCB) grant that was awarded to the UW-Extension. The Board of Regents, the UW System, any UW institution, or the UW-Extension would not be prohibited from participating in the BCCB project and would not be penalized for committing or distributing funds related to the project after May 1, 2011.

Instead, specify that UW-Extension could not commit any funds to facilities under this project to which such funds were not committed prior to June 15, 2011, unless approved by the Joint Committee on Finance.

(2)  Delete the provision approved by Joint Finance that would have prohibited WiscNet from remaining an office or department within the UW-Madison Division of Information Technology beginning on July 1, 2012, and restore the related funding ($1,400,000 PR in 2012-13). Modify the requirement that the Legislative Audit Bureau conduct a program audit and a financial audit of the Board of Regents' use of telecommunications services and relationship with WiscNet as follows: (a) require the Legislative Audit Bureau to prepare a financial and performance evaluation audit of the use of broadband services by the Board of Regents instead of requiring program and financial audits of the Board's use of telecommunications services as under Joint Finance; (b) specify that the audit would examine issues of statutory compliance, competition, cost shifting, financing, collaboration, and access when considering the current structure and possible recommendations going forward; and (c) require that the Legislative Audit Bureau file its report under this section by January 1, 2013.

As for the next step, reliable sources say that the Senate is on board with the Assembly compromise.  (This does not, of course, get you off the hook for contacting your State Senator and requesting his or her support of the broadband and Wiscnet compromise language.)

As for the rest of the process......

.....well, let's just say our attention must not waver.

Our biggest challenge, perhaps, will be to convince the Governor not to veto the compromise language.  You can be sure that the telcos are already lobbying the Governor big-time.

At this point, please take the time to thank your Assembly representatives for their support.  And I'd like to thank everyone for their diligence, hard work, persistence, and full attention to this matter.   There's still more work to do, however.

Related WiscNet posts:

Wispolitics budget blog.  (6/15/2011)
Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage.  (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release.  (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8.  (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert.  (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

Recommended Reading and a WiscNet Update

LINK

What I was looking for.

More specifically, pages 29-30, the federal broadband grant and WiscNet compromise language.

From a reliable source.    Looks like the UW grant can proceed and WiscNet has until July 1, 2013, to operate under the UW umbrella and UW can remain a WiscNet member to that same date. Legislative Audit Bureau will do a financial and performance evaluation by Jan 1, 2013. Need to see the exact language but this is much better than what we were hearing this afternoon. I’m waiting for the UW to issue some official statement, which may not come until morning.

As of 10:04 p.m., the Wispolitics Budget Blog notes that "the big Republican amendment has been moved to the bottom of the calendar".  Note the use of the singular, meaning they'll be just one vote.

.

Are you ready for the Senate?

Related WiscNet posts:

Wisconsin ranks 43rd for broadband Internet coverage.  (6/15/2011)
Ron Kind news release.  (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8.  (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert.  (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

Wisconsin Ranks 43rd for Broadband Internet Coverage

2011 data will be available in the fall.

Link to table

Link to National Broadband Map

Wisconsin ranks too low to return federal money for ’net access. (Superior Telegram, 6/15/2011)

Excerpt:   Critics of the UW-Extension broadband program and WiscNet have raised questions about duplication of services and competition with the private sector — and whether UW is illegally providing telecommunications services.

“Wisconsin did not get to be 43rd worst in the country by offering too much affordable access to broadband, so duplication is not a concern,” Cross said. “Some redundancy of service is good, for example, to ensure continual access in medical emergencies.”

Referring to the question of competition, he explained, “UW-Extension is partnering with the private sector, which on its own was not meeting rural needs for high-speed Internet access.”

UW System and WiscNet are not providing telecommunications services. That is offered by UW-Extension’s private partner, Packerland Broadband/CCI Systems. No profits come back to UW-Extension. The grant-funded work connects key community institutions and opens opportunities for local telecommunications companies to provide residential and business services.

WiscNet operates as a cooperative instead of as a for-profit organization. Members — including the UW System — pool resources to pay for services, which keeps costs low for these financially strapped public schools, libraries and universities.

“Years of work have gone into developing the broadband grant-funded work and the WiscNet research and education network,” Cross said. “Why unravel these carefully crafted relationships now when the stakes are so high for our state?”

Related WiscNet posts:

Ron Kind news release.  (6/15/2011)
Assembly 8.  (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert.  (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

Rep. Ron Kind News Release re: Broadband Expansion

Related WiscNet posts:

Assembly 8.  (6/15/2011)
Highest level alert.  (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

Keep Up the WiscNet Advocacy (Especially with These 8 Representatives)

Telecommunications lobbyist have been working overtime to push back on the WiscNet compromise

As a result, contacting the 8 Assembly representatives listed below is absolutely critical to ensure that they maintain the positions that they have stated in their letter to Speaker Fitzgerald & JFC Co-Chair Vos opposing the WiscNet and UW grant provisions

Rep. Howard Marklein (51st Assembly District)
Rep. Travis Tranel (49th Assembly District)
Rep. Tom Larson (67th Assembly District)
Rep. Roger Rivard (75th Assembly District)
Rep. Warren Petryk (93rd Assembly District)
Rep. John Murtha (29th Assembly District)
Rep. Kathy Bernier (68th Assembly District)
Rep. Tom Tiffany (35th Assembly District)

That being said, every legislator needs our continued, full attention.  Both the Senate and Assembly are important but because the budget is now in the Assembly this is the most critical House. (There is also some feeling that the Senate has already agreed to remove the onerous WiscNet and UW grant provisions. )

Related WiscNet posts:

Highest level alert.  (6/15/2011)
This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

HIGHEST LEVEL WISCNET ALERT: Pedal to the metal

As I said earlier, full attention.

Message from John Pederson, WiscNet Educational Technology Liaison.

After intense and difficult negotiations that lasted much of the night last night, and contrary to what's now trickling into the media late yesterday into early this morning, WiscNet and the broadband grants appear to be back on the table for discussion today (Wednesday).

K12's and libraries have carried significant weight throughout this process with your voice. We need the pedal to the floor.

We'd appreciate it of you could call your legislators, legislative leaders, and Governor Walker and remain engaged with them throughout this budget bill process.



Here's what you should tell you legislators:
1) Thank them for their efforts to support the compromise that will allow WiscNet to continue for the next two years.
2)   Urge them to continue to support this compromise.

More specifically, let your legislators know about the serious consequences to their constituents associated with the removal of high quality, high capacity, cost effective broadband in Wisconsin.

Related WiscNet posts:

This is what democracy looks like.  (6/15/2011)
WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)

Falling Behind: We Don't Even Own a Tablet Yet

Report: Multi-tablet households growing fast. (CNET News, 6/15/2011)

(Resolve Market Research) survey says.....

57 percent are using tablets to replace laptop functions.

tablet owners much less likely to buy a new laptop or netbook.

46 percent of consumers who already have a tablet are planning to buy another one.

Legislator as Mule

Editorial: Legislators little more than mules for special interest groups. (Oshkosh Northwestern, 6/14/2011)

Excerpt:    Such a phenomenon isn't limited to Republicans. Last session, former Democratic state Sen. Jeff Plale [look where he is now] introduced telecommunications reform legislation that was written by AT&;T. Though it didn't pass, it did clear this session under Republicans because campaign contributions and lobbying are a universal language that transcends political parties.

This Is What Democracy Looks Like

But whatever it looks like on any particular day, democracy always needs our full attention.

Assembly delays budget debate; GOP can't work out changes in private. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 6/14/2011)

Excerpt:   Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester), co-chairman of the committee, said Tuesday the Assembly would adopt an amendment to the budget to reverse some of the committee action. That would allow the federal money to be used over the next two years and also hold off on implementing the restrictions on WiscNet until July 1, 2013.

Between now and then, an audit would be conducted to determine how WiscNet is used, Vos said. The broadband industry has complained WiscNet unfairly competes with their networks.
WiscNet supported

Vos made the announcement around the time eight Republican representatives from rural areas sent him and Jeff Fitzgerald a letter urging the changes.

"Consumers, regional economic development groups, schools, libraries, and higher education institutions have all expressed their concern that the discontinuation of WiscNet would have a devastating effect on access for our constituents, increasing costs and limiting accessibility," read the letter from Rep. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and the others.

Related WiscNet posts:

WSTA's day of disappointment.  (6/14/2011)
They can hear us now.  (6/14/2011)
Appleton Post-Crescent editorial.  (6/14/2011)
YouTube video.  (6/14/2011)
Hedberg Public Library promotes WiscNet.  (6/14/2011)
League of Wisconsin Municipalities press release.  (6/14/2011)
UW General Counsel opinion.  (6/13/2011)
Ars Technica WiscNet coverage.  (6/13/2011)
Wausau Daily Herald editorial.  (6/13/2011)
If your representative is Robin Vos...   (9/13/2011)
Baraboo School Board unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/13/2011)
WiscNet debate from the NE WI prospective.  (6/12/2011)
David Weinhold letter to editor.  (6122010
Rep. Moelpske's statement. (6/11/2011)
COLAND letter to Sen. Fitzgerald.  (6/10/2011)
Rhonda Puntney's op-ed piece.  (6/10/2011)
Nass letter to Fitzgerald and Vos.  (6/9/2011)
CINC response.  (6/9/2011)
UW response.  (6/9/2011)
Manna from heaven.  (6/8/2011)

Fiasco:  School Administrators Alliance unhappy with JFC WiscNet action.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Pam Galloway and Rep. Jerry Petrowski need to hear about WiscNet from their constituents.  (6/8/2011)
But, federal funds to expand high-speed Internet could be reviewed.  (6/8/2011)

Sen. Vinehout statement.  (6/7/2011)
Rep. Clark statement.  (6/7/2011)
Tony Evers' memo.  (6/7/2011)
Unintended consequence of section 25?  (6/7/2011)
Section 23: what the fuss is about.  (6/7/2011)
A crowbar:  A tool we don't need for WiscNet.  (6/7/2011)
WiscNet needs your attention and immediate action.  (6/6/2011)
The end of WiscNet as we know it.  (6/5/2011)