Membership of the Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council in the Department of Workforce Development.
Impact
The amendment sought by AB169 does not introduce new programs or services but rather serves to update the statutory language to reflect current organizational structures. By specifying the dean instead of the chancellor, the bill aims to ensure that the council's membership accurately represents the current hierarchy and governance of agricultural education and workforce development at the university. This is likely to promote a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities of council members, particularly in areas addressing agricultural education and workforce policy.
Summary
Assembly Bill 169 (AB169) proposes an amendment to the membership requirements of the Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council within the Department of Workforce Development. The bill specifically clarifies that the representative from the University of Wisconsin-Extension is to be referred to as the dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension or their designee. This linguistic update is intended to align the terminology within the law with recent structural changes made within the University of Wisconsin System, as sanctioned by the Higher Learning Commission in 2018.
Contention
There appears to be minimal contention associated with AB169 at this stage, as the bill mainly stipulates clarifications rather than substantial changes to existing law or the establishment of new policies. As it updates the membership description without altering the council's functions or powers, the bill is expected to face limited opposition. However, discussions may arise about the implications of such governance restructuring on agricultural education and whether further changes might be necessary in the future to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
To appropriate money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development of Higher Education and Workforce Development