Steve Doyle on County Land, Hillview, Homelessness, Northside Railroad Crossings and State Budget & Prairie Springs

Given the federal budget uncertainty, Assemblyman Steve Doyle believes it will be unlikely the State will have a budget ready by the end of June. Without an approved budget, last year’s budget numbers will continue until the Wisconsin Legislature passes a budget. Even then, budget repairs, as it’s called, will update the budget to what changes have occurred since budget talks began.

La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.

Right now, Doyle says, the Joint Finance Committee is starting on smaller budget items and will tackle the more contentious items later. The Assemblyman said that discussions on tax cuts usually need to occur for the budget to advance. The Onalaska-West Salem representative said all concerns and comments are welcome at any time to their representatives.

Right now, Doyle says, the Joint Finance Committee is starting on smaller budget items and will tackle the more contentious items later. The Assemblyman said that discussions on tax cuts usually need to occur for the budget to advance. The Onalaska-West Salem representative said all concerns and comments are welcome at any time to their representatives.

When asked about the UW – La Crosse’s long-advocated Prairie Springs II project being funded, Doyle expressed optimism. The project is the second part of a building project that would house the University’s science and technology programs. The first building was built a handful of years ago, but now local business leaders are left advocating and playing the political maneuvers to get the second phase built. Doyle says the new UW-L chancellor has been speaking with key individuals in Madison in hopes of getting the project funded.

County Board Updates:

• * County Farm: Doyle spoke of the County pressing pause on the development of the County-owned West Salem parcel of land known as the “County Farm.” Country Boom and other interested parties had approached the County about purchasing the land. Doyle said an appraisal of the land showed a value of more than $100,000 per acre, which is four times what County Boom offered. The pause in developing the property allows the County to ensure there is a thoughtful approach and in consultation with the desires of the Village of West Salem leaders. Doyle pointed out that West Salem’s interests are critical since they hold the zoning authority for whatever gets developed.
• * Hillview Transitions: the County is transitioning its profitable, 60-bed health care facility on the City’s Southside to both a senior day care center and childcare center. Hillview Health Care Center’s focus was on rehabilitation and short-stay care needs, with a special unit providing assistance for those with dementia and underlying behavioral needs. Doyle said this is a transition to a more modern facility.
• * La Crosse Roads Closing at Railroad Crossing Opposition: County Board Member Doyle spoke of the County joining the City of La Crosse’s fight to keep roads open at railroad crossings on the City’s Northside. The County Board passed a resolution to keep the roads open, however they lack the authority to enforce it. Doyle hopes the railroad will reconsider the closure based on the community’s needs.

State Legislature Special Studies

Each Summer identifies studies to explore. Two this summer are the regulation of artificial intelligence and the future of the Wisconsin System. Doyle was on a special committee to look at artificial intelligence. That committee has brought forward legislation to protect people’s identity. Regulation is needed to ensure responsible and ethical use of A.I.

The Future of Wisconsin System Study, Doyle says, is about the impact of splitting of UW-Madison from the rest of the system – a move Doyle does not support. This study will also work on the relationship between the legislature and higher education.

La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.