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File #: 30590    Version: 1 Name: Opposing a state legislative proposal to remove the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and to forbid university employees from working with the Center.
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 6/12/2013 In control: Council Office
On agenda: 6/18/2013 Final action: 6/18/2013
Enactment date: 6/19/2013 Enactment #: RES-13-00443
Title: Opposing a state legislative proposal to remove the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and to forbid university employees from working with the Center.
Sponsors: Anita Weier, Chris Schmidt, Shiva Bidar, Michael E. Verveer, Scott J. Resnick, John Strasser, Larry Palm, Joseph R. Clausius, Marsha A. Rummel, Ledell Zellers, Sue Ellingson, David Ahrens, Denise DeMarb
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsWatch
6/18/20131 COMMON COUNCIL Adopt Under Suspension of Rules 2.04, 2.05, 2.24, and 2.25Pass Action details Meeting details Not available
6/12/20131 Council Office RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT UNDER SUSPENSION OF RULES 2.04, 2.05, 2.24, & 2.25 - MISC. ITEMS  Action details Meeting details Not available
Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Opposing a state legislative proposal to remove the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and to forbid university employees from working with the Center.
Body
WHEREAS, on June 5, the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget-writing committee, with no public warning, approved a measure evicting the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism from its campus offices and forbidding university employees from working with the Center; and

WHEREAS, many journalists, journalism educators and members of the public say the Center’s collaboration with the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communications must be saved because it’s an important experiment in a future model for investigative reporting and journalism education. The center has produced high-impact stories while training young journalists; and

WHEREAS, the measure would prohibit the Board of Regents from permitting the Center for Investigative Journalism to occupy any facilities owned or leased by the Board of Regents. In addition, it would prohibit UW employees from doing any work related to the Center for Investigative Journalism as part of their duties as a UW employee; and

WHEREAS, though the measure was placed in the Budget Bill, the Center receives no funding from the University of Wisconsin. Its $400,000 budget is supported by private foundations, individuals and news organizations. It operates in two small offices in Vilas Communication Hall under a Facilities Use Agreement that requires the Center to provide paid internships, classroom collaborations, guest lectures and other educational services; and

WHEREAS, the Center is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan organization based in Madison that collaborates with other media outlets to improve the quality and quantity of investigative journalism in Wisconsin. It focuses on government integrity and quality of life issues; and

WHEREAS, the Joint...

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