Last week, there was a new development in the ongoing debate over the transportation budget in Wisconsin. The Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) released its long-awaited audit of the State Highway Program within the Department of Transportation (DOT).

First, it is important to know that the audit is not a comprehensive review of DOT. It looked at specific areas, so there is significantly more to this discussion than the audit; however, it highlighted the need for significant reform within the DOT. A lack of transparency has led to costly overruns on projects, which is unacceptable moving forward. The audit revealed the following key points:

The audit identified 24 recommendations to rightsize DOT's expenses. To fix the problems outlined in the audit, the Legislature should focus on implementing LAB's recommendations and other major solutions to our spending problem. This, and other significant cost saving opportunities, provide a clear focus for the legislature moving forward.

To view the entire LAB report, click here.

This week, Wisconsin kicked off the 100th anniversary celebration of our beautiful Capitol building. I, along with other legislators, Supreme Court justices, and four former governors attended the spectacle. The event featured several lawmakers delivering remarks, a lively, anecdote filled speech by former Governor Tommy Thompson, and a keynote address by Governor Scott Walker.

The Capitol building was constructed between 1906 and 1917, after a fire destroyed Wisconsin's second capitol in 1904. Due to World War I, dedication of the building was delayed and not completed until 1965. Over the past three decades, the Capitol underwent a comprehensive overhaul, restoring it to its beautiful state. To learn all about our Capitol and see a photo tour, visit the Capitol Centennial website at Capitol100th.Wisconsin.gov.

Especially if you have not done so before, I encourage you to visit the Capitol, take a tour, and view the 100th anniversary exhibit in the rotunda. No tour reservations are necessary for groups smaller than ten people. If you have any questions regarding your visit to the Capitol please call the tour desk at (608) 266-0382.

The State Senate has an exciting new educational opportunity for middle and high school students. The "Page for a Day" program is a selective program that provides students the opportunity to see Wisconsin government at work. Pages will work on the Senate floor during session and have the opportunity observe lawmakers carry out their duties. I have the opportunity to sponsor three or four students to be a "page for a day" this year, so I encourage any interested students to apply early.

If you have any questions concerning the program or the application process, please contact Dr. Tammy Wehrle, Legislative Education and Outreach Officer at Tammy.Wehrle@legis.wi.gov. Additional information and the application can be found here.