Group IX
State Government Seminar
The first in-state seminar, STATE GOVERNMENT, was held in Madison,
July 25-28, 2001, co-chaired by Thomas Wilson, Resource Development
Educator for UW-Extension, Department of Community Resource Development,
Waupaca County and Michael Koles, Community Resource Development
Educator for UW-Extension, Department of Community Resource Development,
Winnebago County.
Seminar participants attended presentations by various state leaders
at the State Capitol on policy process, the role of interest groups
and legislative service agencies in state policy development, state
budget issues, and the role of the media in policy decisions. Many
of these topics were examined via "Smart Growth" (land use, growth
management, property rights issues) concerns. Participants also conducted
on-site visits to local interest groups. The participants walked
away with:
- An increased knowledge and understanding of the legislative
and executive branches of state government in dealing with important
public policy issues.
- An enhanced understanding of how complex information and facts,
as well as perspectives, values and beliefs about fundamental
issues, are incorporated in state policy development.
- An increased understanding of the role of interest groups in
shaping state policy. · An understanding of leadership
styles and philosophies of current state government leaders.
- An increased knowledge and understanding of Wisconsin's "Comprehensive
Planning" and "Smart Growth" legislation.
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