Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
State Budget Watch-A new fee
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Mar 7 2007, 11:38 AM
Governor Doyle’s state budget proposal is loaded with tax and fee increases totaling approximately $1.75-billion.
His budget contains a brand new fee: anyone who logs in to access the public records of the Consolidated Court Automation Programs, better known as CCAP, would have to pay a fee under the Governor’s budget proposal.
The CCAP website “provides access to certain public records of the circuit courts of Wisconsin. The information displayed is an exact copy of the case information entered into the CCAP case management system by court staff in the counties where the case files are located. The court record summaries viewed are all public records under Wisconsin open records law.”
It’s a popular tool utilized by employers and others in conducting background checks. Governor Doyle wants to charge you to use CCAP.
On page eight of the Governor’s proposed budget, in the Summary section, it states, “This bill authorizes the Director of State Courts to establish and collect fees for use of the circuit court automated information systems.”
Later in the budget bill, on page 1612, it states, “SECTION 3708. 758.19 (4m) of the statutes is created to read:758.19 (4m) The director of state courts may establish and charge fees for use of the circuit court automated information systems created under this section. The secretary of administration shall credit all moneys collected under this subsection to the appropriation account under s. 20.680 (2) (j).”
