Introduction
In January, Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen ordered that I conduct a thorough review of Assembly policy and procedure. The Speaker's intent was to investigate whether there were ways in which we could make the Wisconsin Assembly run more professionally and cost-effectively. In his charge to me I was specifically asked to focus my review in four areas: (a) new policy additions, (b) revisions of current policy, (c) reorganization of caucuses, and (d) cost-saving measures.
I would like to thank the many agencies and individuals who participated in this review and the preparation of recommendations. These participants included the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, the Joint Legislative Counsel Staff, The Legislative Technology Services Bureau, the Ethics Board, the Senate Chief Clerk's office, the National Council of State Legislatures, and officials in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, California and Washington.
Findings
The legislature and its staff are outstanding and provide the taxpayers with excellent service and value. Within that context, however, there are areas in which improvement could be made to increase the efficiency, accountability and professionalism to the Assembly as an institution. Current accounting and leave practices lack a specificity of detail that allow fair and accurate monitoring of employee work hours. Training in Wisconsin law as it pertains to legislative employees, professional expectations, and ethical standards of conduct are not provided in a systematic way to all employees.
Recommendations
To address the concerns articulated above, this report makes the following recommendations:
I.Standards of conduct
A.Establish a clear code of organizational values and conduct
B.Establish rules of conduct with regard to:
(1)Unacceptable work habits;
(2)Unacceptable behavior toward others; and
(3)Building equipment and security violations
C.Establish a clear definition of campaign activity
D.Establish mandated training for legislators and staff
E.Require 100% leave of absence for participation in campaign activity (employees who are going on a leave of absence for partisan political activity must take a fully unpaid leave of absence. An employee taking such a leave will not be allowed to remain on the payroll. No partial leave of absence is allowed).
F.Prohibit the use of "comp time" as paid leave for campaign activity.
G.Establish guidelines for computer and Internet use by legislators and staff.
II. Enforcement
A.Require mandatory classes for staff and legislators in standards of conduct.
B.Require that no decision affecting a staffer's continued employment, salary, benefits, hours or other conditions of employment may be based in any manner or to any degree on an employee's failure to participate in campaign activities or make a political contribution.
C.Require the Assembly Chief Clerk to provide and enforce new training requirements.
D.Prohibit legislative employees from engaging in campaign activity in state office or on state time and provide definition of prohibited activities.
E.Prohibit any member of the legislature or supervisor to assign, authorize or request an employee to engage in campaign activity on state time, state property, or using state resources.
F.Require legislators and staff to sign an acknowledgement form certifying receipt, understanding, and acceptance of standards of conduct.
III.Accountability
A.Revise staff time reporting form to provide increased detail.
B.Failure to attend classes will result in termination of compensation.
C.Formally establish an Employee Assistance Program.
IV.Elimination of the partisan caucuses
A.Disband Wisconsin State Assembly Caucuses by January 1, 2002.
B.Assign two graphic artists, two computer analysts, and two photographers to the Assembly Chief Clerk's office to provide technical support services to lawmakers previously provided by similar staff in the caucuses. The Speaker and Minority Leader will appoint and assign the above technical support staff and their daily work schedules. No additional staff changes will be made to current Minority Legislative staff during leadership staff reorganization. Speaker and Minority leader have the authority to make technical support positions half time fully benefited if needed.
C.Assign six personnel to respective leadership offices within the Wisconsin State Assembly. Leadership has the authority to authorize half time fully benefited positions as needed.
D.Cost savings for this recommendation, including supplies, services, rent and salary would be approximately $3.6 million biennially.
I would like to once again thank Speaker Jensen, Representative Black and the Assembly leadership of both parties for giving me the opportunity to conduct this review and to prepare recommendations for the members of the Assembly. The Wisconsin Assembly is blessed with fine members and dedicated staff. It is my hope and belief that adoption of these measures will assist those members and staff by allowing their work to be conducted in a more professional, accountable, and cost-effective manner.
John A. Scocos
Assembly Chief Clerk
