MADISON, Wis. -- The state Department of Health and Family Services will have to make the largest budget reduction -- $6.5 million -- under cutbacks the governor announced this week, according to numbers released by the state Department of Administration

Gov. Scott McCallum earlier this week ordered state agencies to cut their budgets by 3.5 percent, a move that will save the state $60 million as it braces for a budget shortfall that could reach $1.3 billion.

The governor's office will cut its budget by $173,900.

Administration Secretary George Lightbourn said cuts to the DHFS budget would be limited to state operations and would not affect services or assistance programs. The agency's programs span public health, mental health, substance abuse, long-term care oversight and services to children and people with disabilities.

The University of Wisconsin System will have to reduce spending by $4.2 million.

UW System spokesman Kevin Boatright said Thursday that he had no details as to what portions of specific budgets within the UW would be reduced.

Boatright said the cuts' impact could include leaving clerical positions vacant, which would save money but also mean phones would ring longer in some offices before being answered.

UW officials will "work hard to have as little impact on the public or students as we possibly can," he said.

Nine agencies will be required to reduce spending by at least $1 million, the DOA list shows, including:

-- $2.8 million from the Department of Revenue;

-- $$2.1 million from the state Public Defender's Office;

-- $$2.1 million from the Legislature;

-- $1.7 million from the circuit courts;

-- $$1.6 million from the DNR;

-- $$1.2 million from the Department of Corrections;

-- $$1.2 million from the Department of Justice.

Pioneer News

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001