ALTERNATIVE TO THOMPSON BUDGET

The Journal Sentinel staff

Madison A top Republican lawmaker recommended Friday that the state create a 16-member State Board of Education to set school policy in Wisconsin.

Sen. Joe Leean of Waupaca also recommended that the state retain the Natural Resources Board and the Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board to set policy and establish administrative rules for their respective agencies.

Leean, co-chairman of the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee, made his proposal as an alternative to recommendations Gov. Tommy G. Thompson made in his 1995-'97 budget.

Thompson has asked legislators to allow him to appoint an education secretary in a newly created Department of Education.

Thompson also wants to eliminate the Natural Resources and Agriculture boards so he can appoint the secretaries in those departments.

Leean said he supported Thompson's proposal to give him the authority to appoint those cabinet-level secretaries.

But Leean said it was important to have citizen boards supervising each of the three agencies.

Leg 1 ends here "This proposal combines the benefits of a cabinet style of government with Wisconsin's successful citizen boards," Leean said.

"Our public hearings and discussions with many groups have led me to suggest this combined management model, which guarantees public participation and empowers state residents."

But John Matthews, chief of staff for Thompson, said the governor was standing by his proposals.

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