THE BALLOON MAN

Circus World, rail ine of local interest at Dells hearing

by Capital Newspapers staff
from:  wiscnews.com
April 9, 2013
The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance will host a public hearing Wednesday in Wisconsin Dells on Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed $68 billion state budget.

The meeting will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crystal Grand Music Theatre, 430 W. Munroe Ave. The meeting is open to the public.

One of the topics expected to be addressed during the public hearing is funding proposed by Gov. Scott Walker for Circus World Museum in Baraboo.

Language in Walker’s budget would require operations at the historic site to be folded into the Wisconsin State Historical Society. The Circus World Museum Foundation operates the site and the Historical Society owns the buildings and grounds.

Circus World Museum Executive Director Steve Freese said he would attend the hearing with Foundation Board Chairman Jonathan Lipp and Vice Chairman John Lloyd to share their perspectives on the budget’s proposals for the site.

Another matter of local interest that could arise during the public hearing is a provision in the budget to provide funding for the state to purchase a railroad serving Baraboo and Reedsburg.

The committee also will accept written comments about the budget via email at budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov or by mail at Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702.