The state budget process could enter its next phase this week. A Senate-Assembly conference committee will attempt to hammer out a compromise between the vastly different versions of the budget passed by each chamber. UW Madison political science professor Dennis Dresang says there's a certain amount of "posturing" going on with lawmakers of both parties, plus an unusual wrinkle: the statement by Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch that there may not be a compromise. Don't worry though, Dresang notes state government here can continue to tax and spend using the current budget, there won't be a government shutdown. For his part, Governor Jim Doyle expects the committee to finish work by August 1st. Dresang says Doyle wants as much time as possible, to use his veto power to rework the budget. There has not been a budget conference committee since 2001.
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