Some of Wisconsin's welcome centers may be able to keep their doors open, with help from local groups.
The Legislature's Budget Committee on Thursday approved a plan to eliminate funding for state welcome centers. However, the committee also added a provision to provide $160,000 in grants to local convention and visitors bureaus who want to continue operating the centers.
JFC co-chair Mark Pocan (D-Madison) says it would help them to continue welcoming visitors at the eight centers across the state, by allowing local groups to staff the facilities.
Nearly 900,000 people visit Wisconsin welcome centers each year. The state has already stopped staffing them to help cut costs, and Governor Doyle's proposed state budget would make the cut permanent.
The changes still need to be approved by the full Legislature.
