The distribution of the Wisconsin Blue Book and highway maps. (FE)
The proposed amendments in AB221 aim to decrease the fiscal burden associated with printing and distributing large quantities of printed materials that may not be fully utilized. By making it optional for legislative offices to request copies, the bill is projected to streamline distribution processes and save costs for the state. Additionally, informing offices that the Blue Book is available online encourages digital access, which aligns with broader trends in reducing physical print materials.
Assembly Bill 221 pertains to changes in the distribution of the Wisconsin Blue Book and highway maps. Specifically, it reduces the number of physical copies of the Blue Book that the Department of Administration is mandated to distribute to various groups such as constitutional officers and educational institutions. Instead of automatic distribution, the bill requires the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) to inquire about the quantity of Blue Books each legislative office desires, capping the request at 350 for assembly offices and 600 for senate offices.
Overall, Assembly Bill 221 seeks to amend how the state government approaches information distribution, aiming for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, though it raises questions about accessibility and the importance of print versus digital formats in public information dissemination.
Despite its economic rationale, AB221 may face scrutiny and controversy. Critics could argue that reducing the distribution of the Blue Book and highway maps might limit accessibility to important governmental information, particularly for smaller entities that would benefit from having physical copies. Furthermore, the adjustments made to highway map distributions, where members can request fewer maps, could also spark debate on whether legislators can adequately address their constituents' needs for such resources.