5-24-13 wisconsin budget-solicitor general

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Legislature's finance committee has deleted provisions in Gov. Scott Walker's budget that would create a solicitor general's office within the state Justice Department.  Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen wants the office to handle complicated cases and oversee appeals. Walker's 2013-15 executive budget devotes $960,500 in general purpose revenue to fund five positions in the office, including the solicitor general, three attorneys and a legal secretary.  A Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis notes the governor has the ability to appoint outside counsel to help DOJ attorneys and it's unclear whether the office would save the state any money. The analysis found the budget sets the office's attorney salaries at more than twice the starting rate of other state attorneys.  The Joint Finance Committee voted 16-0 to delete the provisions Thursday.