State Legislature's budget panel to consider voter ID

MADISON (AP) — The Legislature's budget committee plans to meet Tuesday to consider a request to spend about $461,000 to educate voters about the voter identification law before the Nov. 4 election.

The Joint Finance Committee announced the meeting date on Wednesday. It comes after the state elections board asked the committee for approval to spend the money on a statewide television, radio and online education campaign.

The Republican co-chairs of the committee issued a joint statement Wednesday saying they looked forward to the GAB's presentation at the meeting and are encouraged that the request does not include hiring additional state employees.

Voters will have to present valid photo ID at the polls for the first time since a low-turnout 2012 spring primary.