Lawmakers consider brush cutter's claim

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin lawmakers will consider whether to pay an Iowa brush cutter who claims he worked extra hours on state land.

The Joint Finance Committee is expected to take up a bill Tuesday that would pay Stillmunkes, Inc., an additional $30,000 for cutting brush in the Yellowstone Wildlife Area in Lafayette County in 2008.

Mark Stillmunkes agreed to $20,800 for 120 hours of work. He ended up billing the Department of Natural Resources for 745 hours, which translated to $96,850 dollars.

The DNR paid the $20,800 but argued Stillmunkes couldn't prove he worked the extra hours. Stillmunkes says he had agency approval.

The state Claims Board has recommended giving Stillmunkes the additonal $30,000 from the DNR's turkey restoration fund.