Wisconsin state capital in Madison. PC: Fox 11 Online
MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — From combating PFAS contamination and improving water quality, to lowering everyday costs for families, Governor Tony Evers has laid out what he wants the Wisconsin Legislature to focus on in the next two-year state budget.
Now, lawmakers are weighing in on what Evers has proposed.
“I was glad to hear the governor talk a lot about how we can help folks with the cost of healthcare, cost of childcare. Also providing $2 billion in property tax relief — that’s real money,” said State Sen. Jamie Wall, D-Green Bay.
“When he’s talking about increasing this and increasing that, that’s not just one time stuff. That’s year-over-year and that’s going to bust the budget,” said State Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto.
Evers highlighted the need for additional investments into education, like literacy support and tutoring for children, to the largest two-year increase for the Universities of Wisconsin system.
“Money doesn’t necessarily translate to results. It can translate to results with a good plan, but just having extra money doesn’t necessarily do that,” said Wimberger.
“I think it’s up to people in both parties to make sure we’re spending money responsibly, but I do think that we should do better by our public schools. I do think we should do a little bit better by the Universities of Wisconsin as well,” said Wall.
In past budget cycles during Evers’ time as governor, Republicans have made drastic changes to his proposals. We could see a similar scenario play out this time.
“We’re gonna kind of re-rack things, strip out the policy, look at the numbers and see where we can go,” said Wimberger.
Now, the legislature will likely spend months negotiating the budget and decide where tax dollars will be spent.
State Rep. Ryan Spaude, D-Ashwaubenon, released a statement following Evers’ budget address, which reads in part:
The message I’ve heard from Wisconsinites in my community and across our state this past year has been clear: we need to make living, learning, and raising a family in our state more affordable. This evening’s address has shown that Governor Evers is listening. Prioritizing budget initiatives that will lower the cost of childcare, reduce prescription drug expenses, and invest in education is a direct response to what we’ve been hearing.
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