Municipal leaders participate in a budget listening session in Appleton. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Education, childcare and housing were just some of the topics on the table during a budget priorities listening session in Appleton Monday.
A group of local Democratic lawmakers hosted the event, with municipal officials in attendance, as the Wisconsin Legislature moves forward in the state budget process.
The meeting came about two weeks after Gov. Tony Evers introduced his $119 million spending plan.
When asked what lawmakers heard from people, State Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, said, “A lot about childcare; the need for childcare as a workforce development investment. A lot about education; the need to make sure our K-12 schools are funded. And frankly, the need to make sure we trust our municipalities, our city and county governments, to take the money the state gives them and to spend that wisely.”
Funding for education was another a big topic. District leaders raised concerns about inflation exceeding previous spending plans.
The superintendent of the Appleton Area School District explained how his district has tough decisions to make if more money from the state isn’t available for schools.
According to Greg Hartjes, “Right now, we have an $11 million structural deficit. So, we’re going to take the $11 million this year out of our fund balance. Our fund balance is healthy.”
If we don’t see an increase in the state budget that helps us not only cover our increase in expenses, this structural deficit continues to go up. So, what we have to do, we’re looking at, we’re either going to look to close schools, cut staff or an operational referendum.
While education funding was important to some, others expressed concerns about housing and resources for those who work in health care — including homeless shelters and LGBTQ advocates.
“The strain that slashes to victim services funding, that all programs see, really affects our ability to work together. The entire system of how budgets and funding is structured creates competition while we need to be working together,” added Reiko Ramos with Diverse & Resilient.
Those who organized the listening session wanted to put forth faces and experiences to members of the joint finance committee to help them understand how budget lines impact those in the Fox Valley.
“People touched on everything from mental health care to funding for roads, so it was really important day and everyone was heard,” added Snodgrass.
While this event was organized by Fox Valley Democrats, local Republicans are hosting and plan to continue to hosting listening sessions too — understanding the importance of hearing directly from people.
“You might be able to ask questions and get their input in a way to help you find tune your own ideas,” said State Sen. Andre Jacque, R-New Franken.
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